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CBD oil seems to be everywhere these days. It's skyrocketing in popularity in the UK, with over six million people taking it at least once in the past year – that's 11% of the population.
But while this may seem like a modern phenomenon, archaeological records show that the hemp plant dates back to the end of the Ice Age, approximately 12,000 years ago. For millennia, hemp has been used as a natural remedy for stress and pain around the world, with the Chinese Emperor Sheng Nong creating a recipe for medicinal cannabis tea in 2737 BC.
Over the last 100 years, CBD has become more of a mass-market phenomenon as advances in organic chemistry have made it possible to isolate CBD from the cannabis plant. This has allowed CBD to be produced on a global scale, with the global CBD oil market expected to reach $4.95bn (£3.8bn) in 2023, growing at 26% per year.
Classified as a food by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, CBD oil manufacturers cannot make medical claims about the benefits of taking it as a supplement, but users of CBD oils, balms, gummies, muscle creams and creams have left countless reviews speaking of the positive effects on mood, pain and sleep.
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil is a natural extract from the cannabis plant. There are various methods used to extract it, with CO2 extraction being one of the most effective and cleanest. In this process, the plant material is exposed to high pressure carbon dioxide, which separates the CBD from other cannabinoids and compounds such as THC.
Unlike THC, which makes you feel high when you consume cannabis, CBD does not cause intoxication. THC is considered a stimulant, while CBD is considered a relaxant, which is why it is a compound used for therapeutic purposes.
Once extracted, the pure CBD is diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or hemp seed oil, to create the final product. CBD oil is typically taken orally by placing a few drops under the tongue, but it can also be mixed into beverages like teas and smoothies, or added to food.
The oil is used by athletes to support recovery, by people suffering from painful health conditions to relieve discomfort, and it's also used in skin care products thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
What are the benefits of CBD oil?
While much research is still needed to fully understand the benefits of supplementing with CBD oil, some studies have been done on how it may help people with epilepsy.
In 2018, the FDA approved Epidiolex, a purified form of CBD, for the treatment of the epilepsy conditions Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes. Clinical trials have demonstrated that CBD may reduce the frequency of seizures, offering hope to people who have not responded to conventional treatments.
A review published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that CBD has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which could help reduce pain and inflammation in conditions like arthritis. Animal studies support these findings, but more human trials are needed to solidify CBD's role in pain management.
Another area where CBD oil shows potential is in anxiety and stress relief. One study showed that CBD may help reduce anxiety in conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, and social anxiety disorder. The study suggests that CBD interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, playing an important role in regulating mood. A 2019 study conducted on individuals with social anxiety disorder found that participants who took CBD before a public speaking event experienced a significant reduction in anxiety compared to those who took a placebo.
CBD oil has also been studied as a treatment for insomnia and other sleep disorders: In a 2019 study tracking patients suffering from anxiety and poor sleep, after one month of taking CBD, 79% of participants experienced reduced anxiety and 67% reported improved sleep.
For women, benefits may be seen as they approach menopause and perimenopause. New research suggests that CBD may help with loss of bone density, a common problem during menopause when declining estrogen levels lead to osteoporosis. Animal studies have shown that CBD may aid bone healing and prevent age-related loss of bone density, but more research is needed to understand its effects in humans.
There is also anecdotal evidence to suggest that CBD's interaction with the body's endocannabinoid system may help regulate body temperature and reduce the intensity of hot flashes, a debilitating factor of menopause, but more formal research is needed.
CBD Oil Supplements to Buy
(That's wonderful.)
With 50mg of CBD per serving, OTO CBD Oil combines convenience with strength. At 10 times the concentration of typical sleep gummies, CBD is absorbed quickly. The dropper system is uniquely designed to deliver a precise, effective dose of 50mg of CBD with the push of a button. Simply squeeze under your tongue and wait 2 minutes. With an added touch of tangy field mint flavor, it's designed to leave your mouth feeling clean and refreshed.
Because the oil is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, you'll feel the effects faster than CBD gummies, which pass through the gut. This means OTO Sleep Drops provide fast-acting relief for symptoms like insomnia, without you having to wait long for the effects to kick in. Plus, a soothing blend of select botanicals, including lavender and butterfly pea flower, complement the CBD to help you wind down after a busy day.
Read more: 13 Best Sleep Aids to Help You Fall Asleep Naturally and Stay Asleep
