CBD oil is derived from hemp, which is also known as cannabis. It is a powerful natural pain reliever with very few side effects. Cannabidiol is an interesting phytocannabinoid found in 1940 by the German chemist Albert Kligman. It accounts for about 40% of the active constituent in cannabis plants and is among the most potent of all cannabinoids. It has been used in the United States for years to treat chronic pain, but is still considered illegal at the federal level. Most studies of CBD use in clinical trials have focused on the treatment of seizures and spasticity associated with Parkinson's disease. It seems likely that CBD could be useful for treating a wide range of medical conditions. One of the reasons why it has been shown to have some effectiveness against inflammatory bowel diseases and Alzheimer's disease is that it is both neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory. CBD also has anti-psychotic activity, which could prove valuable in the treatment of mental disorders, such as schizophrenia and depression. It has recently been used as an herbal supplement in clinical trials of several mental health conditions. Two of the conditions being studied include epilepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. In a study involving epilepsy, CBD oil was used to reduce seizure frequency and improve other symptoms associated with the condition. In a placebo-controlled trial, it showed improvement in ADHD, particularly in those who experienced hyperactivity, in comparison to controls given a placebo. While it is unlikely that CBD will be available in the United States over the counter anytime soon, it is likely that it will continue to be used as an herbal supplement in clinical trials for psychiatric conditions. The best time to consider using CBD is now. Although many people are wary about medical treatments that come from plants, CBD does not produce any unwanted side effects. The most common complaint is that it causes a bit of an appetite change, which can be addressed by adding more calories to the diet. For this reason, it is not advisable to take more than three to four ounces per day. Despite the limited data concerning the safety and effectiveness of medical treatments derived from plants, many people continue to try alternative therapies. The lack of long-term research data makes it difficult to recommend CBD as a first line of defense against psychiatric disorders or addiction. However, the anecdotal evidence suggests that it might be worth trying if it can provide relief for certain medical conditions.
