How To Use CBD To Help Alleviate Anxiety

Anxiety has become a common concern that has made scientists explore how to deal with it. This article focuses on how CBD oil works, using CBD oil for anxiety, and how to choose the best CBD oil for anxiety.

Anxiety can affect you in different ways. Anxietyis a natural way to react to stress. Sometimes, the anxiety worsens and does not go away quickly; therefore, it becomes unbearable. Prolonged anxiety can negatively impact our productivity as it affects our performance in everything we do. This level of anxietyneeds to be controlled. Many prescriptions are effective in addressing anxiety. However, most people nowadays opt for natural ways, for example, using CBD oil.

How CBD Oil Works

CBD oil is a natural oil containing CBD derived from the cannabis plant. CBD, a cannabis plant compound, does not cause psychoactive effects in our bodies. CBD oil interacts with the endocannabinoid system of the body responsible for regulating mood, sleep, and pain. CBD increases endocannabinoid levels in the body, which helps in reducing anxiety. CBD does influence some receptors in the body to help our bodies with a calming effect. CBD oil helps relieve anxiety by:

• Protecting the brain- According to Blessing et al. (2015), CDB reduces damaging effects caused by stress hormones and anxiety disorders, including panic disorders, PTSD, and social anxiety.
• Appiah et al. (2020) noted that CBD helps reduce cortisol, a stress hormone.
• According to Papagianni& Stevenson (2019), CBD enhances serotonin's effect, which helps in anxiety and stress regulation. CBD can increase levels of serotonin in the body, helps to improve our mood, and make our bodies feel relaxed.
• According to Shannon &Opila-Lehman (2016), CBD helps to reduce inflammations that can cause anxiety and depression.

Hemp Oil Vs.CBD Oil for Anxiety

Though CBD oil and hemp oil are made from the same plants, they are extracted from different parts of the plant. The two types of oils are different. Hemp oil is extracted from the seeds, while CBD oil is extracted from the leaves, stalk, and flowers. Hemp oil does not contain CBD. Both oils can help with anxiety though CBD oil is said to be more effective. Trebatická et al. (2017) stated that hemp oils are good for heart health since they contain omega 3 and 6. These fats are good for lowering blood pressure. Hemp oil doesn't offer therapeutic effects to the body like CBD oil.

How To Use CBD Oil

CBD oils are available in various forms that require different methods of consumption. No particular form is most effective for relieving anxiety symptoms because the effectiveness of CBD oil depends on the individual and the condition being treated. You can choose the form that you feel is best suited for you. The different forms of CBD can be taken by:

Vaping

Vaping is one of the fastest ways of feeling the effect of CBD. However, there are concerns with heating CBD oils using the coils inside vaping devices and the chemicals in the devices. No long-term effects have been determined yet.

Sublingually

CBD oils can be taken sublingually by putting CBD oil drops under the tongue. CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream through the capillaries.

CBD Edibles

Another way of taking CBD is infusing in edibles, for example, gummies. CBD oil dosage in foods is predetermined. CBD gummies can be made with different flavoursfrom which CBD consumers can choose. Gummies do not give a fast effect of CBD since digestion takes time for CBD to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

CBD Topicals

CBD oils in the form of lotions and creams can also be applied to the skin.

Choosing CBD Oil for Anxiety

If you choose the best CBD oil in the market, you are more likely to experience anxiety relief. It is essential to consider the following factors when buying CBD oil:

The Type ofCBD Extract

There are three types of CBD oil: CBD isolate, full-spectrum CBD, and broad-spectrum CBD. CBD isolate only contains CBD with no other components of the cannabis plant. Full-spectrum contains all components of the plant, while broad-spectrum contains all components of the plant except THC.

THC Content

The best product should have less than 0.2% THC levels if you want full-spectrum CBD oil. THC levels higher than this causes a high effect.

The CBD Oil Quality

Some CBD oils contain some ingredients that help to enhance the effect of CBD. Ask for the manufacturer's third-party laboratory report to see the oil ingredients.

Method Of Extraction

CBD's extraction method determines the product's cleanliness, effectiveness, and purity. CBD extracted by carbon (iv) oxide method guarantees purity.

Reputable Brand

You can determine the brand's reputation by visiting itswebsite and reading customer reviews. Positive reviews show that the company is reliable in selling quality products. Also, using search engines can help you learn more about the brand.

Conclusion

CBD is increasingly showing positive effects in dealing with mental health problems. For this reason, most people are considering CBD. Before buying CBD oil from online or physical shops, buy from a reputable brand. Reputable brands disclose their manufacturing process and ensure that their products are of good quality for consumption. If you are currently taking other medications for anxiety, it is not advisable to use CBD oil as an alternative. Consult your doctor before buying CBD oils for anxiety. CBD oil seems to work well for anxiety without causing severe side effects.

References

Appiah-Kusi, E., Petros, N., Wilson, R., Colizzi, M., Bossong, M. G., Valmaggia, L., ... & Bhattacharyya, S. (2020). Effects of short-term cannabidiol treatment on response to social stress in subjects at clinical high risk of developing psychosis. Psychopharmacology, 237(4), 1121-1130.

Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., &Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825-836.

Papagianni, E. P., & Stevenson, C. W. (2019). Cannabinoid regulation of fear and anxiety: an update. Current psychiatry reports, 21(6), 1-10.

Shannon, S., &Opila-Lehman, J. (2016). Effectiveness of cannabidiol oil for pediatric anxiety and insomnia as part of posttraumatic stress disorder: a case report. The Permanente Journal, 20(4).

Trebatická, J., Dukát, A., Ďuračková, Z., &Muchová, J. (2017). Cardiovascular diseases, depression disorders and potential effects of omega-3 fatty acids. Physiological research, 66(3), 363.