How CBD Oil can be used

Cannabidiol is a curious compound. Despite playing second fiddle to its psychotropic cannabinoid cousin THC for decades, today, all the headlines are on CBD. What is responsible for this uptrend in popularity? And how can CBD benefit those looking to harness the compound for personal use? 

CBD oil is everywhere

CBD was first isolated from the cannabis plant in 1963, but it took years for the non-intoxicating cannabinoid to be recognised for its distinct effects and applications. As research ramped up in its favour, it became clear that CBD showed great potential as a nutritional supplement given its diverse effects on the body.

Now available on the world market, CBD oil has become one of the leading methods to administer the cannabinoid. This is for a variety of reasons, ranging from convenience and ease of use to diversity of products. Producers from around the globe offer a variety of CBD oils in different concentrations with different constituents.

Why use CBD oil?

Modern life can be extremely taxing on the body, even in ways that may go unnoticed. Damaging toxins from the environment, chronic inflammation keeping you from operating at your full capacity, looming stress from work and family obligations—these are just some of the ways the body becomes bogged down by the harsh realities of life.

Fortunately, daily administration of CBD oil may offer some relief to this seemingly unstoppable accumulation of aggravants. CBD is being investigated for a host of beneficial effects that support the body in functioning to the best of its ability. To start, research has revealed the significant anti-inflammatory properties of CBD. Primarily through its suppression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, CBD may be able to attenuate inflammation, and thus makes a powerful supplement for both inside and outside the body.

Not only do the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD oil support better mobility when taken orally; they can also be experienced on a cellular level by mixing the oil into a topical salve. This is especially useful for those looking to enhance cosmetics and other skin products with the therapy of CBD oil. Those with skin irritants may find topical CBD oil to be of greater use than the alternative, although both oral and topical CBD can be administered at the same time for more pronounced effects.

Moreover, CBD displays potent neuroprotective and antioxidant properties, the latter of which are reported to be more effective than both vitamin C and E. By helping to stabilise harmful free radicals in the body, CBD is able to reduce the onslaught of cellular damage that leads to physical and mental signs of ageing.

One other notable property of CBD that makes it an especially useful nutritional supplement is its anxiolytic action. In fact, preclinical evidence suggests CBD may have a future in supplementing anxiety disorder treatments given its anti-compulsive and panicolytic effects (“flight-reducing” effects). Even for those who don’t suffer from anxiety disorders, CBD’s anti-anxiety effects can still help take the edge off stress related to work and other lifestyle factors.

The above represent only a few examples of the various ways in which CBD oil works as a supplement. Other research points to its antiproliferative, analgesic, and antispasmodic effects, among others. In a nutshell, CBD oil works with the body, not against it, and actually has been proven to be extremely well-tolerated. And since CBD is non-psychotropic—it won’t get you high—it is able to be enjoyed by a diverse demographic of consumers.

How to use CBD oil

CBD oil makes for a particularly useful administration method for various reasons. Firstly, as one of the most popular CBD products, CBD oils are more accessible and widespread, and can be purchased online from a number of credible retailers. Moreover, CBD oil is versatile. It can be used as is—with several drops administered under the tongue or with food—or added to any number of other preparations such as lotions, salves, capsules, and even foodstuffs. On its own, CBD is insoluble in water but binds with fat, which is why CBD oil has become so popular. By combining healthy fats like olive oil or hemp seed oil with CBD, users benefit not only from the health-boosting effects of CBD, but those of the carrier oils as well. Most well-prepared CBD oils will come in a convenient and discreet dropper bottle. This allows for exact and easy dosing, and it travels well to boot.

In terms of CBD oil concentration and dosage, these are variables that largely depend on the individual in question, as well as the product. CBD oil can contain as little as 1% CBD or as much as 20%+. Research has yet to reveal a true standard for intake, although Cibdol recommends around 3–4 drops of CBD oil, three times per day to start. Although preclinical studies point to CBD’s medical potential, personal CBD oil use is not to necessarily treat symptoms, but to support better, more robust daily functioning. For those seeking a daily supplement to help their body perform to the best of its ability, high-quality CBD oil could fit the bill—and then some.

CBD and the endocannabinoid system in our bodies

In order to fully understand how CBD oil can be of benefit, it’s crucial to have a basic understanding of CBD’s relationship with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and other molecular pathways. Simply by observing the word “endocannabinoid”, it’s already clear that there is some sort of working relationship between CBD and the regulatory system known as the ECS. The ECS is connected to many other bodily systems, such as the nervous and immune systems, and plays a key role in maintaining homeostasis—a state of internal balance.

Through its interactions with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS, as well as serotonin and vanilloid receptors (among others), CBD is able to produce its distinct and wholesome effects. Although CBD does not have a high binding affinity for either type of major cannabinoid receptor, its complex action influences CB1 and CB2 in ways that produce unique and extremely beneficial outcomes.

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