What Does CBD Oil Do?

Three decades ago, scientists discovered that our bodies have a natural “endocannabinoid system” (ECS) that helps keep us in a healthy balance called “homeostasis.” This helps keep us in a healthy balance while adjusting to conditions that are optimal for survival. In 1930, a physician named Walter Cannon coined the term in his book, The Wisdom of the Body. The word homeostasis comes from the Greek words for same and steady. It’s a physiological process that helps regulate body temperature, fluid balance, blood pH balance, and oxygen levels. This affects our:

• Mood
• Pain
• Appetite
• Digestion
• Inflammation
• Memory

It also helps our bodies more efficiently use nutrition to provide the energy needed to create homeostasis. When you add CBD to your body, it signals the natural cannabinoid receptors in the ECS to help the body repair itself through homeostasis. When we’re out of balance, we’re more susceptible to illness, disease, pain, and depression. While more CBD research is finally getting underway here in the U.S., several existing studies show that CBD may help support relief from anxiety, pain, and nausea, and help with relaxation and sleep.

The Science of CBD

CBD is an abbreviation for Cannabidiol, a chemical compound found in both hemp and THC-producing cannabis plants. In an amazing twist of nature, our bodies are naturally wired to create cannabinoids within the ECS. CBD helps regulate neurotransmitter signals in our body and brain which affects organ functions that directly or indirectly influence how our bodies work. In some cases, CBD encourages our bodies to produce more cannabinoids, other times it blocks certain enzymes so that our bodies use the existing cannabinoids more effectively. When our body produces them, they’re called endocannabinoids. When they come from hemp, traditional cannabis, or other plants they’re called phytocannabinoids.

CBD Oil for Nausea

The legalization of medical cannabis came about in large part because of the tireless work of AIDS and cancer patient activists looking to help people suffering from nausea. They knew it helped their condition even if there was little medical research to substantiate it at the time.

In medical terms, cannabis acts as an antiemetic drug that is effective against vomiting and nausea. Antiemetics treats motion sickness and other causes of nausea and vomiting. According to a 2011 study, CBD triggers 5-hydroxytryptamine-1A (5-HT1A), a receptor in the brain and nervous system that reduces the sensation of nausea. Again, CBD affects serotonin levels and apparently calms the vomiting triggers in the brain. In effect, CBD reduces the sensation of nausea and triggers the reaction leading to vomiting. This suppression also helps reduce the anxiety and nervousness that nausea creates.

CBD Oil for Epilepsy

Last June, the FDA approved the first CBD-based pharmaceutical drug to treat two rare forms of epilepsy. Named Epodiolex, it was developed by Greenwich Biosciences, a division of GW Pharmaceuticals.

The Epilepsy Foundation stated that “Early evidence from laboratory studies, anecdotal reports, and small clinical studies over a number of years suggest that CBD could potentially help control seizures.” They also highly recommend that patients speak with their doctor before using CBD as part of epilepsy management.

CBD Oil for Depression, Anxiety, and Insomnia

CBD oil influences the Serotonin compound in our brain which also affects our mood. CBD doesn’t actually boost serotonin levels in our brains, but it appears to positively affect the serotonin that’s already in our system. This results in reducing anxiety along with improving our ability to relax and sleep.

Another good example is Anandamide, a cannabinoid known as the “Bliss molecule” which is a natural antidepressant. The name originates from the ancient Sanskrit word, “ananda,” which means “joy, bliss, and delight.” It affects our mental state by working with the “happiness triggers” in our brains. CBD affects certain molecules that slow the degradation of anandamide, so CBD helps keep more anandamide in our bodies, serving as a natural antidepressant.

CBD oil has the potential to be recognized as an incredible plant-based medicine by the traditional medical community. More and more patients are asking their regular doctors about it, and hopefully, new research will help lead the way for more CBD recommendations. But it’s important to use high-quality CBD products from reputable sources. That is also part of the MediZen philosophy, and we’re here to help.