CBD Oil and High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a condition that many people have even without showing any symptoms. When untreated, hypertension can have serious consequences. If you suffer from this condition, you might’ve heard about CBD oil and its potential health benefits.
Many stores offer a wide range of CBD oils to help with hypertension and other conditions. Before you buy CBD oil to treat high blood pressure, it’s important to answer some important questions. What exactly is CBD oil, and how can it help with managing blood pressure? We have all the answers here.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD oil comes from the leaves, flowers, and stems and stalks of the Cannabis Sativa (hemp) plant. It’s the second most common compound in cannabis, with the first one being THC. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t have an intoxicating effect. Due to its many nutrients, CBD has therapeutic benefits.
There are three types of CBD oils: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and pure. Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oils contain other cannabis compounds such as flavonoids and terpenes. The difference is in the presence of THC: only full-spectrum oil contains it. Pure CBD oil doesn’t have any compounds or THC. In addition to oil, CBD can be added to tinctures, creams, lotions, edibles, etc.
How Does CBD Oil Work?
Humans have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that regulates many body functions and processes related to cognition, fertility, appetite, and mood. As it was only discovered in the 1990s, scientists are still discovering the true nature of its significance.
The system consists of three parts: receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes. It is believed that CBD binds to the receptors similarly to THC, but scientists are still not sure exactly how.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure represents the force of circulating blood against the blood vessels. The pressure fluctuates during the day, so it’s completely normal to experience higher or lower rates. But when those rates are constantly high, they can become a severe health problem.
High blood pressure makes the heart work harder than usual, which can damage the arteries, cause heart or kidney failure, stroke, and other serious issues.
Hypertension is often called a silent condition because it doesn’t show symptoms until it becomes severe. In those circumstances, people with high blood pressure experience:
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Chest pain
Many factors can cause hypertension:
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Unhealthy diet
• Lack of physical activity
• Genetics
• Stress
How Can CBD Oil Help With High Blood Pressure?
Although the impact of CBD oil on high blood pressure is still under-researched, several studies have emphasised its positive effects.
One study showed that CBD oil could widen the blood vessels and thus normalising blood flow. Another study analysed the impact of CBD oil on healthy patients’ blood pressure levels. The results showed lower blood pressure in patients that were resting and those that were under stress.
One of the causes of hypertension is stress. CBD oil is effective in relieving stress and anxiety, thus potentially lowering blood pressure levels.
Researchers agree CBD oil has a positive effect on heart health. But additional studies are needed to understand it completely.
Is CBD Oil Safe for High Blood Pressure?
Although CBD is generally considered safe, those who suffer from high blood pressure need to consult with their doctor first. CBD can sometimes interact with different medications, so visit your doctor first if you’re taking anything for hypertension.
Also, note that some people experience side effects after consuming CBD:
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Mood changes
What Kind of CBD Is Best For High Blood Pressure?
As mentioned, CBD comes in many forms. For blood pressure, it’s best to buy CBD oil or tincture. Namely, the oil has higher bioavailability, meaning it’s absorbed faster than other forms of CBD. You can also use CBD products that are taken sublingually, such as capsules.
CBD topicals usually target a specific area, which is why they won’t be as effective in this case.
CBD Oil: A Powerful Ally in Your Blood Pressure Battle
Although CBD oil can be effective in dealing with high blood pressure, it’s essential to understand it’s not a miracle cure. It can be used as an addition to your medications, but it can’t replace them.
If you decide to buy CBD oil, it’s of utmost importance you pay attention to its quality and origin. Purchase a product from an experienced and transparent company that has all the necessary certifications.