CBD Oil and Your Libido
The legalization and loosening of restrictions surrounding the use of cannabis and cannabis-related products have opened the door for a lot more scientific research to be done. Different studies have come out showing that the use of CBD products like CBD oil can help anxiety, stress and even body inflammation. Now some studies are even showing that CBD oil can help with underlying causes of erectile dysfunction (ED). Let’s look at what CBD oil is and how to use it for erectile dysfunction.
CBD Oil: What is It?
CBD is short for cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is a substance that can be found in and extracted from cannabis and hemp plants. While there are substances in cannabis, also known as marijuana, that have psychoactive or intoxicating effects, CBD is not one of those substances. This means that taking CBD will not get you high.
CBD oil has been shown to help with a lot of different ailments. Some of the CBD benefits are:
- Helping to reduce anxiety.
- Reducing feelings of stress.
- Helping to combat insomnia.
- Reducing inflammation in the body.
- Helping to manage chronic pain associated with conditions like arthritis, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis.
However, did you know that many of the ailments listed above are also underlying causes of erectile dysfunction?
CBD Oil for Erectile Dysfunction
While there isn’t any research out there to prove that CBD oil can cure erectile dysfunction, it can help with a lot of the underlying conditions that can cause ED. There can be both physical and mental conditions that lay beneath erectile dysfunction.
According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the physical conditions that can cause erectile dysfunction are:
- Heart disease.
- Clogged blood vessels.
- High cholesterol.
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Obesity.
- Metabolic syndrome.
- Parkinson's disease.
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Certain prescription medications.
- Tobacco use.
- Sleep disorders.
Psychological conditions that can cause erectile dysfunction are:
- Stress.
- Depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions.
- Relationship problems.
Fortunately, CBD can help to combat a lot of these underlying causes of ED, and taking it can help to improve your sex life. CBD has been shown to help lower blood pressure. Research in 2020 showed that CBD can help to improve blood flow and widen arteries.
While there have only been small studies completed surrounding CBD and Parkinson’s, a lot of the research is showing that CBD can be beneficial in alleviating symptoms of the disease. The FDA has even released CBD as a suitable treatment for Parkinson-related seizures.
Tobacco use is known to be a big cause of erectile dysfunction. In fact, men who smoke are twice as likely to develop erectile dysfunction because it can prevent proper circulation throughout the entire body. This includes preventing proper blood flow to the penis. Fortunately, as mentioned above CBD has been shown to increase blood flow in the body. It has also been shown to help curb cravings for cigarettes.
Finally, one of CBD's most prominent uses is its benefits for psychological conditions that often cause erectile dysfunction. These are conditions like stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia.
CBD interacts with what is known as the CB1 receptor in the brain which is linked to helping with serotonin regulation. Serotonin release helps to regulate mood and emotions and can help you to feel happier and calmer.
For ED causes like obesity, heart disease, obesity, cholesterol and clogged arteries, you are best to change your diet and speak with your doctor. These are areas where CBD will not help.
Amount of CBD to Take for Erectile Dysfunction
To benefit from CBD oil, it is important to make sure you are taking it correctly. CBD oil is best taken orally. It often comes in a tincture bottle that has a dropper inside that you can use to measure how much you’re taking.
It has been recommended to not take more than 1,500 milligrams in one day. Of course, this depends a lot on your body weight. The general rule of thumb is to take 1 to 6 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight. If you want to take a more potent dose, then you would take more milligrams. It’s best to start with a lower dose and increase as needed.
You should also note that CBD does not work in the way that a lot of drugs like prescription drugs do. It can take anywhere from one to six months of consistent use for someone to notice improvements to their situation depending on what they are using it for.