CBD for Anxiety and Depression Relief, what it is (CBD), how it works, and how to use it
CBD is a compound which is gaining popularity in today’s world. It is a natural substance with the tremendous positive impact on people’s life.
Many people believe that CBD does not have any benefits and marijuana is only meant for getting stoned or high.
With time, researchers claimed that it is a miracle compound which helps in treating anxiety, pain, and depression.
Anxiety related disorders are prevalent in today’s world affecting around 40 million adults alone in US population.
What does it mean by CBD oil?
CBD or cannabidiol is termed as the active cannabinoids present in the Cannabis plant. It comprises around 40% of the total dynamicphytocannabinoid content.
CBD oil has high amounts of CBD with low levels of THCÂ which prevents an individual from getting high. CBD in its purest form is non-psychoactive and offers you with a wide array of medical benefits.
Effects and benefits of CBD
The CBD oil effects the body by binding to the cannabinoid receptors which are present all over the body which includes the digestive tract and skin.
CBD oil also serves as a 5-HT1 receptor agonist which means it helps in relieving anxiety and depression by playing an essential role in serotonin pathways.
The CBD oil also influences the endocannabinoid system which aids in treating pain perception, inflammation, improves the immune system, memory, mood, appetite, and sleep.
The perfect advantage of CBD oil is that it helped in treating patients who suffered from seizures.
CBD oil has proven itself as a clear winner for treating anxiety and depression, serving as a therapeutic agent.
How to use CBD oil for anxiety and depression?
First, what is anxiety? It is defined as a feeling of being anxious before any stressful situation.
You can utilize any of the two ways to supplement CBD oil for the treatment of depression and anxiety.
You can either consume the purest form of CBD oil which has no THC or you can take CBD oil which has both CBD and THC to enjoy the benefits of both the chemical compounds.
CBD oil is considered as legal if it has no THC component and is non-psychoactive in nature.
Individuals with the disturbed mental state cannot use CBD oil with THC as it has a negative impact on their brain.
CBD oil is well tolerated, safe and beneficial for individuals who need treatment for anxiety-related disorders which include:
- OCD or Obsessive-compulsive Disorder
- Panic disorder
- Social Phobia
- PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder
- GAD or Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Mild to Moderate levels of depression.
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How does CBD oil help in relieving anxiety?
The CBD cannabinoid binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain. These receptors are the type of small proteins which are attached to the cells and receive the signals from all sorts of stimuli allowing the cells to respond.
These receptors alter the serotonin signals which play an essential role in maintaining the mental health.
Studies have revealed that low serotonin levels are responsible for depression and anxiety.
CBD oil serves as an alternative for individuals who do not want to take prescription drugs example SSRIs,i.e., Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors for treating anxiety disorders.
CBD oil also serves as 5-HT1A agonist where it acts on the 5HT1-A receptor which has an impact on depression and anxiety targeting the serotonin system.
CBD oil serves as an alternative to SSRIs and blocks the reabsorption of Serotonin within the brain leading to the increased availability of this chemical inside the synaptic space.
This availability of Serotonin allows the reduction of anxiety and uplifts mood.
According to the research, our body has endocannabinoid system where the CBD oil acts on these receptors and lead to the increased functioning of receptors along with blood flow to the brain. These effects result in fighting anxiety and depression.
How to determine the correct dosage of CBD oil for anxiety?
Follow the two fundamental rules according to the anxiety disorder and body type.
The first key is to start with a small dosage and the second tip is to maintain that dose for few days to achieve the desired effects.
With time, gradually increase the dose and ensure that you avoid overdosing. Find out the best treatment that works well for you and don’t rely on specific information on dosage.
It is better to start with a small dose,i.e., 40 mg each day to begin the treatment.
You can start with CBD oil in the recommended pattern:
- During week one drink three drops in the morning and other three at lunch along with six drops before you sleep.
- During week 2 have five drops each in the morning and at lunch with ten drops before you sleep.
- During week 3 have seven drops in the morning and seven drops at lunch while 15 drops at night before you sleep.
- Follow the same pattern as week three during week 4 and week 5.
How to prepare CBD oil for treating anxiety?
There are three different methods:
- CO2 METHOD:Â In this method, CO2 is passed through the plant at low temperature and high pressure to extract the purest form of CBD oil.
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CARRIER OIL OR OIL EXTRACTION METHOD:Â It is considered as one of the well-known methods in which the carrier oil such as Olive oil is used.
However, if you are using this technique prepare small amounts of CBD oil as the carrier oils offer a short half-life. - SOLVENT EXTRACTION METHOD:Â In this method, CBD Oils extracted with the help of alcohol or other solvents. It is one of the cheapest and the dangerous techniques.
Research and Evidences
A study was conducted in 2011, where ten people had social anxiety disorder, and these people never received treatment.
They were served with placebo and some with 400mg CBD. The study showed that participants who were treated with CBD oil successfully improved the anxiety symptoms.
The blood flows to different areas of the brain during the consumption of CBD oil which acts as an anxiolytic agent.
In 2015, the studies concluded that CBD Oil serves as a promising treatment for multiple anxiety-related disorders. However, long-term use is limited as it might lead to side effects.
In 2016, research was conducted on a child where CBD oil proved to treat the post-traumatic stress disorder and relieved the anxiety issues in the child which allowed him to sleep well.
Studies suggest that CBD and THC affect specific receptors in Amygdala which is a part of the brain, engaged in fight or flight response.
If you take CBD, the part of the brain becomes less excitable leading to a reduced response to anxiety and stress.
Many individuals who have PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder have also found relief in their symptoms by the use of CBD oil.
Are there side effects of CBDÂ oil?
CBD oil inhibits the activity of liver enzymes example Cytochrome P450 and hepatic drug metabolism.
Other side effects also include fatigue, stomach ache, and dizziness. It also results in the dry mouth along with sleeping issues.
However, most of the studies show that CBD oil results in few or none side effects. It is considered non-toxic and safe for humans.
CBD oil might result in withdrawal symptoms which include:
Dizziness, irritability, fogginess, and nausea.
Conclusion
CBD oil is perfect for help in treating the health problems example anxiety, stress, depression or digestive issues.
It works well for almost all the medical conditions. CBD oil plays a significant role in treating the social anxiety disorders and serves as a perfect alternative to pharmaceutical drugs without any severe side effects for short-term treatment.
The most important thing while buying CBD is to check that it is a high-quality brand as there is much spam in the CBD oil marketplace.
While you are using CBD oil for relieving anxiety, maintain a healthy lifestyle where you need to consume healthy foods, exercise regularly and have a perfect night sleep with regular sleep patterns.
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