Can CBD Help Anxiety? What The Research Says?

Have you been struggling with anxiety for too long now? Do you want to find an alternative to all the therapies and painful treatments? Well, the wait is over. The emergence of CBD oil with its alluring health benefits has made people turn their heads towards trying it themselves. Cannabidiol oil is a type of cannabinoid, a chemical extracted from a cannabis plant. Research has given much credit to CBD oil as an effective alternative treatment for anxiety. Even though researchers are still finding more evidence to support their claim, CBD oil has been used by many people globally to overcome the distressing pain of anxiety and depression.

How CBD Oil Helps In Treating Anxiety 

The human body has many receptors that receive signals from different stimuli. CBD is said to interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is a vital aspect of healthy mental health. If your brain doesn’t have enough serotonin, you are likely to develop anxiety and depression. The standard treatment for these conditions is the intake of several drugs and medications prescribed by doctors. Some people have found relief in CBD oil for treating anxiety and depression. However, you must consult your doctor before you start taking CBD oil for several health complications.

Research And Evidence

Based on research and evidence, CBD oil has been listed to provide the following benefits –

CBD For General Anxiety

An article in Neuropsychopharmacology shows that CBD oil can effectively reduce anxiety and its related symptoms. Physiological symptoms like rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating improved with CBD oil. However, researchers are still digging deep, trying to prove the efficacy of CBD oil for anxiety and depression. The oil can produce more serotonin that helps decrease chances and symptoms of anxiety.

CBD For Other Forms Of Anxiety

CBD oil has been used to treat other forms of anxiety-like –

  • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Insomnia

  • Panic Disorder 

  • Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

In 2011, research revealed the effects of CBD on people suffering from SAD. The patients were given an oral dosage of 400 milligrams. They began to show decreased signs of anxiety. Studies also suggest that CBD oil has been found effective in relieving PTSD symptoms. Depression, which is correlated to anxiety, can be a cause of great suffering in patients. CBD oil has helped people with significant depressive symptoms and conditions.

CBD For Other Neurological Disorders

Researchers also suggested CBD as a form of neurological disorder treatment. However, not much evidence and studies have supported the claim. However, in 2016, it was found that CBD has antipsychotic effects in people who have schizophrenia. Besides, CBD has also been shown to have minimal side effects. 

Possible Side Effects

Just like many other drugs and medications, CBD oil too can have several side effects on people. Even though it is natural, you must be a bit careful when you suffer from the following side effects –

  • Diarrhea

  • Drowsiness

  • Fatigue 

  • Loss of appetite

FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not regulate the use of CBD oil for anxiety and other mental health conditions. One of the prime reasons for this is because CBD interacts with other medicines that you are taking. For example, if you are on blood thinners, you have to be very cautious before using CBD oil or any other drug for that matter.

How To Use CBD

CBD comes in a variety of forms, making it convenient and easy for patients to consume. Whether you are comfortable in capsules or wish to use the oil directly for quicker results, you have the choice of both. Research has found that 300-600 grams of CBD have been found helpful in treating anxiety and depression. Some of the CBD administration methods are –

  • Sublingual spray 

  • Oil

  • Capsules

  • Edibles

  • Ointment 

  • Cannabis flowers or vaporized oil

These methods vary in showing results. For example, oil can be found to be the most effective, and you can keep it below your tongue for better flow through the bloodstream. Next, you will find capsules and other oral methods to be effective that show results within 30 mins to 2 hours. If you wish to relieve symptoms as soon as you think you are beginning to have a panic attack, you can consume these capsules to alleviate your pain.

Conclusion

There has been an ever-growing research body that tries to find proof and evidence to support the use of CBD as an effective treatment. Since anxiety and related mental health complications have become widespread, CBD provides instant relief to overcome distressing situations. Since the FDA hasn’t approved the use of CBD oil to treat anxiety, you must find appropriate and adequate manufacturers and suppliers to get hold of the oil. Treat your body and mind the way it deserves by finding the best health treatments.

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