The truth about the medical benefits of CBD is still heavily debated until now. We were taught that cannabis or marijuana is highly hazardous to human health. However, traces of evidence reveal that it was widely utilized even in ancient times for medicinal purposes. In the United States, more states are becoming more relaxed about their marijuana laws, making health shops stocking on their shelves to meet customers’ demands, with CBD oil for anxiety as one of the best sellers. It is seemingly helpful in treating many health conditions, including anxiety.
But before we talk about how CBD helps with anxiety, let’s delve into what exactly anxiety disorders are.
What Are Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety is a normal reaction of our bodies to stress. Actually, it’s helpful in some situations, alerting and helping us prepare for potential danger ahead. Everybody experiences seasonal anxiety, such as when there’s an issue at work or before a job interview and taking a test. That’s fine. But anxiety disorders are not.
Anxiety disorders are mental conditions that are common among people involving severe worry, fear, dread, and nervousness. When it becomes extreme, it causes continuous fear and makes you stop doing activities you used to love doing. In some cases, it even makes you scared of getting in an elevator, crossing the street, or leaving your home.
5 Major Types of Anxiety Disorders
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Social phobia or Social anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a type of chemical naturally found in marijuana plants, called cannabinoid. It’s one of the most typical active substances extracted from the hemp used in CBD products, including oils or edibles. Unlike another type called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not make you “high” or intoxicated. This is also the reason why THC use is regulated in many countries.
Since CBD products are trending in the market, manufacturers are now adding and infusing CBD in numerous different applications. In other words, it’s getting added to anything and everything.
CBD Products List
1. Edibles (chocolates, gummies, hard candies, mac and cheese, lollipop, hummus, cakes, honey, jelly beans, cereal, cheese puffs, mustard, olive oil, coconut oil, gum, etc.)
2. Supplements (inhaler, tincture/drops, green superfood supplements, patch, post-workout recovery drink, shatter/isolates, suppositories, capsules/softgels, etc.)
3. Body Care (massage oil, intimate lube, face oil, bath bombs and soaks, lotion, hand cream, balm, face mask, body scrub, eye serum, face moisturizers, beard balm, deodorant, etc.)
4. Smoking (vaping, flowers/joints, etc.)
5. Beverages (seltzer/sparkling water, coffee, soda, beer, water, k-cups, cocktails, energy drink, tea, etc.)
6. Pet Products (pet tincture, pet tropicals, pet treats)
How Does CBD Help With Anxiety?
Though CBD has been clinically used to treat kids with seizures, promising preliminary data suggests that it is also helpful in other mental and physical conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia, cancer, pain, inflammatory illness, substance use disorders, and others.
Research shows that increased serotonin levels can help treat anxiety. Serotonin, aka “happy chemical,” is a chemical in our brain regulating our mood, digestion, sleep, feeling of happiness, etc. Low levels of serotonin can trigger stress and anxiety, sleep trouble, and depression. CBD is believed to work by increasing serotonin levels, akin to how antidepressants function.
What Does Research Say About Anxiety and CBD?
A 2019 study utilized CBD to treat people struggling with anxiety and sleep. They learned that almost 80% of these individuals’ anxiety improved while nearly 70% reported that their sleep difficulties got better, both in two months.
In another research in the same year, out of eleven clients with PTSD, 91% experienced minimized symptoms after taking CBD.
On the other hand, a review of 49 studies in 2015 found proof that CBD could aid with panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The Bottom Line
Though studies are slowly revealing that CBD can help treat a wide range of illnesses, remember that it is not a “miracle cure.” Besides, we need more profound studies to show its efficacy and whether it’s safe for many health conditions.
Just because CBD products are widely available, be aware that it’s not well regulated. In other words, the ingredients and amounts written on the bottle might not be the same as what’s inside. On top of these, research the CBD laws in your state or country before adding them to your cart.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy CBD products supplier, try Birch+Fog edibles. You can check out their website to see more of their delightful CBD edibles, beverages, and other CBD-infused products.
