Did you know that Queen Victoria used CBD oil during her reign of England? Sir J. Russel Reynolds, her physician, recommended using it during her periods. Using the CBD oil provided her with immense relief. CBD oil is a subject of extensive scientific studies, which have proven its many benefits for both men and women. In this article, we will be discussing:

• A brief history of the cannabis plants
• What CBD is
• The benefits of using CBD oil 

Let’s get into it.

Brief History of the Cannabis Plants

The cannabis plants originated in Central Asia and eventually spread throughout the world. Its history of use goes as far back as 12,000 years, making it one of the oldest cultivated crops in human history. Several civilizations throughout history used the plants for medicinal and spiritual purposes. For example, the Vikings used them for pain relief during childbirth and toothaches.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound derived from the Cannabis Sativa L. plant. The “L” in the name is in honor of the botanist Carl Linnaeus. The Cannabis Sativa L. plant is one of three subspecies of the Cannabis plants. It produces no effect and manufactures oil, cloth, and fuel. 

How to use CBD oil?

There are several ways to use CBD oil, and eating edibles containing CBD is one of them. The CBD edibles come in many forms, including gummies, mints, truffles, and even caveats. You can also smoke or vape CBD oil. Lastly, you can use CBD oil and apply it topically to your body or inhale it using a vaporizer.

When consumed, the CBD will engage with neuroreceptors in your endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system sends signals between your cells to control your mood, immune system, movement, and homeostasis. With that said, let’s get into the benefits of using CBD oil.

Benefits of Using CBD Oil

CBD oil has grown popular among the general public due to its calming effects on users. Scientific research into CBD oil is also growing, and they have found extensive benefits of CBD oil use. We have compiled a list of said benefits down below.

1. Helps With Anxiety & Depression

According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders affect over 30 million adults in the U.S. alone. The ADAA also reports that almost one-half of people suffering from anxiety suffer from depression.

In light of this, CBD’s ability to help with anxiety and depression is perhaps the most popular effect known to the public, which is why many use it.

The Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry conducted a study in 2017 in which they tested the anxiety levels of over 50 men in a test simulation of public speaking. Before their test, some got a placebo while others got 150 mg, 300 mg, or 600 mg of CBD. The group who received 300 mg of CBD experienced less anxiety during their test than those who received the placebo. However, those who got 150 or 600 mg of CBD before their test experienced more anxiety than anyone.

2. Helps With Select Epilepsy Disorders

CBD can help treat epilepsy seizures. The use of CBD for treating epilepsy seizures was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) back in 2018 under the brand name Epidiolex.

The FDA based its decision on three well-vetted studies that studied the effectiveness of CBD against epilepsy seizures that result from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet Syndrome. They are two rare forms of epilepsy. Over 500 patients with either syndrome received a dose of either Epidiolex or a placebo. Epidiolex, in combination with other prescribed medicine, reduced the frequency of seizures in participants who received it.

3. Treats PTSD Symptoms

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine conducted a small study in which they gave 11 people with PTSD a dosage of CBD coupled with routine psychiatric care for eight weeks. Ten out of the 11 people reported experiencing their symptoms subside. The study also states that the CBD was well received.

Also, Dr. Margaret Rajnic, a board-certified doctor of nursing practice with extensive experience in medical cannabis and CBD, recommends using CBD coupled with therapy for PTSD to experience a decrease in anxiety.

In addition, several human trials conducted from 2012 to 2016 also suggest that CBD reduces PTSD symptoms. However, some of them included Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is an element in cannabis that alters the mind of users. In simple terms, it causes them to get high. These trials found that THC in tandem with CBD complements each other’s benefits. For example, taking the same amount of THC and CBD lessens the mind-altering effects of THC, and taking a small amount of THC with CBD amplifies the effects of the CBD.

4. Relives Pain

The use of cannabis to treat pain may go as far back as 2900 B.C. Scientists have recently discovered that certain elements of cannabis, like CBD, can alleviate pain. As mentioned before, we have an endocannabinoid system in our bodies that manages many functions like sleep, appetite, immune system response, and pain sensation.

Scientists have found that CBD helps reduce chronic pain by altering the receptor activity of the endocannabinoid system, reducing inflammation, and engaging with neurotransmitters. In addition, CBD on its own can also prove effective against nerve pain and back pain. However, it is most effective if combined with THC.

 Furthermore, CBD, in tandem with THC, can also treat pain caused by multiple sclerosis (M.S.) and arthritis. A study conducted by the Department of Neurosciences and the IRCCS Center for Neurolysis in Italy found that participants who took CBD and THC experienced less pain, muscle spasms, and improvements in walking.

5. Treats Neurodegenerative Disorders

Scientists are studying a CB1 receptor in the brain to find ways to use CBD to help people with neurodegenerative disorders. Neurodegenerative disorders cause the brain and nerves to deteriorate with time.

Scientists are studying how CBD oil can help treat:

• Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.)
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Stroke

They found that CBD oil can help reduce inflammation which can worsen neurodegenerative symptoms. However, more research is needed on this topic.

Conclusion

CBD oil comes from the Cannabis Sativa L. plant, one of three subspecies of the Cannabis plants. The use of cannabis plants for medicinal and spiritual purposes goes far back in human history. Lastly, CBD oil can provide many benefits, including reducing anxiety, depression, epilepsy seizures, PTSD syndromes, and neurodegenerative disorders.