The potent anti-inflammatory properties of CBD oil make an excellent option for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
A digestive disorder characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, IBD is divided into two main types: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD is estimated to affect 61,000 Australians and is notoriously difficult to treat with no available cure at this time.
Although research looking at the benefits of CBD in this disorder is in its early stages, the findings are quite promising. In particular, studies show that CBD may help improve the symptoms of IBD and even help treat the underlying causes. Here’s what science has to say about using CBD oil for IBD.
How CBD Oil Can Help with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
The health benefits of CBD oil are primarily the result of its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This complex system helps maintain a healthy state of balance within our bodies, affecting everything from immunity to cognitive function.
In fact, it even plays an important role in healthy gut function, and dysfunction of the ECS has been linked to multiple digestive disorders, including IBD, IBS, and diverticulitis.
By supporting the ECS, CBD oil can help with many symptoms of IBD and reduce the inflammation and abnormal immune system function that underlies the condition.
Research Evidence
Human studies into the use of CBD oil for Inflammatory Bowel Disease have only just begun, but the findings are promising.
Most notably, a high-quality 2019 study compared the effects of CBD-rich cannabis extract with placebo in people with ulcerative colitis. The CBD treatment significantly improved symptoms and quality of life.
An even more promising study was presented by researchers at the 2018 United European Gastroenterology conference. Here, treatment with cannabis oil containing a four-to-one ratio of CBD to THC resulted in Crohn’s disease remission in 65% of the 46 study participants.
Furthermore, numerous animal studies have demonstrated similar benefits:
- A 2009 study found that CBD treatment protected mice from developing colitis
- A 2012 study reported that CBD improved colon inflammation in mice with colitis
- A 2016 study found that CBD improved colitis in mice, promoting wound healing in the colon
Aside from that, cannabinoids such as CBD can also help with IBD symptoms, including diarrhea and abdominal pain and cramps. For example, a 2011 study of IBD sufferers reported that they used cannabis to relieve abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating. Additionally, the pain-relieving effects of cannabinoids are widely supported.
Reviews that summarized the findings of multiple studies have come to similarly positive conclusions. One 2017 review of cannabis treatment for IBD concluded that “Cannabinoids could be helpful for certain symptoms of IBD.”
Meanwhile, a 2018 review looking at studies of CBD and other cannabinoids in colitis, concluding that the current evidence clearly demonstrates the anti-inflammatory benefits of cannabinoids in gut inflammation.
CBD Oil vs. Standard Medication
Standard treatment of IBD includes anti-inflammatory and immune system-suppressing drugs. Unfortunately, these products don’t work for everyone and come with a host of unwanted side effects, such as headaches, nausea, and loss of appetite.
It’s not surprising that many people turn to CBD oil as a natural alternative. Unlike prescription medication, CBD is a natural substance that’s shown remarkable safety in medical research and has only been associated with minor side effects.
In fact, CBD is so safe that the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded in their 2018 report that “CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile.”
Full-Spectrum CBD Oil: the Best Option for IBD
Australians in search of CBD hemp oil to help with IBD can choose from three main types of CBD products: pure CBD (isolate), broad-spectrum CBD, and full-spectrum CBD.
Although all three are beneficial, full-spectrum CBD is widely considered the most effective because it contains all of the cannabinoids (including <0.3% THC), terpenes, and other beneficial phytochemicals found in hemp. These natural compounds act together in synergy, producing greater effects than CBD on its own.
As such, it’s best to use a full-spectrum CBD oil for IBD or any other condition. You will not only get greater effects but also require smaller doses than other types of CBD.
One such full-spectrum CBD oil that’s available in Australia is Good Alternatives. This CBD tincture comes with third-party test results that confirm the presence of multiple cannabinoids, so you know you’re getting a high-quality, effective product.
