Over the last decade, an escalating number of people have started using CBD oil for anxiety and emotional trauma. CBD interfaces with the body’s systems, providing a calming effect.
To understand the effects and benefits of CBD oil for anxiety, it is essential to know more about anxiety.
Anxiety is a condition characterized by restlessness and excessive worry. It is significantly the most common, emotional, and behavioral problem that our society is dealing with. It fails us at managing the natural responses effectively, making patients dysfunctional.
The World Health Organization released a report in 2017, suggesting that nearly 264 million people are living with different types of anxiety disorders worldwide.
Regardless of the type of anxiety, you might be dealing with; cannabidiol can be helpful in the treatment of unpleasant symptoms.
Around the year 1500 in India, the first ever use of cannabis for anxiety relief was recorded.
Since then, the experts and biological professionals are busy in researching the effects of cannabinoids for a variety of treatments including anxiety and various brain diseases.
CBD Oil For Anxiety: Uncover The Solution
According to a recent survey by the “ADAA“, anxiety is the most common mental illness in America, affecting almost 18.1% of the adult population.
Although the symptoms are treatable, the costs of seeing a shrink and taking medication are something not everyone can afford, and thus, 63% of the patients go untreated.
The conventional treatment of seeing a shrink twice a month and getting expensive treatment is not an option for many due to the financial constraints.
Many medications that claim to be effective prove to be bogus when putting to the test. However, one relief that has gained immense popularity is the use of CBD oil. CBD oil has helped people tackle anxiety.
The Following Segmentation Allows A Better Understanding Of The Role Of CBD Oil For Anxiety
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol, commonly abbreviated as CBD, is one of the 104 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids extracted from the Cannabis sativa plant using various techniques. The most advanced technology is the CO2 extraction method.
CBD is then mixed with a carrier oil, MCT oil and made ready for commercialized selling.
Cannabidiol contains less than 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis. THC causes the sensation of getting high.
However, unlike THC, CBD does not affect the nervous system psychoactively. Thus, this quality makes CBD a captivating option for those suffering from anxiety and are looking for relief.
CBD cures a variety of ailments. The healing property of CBD is thus gaining momentum in the world of health and fitness.
Let’s discuss the effect of CBD oil on anxiety in detail, supported by the latest research and backed by scientific evidence.
What Causes Anxiety?
The best way to understand what causes anxiety disorder is to break it down into the two leading causes:
- Biological factors like imbalance of neurotransmitters (Brain chemicals).
- Environmental factors like stress, trauma or abuse.
Where a therapist may be the best option to cope with environmental factors, the biological factors always need medical intervention to cure the root cause of anxiety. All this leads to the invasion of CBD oil.
1) CBD As An Anxiolytic Drug
There is extensive clinical evidence to prove the effectiveness of CBD oils in the treatment of different types of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, PTSD and OCD.
The conclusive trials show that CBD helped tackle the root cause of anxiety.
The most reliable research studies in the United States, available for public use, are carried by the National Center for Biotechnology Information shortly referred to as NCBI.
Let’s take a look at what the NCBI has to say about the CBD oil and anxiety.
Anxiolytic role of CBD can be learned from the link given below.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/
2) CBD And 5-HT1A Agonist
CBD performs several actions in the brain, which explains how it can be useful in treating anxiety. It interacts with several receptors which are known for regulating fear and anxiety in humans, especially the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) and the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor.
5-HT1A, being the subtype of the serotonin receptor, is crucial because anxiety can be treated with medications that target the serotonin system.
The drug companies, therefore, develop selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs block the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain, thus increasing the availability of serotonin.
More serotonin signals are now transmitted by the brain, which helps to reduce anxiety and boost up the mood.
Impact of CBD on 5-HT1A can be learned from the link given below.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/
3) CBD And Hippocampal Neurogenesis
Hippocampus is a significant area of the brain and plays a crucial role in a variety of brain functions. The hippocampus helps in memory formation and cognition. Patients who are suffering from depression or anxiety show a smaller hippocampus while going through brain scans.
Birth of new neurons (neurogenesis) in the hippocampus leads to successful treatment of anxiety.
