With marijuana legalization making headlines around the nation, you have most likely heard of cannabidiol (CBD), a substance derived from the plant.

Numerous health experts have been discovering the surprising health benefits of CBD. Mixed with a carrier oil (such as coconut or hemp seed oil), it is being used to treat conditions such as arthritis, acne,  anxiety and more.

Most importantly, hemp-derived CBD oil does not create a high like other marijuana compounds, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).  Hemp and marijuana are basically two different species of the cannabis plant. Hemp-derived CBD is legal on the federal level. Research on the potential health benefits of CBD oil is ongoing, but results from recent studies suggest that CBD may provide a safe, powerful natural treatment for many health issues.

With the support of several scientific studies confirming its treatment with many typical illnesses and disorders, it is no surprise that health care companies are using CBD oil in their products.  What is more astounding is all of the various conditions it may treat. Here are the five most surprising health benefits of CBD oil.

  • 1

    ACNE

    CBD oil may help reduce various types of acne because of its ability to adjust to how the body makes sebum. Sebum is the waxy, oily substance that our skin makes to protect it from the outside world. However, it can mix with dead skin cells, dirt, and other pollutants that can become trapped in our pores and form acne. Other times, our skin can produce excessive sebum.

    Of course, other factors influence acne such as hormonal imbalance, genetics, stress, diet, and more that can increase the severity of a person’s symptoms.

    Several studies showed that CBD oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can lower sebum production. It also has antibacterial and antifungal effects that can help reduce infections from dirt and other pollutants on the skin.

  • 2

    ADDICTION/WITHDRAWAL

    CBD may treat several types of addictions/withdrawals. One instance is smoking, as a 2013 study showed that smokers who used an inhaler containing CBD smoked fewer cigarettes than usual and had no craving for nicotine.

    Other examples include opioid and heroin addictions, as CBD can modify circuits within the brain that can decrease a longing for the illicit drugs. It can also lower some symptoms associated with drug use disorders such as anxiety, mood-related symptoms, pain, and insomnia.

  • 3

    HEART HEALTH

    CBD has several benefits for those who may experience heart issues and poor circulation. The most common treatment is high blood pressure, which is often linked with a high number of health conditions such as stroke, heart attack, and metabolic syndrome.

    Unlike a placebo, several studies have shown that a dose of CBD oil can reduce high blood pressure since it contains stress- and anxiety-reducing properties. For instance, one study involved ten healthy men taking either a single dose of CBD or placebo. Compared to those who took the placebo, researchers found that the volunteers who took CBD had lower blood pressure before and after experiencing a stressful event.

  • 4

    DIABETES

    In what could be a breakthrough in the diabetes community, some researchers believe that CBD may treat type 1 diabetes. The condition is usually formed by the inflammation that occurs when the immune system attacks cells in the pancreas.

    However, a 2016 study suggests that CBD could ease this inflammation in the pancreas because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, this could lead to the creation of a CBD-based treatment that may reduce inflammation and protect against or delay the development of type 1 diabetes.

  • 5

    NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS

    Researchers believe that CBD may effectively treat various neurological disorders because of its ability to act on the endocannabinoid system and other brain signaling systems. Several examples include epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. It may also treat Alzheimer’s disease, but additional research is needed.

    Moreover, CBD may also help against neuropsychiatric disorders. For instance, a 2012 study showed that the compound may produce results similar to certain types of antipsychotic drugs. Thus, this could be a safe and powerful treatment for people with schizophrenia. But once again, further research is necessary.

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