If you suffer from anxiety or consistently search for alternative health supplements, you may have heard quite a bit about CBD in the past few years. The use of CBD has risen in popularity recently because it is known to help provide relief from common ailments.
For those new to CBD, however, several questions surround its use and effects. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re considering using CBD.
What is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is a natural compound found in both Marijuana and Hemp. It’s important to know that CBD, compared to THC, does not produce psychoactive effects. Its pharmacological profile is distinct from other psychoactive cannabinoids, which means it does not provide a psychoactive impact, or “high”, on the body when treating symptoms.
Why does CBD help treat anxiety?
Because of CBD’s growing popularity, studies are still examining how CBD treats anxiety while also aiming to determine its exact therapeutic properties. Evidence shows that CBD can affect 65 different molecular targets, primarily serotonin, endocannabinoids, and neural regeneration.
For serotonin, CBD binds to one of its 14 receptors called 5-HT1A. This receptor is thought to play a critical role in anxiety disorders. The bond helps to counteract stressful situations by producing an anti-anxiety effect.
The body naturally produces cannabinoids as part of the endocannabinoid system, which can become unbalanced during chronic stress. CBD can help rebalance this system and enhance overall health.
Finally, studies have shown that chronic stress can cause our brains to experience neuron damage. CBD enhances the process of forming new neurons to counteract the degeneration issues caused by anxiety.
How can I consume CBD to treat anxiety?
Anxiety can be crippling and finding a treatment that works for you can be essential to your overall health and well-being. For most individuals, CBD can be used as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Always be sure to discuss your CBD use with a trusted medical professional to ensure that you’re utilizing it correctly, especially if you’re taking other prescription medications.
Some of the most popular ways people have come to use CBD are vape pens, oral consumption, softgels, sublinguals and edibles.
Vape pens can be incredibly effective because they allow you to feel the effects of CBD quickly while also being familiar with those who vape or smoke already. The pen heats the CBD liquid into a vapor that can be inhaled. However, vaping is not healthy similar to smoking cigarettes.
CBD tinctures are a popular option because they’re quick and easy to use. Drop the CBD oil underneath your tongue and allow the mucous membranes in your mouth to absorb it into your bloodstream.
Sublinguals and softgels offer the best absorption rates meaning you get more of the CBD in your system.
Edibles made with CBD oil are one of the most common ways people use CBD. Edibles taste good and come in a variety of forms, ranging from gummies, chocolate, and even syrup. This form makes CBD consumption easy for anyone apprehensive about vaping.
Final thoughts
If anxiety is impacting your health and well-being, CBD can help. It’s an ideal alternative health solution that can supplement your current treatment plan.
