What is CBD Oil and Why Are People Using It?

What is CBD Oil?

CBD has recently experienced an increase in popularity among the health and wellness community, but what is it exactly? Short for cannabidiol, CBD is a natural ingredient found in the hemp plant. Because it doesn’t contain the THC psychoactive compound, CBD doesn’t leave you intoxicated or feeling “high”.

How is CBD Oil Made?

Many CBD oil products are made by scientifically extracting the CBD from the hemp plant – its natural environment – and placed into an oil such as coconut or olive oil.

How is CBD Oil Used?

CBD oil products usually come with a pipette dropper, allowing you to drop it under the tongue or add it to food and drink. CBD can also come in the form of a pill or capsule, or even balms and lotions to use topically. Because of legal restrictions, it’s still in the early days of scientific research and there’s a lot of confusion about how it actually works. There isn’t enough research or evidence to make direct claims, but here’s what people are using it for:

1. Weight Loss

Anecdotal evidence shows that CBD oil, when combined with a keto diet, may help with weight loss. This article from Popsugar shows how the all-natural substance has helped people to exercise more efficiently to support the overall results from a keto diet.

2. Inflammation

Many use CBD oil as a remedy for a variety of muscular inflammation and chronic pain conditions. It is believed to cause the immune cells to trigger a host of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant reactions, resulting in decreased pain and discomfort.

3. Skin Problems

As CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, people are using the oil topically on their skin. Some even believe it’s efficient enough as an acne treatment, since it may limit inflammation in the oil glands that lead to breakouts.

4. Anxiety and Stress

Daniel Clauw, University of Michigan rheumatologist, has been involved in CBD studies and claims “it seems to have sort of a calming effect on the brain, although the precise mechanism by which it exerts these effects is not really well understood”.

5. Insomnia

People are using CBD at bedtime to not only to help them fall asleep, but to increase their total sleep time.  Because CBD allegedly helps reduce anxiety and chronic pain, this can also be helpful in reducing overall sleep difficulty.

It’s important to be cautious of CBD ads because they’re not strictly regulated. CBD oil cannot guarantee any results, and for those who are in states where it is legal, it is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional before using it. Be wary that supplements aren’t strictly regulated, so CBD oil can vary from bottle to bottle. 

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