CBD Oil for Anxiety

Anxiety is a widespread mental health disorder that affects around 40 million adults in the US and around 10 million in the UK. As awareness of mental health problems becomes more mainstream, we are finding that more people are suffering, and the age range of sufferers is getting bigger. One in three teens will suffer from some form of anxiety disorder before they reach the age of 18.

Anxiety is a widespread problem that leads people to miss school and work while also having a negative impact on their daily lives. Therapy, pharmaceuticals and meditation are all used as potential treatments for anxiety. There is no quick fix, and often it is a combination of these treatments that sufferers will find more effective.

While there are promising signs from the early and ongoing research into CBD and other cannabinoids, one thing we do know is that CBD supplements are safe to take. As the latest health food craze to hit the shelves, CBD is growing in popularity and is known to have many positive benefits. Overall, users are finding it invaluable as a natural aid to their wellbeing.

What is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is one of around 80 known compounds derived from the cannabis plant known as cannabinoids. These interact with the human endocannabinoid system by binding to the CB1 and CB2 receptors. These are found in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. They are linked to the uptake of serotonin, which is linked to our mood. People with low serotonin often suffer from anxiety and depression, so it is natural to want to maintain optimal function in this area.

How do you take CBD?

CBD is most commonly taken as oil drops under the tongue. This is the most accessible way to use CBD products and it is also very easy to manage the dosing. You can also find CBD capsules and gummies which can be taken like a daily vitamin. Other methods for ingesting CBD include as a vape liquid, in a topical cream, or as a water-soluble drop. 

When choosing to try CBD for the first time, many people will start with a low-quality, low-potency CBD oil that has little to no effect. This could turn them off CBD and prevent them from enjoying the full benefits. This is why it is important to try a high-quality CBD oil from the start.

What does the research say?

While studies are still ongoing into the benefits of CBD oil, for anxiety there are a number of different ways to approach and deal with the symptoms. There are many different kinds of anxiety, from generalised anxiety to more specific types such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

There is an increasing number of people who want to look down the natural route to helping improve their physical and mental health, rather than simply taking a prescription medication without looking into other areas. For example, we know gut health has a massive role to play and that over 90% of our serotonin is made in our gut - meaning our diet and what we eat can potentially have a big impact on our mental health. Fermented foods are known to be fantastic at encouraging the healthy function of our gut - with things such as kefir, kombucha and sauerkraut becoming more popular.

Furthermore, exercise is another crucial area that can improve our mindset and feelings of well-being. That doesn’t have to be strenuous exercise either: simply getting out in nature and enjoying fresh air can really help to improve our mood.

While looking to maintain and help our health naturally, supplements have become increasingly popular and that’s where CBD may have a role to play, being plant-based, safe and full of healthy compounds.

What are the risks?

Existing treatments for anxiety include strong medications which can be habit-forming. Things like benzodiazepines can also come with a whole list of unwanted side effects, including drowsiness, agitation and sexual dysfunction. These can also be highly addictive, so doctors will typically use them as a last resort. With that in mind, it’s no wonder many people do want to look into a natural route to improve their wellbeing first. 

When we look to make changes naturally, such as making improvements to our diet or taking supplements, we can often avoid unwanted side effects and even benefit our body as a whole rather than one single area. When it comes to CBD, it’s very difficult to take too much and side effects are rarely seen. In general, even in high doses, CBD is very well managed by the body.

For more information about CBD. See the most common CBD questions for further help.

If you are looking for answers to your health questions, drop Nick, a registered Osteopath, a message.