Anxiety is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Its normally caused by many factors, including stress, tension, constant worry, shame, change in environment, underlying medical conditions, and others. Even though there are clinical medications to treat anxiety, many people are turning to alternative sources. CBD is one of the most popular sources of alternative substance that can effectively manage the symptoms of anxiety. This article offers an overview of using CBD oil for anxiety, how this cannabis compound works, and the potential side effects.
What Is CBD Oil?
It is a cannabidiol extract mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or hemp seed oil to enhance its bioavailability. You can find it in three forms depending on the ingredients, including CBD, isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum CBD.
How Does CBD Oil Work for Anxiety?
CBD oil for anxiety works by enhancing the functions of different receptors in the body. The body has many receptors, i.e., protein-based chemical structures that normally attach to the cells. These receptors are responsible for receiving signals from various stimuli.
The human body has two types of receptors: CB1 receptors, mainly found in the central nervous system and the brain. CB2 receptors are found in the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system consists of the brain and the spinal cord, and it’s responsible for processing information, taking in sensory information, and sending out motor signals.
CBD mainly works with the central nervous system to manage anxiety responses. The organic cannabis compound enhances the reabsorption of serotonin neurotransmitters which plays a crucial role in managing mental health and emotional response.
Generally, anxiety and depression are usually associated with low serotonin levels. So, taking CBD oil can help enhance serotonin levels, leading to a feeling of calmness and relaxation.
What Do the Research and Evidence Say?
Several research studies indicate that taking CBD oil can help significantly ease anxiety symptoms. Evidence suggests that you can use CBD oil to manage conditions such as:
Generalized anxiety: The National Institute on Drug Abuse indicates that CBD can reduce stress in animals such as rats by reducing behavioral and physiological symptoms/
Other forms of anxiety: You may use CBD oil to manage other forms of anxiety, including PTSD, social anxiety, and anxiety-induced insomnia.
However, there is still a need for more research studies to determine the effectiveness of CBD and how it can help treat anxiety. Consumers need a better understanding of how CBD normally works, the ideal dosage they need to consume, and potential side effects. Additionally, it’s important to know how long does CBD oil take for anxiety.
How to Use CBD Oil for Anxiety
How to use CBD oil for anxiety depends on how soon you want the effects to kickstart and last in the body. You should consume it sublingually for faster effects that last for a few hours only. This normally involves the application of a few oil drops under the tongue from where the CBD compound will find its way into the bloodstream.
You can also use the oil as a food topping with salads. This normally provides the body lasting effects since the compound will be slowly absorbed into the bloodstream. You can also vape CBD oil for immediate effects. However, it is recommended to avoid this method as vaping can do a lot of harm to your health rather than improving it.
What Is the Best CBD Oil Dosage for Anxiety?
Even after finding the best CBD oil for anxiety, there is no known universal dosage for CBD products. Besides that, many factors determine CBD oil dosage, including weight, the severity of anxiety condition, age, sex, and others. Besides that, there are many forms of anxiety, and each would definitely need a certain amount of dosage.
However, the optimal CBD oil dosage for people usually ranges between 10- 40 mg, especially when taken sublingually or consumed orally. But those with severe cases of anxiety disorder may need to take up to 300 mg of CBD.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
CBD has a good safety profile, and that’s why it’s popular. However, people react to it differently due to chemical balance, metabolism, or genetics. As a result, taking CBD oil for anxiety can result in potential side effects such as:
- Dry mouth
- Feeling of nausea
- Digestive discomfort
- Change in sleep pattern
- Change in appetite
- Change in weight
In case of unusual changes in your wellbeing after using CBD oil, discontinue use and seek immediate medical attention. Also, side effects such as dry mouth and dry mouth can be countered by drinking lots of water and other fluids.
What’s the Safest Way to Purchase CBD Oil?
The cannabidiol market is widely unregulated, which means that your chances of buying a low-quality product are high. However, certain factors can help you choose the best CBD oil for anxiety from a reputable manufacturer available online. This includes considering aspects such as:
- The source: Reputable CBD brands usually source domestically from organic farm sources. This is because hemp plants are bioaccumulators and can easily absorb chemicals and heavy metals found in their surroundings.
- Method of extraction: Quality CBD oil is usually made using supercritical CO2 extraction, which is currently the industry standard.
- Independent 3rd-party lab tests: They are important in verifying the quality and type of ingredients found in CBD oil. These independent lab tests need to be done in ISO-certified laboratories.
Final Thoughts
Taking CBD oil can provide your mind and body with significant therapeutic effects. Anxiety can occur as a result of underlying medical conditions or environmental factors. However, CBD has a way of providing relaxing effects, ensuring that you don’t lose your focus. It’s effective in easing stress, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other health issues that may trigger your anxiety. Besides that, it can reduce increased heart rate and the constant feeling of worry. However, it’s important to consider an effective and ideal dosage since a higher dosage can worsen your condition or result in unwanted side effects.
