CBD Oil: Uses and Benefits for Seniors

The beauty of aging comes from the wisdom gained from years of experiences. You watch the world change and evolve around you; you are immersed in the rush of moving time. Living in an ever advancing world is wonderfully exciting, but years of stress and life can begin to weigh upon you. Everyone needs a little relief. 

Thankfully, modern science has paired with nature to create a convenient form of relief from stress and discomfort. Cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD, is an active ingredient in cannabis and an essential component of medical marijuana. However, CBD is often harvested from hemp rather than marijuana because it provides some relaxing effects without a high. After harvesting the hemp and extracting the cannabidiol from the plant, CBD can be turned into an oil. CBD oil has numerous uses and benefits for seniors that support wellness and improve the general quality of life.

Safety with CBD

For seniors safety is the most important concern when trying any new supplement, medicinal product, or treatment. Although naturally sourced from the hemp plant, CBD is effective and should be used thoughtfully. When taken with the proper knowledge and proper care, CBD oil can provide noticeable benefits for Seniors. However, with noticeable results comes noticeable changes to your body’s chemistry. Overusing CBD can cause mild effects like fatigue, irritability, or nausea. 

Overall, the World Health Organization reports that, “CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile. Reported adverse effects may be a result of drug-drug interactions between CBD and patients’ existing medications.” CBD can interact with certain medications, especially blood thinners, so keep an eye on your current prescriptions. When getting your next physical be sure to mention to your doctor that you are using CBD as it can affect some liver enzyme tests. The WHO also reports that although chemically associated with THC, “CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential”. As long as you keep your doctor informed you should be able to find relief in CBD with confidence. 

Forms and Functions of CBD Oil

When extracted and processed into an oil, CBD can come in many forms with their own applications. For example, CBD has the capability to be infused into a plethora of different consumable and applicable products. Some forms of CBD that can benefit seniors include extracts, capsules, topical lotions, tonics, and even patches. When extracted and reduced into a tincture or oil, CBD can be utilized in common drinks, creams, or even foods. Try CBD oil in your morning cup of coffee or in your last sip of chamomile tea before bed. 

Seniors looking to benefit from CBD oil have numerous options and avenues towards relief. If you feel uncomfortable with the idea of infusions, sprays, or vaporizers you can easily find options for topical application. The benefits of CBD oil for seniors come hand-in-hand with its malleability. A dose of CBD can be incorporated easily into any pain care regimen; taking CBD oil can be as efficient and unobtrusive as you allow. Aging adults who take medications regularly will be pleased to know that taking CBD oil is easy and accessible. 

Chronic Pain Relief

CBD relieves pain through its interaction with the endocannabinoid receptors in your body. The stimuli received by the tiny protein receptors attached to your cells cause the pain-relieving effects to occur. In a recent review of CBD’s relation to chronic pain relief, it was concluded that CBD was an effective way to manage minor to severe pain. This particular study overviewed a variety of pain responses from cancer pain to fibromyalgia. As we get older, life’s aches and pains begin to take their toll on our bodies. The pain relief gained from CBD oil can relieve some of this seemingly inescapable discomfort.

When applied to the skin a topical CBD treatment can be used by seniors to soothe the discomfort and inflammation that comes with ailments such as arthritis. A study conducted in 2016 concluded that there was noticeably reduced swelling in the affected rat’s joints. The study also revealed that after hitting a certain dosage threshold significant increases to CBD intake do not drastically alter results. While human trials are still needed, seniors can take solace in the potential benefits of CBD oil.

CBD can also be used to relieve the pain from more serious ailments. CBD oil is used by cancer patients to mitigate cancer pain as well as the discomfort caused by cancer treatments. The National Cancer Institute has even begun to discuss CBD as a method for diminishing some of the side effects of chemotherapy.

Mental Health

Even in the golden years of their life seniors can face stress, anxiety, and insomnia. The ghosts of experience can weigh on the mind. Especially in the dark of night when tucked into bed. Lists of responsibilities and values roll through your mind as you lie awake. Take care of the kids, pay the mortgage, take care of the grandkids, plan for retirement. Sometimes it can just feel like way too much to handle.

Thankfully, CBD has plenty of benefits for seniors that can help them sleep soundly through the night. In a 2019 study on CBD and its beneficial impact on sleep and anxiety, it was concluded that most of the subjects experienced some relief. CBD can benefit seniors by providing them with a great night’s sleep and a clear head the following morning.

While research on CBD oil is still gaining academic popularity, there have been a number of anecdotal and scientific discoveries that have been made so far. CBD is changing medicine as we know it. Seniors can definitely benefit both mentally and physically from CBD oil and other CBD products. Whether it’s chronic pain, insomnia, or even anxiety, CBD can help to alleviate the tension of a life well spent.