What Is CBD Oil? | Why Should You Take CBD?

Google the latest trends in health and wellness and you’re bound to come across CBD oil. But what is CBD oil exactly? What is CBD used for? And does it really live up to the hype?

What Is CBD Oil?

For starters, CBD oil is a mixture of pure cannabidiol (CBD) — derived from either industrial hemp or marijuana — and a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, hemp seed oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or (perhaps the most popular of all) unrefined coconut MCT oil.

CBD is one of the many naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant, alongside tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). But, unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive. This means it doesn't cause the “high” feeling that THC does.

CBD started gaining mainstream traction when the 2018 Farm Bill was passed into law, recategorizing hemp as an industrial crop rather than a controlled substance.

But CBD has already been touted as a health alternative even before this happened thanks to its potential health benefits, including possible relief from mental and physical discomfort as well as skin issues.

Today, the demand for CBD-infused products keeps skyrocketing, with sales reaching an impressive $5.3 billion in 2021 in the United States alone.

These products, which include oils, creams, patches, beverages, edibles, and even pet food, are projected to generate a whopping $12 billion by 2024.

The popularity of CBD-infused products is undeniable, but the lack of FDA regulation and conclusive research to prove its wide range of benefits is enough to give everyone a reason to be cautious when incorporating them into their daily routine.

That’s why in this article, we’ll discuss in detail what CBD oil is and what its uses are so that readers can better educate themselves on not just the potential benefits but also the drawbacks of using CBD.

Let’s begin.

How does CBD work?

To comprehend the full impact of CBD on the body, it's crucial to first understand the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

This intricate network of cell receptors, neurotransmitters, and enzymes plays a critical role in regulating bodily functions that are essential to keeping a healthy mind and body.

What is the endocannabinoid system?

Although the ECS has existed within the human body for the last 5,000 years, it remains unfamiliar to many. In fact, the ECS’s existence was only discovered by scientists in 1988.

The ECS is thought to be one of the most extensive endocrine systems in mammals, controlling various essential bodily functions in order to achieve complete physiological homeostasis — a phenomenon where all the body’s organs are working synergistically to maintain critical parameters of its internal environment within normal ranges.

If the ECS isn’t functioning properly, a variety of mental and physical health issues can take place.

Without going into too much detail, the ECS is present throughout the body — including the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and cells — in the form of cell receptors, enzymes, and neurotransmitters.

This is partly why CBD shows so much promise in potentially addressing a whole slew of health issues since the body already has the infrastructure that sets cannabidiol up for success in targeting specific problems when administered using the right delivery system.

To note, the research on CBD’s impact on the ECS remains scarce and more studies are needed to prove if this is truly the case or not.

What does our endocannabinoid system do?

The ECS comprises two types of cannabinoid receptors with specific functions.

CB1 receptors are in charge of regulating most neurotransmitter activities, including hunger sensations, alertness levels, and temperature ranges.

CB2 receptors, on the other hand, can be found in immune tissues and play a key role in managing immune activity, intestinal movement, and bowel function.

The human body naturally produces endocannabinoids (which are structurally similar to molecules in the cannabis plant) in order to stimulate these receptors to do their jobs properly.

How does your ECS work?

When the body’s natural endocannabinoids interact with CB1 receptors, they are able to regulate mood, emotion, bodily movement, appetite, and memory.

CB2 receptors, when stimulated by the body’s natural endocannabinoids, are able to ensure that the heart, liver, kidneys, blood vessels, bones, and reproductive organs function optimally.

When working in harmony, natural endocannabinoids, CB1 receptors, and CB2 receptors are able to achieve complete physiological homeostasis.

Now, the question remains: Does this mean that CBD oil, being rich in cannabidiol, can truly live up to its promise?

The short answer is: It’s possible. But not so fast!

What are CBD oils used for?

CBD oils may assist with enhancing the ECS's natural ability to produce endocannabinoids, the body's natural cannabinoids.

In theory, CBD interacts with the ECS and has been shown to potentially assist in managing mental and physical discomfort as well as skin issues.

However, research on the benefits of CBD is still in its early stages, and more studies are needed to conclusively prove its effects.

But does it mean that only CBD oils can benefit users? No.

In fact, good quality CBD products that vary in size and strength, like Zatural’s Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum, and Isolate CBD oil tinctures, gummies, and softgels, may also possibly assist with a range of health issues.

CBD oil tinctures are the most common and convenient way to incorporate CBD into a daily wellness routine.

Since they are in liquid form, they can be added to food or drinks and potentially enhance their nutritional value. However, if you want to get the most out of your CBD oil tinctures, we recommend taking them sublingually to boost their bioavailability.

CBD gummies and capsules are other tasty and easy ways to take CBD, respectively.

Those who don’t want to bother measuring out their CBD doses or don’t care for the taste of organic CBD find gummies and capsules a more precise and convenient delivery system.

Are CBD oils for you?

Indeed, CBD is a fascinating compound that shows promise in offering numerous health benefits, including possibly assisting with the body's ECS function in terms of maintaining balance and homeostasis.

Studies on CBD are still in their early stages, but there is already overflowing anecdotal evidence that supports its role in a robust daily wellness routine.

So, figuring out if it’s the right path for you depends on your healthcare professional’s discretion. Why?

Because CBD is not yet regulated by the FDA, and its long-term effects are still largely unknown. Therefore, it's essential to — with professional guidance — educate oneself on the potential benefits and drawbacks before incorporating CBD into your lifestyle.

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This blog post is for educational purposes only.

*FDA DISCLAIMER -The FDA has not evaluated these statements.