CBD OIL AND ANXIETY DISORDERS
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid that occurs naturally in cannabis plants (marijuana and hemp). Research and experience on the ability of CBD oil to relieve anxiety are very promising. In contrast to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not induce the high, which many associate with cannabis. Learn more about the effects of CBD oil on anxiety and whether it could help you manage anxiety in this article.
CBD is helping people deal with fear and anxiety better
In recent years, CBD oil has become a widely used anti-anxiety remedy. While some take CBD oil for a mild headache, others use it for more serious illnesses such as generalized anxiety disorders.
Unfortunately, marijuana still bears a negative mark on many (medical professionals). However, countless studies have shown that the product is stereotyped, and many countries are moving towards the legalization of the product. Therefore, many patients take their luck into their own hands and resort to legal CBD.
To understand the effects and health benefits of cannabidiol and medicinal cannabis, we will examine how these agents affect our brains, and therefore our bodies. We will clear up common misunderstandings about CBD, show you in which shops you can find the right products, how to use them, and how they can help with anxiety.
So, the thesis we are considering today is as follows:
“CBD works in an anxiety disorder similar to antidepressants or anxiolytics, but has no significant side effects.”
To this end, we are examining relevant scientific papers, empirical values, and a brand-new clinical study on anxiety disorder.
The five types of anxiety disorders and their symptoms
From social anxiety and panic disorder to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and agoraphobia, fear comes in many shapes and sizes. As a rule, there are five similar but sometimes fundamentally different types of anxiety problems.
Generalized anxiety disorder:
- Cold, clammy hands
- Dry mouth
- Lump feeling in the throat
- Muscle tension
- Nausea
- Racing heart
- Restlessness
- Sweat
- Tremble
Social Anxiety Disorder:
- Asserting oneself in a dispute
- Eating in a restaurant
- Go to a government agency or a doctor
- Meeting for an appointment
- Recite a poem
- Sing a song in front of others
- Speak to a stranger
- Speak to a supervisor
- Take an exam
- To call someone
- To hold a conversation
Panic disorder:
- Crowds
- Flying in an airplane
- Go by bus, train, or car
- Public places
- Standing in line
- To be far from home
- To get in an elevator
- Travel alone
Post-traumatic stress disorder:
- Avoidance, suppression, and forgetting of what is happening
- Constant remembering and reliving the trauma (intrusions and flashbacks)
- Nervousness, anxiety, and irritability
- The waning of feelings and interests
Phobias:
It includes fear of animals (cats, dogs & mice would be classic) or insects such as wasps, spiders, height phobia, and fear of blood, injuries, and often syringes. Women are more likely to suffer from such phobias than men. 75% to 90% of patients with animal phobias and 55% to 70% of patients with phobias of blood or injury are female.
Anxiety disorders – A Widespread Disease
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 40 million people suffer from anxiety disorders in the US. It means that anxiety disorders are the second most common mental illness after depression.
Anxiety disorders are by far the most common mental illness in the United States, with anxiety disorders affecting more than 18 percent of the population each year, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
The pharmaceutical industry is meeting this growing demand in its own way. So antidepressants are established on the market that promises a great relief of anxiety symptoms. However, they are not free from side effects.
So, although anxiety disorders are usually treated with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both, many people forego these standard approaches and help themselves with cannabis products like CBD oil:
According to a survey published in 2018 in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, nearly 62% of cannabidiol users said they used CBD to treat a disease, the most common being pain, anxiety, and depression.
CBD as an alternative hope for patients
Many people who suffer from anxiety, depression, or panic attacks are tired of treating their symptoms with antidepressants. In some cases, serious side effects and states of dependency slowly but surely burn out the patients. With the rise of the CBD hype, understandably, a new spark of hope arose that cannabidiol was an effective, alternative anti-anxiety substance.
CBD liquid, drops, or capsules are CBD products. Other cannabinoids (CBG, CBN, THC) from the cannabis or hemp plant are effective recommendations. What effect can be expected? Does CBD relieve anxiety?
One thing is certain: conventional medicine has so far paid little attention to the cannabis plant and cannabidiol/CBD in particular. On the contrary, a therapist usually acts as he learned in his initial training and takes a conservative and fact-based approach. Rightly so - because an anxiety disorder can turn life into a permanent horror for patients. Using CBD oil is also among the best-known ways to avoid anxiety issues.
How could CBD oil help with anxiety?
Did you know that the human body has a built-in system specially designed to process cannabinoids? It is known as “the endocannabinoid system” and plays an important role in homeostasis – the body’s ability to maintain a healthy internal balance. This system is closely connected to our nervous system. But the fascinating part is that this connection can have a real impact on the brain receptors that are involved in the body’s response to anxiety.
While the research is still very preliminary, CBD is believed to alleviate anxiety by helping the body process serotonin, a hormone and neurotransmitter that regulate emotions. The process by which this happens is believed to be similar to that of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of anxiety and depression drugs. Similarly, a 2019 study found that CBD improved 5-HT1A transmission in rats and reduced “fear-like behavior”. It is now up to the researchers to test this finding on humans.
CBD oil for Anxiety: Experiences
CBD oil seems to have a lot of positive anxiety-related reactions. Users report that taking it makes them feel more relaxed and less anxious. In addition, significantly fewer side effects are reported than with conventional drugs.
It cannot yet be predicted which positive effects will occur after ingestion and whether fears can actually be adequately combated. Accordingly, every anxiety patient has to find out whether CBD oil is helpful for him.
Interesting studies on CBD for Anxiety
As a rational, cautious consumer, you are right to wonder what researchers have to say about using CBD oil for anxiety. For a scientific article published in the journal Neurotherapeutics in 2015, scientists analyzed previous research and found that CBD oil showed promise in the acute conditions, such as:
- Generalized anxiety disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Social anxiety disorders
How Do I Take CBD Correctly?
Start by taking the dropper and placing the CBD oil under your tongue – this is known as sublingual ingestion. Let it sit for a few seconds to get into your bloodstream before swallowing it.
Should I take CBD or give a permanent dose for acute attacks of anxiety? The same applies here: try it out and feel it. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, but the effects of CBD seem to unfold best when taken continuously.
Suitable cannabis products for anxiety
Because more and more companies are establishing themselves on the market in the US that offer CBD oil and CBD products. in case of fear, it is difficult to make an informed choice.
We have had extremely good experiences with the Blue Bird, Crested River, and My Insomnia Fix CBD oils with regard to CBD against anxiety disorders. On the basis of countless positive reviews from the community, in our opinion, you can make a well-founded recommendation for these CBD products.
Our tip: start with a small dose to test how the corresponding product works for you personally.
What drugs help with panic attacks?
Let your doctor advise you. Natural remedies include avoiding prolonged tension, exercising, getting enough sleep and eating smaller meals on a regular basis.
What can you do about panic attacks?
Natural remedies include avoiding constant tension (stress), exercising (running, cycling), getting a good night’s sleep, and eating regular healthy meals. CBD is also an excellent natural remedy and has a calming effect. If panic attacks happen often, seek advice from a doctor.
Which herbs help against anxiety?
The consumption of valerian, lemon balm, chamomile, hops and lavender help against anxiety and has a calming effect. Other natural products (e.g. CBD) can also relieve anxiety.
Which CBD Oil is Best?
There are many manufacturers of CBD oil. When it comes to cannabis, you should only obtain your products from certified manufacturers – mainly due to legal reasons. Unfortunately, it happens again and again that imitations are sold on the Internet. With Crested River, you can read the CBD test report with all its properties without hesitation and get an idea for yourself.