How Can CBD Help My Anxiety?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a product of cannabis, a plant cultivated by generations for its medicinal and industrial value. Different civilizations have used hemp to treat malaria, gout, constipation, menstrual symptoms, and to relieve pain. Today, people use it for recreational purposes and to treat various conditions.
CBD belongs to a group of chemicals in the cannabis plant called cannabinoids. In recent times, researchers have found the substance to offer a range of health benefits. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and more.
It has become an essential ingredient in hair and skincare products. Some researchers have proposed CBD as a therapy for anxiety, but does it work?
Before delving into that, it’s essential to clarify that CBD does not have psychoactive properties. What makes a person high is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Therefore, you cannot fail a drug test because of consuming CBD products.
CBD and Anxiety: What Science Has Found
In one study, scientists investigated a clinical population of adults experiencing anxiety and sleep disorders. The diagnosis was by clinical evaluation and psychological baseline measures, repeated every month.
The patients continued with conventional psychiatric medication throughout the study period. Nearly everyone received a capsule containing 25 mg/d CBD each morning, while a few took 50 mg/d or 75 mg/d. The researchers increased the dose for one individual with schizoaffective disorder and trauma history gradually to 175 mg/d.
The researchers monitored anxiety using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale during monthly visits. It’s a self-report anxiety measure comprising of 14 questions.
The patients were between 18 to 70 years, with the average age being 34. All individuals with anxiety experienced significant improvement sustained over time.
During the first monthly assessment, 79 percent of anxiety patients had improved, while 15 percent manifested worsening symptoms. After two months, the study showed a 78 percent success in the reduction of anxiety.
CBD Treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a common anxiety condition related to the impairment is one’s social life. CBD has shown positive results in both animals and humans.
Researchers did a study to compare the impact of a simulation public speaking test (SPST) on SAD patients and healthy individuals. Twenty-four patients who had never undergone treatment received either a dose placebo or CBD.
Twelve of them took 600 mg CBD while the other half received a placebo. Another twelve healthy control patients performed the test without any treatment.
The researchers took readings on the Negative Self-Statement Scale (SSPS-N) and the Visual Analogue Mood Scale (VAMS). They also measured physiological aspects like heart rate, blood pressure, and skin conductance in six instances during the test.
There was a significant increase of on the SSPS-N scale for patients put under placebo while the effect was negligible in the CBD group. There wasn’t a notable difference in VAMS scores between those treated with CBD and the healthy, untreated individuals. The experiment concluded that CDB could reduce the anxiety that comes with public speaking.
How Does CBD Help With Anxiety
There is scientific evidence that CBD reduces anxiety, but studies on how it works are still ongoing. Scientists believe that cannabidiol helps the body to synthesize serotonin. The hormone is a neurotransmitter with a role in controlling emotions.
CBD works like the anxiety and depression medications known as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). SSRI target 5-HT1A, a serotonin receptor that helps to boost your mood by increasing the amount of serotonin in your brain.
Getting Started With Your Cbd Treatment
People take CBD in diverse ways. The method of administration can affect the effectiveness of the product, although people respond differently. Here are the most popular methods of taking CBD.
Sublingual Tincture
CBD has high bioavailability, meaning the body can readily absorb it. If it’s your first time, consider a taking a sublingual tincture.
Draw the solution into a dropper and let the liquid rest under the tongue for a few seconds. The body should absorb it quickly into the bloodstream.
Ingestion
You can add a few drops of CDB oil or a little powder of isolate to your food or drinks. CBD-infused snacks are available on the market. You can include CBD in your favorite recipes at home.
Topical Application
There are topical varieties of CBD such as gels, creams, lotions, and ointments that you can apply on your skin. You can use them to treat sore muscles, back and neck pains, acne, and more.
Final Thoughts
CBD is at the center stage of scientific research due to the benefits it promises. Studies have shown its ability to reduce anxiety. More investigation is ongoing to reveal how the cannabinoid works and to exploit other potential benefits.
When buying a CBD product, ensure that it contains zero or at most 0.3 percent THC, and it has undergone testing by third parties.
Looking for CBD products you can trust? Contact us today!