CBD thus helps the hippocampus to regenerate neurons, which is useful for treating anxiety.
A detailed explanation is given on the link provided below.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171
4) CBD And Endocannabinoids
Endocannabinoids (ECS) are cannabinoid receptors which have a direct effect on our memory, mood, drug addiction, energy balance, and brain reward systems. Cannabidiol (CBD) acts on the ECS system’s signals and enhances the functions of the receptors, thus making us feel more relaxed.
Further detail can be extracted from this link.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171
Due to these clinical acknowledgments of CBD, and testimonials from thousands of people who benefitted from it, CBD oils are now recognized as valid treatment and made available at licensed pharmacies in most of the US, Canada and most recently, the UK.
Doctor’s And Psychologist’s Reviews:
Doctor’s Name:
Dr. Daniel J. Clauw, MD
Notable Achievements:
- He is a Rheumatologist and Professor of Anesthesiology and Medicine.
- He is the Director of the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center at the University of Michigan.
- Until January 2009, he served as the first Associate Dean for Clinical and Translational Research within the University of Michigan Medical School.
- He is the PI (International Pharmacopeia) of the UM Clinical and Translational Sciences Award (CTSA).
Dr Daniel J. Clauw, MD, states that cannabis has been used informally for years to relieve anxiety. Earlier it was assumed that it was THC and its “high” factor that cured anxiety, but the latest research suggests that it is CBD alone, which has the fighting power against anxiety.
Dr Daniel J. Clauw adds that CBD exerts a calming effect on the brain with the exact mechanism still not well understood. He recommends CBD for patients without the use of THC.
Doctor’s Name:
Dr. David Allen
Notable Achievements:
- Dr. David Allen is a retired Cardiac Surgeon.
- He was awarded a varsity letter for his excellence in track and field while at UC Berkeley.
- Dr. Allen received degrees from the Hahnemann College of Homeopathy, the Hakomi Institute of Body-Centered Psychotherapy, the Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis. He has undertaken intensive studies in the various biological sciences.
- He founded La Jolla Clinic of Preventative Medicine.
- He was the Medical Director at the Center for Holistic Health in Solana Beach, California.
- He is a member of the International Cannabinoid Research Society (ICRS).
Dr David Allen states that the discovery of the endocannabinoid system is the most significant in the scientific world. The way CBD acts on the body’s ECS system is phenomenal. More people will be saved by manipulation of the ECS system than are currently saved by surgery and medications.
Psychologist’s Name:
Dr. Jessica Nicolosi
Notable Achievements:
- Dr. Jessica Nicolosi is a Clinical Psychologist.
- She is a graduate of Argosy University and has 14 years of practice experience.
- Since 2015, she is a member of the American Psychological Association.
Dr Jessica Nicolosi’s shares that many of her patients have reported about the calming and soothing effect of CBD along with lesser panic symptoms and mood swings. CBD has proved to be a good substitute for those who don’t want to use cannabis with THC effects.
Real-life Stories of Those Who Have Used CBD Oil For Anxiety
According to the report published in journal Neurotherapeutics in 2015, CBD promises the treatment of anxiety disorders. Clinical trials, experimental research, and epidemiological studies found the above evidence.
Moreover, human-based research stories on CBD and anxiety are transformative and miraculous. I am sharing just a few of them for your motivation.
Jennifer’s CBD Anxiety Story
Migraine! It happened again. Jennifer had constant headaches, which triggered migraines in most days. Her anxiety ramped up when two years back, her husband suffered quite a severe accident. After his accident, she became an all alone working person for the two of them.
Working in a high-stress job made it tougher for her. A constant positive and cheery mood was difficult to maintain, both at home and at work. She had become a full-time caregiver for her husband, but it was all she needed too. A month later, she realized that it was anxiety which she was going through.
Anxiety was corporeal. She was aware of the effort against every single breath she took. It brought her to knees every single day, and she cried for hours for no reason. She was forced to look up for something that could bring her back to her happy life-or at least back to normal.
