Is CBD Oil Really a Health Miracle? Here’s What Science Says

CBD is a popular wellness product that’s been making rounds for years. Now that it’s hit the mainstream for holistic solutions, there are many far-reaching claims about the naturally occurring compound that comes from the hemp plant. But as scientists learn more about CBD, it’s clear that this compound isn’t a miracle cure-all. However, the best CBD companies know phytocannabinoid-rich hemp products have excellent wellness properties, with tons of promising research.

CBD for Pain Relief

One of the most well-known benefits of CBD is its potential to relieve muscle and joint discomfort. CBD’s promise as a treatment for chronic pain has been the subject of scientific and medical study for many years, and there is now some promising research suggesting that it may be an effective therapy.

A study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in 2020, “Cannabidiol for Pain Treatment: Focus on Pharmacology and Mechanism of Action.” Here’s a summary of the research:

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound that research suggests has pain-relieving effects in different animal models. The study suggests it’s safe and well-tolerated. It also implies CBD diminishes hyperalgesia and mechanical/thermal allodynia through various routes of administration.

CBD for Anxiety and Depression

Another widespread use of CBD is to reduce anxiousness and improve mood. Consumers often tout the all-natural compound as a natural solution to anxiety and depression, but does the science back this up?

Early research suggests CBD may be an effective treatment for anxiety and depression.

A 2020 study published in The Journal of Clinical Medicine Research, “Dosage, Efficacy, and Safety of Cannabidiol Administration in Adults: A Systematic Review of Human Trials,” shows promise for CBD as an alternative treatment for anxiety.

The study found that CBD had a positive effect on people with anxiety or anxiety-related disorders in the short term. It also improved symptoms of schizophrenia in the short- and medium-term with mild side effects for all subjects.

CBD for Sleep

Over 65 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders, and about 25% of the adult population experience at least 15 sleepless nights each month. Many people have turned to CBD as a potential treatment over the past few years.

But does the cannabinoid help with sleep?

There is some evidence that suggests CBD may help improve sleep quality. However, many studies have focused on THC rather than CBD, making it difficult to determine if CBD influences sleep.

A study in Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, “Cannabinoids, Endocannabinoids, and Sleep,” found a positive connection between eCB signaling and CBD.

The researchers discuss how the brain’s eCB system affects sleep. The ECB system is similar to the sleep-wake circuitry, and when it is changed, it alters sleep on a large scale. Sleep deprivation changes sleep architecture, which affects brain rhythms related to sleep. CBD might help improve sleep because it can interact with the ECB system.

CBD for Skincare

The natural wellness market’s flooding with beauty and similar products containing CBD oil. A quick search for “CBD skincare” pulls up over 35 million results. So, what’s the deal?

Ongoing research suggests the hemp compound has several properties that might benefit skin health. For example, it’s well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, both of which are ideal for keeping skin healthy.

Many skin conditions cause redness and inflammation. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties could help calm the skin and reduce the appearance of these conditions. CBD is also a potent antioxidant, meaning it can help to scavenge harmful toxins and free radicals from the skin. These toxins and radicals can cause oxidative stress, which speeds up the aging process.

A study in the Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology Journal, “Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders,” summarizes how CBD might work as a skincare product.

The article discusses how CBD can help to improve various skin conditions. The ECS is critical for maintaining skin homeostasis and barrier function, and its dysregulation can lead to a variety of skin problems. CBD has been shown the potential to help treat many of these conditions.

The Endocannabinoid System and CBD

There’s a single explanation for the multiple benefits of CBD. Research suggests the phytocannabinoid works through the body’s endocannabinoid system. Also known as the ECS, it’s a complex network of receptors and chemicals that helps regulate many bodily functions.

Studies show that CBD may help the body maintain balance by interacting with the ECS. It works to stimulate the endocannabinoid system through cannabinoid receptors, which might help improve sleep, mood, and pain relief.

The Bottom Line

CBD isn’t a miracle cure-all, but consumers don’t need a panacea to benefit from this compound. CBD has a variety of potential benefits that some scientific evidence has backed. With more research, we may better understand how CBD works and find even more ways it can help improve our health.

If you need help choosing a high-quality CBD oil, we recommend looking at Observer’s Best CBD Oil article recently published. They’ve conducted an in-depth review of dozens of products through blind product testing, among several other key points to come up with their list.