As more people are looking for natural remedies, CBD oil is gaining momentum as an effective alternative treatment for anxiety. Cannabidiol (CBD) has been found to offer soothing relief without the side effects associated with many common prescription medications such as antidepressants and benzodiazepines. This article will discuss how CBD oil can help reduce anxiety symptoms and why it’s becoming a popular choice among those looking for a safe and natural solution.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is derived from the cannabis plant, which contains over 113 known compounds called cannabinoids. Of these compounds, cannabidiol (CBD) is the most abundant and best studied. Unlike its psychoactive cousin THC, CBD does not produce any intoxication or “high” feeling when consumed. Instead, it produces calming effects on both body and mind that may help relieve anxiety symptoms.
How Does CBD Help Reduce Anxiety?
Research suggests that one of the primary ways CBD helps reduce anxiety is by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate our emotions. Research indicates that by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain, CBD helps increase levels of this important neurotransmitter which plays an essential role in regulating moods, social behavior, appetite and digestion, sleep patterns, memory formation, learning processes and more. Research also shows CBD can bind to other key receptors involved in regulating fear-related responses like stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. By binding to these receptors in the brain, researchers believe CBD may play a role in reducing fear responses associated with anxiety disorders such as PTSD or panic attacks.
Benefits of Taking CBD Oil for Anxiety
When compared to traditional medications such as antidepressants or benzodiazepines that have numerous potential side effects including nausea, dizziness or addiction potential; using cbd oil for anxiety offers several benefits including:
- It’s not addictive
Unlike some other anti-anxiety medications that can cause physical dependence if taken for long periods, CBD provides relief without the risk of dependence or withdrawal symptoms if taken abruptly.
- It’s not intoxicating
The majority of studies conducted on cannabidiol have found no intoxicating effects, which means you won’t feel impaired while taking it like you would with alcohol or marijuana.
- It’s safe
Clinical trials show that CBD is well tolerated, even at high doses, with no serious side effects reported so far, making it much safer than traditional pharmaceutical drugs prescribed for anxiety.
Using CBD oil effectively for anxiety
Although there are numerous benefits associated with taking CBD oil for the management of symptoms related to anxiety disorders; it’s still important to use it safely and effectively. Here are some helpful tips on how to do just that:
- Start small
When starting, take a small amount (5mg – 10mg) per day until your body gets used to it, then gradually increase your dose as needed. It’s also important to track your progress every day so you know what works best for you.
- Choose quality products
Make sure you buy your products from reputable companies that manufacture their products according to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards, ensuring they contain pure, organic ingredients that are free of toxins or heavy metals. Also, check the results of third-party lab tests provided by the company so you know exactly what is in each bottle before you consume it.
The bottom line
All in all, CBD appears to be an effective option worth considering when looking for natural solutions to manage symptoms associated with various forms of anxiety, especially due to its lack of intoxicating properties, safety profile and non-addictive nature. However, it is always advisable to speak to qualified health professionals about any supplement before incorporating it into your health routine.