Everyone struggles with anxiety from time-to-time. When choosing the best method to deal with your anxiety, it is important to consider both traditional medical solutions, as well as alternatives.
Many people dislike the idea of relying on prescription medication for ongoing treatment and are now looking to other options such as CBD Oil. Unlike traditional prescription pills, CBD Oil offers a non-addictive approach to restoring calm and easing anxiety.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), anxiety disorders affect 5% of the household population, causing mild to severe impairment.
CMHA stats also show that in 1999, 3.8% of all admissions in general hospitals were due to anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, major depression, personality disorders, eating disorders, and suicidal behavior.
As people look to find new ways to deal with anxiety and other mental disorders, more are turning to CBD as a safe alternative.
How CBD Oil Works
CBD oil continues to show promise in treating many mental disorders including mild to severe anxiety. It has become a recommended solution by health practitioners for patients who are looking for complementary or alternative treatments for their illness.
The key reason CBD continues to gain approval in the medical community is the low risk for addiction and overdose.
CBD or Cannabidiol is a chemical derived from the cannabis plant. It is renowned for its ability to relieve anxiety without giving the ‘high’ traditionally experienced with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Know for having analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, CBD has been proven to show the ability to treat health issues such as
- Anxiety
- Control chronic pain
- Treat anti-inflammatory diseases
- Treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer and Parkinson disease
This ability to safely treat anxiety continues to drive patients to explore it as an option for them.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety can present itself in many forms. Some people may experience a feeling of nervousness while others may experience a full panic attack.
Symptoms to watch out for include:
- Feeling nervous, restless, or tense.
- Having a sense of impending danger, panic, or doom.
- Having an increased heart rate.
- Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
- Trouble concentrating
If you are experiencing prolonged anxiety, it is important to consult with a physician to ensure there is no underlying health issue such as heart disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, or drug misuse.
Some people may also experience these feelings if they are dealing with health problems such as cancer as certain prescription drugs may cause anxiety.
Anxiety may also manifest itself in conjunction with more serious health issues such as
- Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD – a reaction to a traumatic event
- Panic disorder – The fear of having a recurring panic attack
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD – Recurring thoughts or the need to repeat certain actions over and over again
- Social anxiety disorder – The fear of being in social settings
If you are experiencing any of these health issues, it is important to consult with a doctor as they may lead to more serious mental health problems.
How Do I Take CBD Oil?
It is important to consult with your physician or other alternative therapies expert before taking CBD oil.
- CBD Oils Tinctures – Tinctures are extracts of hemp (in liquid form) combined with a mixture of alcohol, glycerin, or cinnamon/peppermint oil. Tinctures are usually taken sublingually and generally have a lower potency of CBD.
- Edibles – CBD is mixed with food and is generally sold in a ‘candy’ form.
- Capsules – CBD is suspended in something similar to coconut oil and put in capsules for easy ingestion.
- Creams – CBD is blended with traditional lotions or creams and applied to the skin similarly to other pain-relieving topical ointments.
It is important to always know the source of CBD oil and to be fully aware if anything has been mixed with it as this may lead to dangerous side effects.
CBD Dosage for Anxiety
Research continues on what is deemed a safe dosage of CBD for the treatment of anxiety.
A study in the medical journal Neurotherapeutics found that dosages up to 1500 mg/day showed no severe side events and did not have an overall effect on psychomotor skills or mood.
Your physician will be able to recommend the best dosage based on similar medical factors to traditional medical treatments such as body weight, metabolism, and the severity of your anxiety.
The concentration of the CBD will also be taken into consideration before a recommendation is made.
It is important to consult with your physician before mixing CBD with any other narcotic or alcohol.
Research Behind CBD oil for Anxiety
Research continues to grow as the medical community continues to embrace the effectiveness of CBD oil in the treatment of anxiety. Limited human trials have shown promise with the success rates reinforcing the efficacy of CBD oil in the treatment of anxiety and other mental illnesses.
Research to date has shown that CBD oil can alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and related health issues such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression.
A study in the Permanente Journal showed that of the 72 adult participants presenting with primary concerns of anxiety or poor sleep, anxiety scores decreased within the first month in 57 patients (79.2%) and remained decreased during the study duration. Sleep scores also improved within the first month in 48 patients at a rate of 66.7% but fluctuated over time.
CBD has also been proven to improve the quality of sleep. A 2017 study published in the Current Psychiatry Reports CBD may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of insomnia, a health issue often associated with anxiety.
Research continues to show that CBD oil may also be helpful in reducing anxiety by helping the body process serotonin in a more effective way. CBD improves how the body reacts to serotonin, allowing it to better improve overall mood, reducing anxiety.
CBD Oil Side Effects
How a person reacts to CBD is different depending on the dosage and type being ingested. Many users prefer CBD to traditional medication due to the lower risk of side effects.
Many current treatments for anxiety have side effects that can range from drowsiness to headaches to negative thoughts.
Research into the side effects of CBD continues to show there is a significantly low risk, unlike THC or smoking cannabis which can lead to addiction and potential health issues.
While using CBD to treat anxiety, side effects have been shown to differ depending on how the CBD is taken. When ingested by spray or vape in doses of up to 1500 mg, some patients experienced dry mouth, low blood pressure, lightheadedness, or drowsiness.
Those taking CBD topically experienced no side effects.
It is recommended that women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not take CBD oil as it can be harmful to the fetus. Additionally, it is recommended that patients who suffer from liver disease or Parkinson’s disease also avoid CBD oil due to the potential for adverse effects.
If you are unsure about taking CBD oil or are concerned it may be mixed with other ingredients, consult with your physician or CBD oil supplier. Never stop taking your anxiety medication or replace it with CBD oil without talking to your doctor first.
Summary
CBD oil has allowed people who suffer from anxiety to enjoy the feeling of calmness and peacefulness without the need for prescription medication. Offering an effective and affordable alternative to traditional medical treatment, CBD provides a solution to anxiety without having to worry about addiction or severe adverse effects.
Though research on the full health benefits of CBD oil continues, initial studies continue to show promise for further acceptance and integration into traditional medical therapies.
Always consult with a doctor before starting any alternative medical treatments.
PureOrganix Canada does not intend to give this as professional medical advice. Do not attempt to self-diagnose, or prescribe treatment based on the information provided on this page. Always consult your physician before making any decision on the treatment of a medical condition.
