CBD hemp oil benefits: What does the research say?

By Joy Johnston

If you're  a caregiver, you've probably done research online. You've researched your loved one's condition, educated yourself about managing symptoms, delved into treatment options and spent more time than you'd like trying to separate fact from fiction.

So it is when looking into the health benefits of cannabidiol (CBD.) You'll find reports that it's a miracle cure for everything from cancer to autism to studies showing some benefits for those with epilepsy in preventing and reducing seizures (one of the areas with the most legitimate scientific research on CBD.)

Consumer Reports has a good overview for beginners on what CBD is, and highlights some of the research that has been done on various CBD products. The FDA approved a drug called Epidiolex in July, which is high in CBD content. The drug is used to treat seizures for two forms of epilepsy, and can reduce seizures by up to 40 percent. 

According to CR, preliminary animal research showed that CBD may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could make it useful as a pain reliever, and its impact upon the brain could potentially help ease anxiety, depression and insomnia. Researchers are interested in investigating CBD's potential in addiction treatment as well. Check out ECHO's research library for existing studies that examine CBD and marijuana's effectiveness for a variety of ailments. The stigma from the medical community has so far prevented the ability of researchers to conduct large-scale studies on both medical marijuana and CBD that is needed to earn FDA approval.


National Institutes of Health research on CBD 

I'll be posting reviews of products I've tried personally. What I can say so far is that I have noticed a small, but noticeable reduction in anxiety symptoms.

As for side effects, a doctor posting on the Harvard Health blog cautions that CBD can interact with medications such as blood thinners. Because CBD hemp oil products have either no or only traces of THC, there is no psychoactive "high" associated with these products, which make them of interest to those seeking relief while caregiving or performing any other kind of work that requires mental clarity.


DISCLAIMER:

The FDA has not evaluated the health claims of CBD products. Cannabidiol (CBD) products have NOT been proven to treat, relieve, nor cure any disease or medical condition. Individual results will vary. A doctor's advice should be sought before using this and any drug or supplement product.