CBD is one of over 100 chemicals – cannabinoids – that are found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. CBD is obtained from the flowers and leaves of this plant. CBD is a natural chemical compound used as a supplement for many ailments. CBD oil stimulates the endocannabinoid system to produce its cannabinoids and delays their breakdown. The endocannabinoid system in the human body controls the most important physiological and psychological functions, such as memory, pain sensation, pleasure, regulation of appetite, body temperature and inflammation, and the perception of anxiety or concentration.
How does CBD relieve anxiety?
People who have struggled with constant anxiety and fear know how difficult it is to let go of these feelings and feel true peace. Regardless of what causes stress: work, problems at school or conflicts in the family, the effect is a similar – constant feeling of tension and anxiety. Sometimes it also happens that you feel anxious even when nothing bad or stressful is going on in your life. The problem appears when the anxiety state is chronic, and its intensity is disproportionate to the stimulus that causes it. Examples of symptoms associated with an anxiety response include:
- adrenaline rush
- increased sweating
- increased heart rate
- sensitization to external stimuli
CBD oil helps to reduce stress and anxiety and treat depression. The serotonin 5-HT 1A receptor malfunction can cause anxiety and depression. Thanks to CBD, the production of serotonin and dopamine increases, which can effectively reduce symptoms of depression and the feeling of increased anxiety. By attaching to 5-HT1A receptors, CBD mimics the effect of greater serotonin availability, thereby improving patients’ mood, pleasure and cognitive function. What’s more, CBD works from the very first dose used. Not only that, if a person is on pharmacological therapy – there is nothing to prevent this therapy from being effective by implementing CBD. CBD can be a safe and natural alternative for patients seeking relief from anxiety and chronic anxiety. However, you should consult your doctor about taking CBD.
How does CBD help with depression?
Our body has a natural endocannabinoid system that includes CB1 receptors in the brain and CB2 receptors in immune cells. CBD in the blood activates this system and affects our neurotransmitters. CBD’s function in treating depression is closely related to serotonin, a brain chemical affecting our emotions and motor skills. Serotonin is an internal stabilizer of our mood and is essential for healthy sleep, eating habits, and digestion. Low serotonin levels can lead to depression, which CBD can reverse due to its significant effects on the 5-HT1A receptor. This receptor releases serotonin into the body. CBD stimulates this receptor to work and produce serotonin more efficiently.
CBD also influences the activity of the hippocampus in the brain. The hippocampus is associated with controlling emotions. When depressed, the hippocampus may shrink. The benefit of CBD treatment is that it stimulates the formation of new neurons and, thus, greater production of neurons in the brain. Sleep disturbance is one of the more common symptoms of depression. They are characterized by difficulty falling asleep or maintaining a healthy sleep cycle. Depending on the dose, CBD can increase our daytime awareness or help us get into the first sleep phase faster. Additionally, CBD helps to keep the body in the deep phase longer while reducing the disruptions of the REM phase. Research into the effects of CBD on the brain is still ongoing.
How long does CBD oil take to work for anxiety?
It depends on several factors, including the weight and age of the user, the strength of CBD, and the form it takes. Using CBD oil is child’s play. Just drop a few drops of it under your tongue and hold it there for about a minute, then swallow it and expect the results. They should appear after several minutes, depending on the purpose for which we use the oil. However, we should feel more relaxed and calmer after a dozen minutes.
There is also no such thing as an optimal dose of CBD. How much cannabidiol we end up ingesting depends on factors such as:
- metabolism,
- age,
- weight,
- lifestyle,
- eating habits,
- a form of taking CBD,
- and for what purpose do we want to use CBD?
To avoid building up a tolerance too quickly or experiencing possible side effects such as drowsiness, hypotension or dry mouth, it is best to start with small doses, slowly reaching the dose of CBD that will work in our case.
