Throughout the world of herbal medicines CBD, short for cannabidiol, is like the second to come among enthusiasts. Praised for its curing prowess—from pain and insomnia to stomach conditions and inflammation—the cannabis-born compound is rapidly growing cult-like popularity. Not only are physical health benefits documented, but more and more people are turning to CBD to help with mental health conditions—especially anxiety and depression. And the study is very promising. The Immunology study showed that CBD induces a relaxation in the brain that is noticeable on the scan—doctors may really see the angst dissipate.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most studied cannabinoids of the Cannabis sativa plant. The other known cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Along with CBD and THC, the Cannabis sativa plant produces more than 540 chemical compounds. Cannabinoids, including CBD and THC, bind to unique brain cannabinoid receptors. THC creates a common ‘high’ sensation that people equate with weeds. However, this effect is not created by CBD. Instead, it provides a wide range of possible health benefits. New literature shows that CBD has significant pharmacological effects. Many scientists and researchers are conscious that CBD has positive anti-inflammatory effects.
CBD oil can be a perfect way to help calm fear, fatigue, and depression. However, the main concern here seems to be choosing the right brand. Over the years, CBD oil has become increasingly popular and, as a result, a wealth of new brands has entered the market. Unfortunately, not all brands are equivalent. Many of today’s products are not of the highest quality, and thus may not be effective against anxiety, depression, and stress.
Anxiety and depression
Unlike many other most physical conditions, emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression are more difficult to monitor and treat. However, if you follow the best recovery strategies, it can not take a lot of time or money to keep you under control.
Although there are many alternative types of treatment and medicine available on the market, most of them have not been effective in tackling anxiety disorders. Some still leave behind a few detrimental effects on the body and mind. That’s so many people resort to herbal remedies.
Although most herbal remedies have rather mild results, CBD or Cannabidiol—a cannabinoid derivative—has been shown to be abundantly successful in the battle against anxiety for several people.
How to use CBD Oil
As stated earlier, researchers and healthcare practitioners have yet to create consistent dosing protocols for CBD therapy. In a 2019 study, researchers observed that CBD 300–600 mg substantially decreased depressive symptoms in 57 adult males. The dose a person takes to alleviate anxiety depends on the CBD medication and how it is handled.
Methods of CBD administration include:
- Oil
- Sublingual spray
- Capsules
- Edibles
- Vaporized edibles
The process of administration defines how rapidly cannabinoids begin to take action.
Why is CBD affecting the brain?
Understanding how CBD affects the brain continues with a lecture on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), essentially the largest body system you’ve ever learned about. It regulates just about every single internal role we have. Movement, pain experience, immune system, temperature, mental functions including vision, mood, and memory—you name it.
The ECS is like Big Brother, always holding an eye on things so that when anything doesn’t work properly, it can take action. Let’s assume, for example, that the body produces a lot of heat after a workout. In this case, the endocannabinoids bind to the receptors and then warn the ECS that it’s time for the body to cool off.
Found mainly in the brain, the CB1 receptor is believed to suppress central nervous system inflammation and help modify the effects of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that monitors mood. In reality, the way many antidepressants function is by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
In comparison, fear and stress suppress GABA, a found natural brain chemical that causes neurons to slow down or avoid functioning. In general, this neurotransmitter tells the body to chill out by helping to promote relaxation, loosen the muscles and create a feeling of peace. Some scientists claim that CBD will help modulate GABA so that the body returns to its regularly scheduled programming.
How good is CBD for anxiety and depression?
Although there is a significant amount of clinical literature that indicates that CBD may be useful for anxiety in animals, as well as anecdotal evidence and case reports that indicate that it can be helpful for alleviating anxiety in humans, there are less data on the efficacy of CBD for depression, although some promising animal trials have been performed. For example, a 2018 report on rats published in NeuroscienceNews found that only a single dose of CBD managed to alleviate symptoms of depression for up to one week. Researchers conclude that CBD helps to rebuild neuronal circuits in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, which are weakened by depression.