In case you are one of those health-conscious individuals, the chances are good that you have heard a lot about CBD oil over the past couple of years. Nowadays, thousands of people are using CBD on a daily basis as an alternative treatment for different conditions, from worry and trouble sleeping to sore muscles and acne-prone skin hence the sudden interest by many people. But what exactly is CBD? And what makes this compound so special?

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol is an active substance and a natural remedy used for many physical and mental disorders. Commonly known as CBD, it is one of more than 100 chemical compounds found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. CBD is known to promote various properties and health benefits due to indirect interaction with certain receptors of the complex endocannabinoid system. 

Because of its beneficial effects, CBD is gaining momentum in the health and wellness world. Research shows that CBD might help to ease symptoms like chronic pain and anxiety, making it quite appealing to people that are looking for relief from different symptoms without the mind-altering effects of cannabis. 

Aside from the high interest among consumers, CBD is attracting more and more companies these days. Most manufacturers normally prepare it as an oil, which is made by extracting CBD oil from cannabis and then diluting it with a carrier oil (e.g. coconut oil, sunflower oil, MCT oil, olive oil or hemp seed oil). However, a lot of brands are also producing infused offerings like CBD vape products, topicals, edibles, capsules and oil tinctures to fulfil the needs and preferences of each particular CBD user. 

History Of CBD

The first discovery of this cannabinoid was made when British chemist Robert S. Cahn came up with the partial structure of Cannabinol (CBN), which was properly identified as fully formed in 1940. About two years later, an American chemist, Roger Adams, successfully isolated the first cannabinoid, cannabidiol. His research later led to the discovery of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Although scientists knew that these compounds had something to do with the effects of cannabis, information was limited; therefore, they could not accurately tell which compound was causing which effect.

Dr Raphael Mechoulam was the first to understand the effects of individual cannabinoids in 1963. That is the same year he successfully identified the stereochemistry of CBD. A year later, the good doctor made another discovery – the stereochemistry of THC.

After further studies, THC was also found as the cannabinoid that’s linked to the euphoric effects of marijuana. This discovery enabled CBD to be disassociated from the mind-altering effects of cannabis.

The Benefits Of CBD In The Human Body

According to research, CBD can provide numerous health benefits to the human body. Below are some which you should know.

  • Anxiety relief

CBD can minimise feelings of anxiety to give you a lighter and more relaxed mood. It achieves this by stimulating the release of chemicals such as serotonin in the brain. Serotonin (otherwise known as the ‘feel-good’ chemical) is the key hormone that induces a feeling of happiness. It regulates your mood and social behaviour.

  • Pain relief

When you use CBD, you can live a life that’s free from body aches and physical discomforts. It’s believed that the CBD compound has the ability to interact with CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors that regulate pain and inflammation.

  • Enhanced immune health

Studies reveal that CBD possesses powerful antioxidant properties. These bolster your body’s defence system to minimise the risk of diseases. For example, antioxidants are effective at fighting against free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable substances that are formed through the metabolism of food or exposure to environmental toxins. If not eradicated, they increase the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer.

  • Improved heart health

The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can help to prevent a lot of health issues to do with the heart. For instance, they prevent the inflammation of arteries, a situation that could result in arteriosclerosis. If the inflammation of your blood vessels is not controlled, this could result in blockages. The blockages may trigger hypertension, stroke and heart failure.

  • Neuroprotection

Scientists believe that CBD has the potential to prevent cognitive degeneration of the brain. The assertion is footed on its ability to interact with numerous receptors of the central nervous system.

Research on the potential health effects of CBD oil is still ongoing; so, new therapeutic functions for it are sure to be discovered. At the moment, you should avoid trying to use CBD as a medicine. It is merely a supplement that you can use to help enhance your health and wellbeing.