If your doctor has recently startled you with news that your blood pressure is higher than normal, you might be surfing the web in search of alternative remedies. CBD oil may have popped up here and there in your online research. So, what is it, and does CBD oil lower blood pressure?
CBD is a compound extracted from cannabis plants. Like THC, it is among about a hundred known cannabinoids — but unlike THC, it can’t get you high.
Mainly used in medicine, CBD offers a plethora of benefits and is available to users in the form of CBD-infused oil, among other things. It can help reduce pain and alleviate the side effects of cancer treatment. It can also reduce anxiety and depression, as well as improve the skin condition of people who have acne. Some studies have even shown that CBD oil can prevent diabetes and impede the spread of cancer.
It sounds a bit like a magic potion that cures all ailments, doesn’t it? But can we use CBD oil for blood pressure?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the most common health issues today. Everyday stress, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption are the factors that can lead to hypertension or aggravate an already existing condition. Untreated, hypertension leads to the hardening of arteries, stroke, and eye damage, among other problems. Therefore, it’s vital to treat it in a timely manner.
Recently, there’s been some evidence in favor of treating high blood pressure with CBD oil. So, can CBD oil lower blood pressure? Here’s what we know so far.
Does It Even Work?
In short — yes, it does. Research has shown that adding CBD oil to your diet can help lower high blood pressure before and after a stressful situation. It was found that, on average, CBD oil could lower blood pressure by 6/3mmHg. However, it is important to note that during this research, doses of CBD given to the test subjects were higher than usual.
Another research proved that CBD reduces blood pressure in subjects observed in various situations. Regardless of whether they were resting, going through stressful situations, or undergoing cold stress, the effects were generally the same — blood pressure became lower.
While further research is still needed, there is enough evidence to claim that CBD can — and does — lower blood pressure.
How Does CBD Oil Lower Blood Pressure?
CBD oil affects blood pressure in several ways.
First of all, it lowers stress and anxiety levels and reduces the consequences of sleep deprivation. This is important because all three are significant factors in increasing blood pressure. By ameliorating or removing some of these issues, CBD keeps the blood pressure at a normal level.
Furthermore, CBD is a natural vasodilator — a substance that makes it easier for blood to flow through the blood vessels in our body. It widens the vessels, which consequently lowers the blood pressure. It also prevents the damage that happens to the blood vessels as a result of increased pressure. Because its path is wider, the blood has more space, so it doesn’t have to press on the vessels as hard.
Finally, inflammation is another factor that increases blood pressure, and the usage of CBD oil successfully solves this issue as well. There is no clear consensus on whether inflammation causes high blood pressure or vice versa. Still, dealing with inflammation will probably help reduce hypertension.
Because of its calming effect and the vasodilating and anti-inflammatory properties, CBD is actually quite an effective way of dealing with high blood pressure.
Are There Any Side-Effects?
Research has found that CBD is safe to use, albeit with some limitations. First of all, the recommended duration of a CBD-enriched treatment is still up for debate. Second, there isn’t any consensus about the highest safe dosage per patient. Because of these restrictions, the application of CBD oil should be carefully monitored.
Using CBD oil can lead to a few potential side effects:
- lightheadedness or drowsiness
- irritability
- fatigue and low blood pressure
- nausea, upset stomach, or diarrhea.
To sum up, while CBD oil is generally assumed to be safe, make sure you don’t overuse it since it hasn’t been fully tested yet.
The Last Drop
So, does CBD oil lower blood pressure? Yes, it does. The research has proven that it affects the condition in a positive way, and it does so in several ways, which makes it even more effective. There are some potential side effects, which you can avoid if you take basic precautions and follow the advice of your doctor.
As is the case with nearly everything, there is a chance that CBD affects you differently, as it is possible to be allergic to it. Therefore, should you choose to try CBD oil as a means to lower your blood pressure, monitor your state closely, and call your doctor if you notice anything strange.