The application of CBD oil in the medical field is mainly based on its protective effect on the nervous system. It is genetically stable and has good pharmacokinetics. It provides a natural anti-anxiety, anti-epileptic and anti-psychotic effect. CBD could also be used for treating symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and other auto-immune diseases, diabetes, nausea, bowel disorders, and many other difficult disease symptoms including cancer pain and inflammation. Most importantly, the use of CBD oil comes without the harmful side-effects often related to the pharmaceutical drugs usually prescribed for the treatment of these symptoms.
Active Ingredient
CBD is the main chemical component extracted from the medicinal plant, Cannabis Sativa L. It is non-addictive and non-psychoactive, a fact that plays a major part in its popularity. All CBD products are extracts from low-THC cannabis plants, grown legally under licence as industrial hemp. Once the plants have been harvested, they are allowed to dry slowly and naturally. Only the flowering tops are used for producing the highest quality oil and these are crushed and ground finely before being processed by supercritical CO2 extraction equipment. When pressurised and gently heated CO2 changes from a gas into a ‘supercritical’ state somewhere between a gas and a liquid and it becomes a powerful solvent which will extract the oil from the plant matter. With the pressure varied, it can be adjusted to extract particular components so ‘tuned’ to extract maximum CBD but leave traces of THC behind. Also, because all this takes place at relatively low temperatures, the volatile terpenes and flavonoids in the plant are more easily preserved in the oil and these are important to the beneficial ‘entourage effect’ of CBD oil.
CBD medical applications
Resistant to inflammation: CBD, through the double inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase, relieves pain and inflammation.
Anti-epileptic: GABA neurotransmitters in the human brain have sedative effects that inhibit the excitability of the brain centres. The CBD can help control the consumption of GABA neurotransmitters, inhibit brain excitement, reduce seizures, and help improve the efficacy of other anti-epileptic drugs.
Anti-anxiety: Endogenous cannabinoids are an important substance that helps depression patients, reduces anxiety and is naturally present in the human body. A CBD oil supplement can help endogenous cannabinoids at a reasonable level, to induce a feeling of well-being.
Understanding how CBD works inside the human body is a complex process. Let’s explore that…Cannabidiol – otherwise known as CBD – is little-known among the general public and is best recognised as the main active compound in hemp. However, it’s important to stress that, unlike THC, it doesn’t have psychoactive qualities and won’t make you “high”.
CBD’s action inside the body
Your body has a wider endocannabinoid system, connecting a series of receptors which spread from your brain to various other parts of the body. CBD activates a variety of receptors, including adenosine, serotonin and vanilloid.
Take the TRPV-1 receptor, for example: Once activated, it can affect your body temperature, inflammation and perception of pain.
Activating the adenosine receptors provides anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety effects. The same receptors also affect the body’s release of dopamine and glutamate, the former of which plays a part in your levels of motivation, reward mechanisms and motor control. The latter has a major impact on learning, cognition, memory and excitatory signals. The amount of CBD used can impact the receptors it’s able to activate. For instance, high concentrations can activate the 5-HT14 serotonin receptor responsible for producing anti-depressant effects as well as influencing appetite, nausea, anxiety to sleep, pain perception and addiction mechanisms. Finally, it can also block CPR55 signalling, a factor linked to your blood pressure and the modulation of your bone density.
How to use your CBD Oil
The most obvious method is a few drops of the concentrated oil in your mouth. The best way is to put a few drops under your tongue and hold it there for as long as you can. That way at least some of it will be absorbed through your mucus membranes directly into your bloodstream. When you swallow what’s left, it will pass through your gastrointestinal system and into your liver. Studies show that as little as 6% of what you ingest orally will actually end up in your bloodstream but this is much the same for any substance that is metabolised through your liver. So those few seconds holding the oil in your mouth may significantly increase this.
Dosage
Put a few drops under the tongue 2-3 times a day. Max 10 drops. Leave the oil in the mouth for 1 minute before swallowing. Gradually build up the dose. This is different for every individual. Do not exceed the recommended daily allowance. Drink water afterwards to help with the taste.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place. Keep away from strong light and heat.
Shelf life: The shelf life of the oil is two years if unopened in the original package. Once opened the oil should be used within six months
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