CBD has been considered a potential treatment for anxiety and stress and is most known for also having great health benefits. Companies are marketing it purely as natural medicine sans side effects. But is all this buzz true? As you set out on this journey, its important that you sift through the – scientific studies – anecdotal evidence – the ever-emergent landscape of CBD products. So lets ask ourselves, how is it possible to extract truth from a sea of fallacies and marketing?
Understanding CBD: A Brief Overview
CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is an intriguing newcomer. Ever since it came onto the market, professionals and patients alike have gotten it’s attention for an array of reasons. Most claim that it helps with solving variety of problems ranging from anxiety to pain. The source is hemp, a plant very similar to marijuana. CBD contains no THC, so will not make you high.
In the different states of the US purchasing CBD is legal and it comes in various forms including but not limited to oils, edibles, and topical creams.
Don’t rush into trying out CBD. Make sure to do some homework, as it may vary for everyone.
Effects of CBD
You may have heard a lot of positive accounts about CBD. However, it is its science that explains it in more depth.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the many active compounds in the cannabis plant. It affects the body’s endocannabinoid system, which takes care of the most important functions such as feeling, sleeping or even responding to stress. CBD use can be beneficial to these functions with proper use.
Reasons for Stress and Anxiety
While the peaks and valleys of life are quite natural, it’s the persistent feeling of stress and anxiety that is troublesome. Knowing the reasons can help you manage your emotions effectively.
- Stress from Work: Chronic tension frequently is caused by persistent work overload and pressure.
- Personal Life: Family conflicts or relationship issues are common sources of anxiety.
- Fear for Health: Anxiety can be the result from progression of long-lasting diseases or severe illnesses.
- Stressful Situations: Stress and anxiety can come from frightening situations such as accidents, abuse, or bereave.
CBD and Anxiety: The Relationship
Rather than dwelling on the roots of anxiety, let’s shift our focus towards devising strategies for combating it using CBD oil or cannabidiol which is one of the many chemicals present in cannabis. CBD can help relieve anxiety, but more research needs to be conducted regarding the best scenarios for it.
So how does CBD affect anxiety? It’s thought that CBD changes how your body responds to pain by working on your serotonin levels – which is responsible for happiness. While low serotonin usually leads to anxiety, strong pharmaceutical drugs increase it and make it worse. But unlike these drugs, CBD oil does not increase serotonin, instead, it possibly changes how your brain’s chemical receptor uses the already existing serotonin in your body.
CBD and Stress: What the Research Says
As most people are turning to CBD for relief from stress, several studies have been conducted to learn its possible effects. Take a look at what the research shows before you start using CBD for stress management.
- CBD can help in mitigating stress-related anxiety and its physical effects like an increased heart rate.
- CBD could help with the stress of public speaking.
- CBD might improve sleep which can lower stress levels.
- An article in the Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy reviews CBD’s capacity to modify serotonin signals, which is an important part of the stress response system.
Join us as we explore possible side effects of CBD in the next section.
Possible Side Effects of CBD
Although CBD can be useful in alleviating stress and anxiety, like any treatment, it is important to consider its possible side effects. Some users have complained of having dry mouth, dizziness, and drowsiness after taking CBD.
In some rare cases, side effects can be more severe, such as low blood pressure, lightheadedness, and even depression. It is essential to have in mind that each body is different and therefore responds differently, so what can cause side effects in some people might not do so in others.
CBD can also interfere with other medications, resulting in other side effects. So it is best to consult with a healthcare professional before embarking on new treatment.
Different Forms of CBD Available
Now that you’re clear on the dosage, the question is what form of CBD do you want to use?
Finding a format that can be easily integrated into your lifestyle is key. Oils and tinctures are popular because they can quickly be absorbed sublingually and the dosage can be easily adjusted.
If you plan to go the more traditional way, CBD capsules are your best pick. They’re consumed like any regular pills, thus offering an easier option along with standard dosage.
Gummies and chocolates are examples of edibles and they offer a great way to take in CBD. Topical creams will also do the job if the need is focused on a specific area.
Vaping works as well and is a great option for quick CBD use.
Real Life Testimonials: CBD Users
Now that we have covered the different forms of CBD and your interests, I am sure you are very inquisitive about seeing the outcomes of other users who have tried this remedy.
So let’s take a look at some testimonials from real people.
- Jane is a 35-year-old nurse. She has claimed that CBD oil has helped her a lot with her anxiety because it has been a game changer so far for her. She also states that since she started incorporating it in her lifestyle daily for at least two months, her stress levels have reduced significantly.
- Mike is a 28-year-old student. He also claims that he has been using CBD gummies to cope with stress during finals and it has so far proven useful. With the help of gummies, he has experienced better focus as well as calmness.
- Linda is a 55-year-old teacher. She is another teacher from around 55 and she also claims to feel more calm and balanced since she started taking CBD capsules.
- To wrap it up, Tom, a 40-year-old freelancer praises the vaping of CBD because he claims it gives him immediate relief when he is in high-stress situations so for him it works best.
These statements offer insight into how CBD works when it comes to stress and anxiety.
How to Make a Valid Decision About CBD
How do you go about using CBD oil to relieve anxiety and stress? As you may have guessed, there is a lot more to consider than simply going for it.
Reach out to a healthcare professional walker first. They will take a look at your medical history and explain what you need to do next. You can always do your part and research, too. Dig into the product’s origin, how it’s manufactured, and any available third party lab findings.
Don’t forget that everyones body-to-CBD reaction moiety is diverse. What works for someone else might be completely different for you. This whole process is about discovering your personal equilibrium.
It is recommended that you start small and slowly increase your dosage until you find that sweet spot between being effective and being damaging. This is a process that should be taken slowly; patience will be your ally.
Finally, listen to your body. If a feeling appears that isn’t quite right, perhaps your instincts are trying to tell you something. Safeguarding your health and wellbeing should always take precedents over anything and everything else.
Conclusion
So, does CBD work for anxiety and stress? The current available research suggested yes, but each and everyone is different. Its always good to get an opinion from your healthcare provider before taking any unexplored steps. There are a multitude of options and dosages available, explore until you find the match that works for you. Always have in mind it is a natural alternative, and not a quick fix. CBD might just make the journey in live with anxiety a betters experience, yet, it is crucial more analysis will need to be conducted to comprehend the ramifications fully.
