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Beyond pain relief and mental health: The science behind CBD oil

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By Kaleem Ullah

CBD’s introduction into the mainstream began with medical applications in more serious cases. When patients with epilepsy responded well to CBD oil, significant scientific arguments were made and continue to be made for its use in treating people that suffer from seizures. From there, initial studies suggested that CBD oil could be beneficial in managing chronic pain and stress and anxiety.

However, as CBD has made its way from the fringes to the mainstream, more medical studies are suggesting its applications in the following areas:

  • Insomnia
  • Sleep apnoea
  • Psoriasis
  • Eczema
  • Acne
  • Dry skin
  • Inflammation
  • Arthritis
  • Allergies

As the list of possible benefits of using CBD oil and CBD products increases, the discussion regarding exactly what CBD is and how it works is an important one to consider. If you would be interested in speaking with Dr David Dawit on this subject, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Dr David Dawit, Chief Scientific Officer of Eos Scientific:

“There are 4 main methods used to produce or extract CBD from hemp, whole plant extraction, isolate extraction, CO2 extraction and alcohol extraction.

Whole Plant Extraction 

The entire hemp plant forms part of the extraction and is one of the more favoured methods. This is because it is believed to be the most effective way to capture the entire cannabinoid spectrum as close to the natural endocannabinoid system as possible

Isolate Extraction

CBD isolates are pure CBD compounds extracted, with their effectiveness dependent on the quality of hemp from which they are derived.

CO2 Extraction

This is when CO2 is forced through the plant to extract the oil, the most complex methods currently available but does allow for the individual cannabinoid compounds to be separated effectively.

Alcohol Extraction

This is the original extraction method used, by soaking the hemp in a solvent to remove the oils after which the solvent is evaporated to leave the CBD oil.

CBD is regarded as a food supplement that helps to bring balance to our bodies and minds by complementing or ‘topping up’ the endocannabinoid system which most are unable to create enough of therefore causing imbalance. The human body naturally creates cannabinoids, which are used by the endocannabinoid system to maintain balance/homeostasis within the body. The endocannabinoid system has been long regarded as the most important system in the body for maintaining long term health.”

Simon Manthorpe, CEO of Eos Scientific:

“CBD is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Although CBD has been known to help a myriad of people with different ailments sadly we are unable to promote its health benefits unless it has been tested and approved as a medicinal product. There are a few products on the market that have this approval such as Epidolex that can be used to treat children with Epilepsy. So far CBD is known to help with not only epilepsy but also anxiety, inflammation, pain relief and sleeping issues.

We are at the beginning of a seismic shift in respect of this plant on a global scale. People who would quite comfortably go to health and wellbeing stores such as Holland & Barrett to buy vitamins are suddenly being presented with cannabinoid products that range from conventional oils to cosmetics. Elsewhere, cafés, bars and spas are incorporating this exciting new ingredient into the products and services they offer. Over the next 12-24 months we’re going to see an even more dramatic explosion of CBD products, in the same way that people take vitamins and supplements to improve their wellbeing.”