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By Grace Hawkins
CBD is the abbreviation for the oil that’s extracted from cannabidiol. For the unfamiliar out there, cannabidiol is the most popular and widely-studied compound of the cannabis plant. CBD is what usually comes to mind whenever you think of cannabis or other holistic health options from a therapeutic point of view.
To enjoy the healing properties of cannabidiol, you’ll need to purchase the substance in the form of oil, known as CBD oil. CBD can treat various diseases, and there are numerous studies and clinical trials to back up this claim.
Some of the conditions experts prescribe CBD oil for include:
- Diseases that are symptomized by chronic pain, such as multiple sclerosis and migraines.
- Conditions that manifest in inflammation, including cancer, inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS), and contact dermatitis.
- Anxiety disorders such as panic attacks, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and social anxiety.
- Neurological conditions like seizures and body tremors.
- Gastrointestinal complications like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
- Sleep disorders such as insomnia.
Does CBD oil work?
The answer to that question is a resounding “yes”. There have been numerous studies suggesting that CBD oil can help with a wide range of medical conditions, as mentioned above. A 2016 study investigating the effects of CBD oil in arthritic rats returned some positive findings. The oil contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are invaluable in helping to manage arthritis.
Research has also shown that CBD oil from trusted retailers like High Supplies can help to escalate the recovery process for cancer patients. The oil especially helps to reduce the side effects associated with certain cancer treatments like chemotherapy by reducing nausea and vomiting.
People living with anxiety can also benefit immensely from CBD oil’s anti-anxiety properties. A 2019 study proved that the oil could help to treat social anxiety disorder as it acts as a much needed relaxant for those who suffer from the condition. Other studies also cite the ability of CBD oil to help manage the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder for the same reason.
And if you’re a workout freak, it will interest you to know that CBD can improve muscle recovery, thanks to its positive effects on Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness (DOMS).
Evidently, CBD oil works for a variety of different conditions, diseases and illnesses.
However, it’s not unusual to bump into users who say that the oil didn’t work for them, despite deploying every trick in the book. If you’re one such user, there could be a lot of things you’re doing wrong in dosing with CBD oil. Here are a few ways you can help yourself feel the effects of the oil.
Reasons CBD oil might not be giving you the desired results
You’re Expecting Too Much Too Soon
CBD oil may be a powerful analgesic, anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory substance for some users, but that doesn’t mean it works like an instant magic potion. To see any meaningful results, you’ve got to give it time, especially if you’re a new user.
For some people, the effects of CBD oil may kick in within a few days or even hours. Yet, for others, it could take weeks, even months. So, when it comes to CBD oil, patience is a virtue.
You’re Using the Wrong Delivery Method
There are five major ways to consume CBD:
- Administering tinctures sublingually
- Vaping/smoking CBD oil
- Applying topical creams
- Swallowing capsules or tablets
- Edible forms such as gummies
If you’ve been using one delivery method that doesn’t seem to be working, you should consider switching to another method. For instance, anxiety is better relieved through a delivery system that presents a higher bio-availability, such as tinctures and vape oils, as they work to immediately disperse the molecules into the user’s bloodstream. Similarly, for sleep disorders, you’ll require a powerful CBD tincture that can help you sleep quickly.
On the other hand, inflammatory skin conditions like eczema require CBD topicals and salves.
You’re Taking the Wrong Dose
Essentially, CBD has no predetermined dose. Your individual dose depends on a few factors, such as your age, body weight, body chemistry and the nature and severity of the illness you’re treating.
Seeing as CBD oil has no ideal dose, some users may want to try higher doses, ostensibly to relieve their condition faster. However, experts discourage starting with a large dose. The convention is to experiment with smaller doses until you find your “sweet spot,” or the dose that’s just the perfect amount for you and your body.
You’re Buying CBD Oil from Questionable Sources
The steady rise in the popularity and legality of CBD means that nearly anyone can set up a store and begin supplying products to the public. Not knowing what to look for in CBD oil or seller is a sure way to buy a low-quality product.
At the very least, always look for evidence that the oil has been tested by “third-party labs“. This ensures that the company selling you the product hasn’t conducted their own “research” to rule the quality of their product in their selling favor. Also, read up on any posted customer reviews to have an idea of what past clients think of the vendor.
And if you’re ever in doubt, insist on buying CBD oil from established brands with a legitimate background and steady customer base.
Your Condition Is the Kind CBD Oil Cannot Treat
It’s easy to think of CBD oil as the silver bullet to most medical conditions, but there are numerous diseases that the oil cannot help in treating. The fact that you’re suffering from an illness that’s symptomized by pain, anxiety or inflammation doesn’t necessarily make CBD oil the go-to remedy.
While CBD oil might help to manage a few symptoms, you may need further diagnosis to establish the disease. A professional diagnosis can help you better understand and cope with your condition. If this is the case with you, then it’s better off to try other alternatives or prescription medications, as needed.
You’re Currently on Medications
When you’re using CBD oil for therapeutic purposes, the oil technically qualifies as a drug. Drugs, whether medically advised or not, have a way of interacting adversely with each other, especially if they don’t come from the same prescription. Some of the drugs CBD oil can interact with include antiretrovirals, antihistamines and antidepressants.
The conventional wisdom is to avoid using CBD oil for a condition which you already have drugs prescribed. This makes sure that you preserve the effectiveness of your prescribed medication, and it saves your wallet from needlessly buying CBD products.
It’s Just Not for You
How effective medications are on your system largely depends on your body chemistry, metabolism and even genetics. That explains why two people suffering from the same condition can be prescribed the same medical treatment but it only be effective in treating one of the patients.
The same phenomenon occurs with CBD oil, and it has a lot to do with poor absorption of the oil into the user’s system. CBD oil can help to relieve various medical conditions, but it can also fail to work on some users.
The onus is on you to find out what works best for you and make the required changes. Be sure to consult your doctor(s) before integrating any new treatments into your regimen.
