Anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders Americans face, and while there is a wide range of pharmaceutical products available, these are not always effective and are often addictive or have unpleasant side effects. Using CBD oil for anxiety is rapidly becoming the treatment of choice for many anxiety sufferers, who now prefer this natural remedy to prescription drugs. So, what is it about this hemp-derived product which makes it suitable for alleviating anxiety?
Understanding Anxiety and Its Symptoms
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, roughly 40 million Americans suffer from anxiety-related disorders every year. Constant worrying, feeling on edge, difficulty concentrating and disrupted sleeping patterns are among some of the most common symptoms which people suffering from anxiety face. Anxiety-related conditions are complex can have a number of causes, ranging from genetics, to personality, to brain chemistry. The most common anxiety disorders include general anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias, and OCD. Only one third of people who battle anxiety seek treatment, despite the fact that it can be an extremely debilitating condition. This is why educating people about the benefits of using CBD oil for anxiety treatment is so important: it empowers those who suffer from anxiety to make informed choices about the treatment which will be best for their individual needs.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is a natural substance derived from industrially-produced hemp. Hemp, unlike its relative marijuana, does not contain THC. For this reason, CBD oil derived from hemp has no psychoactive or toxic effects and is safe for animals and humans to use. The distinction between these two substances is important: while THC is said to trigger anxiety in marijuana users, the use of CBD oil for anxiety is encouraged and can even be a highly beneficial form of treatment. Let’s take a closer look at the science behind CBD oil to understand how it could provide anxiety relief.
CBD Oil and the Brain
The active ingredient in CBD oil, cannabidiol, is one of the many cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. Cannabidiol interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system and is able to bind to certain receptors in the brain, which means it is able to affect neural function. One study has shown that cannabidiol improves the transmission of serotonin signals in the brain, which means that higher levels of serotonin are present in the synapse before being reabsorbed by the brain. This is significant, as high serotonin levels are associated with reduced anxiety and improved moods. Another study has shown that cannabidiol improves neurogenesis (brain tissue growth) in the hippocampus area of the brain. The hippocampus performs a number of brain functions and is largely responsible for memory, cognition and concentration. People with anxiety and depression tend to have a smaller hippocampus, which is why substances which stimulate neural growth in this area could be key to anxiety treatment. Most importantly, studies which have examined the impact of CBD oil on the brain have not reported any results of negative side effects, although this comes with the caveat that long-term cannabidiol use has not yet been extensively studied.
Promising Results
Further studies measuring the physical responses of anxiety sufferers to CBD have provided preliminary indications that using CBD oil for anxiety could be highly effective. Lowered heart rates and blood pressure, as well as increased cerebral blood flow, were among the indications observed in the study participants who were given CBD oil. Subjective participant responses were also promising: in a number of studies, those who were given CBD oil reported a reduction in anxiety-related symptoms and all-round improvement of mood. While research in this area is still growing, these initial results provide a basis for the assertion that CBD oil could be instrumental in alleviating anxiety for millions of people.
CBD Oil You Can Trust
If you are considering taking CBD oil to treat your anxiety, or are interested in recommending the product to a loved one, it is important to bear in mind that the quality of the CBD oil you take can have a big impact on its effectivity. Bad Ass CBD oil is 100% natural, is cultivated in an environment free from pesticides and toxins, and is free from additives, BPA, GMOs and preservatives. This means that it is not only completely safe for human consumption, but is also more easily absorbed by the body. Explore our product range and discover for yourself how CBD oil can help to manage anxiety and improve mental health.
