Hypertension or high blood pressure is a serious condition that currently affects thousands of adults in America. Around 1 in 5 of adults suffer from blood pressure worldwide. It may seem like this condition isn’t as fatal when compared to cancer, epilepsy.
However, high blood pressure has been called as the silent killer and it has claimed several lives as it manifests in the form of heart attacks and strokes in the patients. It is a condition that should be taken seriously by one and all for us to avoid the fatal consequences it brings forth.
Although there are several conventional medications that could be used to treat high blood pressure, however, they do pose a certain threat to the body and in long term use have shown that their side effects outweigh its benefits.
[Also Read: Natural Ways to Reduce Blood Pressure]
Does CBD Oil Lower Blood Pressure?
Cannabis has been used since centuries and has also been engraved in several mythoi across the globe. People now enjoy its medicinal benefits in the form of THC and CBD, both of which are currently experiencing a renaissance in the West.
Although there has been some ambiguity about the potential use of THC, however, CBD oil is the one that has gained cult status for its non-psychotropic ability and medicinal values to treat a vast range of medical conditions.
Scientific research has conclusively pointed out that one dose of CBD oil has the potential to reduce blood pressure. It has been noted that this oil reduces the systolic pressure(1), that is the pressure in the arteries when the heart pumps the blood.
CBD as a compound integrates itself into the body’s endocannabinoid system that comprises receptors such as the ones present in the skin, the central nervous system, and the bones.
A person who has CBD in their system has lowered skin blood flow, stroke volume, and heart rate and this, in turn, reduces the blood pressure. Additionally, this oil’s ability to lower blood pressure is directly connected to lowered stress and anxiety.
[Also Read: Essential Oils for Blood Pressure]
How to Use CBD Oil for High Blood Pressure
There are several methods one could employ to use CBD oil for high blood pressure.
One of the easiest and most effective ways would be direct inhalation of this oil directly from the container. Taking a whiff could potentially help you reduce your blood pressure. You could do this two to three times a day.
Alternatively, you could add around 2-3 ml of this oil in your humidifier and place it in your bedroom/living room whilst your sleeping or doing any other activities. Having it diffused happens to have a long term effect that could last a whole day and as it doesn’t have any psychotropic effects it could be inhaled without any problem.
Another effective way would be to use this as a massage oil and you could rub it on your temples and your forehead for prolonged exposure to this oil and to its benefits. It is to be noted that you have to mix with a carrier oil such as coconut oil, hemp seed oil to increase its potency and absorption levels.
You could also CBD supplements that are easily available in any pharmacy nearest to you. However, it is advised that before you use them to consult with your doctor.
[Also Read: Benefits of CBD Oil]
Dosage for CBD Oil
CBD oil is available in several forms ranging from capsules, tinctures, drops, gummies to oral sprays. Whilst used in its oil form it is recommended that you mix with a carrier oil such as olive oil, hemp seed oil or coconut oil to increase the level of absorption.
There have been several clinical studies that have proven that blood pressure(2) is reduced by an average of 6mmHg when taking these supplements. As a generalized dose, it has been accepted that people suffering from high blood pressure would need up to 600mg of CBD.
It is also advised for someone to achieve the best outcome, the patient should strictly adhere to the dose ensuring the interaction of the drug with the body. However, it is advised not to take high doses when suffering from lowered blood pressure.
Several doctors and clinicians highly recommend using CBD oil that has been third-party tested and is FDA approved.
Difference Between THC and CBD
Firstly to elucidate on these terms; THC is tetrahydrocannabinol and CBD is cannabidiol. Although CBD and THC are both compounds that are extracted from the cannabis plant, both of these compounds act differently on the body.
THC has been illegal for several years while CBD is legal in many countries and due to the upsurge of its medical benefits, even THC has been legalized across several countries.
CBD is a non-psychotropic compound that is it comes without the paranoia, euphoria, and hallucinations. Additionally, CBD retains the medicinal benefits and omits these side effects that are present in THC.
Side Effects of CBD Oil
As every good thing has some cons, this doesn’t exempt CBD oil. It has some side effects given that it contains some traces of THC. Generally, around 0.3 percent of THC is present in CBD oil. This may cause anxiety, dizziness, mood swings, panic attacks, and lightheadedness.
Some of these side effects may prove to be a little too much for patients. Hence it is strongly advised that you should get a physician’s prescription instead of administering self-treatment.
Also, it is advised that pregnant women and nursing mothers avoid this medication as it may affect the placental barrier by increasing the permeability, causing the fetus to be exposed to toxic substances. However, there is not enough sufficient medical backing to this.
CBD oil has seen a high success rate in patients who have used to treat their high blood pressure. However, it is advised that one performs their own research on what form of CBD would suit them best. In this ever-advancing society, high blood pressure has become the norm.
CBD oil for blood pressure is the most effective and non-damaging way to treat the symptoms of high blood pressure and this gives patients more of a choice with regards to moving forward with the treatment.
