CBD Oil Uses and Benefits

CBD oil is one of the hottest trends in the natural health space right now and has been studied for its potential role in treating many common health issues, including anxiety, depression, acne, insomnia and heart disease. CBD oil uses and benefits have rapidly become the number one question I am getting asked on direct message over on Instagram. In this post, I will give you the facts and arm you with all the information you need to see if CBD oil may be right for you. 

CBD Oil Uses and Benefits

How CBD oil works?

CBD or cannabidiol is the non-psychoactive component of  the marijuana plant or cannabis sativa. CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil.

Will CBD oil get you high?

THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychoactive compound found in marijuana that causes the sensation of getting high. For CBD oil uses and benefits, extraction of the CBD compound does not include THC, therefore will not get you “high.”

What CBD oil is uses and benefits?

• Pain Relief
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Cancer fighter
• Relieves nausea
• Anti-inflammatory
• Cardiovascular Health
• Acne
• Diabetes Prevention
• Seizure control

How CBD oil is used?

In general CBD is used in oil form but also comes in oil or capsule form. It can be used topically, as well as in waxes, in beauty products and edibles (Hint: I can’t wait for next weeks post!) Oral CBD is said to have the most long last effect.

More is not always better. I recommend starting with half the dose and going up from there, as some have reported side effects such as lightheadedness, dizziness, tiredness, and dry mouth. I have not personally experienced any side effects, but suggest you exercise caution with any new medicinal product.

Can CBD oil help with anxiety, depression, & sleep?

CBD has the ability to reduce anxiety, which can be helpful in reducing sleep difficulties and improving sleep quality. CBD may increase overall sleep amounts, and improve insomnia, according to research.

In smaller doses, CBD stimulates alertness and reduces daytime sleepiness, which is important for daytime performance and for the strength and consistency of the sleep-wake cycle.

Note: many of my clients use Valerian for sleep and combined with CBD it may produce excessive sleepiness.

Other herbs that may produce the same effect when combined with CBD: Calamus, California poppy, Catnip, Hops, Jamaican dogwood, Kava, L-tryptophan and 5-HTP, Melatonin, SAMe,St. John’s wort, Sassafras, and Skullcap.

CBD for Depression and Anxiety:

CBD may help to improve both depression and anxiety through its interactions with serotonin receptors in the brain. Research shows that CBD can reduce both mental and physical symptoms of anxiety. A study of CBD given to people before public-speaking showed that CBD helped to reduce stress.  Other research has also shown that CBD can be an effective treatment for social anxiety.

CBD oil Dosage

The Mayo Clinic provides specific dosage recommendations for various illnesses:

• Loss of Appetite in Cancer Patients: 2.5mg of THC (orally), with or without 1mg of CBD for six weeks. (Source)
• Chronic Pain: 2.5-20mg of CBD [with or without THC] (orally). (Sourse)
• Epilepsy: 200-300mg of CBD (orally) daily. (Source) 
• Movement Problems Due to Huntington’s Disease: 10mg of CBD per kg of body weight daily for six weeks (orally). (Sourse)
• Sleep Disorders: 40mg-160mg of CBD (orally). (Source)
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) symptoms: Cannabis plant extracts containing 2.5-120 milligrams of a THC/CBD combination daily for 2-15 weeks. Patients typically use eight sprays within any three hours, with a maximum of 48 sprays in any 24-hour period. (Source)
• Schizophrenia: 40-1,280mg oral CBD daily. (Source)
• Glaucoma: A single sublingual CBD dosage of 20-40mg (>40 mg may increase eye pressure). (Source)

Is CBD oil legal in all 50 states?

Yes, it is legal to purchase and ship in all 50 states. Even if you live in a state where medical cannabis is currently not legal, you can still purchase and use CBD.

When to take CBD oil?

It can take a couple of minutes to a couple of hours after use for the effects of CBD to fully appear, depending on serving size and method of application, among other factors that affect the rate of absorption by the body. That said, I would recommend taking a dose about an hour out from when you wold most like to see results.

For example, I take mine about 30 minutes prior to sitting down at my desk to work that way I am calm, focused and productive when I need to be.

My personal experience with CBD:

I’d been hearing about CBD for about 3 years now and began researching use for my PMS clients and their pain. Because I was pregnant and unable to try it myself, I didn’t feel comfortable recommending  it to others. Once I had my baby, I was curious if I could use it while nursing but the research is still lacking in that area. Once my doctor gave me the green light to resume all of my supplements, I decided I would use a half dose twice per week, when I was working.

Why I started using CBD?

As a work from home mom with a busy business and a toddler, I found I would sit down at my desk and get so anxious about all I needed to get done and my list that seemed to be growing longer. It was almost paralyzing. I used genius and clarity essential oils, which helped a lot, but I was still feeling wirey and unable to focus at 100%during the limited time I had childcare.

I had attended a conference and was given several forms of CBD oil uses and benefits, along with compelling research that finally made me feel 100% comfortable using CBD while nursing. I was only nursing three times a day or less when I tried it. If you’re pregnant or nursing, check with your medical provider before trying CBD.

I used the oil sublingual (under the tongue) as it has better uptake than orally and within 30 minutes, I felt clear, focused and productive, versus the unproductive ball of nerves I’d been feeling prior.

I’ve been using a 3mg spray 2-3 times per week. I’ve found it to be incredibly helpful when I’m feeling overwhelmed, stressed out and anxious.

What to look for when purchasing CBD?

The company that I’ve been using is called Medterra. You can see the variety of products offered here, including tinctures, capsules, pain cream, sleeping pills, and CBD isolate. Use code RNL during check-out for 15% off (I will get a small commission on any purchases using this code).

Reasons I use and trust this brand:

1. Medterra products are all 3rd-party tested to make sure they have zero THC and meet all quality standards, including Federal and State legislation. 3rd-party vs. in house testing is really important to me.
2. It’s made in the US, in fact its Kentucky grown and processed from seed to sale so the I know I’m getting a clean product.
3. The variety of products makes them easy to use. Whether you want a cream for pain or a tincture, they’ve got you covered.

Other high quality brands include:

Blue Ridge Hemp Co. : This smaller company is mission based and even offers financial assistance to those in need. They offer topicals, salves, CBD for pets and more and are very reasonably priced.

Shop here

Who should not use CBD?

The FDA has not approved CBD for the treatment of medical conditions. Consult with your medical professional prior to use to be sure there will be no interaction with supplements, medications or other health goals.

Enjoy these recipes containing CBD Oil:

• CBD Oil Golden Milk Recipe
• Healthy CBD Gummies Recipe for Sleep
• CBD Oil Dog Treat Recipe
• CBD Oil Toothpaste Recipe 
• CBD Oil Bath Bomb Recipe (DIY)