The benefits of CBD oil

Since 2018, where new detailed laws were introduced - that made the use of products infused with Cannabidiol (CBD) legal, safe, and regulated - we've seen CBD oil or CBD-infused beauty products appear on the shelves of some of our favourite high-street brands.

The benefits of CBD oil quickly entered the mainstream and have become fast-growing favourites when it comes to looking for solutions for wellness, skincare and anxiety.

In 2022 alone we've seen huge brands like Aldi develop a cruelty-free CBD range priced from just £1.99, and International CBD Day falls on on August 8th, a day to celebrate and spread awareness about the usage and capacities of cannabidiol, a hemp-based compound that is shouted about for its ability to relieve pain and anxiety.

#CBDbeauty is even having a moment on TikTok as searches have reached over 300k in recent months, but what are the benefits of CBD oil and with all the choice, how to we incorporate it into our wellness routine?

So, what is CBD oil?

CBD oil (or Cannabidiol oil for those who want to use it's scientific name) is a product that is derived from cannabis. Even though it is a byproduct of marijuana plants, CBD doesn't create a 'high' or intoxication.

What does it really do, though, you ask? Well, CBD is actually extracted from the cannabis sativa plant - also known as hemp - and has calming properties such as relieving dryness and reduce skin irritation. Don't worry though, because it doesn't have any hallucinatory features, so you'll just get all the best benefits of the plant without going loopy.

The benefits have quickly been rounded up into many beauty products, and many rave about the link between CBD oil and reducing chronic pain. Many people, including TOWIE star Amy Childs, have been campaigning to make medical cannabis more accessible on the NHS after seeing the positive effects it can have on those suffering seizures.

Dr Martin Kinsella explains more, “CBD, or cannabidiol, is the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis (marijuana). While CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana, it is derived directly from the hemp plant, a cousin of marijuana, or manufactured in a laboratory. CBD helps reduce time of healing and improves the skin’s defence mechanism by boosting its ability to regenerate.”

What is the difference between CBD oil and cannabis?

It's a type of cannabinoid, which are the chemicals naturally found in marijuana plants. Even though it comes from marijuana plants, CBD doesn't create a “high” effect or any form of intoxication — that's caused by another cannabinoid, known as THC which is an illegal class B drug.

CBD is legal to buy in the UK, especially given that it's now being stocked in national supermarkets. However, it can't be legally included in foods or dietary supplements. CBD can only be included in "cosmetic" product, according to WebMD.

Can CBD oil help ease anxiety?

CBD oil is often associated with calmness and is probably one of the main reasons people start their CBD oil journey. We spoke to Light Garden Wellness founder Irene Moore to find out more about the link between CBD oil and the 'feel good' chemicals in our brain (Serotonin).

"Cannabidiol (CBD) & Serotonin (the chemical responsible for your hormones + mood) are like two peas in a pod", Irene explains.

"Serotonin plays an important role in your mental health and low serotonin levels are commonly associated with anxiety."

She continues, "CBD is basically the bestie that knows exactly what to say to Serotonin to help you find relief when you're feeling anxious and stressed out, by mimicking the effects of Serotonin by positively activating your body’s natural endocannabinoid system. This system lives in our nervous system and is responsible for sleep, mood, appetite, memory, and fertility.

"When anxiety & panic attacks set in, a few drops of CBD oil can help you find natural relief & on particularly stressful days and can help maintain inner calm."

Can using CBD oil help you sleep?

If anxiety, stress or pain are making sleep difficult, CBD may provide relief from your symptoms so you can fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Irene explains that, "Cortisol (the stress hormone) typically [peak]{href='https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fbooks%2FNBK538239%2F&data=05%7C01%7Channah.mellin%40bauermedia.co.uk%7C5a7bf9ad97c7427c57b208da76156aed%7C0e79f3f34eeb48ed815e2876c379e863%7C0%7C0%7C637952132340833888%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C2000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=n1pmMCuHNkatccaIQTYB92Tk%2FljB7MtpMrla1mSzs40%3D&reserved=0' }s in the morning, but people with [insomnia]{href='https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2F9155&data=05%7C01%7Channah.mellin%40bauermedia.co.uk%7C5a7bf9ad97c7427c57b208da76156aed%7C0e79f3f34eeb48ed815e2876c379e863%7C0%7C0%7C637952132340833888%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C2000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2BwsU2gLK8Ci7k8bZdlJzBOZb%2F3lOrLghHqZNb6%2B6JHo%3D&reserved=0' } may have high cortisol levels at night, which keeps you awake.

"In addition to struggling to fall asleep, having high cortisol levels at night can also increase the number of times you wake up at night.

"If anxiety, stress or pain are making sleep difficult, CBD may provide relief from your symptoms so you can fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer."

According to SleepAdvisor.org “compared to other sleep aids, cannabidiol (CBD) may be safer and more effective than prescription or over-the-counter options.”

Can using CBD oil help you have better sex?

According to Healthline, CBD oil can benefit your sex life as CBD increases blood flow to tissues, which increases sensitivity and promotes the body’s own natural lubrications - making you feel more relaxed.

Using a lubricant infused with cannabidiol may make sex more enjoyable as the lube induces the “feeling of warmth and relaxation.”

What are other benefits of CBD oil?

There are a number of things that using CBD can help regulate and improve, including:

*skin irritations

*depression

*anxiety

*epilepsy

*seizures

*metabolism

*sleep patterns

*nausea and vomiting

*pain sensation and perception

*blood pressure

*memory

*inflammation

*cravings

*emotional wellbeing