Whether you are suffering from a health condition or disorder, it is not new information anymore that CBD can alleviate symptoms of some health problems. CBD has been gaining momentum in the last years, as research shows it can help relieve symptoms of various health issues.
With so much going on in the world, people have a difficult time dealing with stress from work, university, or other more severe traumas, on top of everything else. Trying to find the right balance between social life and career or studies when you suffer from anxiety can take a toll on you.
Anxiety disorders are not uncommon; however, they can be treated. You can learn how to live with this given you get the proper treatment from a professional, such as a psychologist or psychotherapist. More often than not, besides therapy, people find that other relaxing methods can help them even more. Whether it is practicing yoga or jogging or trying a particular health supplement, it is often best to treat anxiety holistically. Studies have shown that CBD can have such positive effects.
But how does it really work? It is important to know what CBD is and where it comes from to understand how CBD products can help you cope with anxiety.
CBD – an introduction
You might have heard more about it by its abbreviation CBD. So, you might ask yourself what it stands for. Cannabidiol is one of the many types of chemical compounds found in the cannabis Sativa Plant. Among all the cannabinoids found in this plant, CBD can be extracted and used to develop legal, non-addictive products that have been found to have certain health benefits.
It doesn’t make you addicted to it due to its low amount of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, after production. THC is the highly intoxicating compound that gives the euphoric sensation when consumed. Marijuana and hemp plant are both part of the same species, the cannabis Sativa plant, and CBD can be extracted from either one. However, what makes the CBD product legal for consumption is the fact that it doesn’t contain a high amount of THC in its final form. So, to debunk all myths, CBD contains 0.3% THC regardless if you extract it from marijuana or hemp, making it legal for selling and consuming.
So, how can CBD products help you alleviate symptoms and manage anxiety disorder?
Anxiety disorders
There is more than one type of anxiety disorder, and a person’s experience can differ a great deal from someone else’s, even if they suffer from the same condition. For instance, panic disorder is characterized by having sudden and unanticipated panic attacks, which can be challenging to overcome. Their intense manifestation generally includes shaking, the feeling of not being able to breathe, and heart palpitations. But for some people, this can even lead to unconsciousness.
Generalized anxiety, social anxiety, or PTSD are other types of how this disorder can affect a person. Research shows that around 31% of adults in the U.S. suffer from some kind of anxiety disorder. But as long as it is treated and kept under control, anxiety will not interfere with your life.
So, apart from psychotherapy, some people have found that they can lessen its symptoms by taking CBD-based products. But how does it work?
CBD – an anxiety relief
The reason why CBD can be effective in alleviating anxiety-related symptoms is thanks to its anxiolytic effects. Products rich in CBD are thought to help diminish the intensity of anxiety. A study in 2015 found that CBD might be able to interact with brain receptors such as serotonin and cannabinoid type 1 that can control the levels of anxiety symptoms. A more recent study in 2020 showed that CBD taken together with treatment from a professional could help a person cope better with specific symptoms.
Although more research is needed to be able to conclude CBD effectiveness, there are some studies showing positive potential results. Certain medications to treat insomnia, like benzodiazepines, can be pretty dangerous as substance abuse is not uncommon. CBD, however, is a non-addictive supplement, and a 2016 study showed that it could help children with insomnia and anxiety.
CBD products include oil, tincture, edibles, or a flower that you can smoke. The administration method can be a personal preference or how fast you want to notice its effects.
Edibles take longer until the body properly assimilates the compound, and as they have to go through the digestive system, CBD doesn’t directly reach the bloodstream. Another choice for a more immediate result is smoking CBD, such as the products found at Pure Hemp Farms. When you decide to take CBD to help you better cope with anxiety or stress, smoking it or taking oil sublingually can be the more effective.
The right dosage
The correct dosage depends on how serious your condition is and the method of administration. Sublingual CBD remedies such as certain tables or oil can reach the bloodstream faster, and hence the dosage can be around 10 mg per day. For anxiety, dosages can vary from 300 to 600 mg administered orally.
A vital mention when taking any CBD remedies is to always discuss with your medical provider or psychotherapist, who can recommend a suitable dosage for you as well as what method works better. These medical professionals can take into consideration your medical history and are better equipped to give you proper advice. It is also important to know that CBD products, although they can be effective in alleviating symptoms, should not be used as a cure for medical conditions.
Possible side effects
Although CBD products can be used as a remedy for easing anxiety-related behaviors and symptoms, like any other supplement, they might have several mild side effects. Fatigue and appetite issues can result from taking CBD, especially if you haven’t taken it before or are taking other medications or supplements. For this reason, it is essential to discuss with your medical provider. CBD products can be safely administered, but you should avoid self-medicating, as is the case with any type of treatment or remedy.