As CBD products grow in popularity so does the association with CBD helping with anxiety. Most people find themselves under stress every day. From living situations, relationships, to financial worries which can be overwhelming for us all. Now that cannabis laws are changing in the UK people are looking to CBD as a natural remedy due to its curative properties.
People with anxiety have said that CBD has helped release the symptoms normally associated with the disorder. But is it all true or are you buying into a new trend? We will uncover the benefits of CBD oil for anxiety and if it’s a reasonable option for treatment.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a organic compound found in the cannabis and hemp plant. However, unlike its famous counterpart Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not leave you feeling “high” when consumed, as it’s used for it therapeutic properties. There are over 100 cannabidiols that can be found in the cannabis plant and unlike many other cannabinoids, CBD does not have psychoactive properties like THC does.
For CBD to be legal in the UK there must be a limit of 0.3% or less of THC in any given product.
CBD was first researched in 1942 when scientists found it difficult to complete research on the
benefits of CBD. Since then there has been a lot of research to uncover how CBD oil can help with anxiety and what it can do to help the world.
What is anxiety and can CBD be the answer?
To help Treat anxiety first we must understand what it is. If you’re feeling like you are suffering with anxiety, it is important to see your doctor to get the best possible advice for treatment as they are the professionals.
What is anxiety?
For many people anxiety is a feeling of unease, endless worrying or an overbearing fear, that can be light or severe.
When anxiety is amplified it can lead to panic attacks or an anxiety attack. Too often during these attacks it can manifests into the body, causing increase in heart rate and breathing, chest pain or palpitations which can get out of control depending on the situation. These can last up to anything from 5 minutes, to some cases being an hour long, however these aren’t common.
Throughout life people do feel anxiety at some point, whether that be before a job interview, having a medical test, or being in social environments. However, if you’re only lightly experiencing these feelings they can be kept under control, so you don’t have to worry as it is natural.
How anxiety is normally treated?
There are many different treatments for anxiety, however not one size fits all. Here are a few examples of normal treatment.
Medication
Antidepressants are the normal treatment for anxiety given by Health professionals worldwide, as they are helping millions cope with everyday life. However, they do not cure the issue and may cause other side effects.
MeditationAs we’ve covered, anxiety affects your breathing. So, practicing meditation can help overcome the shortness of breath and rise in heart rate. Through meditation you close your eyes and take deep breaths which in turn lowers your heart rate, leaving you feeling relaxed and at peace. The great thing about it is that you can do it anywhere!
Therapy There are many different options for therapy available which some people find it works and others don’t. Some methods try get to the root of the problem where as others try treat the issue there and then. Therapy is a good option for treatment when you find the correct therapist that fits you.
CBD Most people don’t like to take medication as there are many side effects, therefore people are turning to natural remedies like CBD.
Our body has a system called the endocannabinoid (ECS) which cannabinoids (CBD) are able to interact with. The ECS influences a wide range of functions, from mental disorders to metabolic.
In essence CBD stimulates the endocannabinoid system to create its own cannabinoids and bring your body back to tranquillity.
What proof do we have that CBD actually works for anxiety?
CBD products have become known as an anti-anxiety supplement and there is plenty of research to back it up. With many clinical trials on humans already underway, however there is currently enough proof (
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/) of the benefits for:
- Generalised anxiety disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Social anxiety disorder
The link above is one of the countless studies that have been implemented. We strongly advice all readers who want to take CBD oil to carry out their own research.
Are there any side effects of taking CBD?
CBD is considered to be very low risk. It is not addictive and very high doses have seen a very slight effect on the liver. There have been no cases of any serious health damage when taking CBD. But when taking anything you should always be vigilant.
If you are taking any medication already it is advised to see your doctor before taking CBD.
Here are some of the side effects which some people have noticed that are most common:
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Changes in hunger
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Changes in mood
Pregnant woman should stay away from CBD as there isn’t enough research been done into the effects it will have on them.
What ways can you use CBD for anxiety?
If you’ve been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder you should always talk to your doctor about treatment options for you. CBD is one of many ways of treatment.
However, if you’d like to use CBD for your anxiety there are a wide range of different options for you to choose from. There is:
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CBD oil tinctures. These are the most common way for treatment. You simply put a couple drops under your tongue and wait a 30 second to 2 minutes then swallow. By using this method it’s a lot faster absorption rate, as the tissue under your tongue has a thin membrane that can enter your bloodstream delivering it straight to the body.
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CBD oil capsules. These bring CBD into your body via your stomach. People find these easy and convenient to use, however they can take longer to absorb into the body.
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CBD e-liquid and vape. Vaping is the most efficient way to take CBD as they effects can last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours. Numerous people have said that it eases stress and anxiety as well as pain relief.
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CBD edibles. There has been a growing popularity as edibles such as brownies, cookies and gummies which have been a tasteful way to enjoy CBD. Once again, they do take longer to absorb into the body.
What is the right dosage to treat my anxiety?
As research is still being conducted and in early stages, CBD experts always recommend starting off on a smaller dosage and working your way up from there. As your tolerance goes up so will the dosage.
If you take too small of a dose you won’t get the benefits, too great of a dose and you may experience some of the side effects. For most people the benefits exceed the risks.
Conclusion
In early days of research, the signs are looking positive, but time will tell when further research is still needed to see if CBD oil can cure anxiety.
However, there are many benefits to taking CBD and there’s also some evidence that CBD can be helpful in treating other psychological conditions, such as PTSD and OCD. Clinical studies coupled with testimonials from users have shown us that there is real weight supporting the popularity.
If you decide to use CBD oil for anxiety, we strongly advice you speak to a doctor first. They are the professionals and will give you expert insight on whether you should try it or not.
You can help relieve your anxiety without 1,000mg CBD Oil:
