CBD and other cannabinoids such as CBG, CBN and THC are the critical molecules with therapeutic potential found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. They’re the source of the huge interest, research and demand for cannabis based products because of their immense health effects. They can reduce inflammation (they’re anti-inflammatory), assist with depression and anxiety due to being anxiolytic and assist with skin issues. Their delivery mechanism is via the endocannabinoid receptors in the body – the CB1 receptors in the brain and nervous system, plus the CB2 receptors located throughout the organs, muscles and skin. Hemp extract even has applications in helping patients manage and reduce pain due to being analgesic, assisting reduce the issues associated with nerve pain and chronic pain. Hemp oils containing CBD are now even being used to treat and prevent COVID due to its anti-microbial and antiviral effects. Let’s look at and cover off the top 5 benefits and health effects to know when thinking about buying CBD oil online in Australia.
1. Alleviating Inflammation
CBD reduces the symptoms that are caused by inflammation and also alleviates the side effects that are caused by the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as itchiness, nausea, and pain. Currently the main pharmaceuticals used for this issue are known as NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs. These can be effective but tend to cause harsh side effects, particularly taxing the liver. An all natural and plant based alternative might be full spectrum CBD oil. It acts on many of the same metabolic pathways in the body to act on inflammatory markers but has very minimal side effects. A study by the University of New South Wales in Australia showed that CBD and THC, when given to 177 inflammatory condition patients who were suffering from pain were able to receive significant relief. Those who were only given THC didn’t get relief from their pain. However, those provided a blend of CBD and THC showed huge reduction in nerve pain when scored out of 10 compared to placebo. This study dosed the test patients twice daily at high doses over 6 weeks and compared to a placebo group. Hemp extract is analgesic which means it is able to modulate the pain receptors in brain. Its thought to be able to do this by acting on the CB1 receptors which are located in the central nervous system. It’s been particularly known to treat minor and nerve pain very well. Chronic pain at high levels may be outside of cannabis’ ability to treat, however. Some types of pain from injuries or certain diseases may still require NSAIDs and opiate pain killers to treat. Nevertheless, hemp oil is providing hope to many patients that they can both tackle their body’s inflammation while managing pain in a natural, safe and non-addictive way.
2. Reducing Acne
Acne is the most common skin problem that has affected almost 9% population of the world. Acne is caused primarily by autoimmune and genetic factors. It occurs from the interplay between bacteria in the skin and sebum overproduction (sebum is the natural oil the skin produces). Sebum is the secretion produced by sebaceous glands. When combined with underlying inflammation and bacterial infection in the skin, acne results. Its usually concentrated around hair follicles or ingrown hairs. Recent studies have shown that CBD oil is very effective in the treatment of acne because of its anti-inflammatory properties and is also effective in reducing the production of sebum. It works with CB2 receptors located in the sebaceous glands to assist in down regulating excessive sebum production and prevent oily sebum from building up too much. At the same time, it provides anti-inflammatory actions and also stops the acne cytokine agents in the skin. Different evidence is showing that CBD is very effective and safe to use for treating acne on the face with its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s becoming a clear option for dermatologists and patients to try before turning to more side effect prone pharmaceuticals. Acne cream containing benzoyl peroxide can be very harsh on the skin and damage its long-term health and oil balance. Hemp oil is all natural and well tolerated by the body, being highly bioavailable. It has the opposite effect, improving long term moisture levels, providing healthy antioxidants and enriching the skin with vitamins.
3. Reducing Epilepsy
Many researchers understand that hemp oil can work with the endocannabinoid system along with the nervous system to assist people who are suffering from neurological disorders such as epilepsy. It’s one of the most proven effects of CBD in reducing the length and frequency of seizures, with the compound now being developed into drugs that are targeted at epilepsy reduction. However, this area of research is new and still has a limited track history of clinical studies. Even so, we know hemp extract is proving to be effective in this domain through anecdotes from both doctors as well as those who have been affected by epilepsy. An example of one of these anti-epileptic drugs is Sativex. It works via the CB1 receptors to assist in modulating pain and preventing epilepsy. It’s made through a combination of CBD and THC and has been used for reducing muscle pain very effectively and safely. Sativex also provides relief for spasms on around 60% of the people who have multiple sclerosis and have experienced muscle spasticity that was not curable by traditional pharmaceutical medicines. A research study involving 214 people who had severe epilepsy in Australia was one of the most promising results indicated for CBD. They were given 250mg of full spectrum CBD oil daily according to their body weight. The results of the study showed that most of the patients had their epilepsy almost entirely relieved by the hemp oil. It reduced both their frequency and length of seizures occurring. Other studies in animals such as rodents have proven that CBD reduces inflammation and may offer neuroprotective effects, plus reduce inflammation and stress in the joints. It can aid in slowing and mitigating the neurodegeneration that is associated with Alzheimer’s disease in several rodent studies. Further clinical trials on humans are needed to firm up this result. Its thought to protect the brain neurons and prevent them misfiring.
Conclusion
Cannabinoids like CBD, CBG and CBN are proving to be extremely promising in the health space and giving many patients a new alternative to often harmful pharmaceuticals like NSAIDs, Roaccutane, benzodiazepine or opiates. We’ve covered the three top benefits to understand when you’re looking to buy full spectrum CBD oil in Australia. To recap – we first examined the potential for hemp extract in fighting inflammation in the body as well as inflammatory conditions like colitis. We then looked at its applications with acne. It’s able to mitigate and eliminate acne’s symptoms in many cases by assisting with managing skin oils. We then explored how hemp extract is able to prevent seizures and help individuals manage epilepsy to obtain a better quality of life.