Thankfully, with the help of a friend, she didn’t go for any pharmaceutical interventions but found a natural way out. She decided to go for CBD oil. It was transformative. She felt a noticeable difference in her behaviour and mood swings. The things which used to bother her were now easily tackled. She has improved her diet and has made exercise her routine. She gives a happier time to her husband now. CBD oil turned out to be a miracle for her. All thanks to CBD oil.
Jonathan’s CBD Anxiety Story
Jonathan sat alone on the corner of the bench while all his friends were enjoying themselves. The wave of paralyzing fear was retaking control of him. He felt like the weight of the world was lifted on him. He wasn’t living. He was merely existing. His anti-anxiety medications were failing, and there was no way out.
His inability to socialize was overcoming his existence. Everything from his health to personal life was suffering. That was until he happened to stumble upon a bottle of CBD oil at a gas station. He went home. Googled about it, out of curiosity, and what he found was surprising. There were people out there cured and rescued by CBD oil.
It was just two months that he observed apparent changes. His anxiety decreased, and his mood was elevated. His head was lighter than before. He was less frustrated and thwart. There was no urge to hide in the corner anymore. Importantly, he was drinking and hanging out with my friends. He was socializing. CBD oil works. It calms him down and helps him think clearly. Things are no longer painful. He is back to his routine, and it does make a difference. He would highly recommend it to people suffering from anxiety.
Nichole’s CBD Anxiety Story
Nichole Richter found CBD oil to be the ultimate answer, anxiety being the root cause for all her problems.
“She always seemed to have a new worry. Her anxiety was so constant that she lost two stones. She would sit in her room all day without interacting with anyone. Her brain tended to stress on things that were beyond her control. Her anxiety, at times, made her feel crippled and immobilize.” Her current symptoms were life taking.
She had seen therapists and psychologists for her anxiety related issues, but never did she use a medical prescription. Her aunt, who used Cannabidiol oil for arthritis, suggested her using it for her anxiety. She could not tolerate this depression anymore, so she googled in detail about CBD oil as a solution to her misery.
Just three months and the magic is evident.
Cannabidiol oil occurred as a natural therapy for her. It has worked to help her without a doubt.
She feels her anxiety melting away with time. Her heart has stopped pounding and her mind racing. She has started taking her meals on time. Her brain is now relaxed, and her body is at ease. She can now sleep genuinely well.
The higher the dosage, the more the healing power of CBD oil. She has been taking it twice a day ever since, and it is working supernaturally well. So before going towards expensive medical options that have so many side effects, try using CBD oil.
CBD Oil Risks
Research on cannabidiol has found that it has a few or no side effects. However, when smoked, it may have some side effects. Some states in the United States have legalized CBD oil with other states still considering. CBD oil is not on the list of Controlled Substances Act (CSA), so before using it, a person should consult a doctor. This suggests that CBD oil is a good option to go with for someone suffering from anxiety.
How Much Should You Take?
It is essential to educate people on the right amount of CBD oil to be taken for the maximum possible benefit. It is suggested to start with a lower dosage and then slowing increasing the dosage. For the daily users, 10mg and 20mg are enough to provide relief. However, some people find comfort in as little as 1-3mg per day.
In case of any medications, consulting the prescribed doctor is a good option. Most patients take a dose in the morning, followed by another 12 hours later in the evening.
Which Type of CBD Good for Treating Anxiety?
Ground-breaking research suggests that the synergistic effect of the whole plant cannabis extract is significant, found in the full spectrum CBD oil.
Full spectrum CBD means that it contains all the other cannabinoids including CBN (Cannabinol), CBG (Cannabigerol), and THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) which is more effective as compared to Isolate CBD.
As it contains a relatively smaller amount of THC. However, it does include tiny and regulated amounts of THC (to a maximum of 0.3%)) which is legal and does not get you high.
The Final Afterword
With the passage of the 2018 farm bill in the US and the full legalization of industrial hemp, CBD oil has surged in popularity.
CBD oil plays a significant role in treating anxiety by attaching to receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system, thus regulating certain functions including stress control, anxiety, and sleep.
Cannabidiol is the next big thing for the anxiety treatments with the least side effects to offer.
CBD oil is a natural therapy and should be used as part of our healthy lifestyle.
Looking to buy best CBD oil for anxiety, read this article.
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