Here’s everything you need to know about CBD oil, what the new research is, and how it helps deal with mental conditions.
One of the components of cannabis is cannabidiol, or in short, CBD. It is a component devoid of psychoactive effects but laden with positive outcomes for various conditions ranging from anti-inflammatory properties to the relief of symptoms associated with neurological diseases. Recently, there have been increasing studies on the positive effects of CBD oil on depression and anxiety, and the results are encouraging.
Many of us say from time to time, “I am depressed.” Still, clinical depression is an actual mental disorder that requires deep treatment and not just encouragement.
Signs include;
a significant decrease in appetite,
loss of pleasure from things that used to give us pleasure,
sleep disorders,
impaired daily functioning, and ability to work,
and even suicidal thoughts.
The most common treatment for clinical depression is prescription drugs, the best known of which are Prozac, Recital, Ciprofloxacin, Seroxat, and others.
Stressful situations cause anxiety, and the attacks feel similar to a heart attack even though there is no cardiological problem. Symptoms include increased blood pressure, sweating, abnormal bowel activity, nausea, muscle cramps, and fear of the environment. Anxiety symptoms significantly impair quality of life and make it difficult to function daily. Many times those suffering from anxiety will later develop depression as well. The usual treatment for anxiety includes prescription pills like Klonox, Xanax, and other drugs from the benzodiazepine family.
In recent years, studies on cannabidiol have shown that CBD can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and alleviate the symptoms of the disorders. As early as 2011, studies examining the effect of the substance on social anxiety found that a high dose of CBD oil significantly improved social functioning.
A study published in 2018 in the Journal of Affective Disorders And resonated in the media, focusing on THC and CBD influences on patients. The study was conducted among 12,000 adults who consumed medical cannabis to treat depression and anxiety. CBD and THC are the two most common active ingredients in cannabis. However, in contrast to THC, CBD has no psychoactive effects.
The study found that one inhalation of medical marijuana or ten inhalations of high concentrated cannabis were beneficial in reducing depressive symptoms. In addition, two inhalations of cannabis, regardless of the concentration of the ingredients, led to the relief of anxiety symptoms. The least encouraging statistic was that prolonged cannabis use exacerbates long-term symptoms, but further research is needed.
Studies examining the connection between CBD oil use and depression and anxiety found that:
● Arouses a sense of calm: CBD reduces anxiety like crowd fear and low self-confidence, thus enabling and enhancing social interactions.
● Improves mood: CBD can communicate with the serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain and bring about their release in the body. In doing so, it enhances mood.
● Potential to replace prescription drugs: Some users of CBD oil have reduced prescription drugs, and some have even stopped taking other drugs altogether. Prescription medications to treat depression and anxiety can have serious side effects, but in any case, if you are taking this type of medication, do not make any change in the dose prescribed to you, and certainly do not stop altogether without consulting your doctor.
● Improves sleep quality: It can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and release serotonin in the body hence enhances sleep. However, it is essential to emphasize that some CBD oil users feel drowsy. In such cases, it is advisable to use the oil at night before bed.
CBD acts just like an anesthetic against the nervous system. According to studies, blood flow to the area in the brain that controls fear is reduced, thus avoiding stress, pressure, and anxiety situations. In this way, those suffering from anxiety disorders can lead a regular life.
The most common CBD product to treat anxiety and depression is CBD oil. The oil can be obtained in different concentrations;- 10%, 15%, 20%, and 24%. Consume the oil by dripping under the tongue for rapid absorption into the bloodstream.
You can also take CBD candies to help with anxiety and depression. Still, in this way, the substance takes a long time to take effect because it has to pass through the digestive tract until it is absorbed into the bloodstream. It is therefore advisable to consume it in the form of an oil drip.
