Exploring Ways CBD Oil Can Help Cancer Patients

There has been plenty of news surrounding the potential role that CBD hemp oil can play in alleviating the negative side effects of cancer treatment and even possibly treating cancer itself.

And with continued research, the evidence is mounting — despite the continued cloud of controversy that continues to surround the use of CBD hemp oil in the medical field.

Particularly, cannabidiol, also known as CBD oil, is showing incredible promise in the realm of cancer care. CBD is a cannabinoid derived from a hemp plant. It is a powerful antioxidant that has also been linked to neurological protection.

This cannabinoid works naturally with the endocannabinoid system of the body that regulates several bodily functions, including appetite, sleep, immune function, pain and more.  

CBD offers all the medicinal benefits of the cannabis plant, such as hemp without the "high" induced by THC (short for tetrahydrocannabinol, another cannabinoid).

For this reason, the benefits of CBD are among the latest and most promising breakthroughs in the health and wellness field, including in the study of cancer.

The question is, how exactly can cancer patients benefit from its use?

Nausea and Digestive Discomfort

Among the most common side effects of chemotherapy are nausea, vomiting, suppressed appetite and digestive upset. As chemotherapy agents circulate throughout the blood, the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) in the brain reacts to these chemicals triggering feelings of nausea. With every round of chemotherapy comes another bout of nausea and vomiting that can make the treatment feel just as bad as the disease itself.

Studies have shown that CBD products can help to alleviate these uncomfortable feelings. With as little as two to three drops taken under the tongue every day, CBD oil can reduce these symptoms. And since CBD is a naturally-derived substance with no chemical properties, patients can experiment with doses to see what is the most effective without the fear of overdosing.

Managing Pain With CBD

Many cancer patients experience pain associated with tumors pressing against nerves, bones, and organs. Others experience pain as a result of the actual chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Chemotherapy has been known to cause tingling and numbness, and radiation can cause burns across the body as a result of beams aimed at areas where cancer cells are located.

CBD oil has been shown to help reduce chronic pain and inflammation in various types of cancers by targeting receptors in the brain. It can be used in the form of both oil and topical lotions. CBD-infused topical products can be used to reduce muscle and joint pain, as well as alleviate discomfort felt as a result of radiation-induced burns.

Restful Sleep With Help From Cannabidiol

All the treatments and medicines used to fight cancer along with the thought of battling the disease itself can certainly interrupt healthy sleeping patterns. A good night’s sleep is crucial for patients who need as much energy as possible to combat cancer. Quality sleep gives the body a chance to recoup and rejuvenate. Without it, the body can become increasingly stressed. This can hinder its ability to fight the disease.

While cancer patients may be prescribed psychotropic medication to help with their sleep, CBD cannabidiol oil can provide the same benefits without the chemical side effects. CBD oil has been shown to regulate homeostasis in the body which allows the body to experience more restful sleep. Studies have shown that CBD oil can reduce sleep disruption in cancer patients, making it a great alternative to adding more pharmaceuticals to cancer treatment and alleviating its side effects.

Anxiety and Depression

Being diagnosed with cancer is a highly stressful event as is the treatment process itself. It's no wonder that cancer patients commonly suffer from anxiety as well as depression.

CBD oil can help reduce anxiety in cancer patients and even boost their overall mental state. It has been shown to provide excellent results in cancer patients when used instead of anti-anxiety and antidepressant drugs, especially when paired with counseling. It takes effect rather quickly in comparison to conventional medication. This means patients can experience the calming and mood elevating effects shortly after taking CBD oil.

CBD hemp oil has already been linked to the alleviation of symptoms from a number of medical and health issues that includes epilepsy, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. Now, cancer can be added to the mix of diseases that CBD may be able to help alleviate.

Patients are encouraged to consult with their doctors before incorporating a new product into the diet or treatment program. But once CBD is approved to be added, there are plenty of benefits that cancer patients can take advantage of when incorporating CBD oil in their overall cancer treatment.

By adding CBD to the regular treatment protocol, cancer patients may find the relief that they so desperately seek from the uncomfortable side effects of cancer and the medicines used to treat it.

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