When it comes to medicine and alternative therapies of any kind, there isn’t a one size fits all dose that works for everyone. Even when it comes to simple things like drinking water and eating food, everyone’s body and lifestyles are so different. For those who take CBD oil for anxiety, some may find that different methods and different doses work best for them. So how do you figure out the best way to take CBD oil for anxiety disorders?
Cannabidiol (CBD) has shown in studies that it may be able to help with certain symptoms of anxiety by reducing the overactivity in the brain. While everyone’s brain chemistry varies, those with anxiety have one thing in common – an overactive amygdala. Scientists believe that CBD oil may be a valid treatment for anxiety because of its interaction with this part of the brain.
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety comes in all shapes and sizes ranging in severity and duration. For some, it could be a little nuisance that makes life a little harder, while others experience something much more debilitating. There are also different types of anxiety that have a wide variety of symptoms. Some anxieties can be ticking away at you throughout the day; some anxiety comes and goes as it pleases, while other anxieties may need something to trigger them.
Common Anxiety Disorders
Panic Disorder
Social Anxiety
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
General Anxiety Disorder
Specific Phobias
The biology behind anxiety starts at the amygdala. This is what controls your fight-or-flight response. Studies have shown that individuals who have anxiety disorders have an overactive amygdala, which can trigger symptoms of anxiety like fear, ruminating thoughts, or elevated heartbeat. Even though this issue is rooted in the brain, there are still treatment options that may lead to complete relief.
Treatment for Anxiety Disorders
If you have an anxiety disorder, you may be happy to know that anxiety is treatable. It is common for people with anxiety to be completely cured, or at least have a reduction in their symptoms significant enough to manage their day to day life. One of the most effective ways to treat anxiety disorders isn’t just by taking medication, but to use therapy alongside the medication. Therapy has shown to be so effective because the goal is to help you learn new coping mechanisms, thought patterns, and habits.
Common medications prescribed for anxiety do work, but they can have some side-effects that aren’t the most desirable. Some anxiety medications can cause addiction with severe withdrawals, or cause people to experience side-effects like confusion, blurred vision, or nightmares. Of course, researchers are always trying to find the best method of treatment with the highest reward and lowest risk factors, and they are discovering the answer might have been right under their noses the whole time. One issue that some come across when doing therapy alone is being unable to practice these new skills because of the severity of their symptoms. When ruminating thoughts consume your mind, it can be challenging to break free even with guided therapy from a professional which is why many use medications. The medication’s purpose is to help reduce the symptoms enough to relearn healthy habits.
Cannabis and Anxiety
Medical marijuana has been used for quite some time to treat a variety of ailments from inflammation to depression. Science is starting to reveal why it has been so effective for so long making this plant very valuable. One of the chemicals in the cannabis plant that has been studied heavily because of its wide array of potential and lack of intoxicating effects is the cannabinoid Cannabidiol (CBD).
CBD has shown in studies to help reduce anxiety symptoms in multiple anxiety disorders by elevating an endocannabinoid called anandamide. Your body makes this chemical, and its job is to bind to cannabinoid receptors and help promote homeostasis which is when your body is regulated and behaving as it should. The cannabinoid receptor that anandamide binds to the most is the CB1 receptor which is what helps control your neurological system which includes your appetite, pain sensitivity, sleep cycle, and mood.
The elevation of anandamide has shown in studies to help reduce the fear response and may prove to be a coping mechanism for stress in humans. Endocannabinoids travel backward unlike most neurotransmitters through a process called retrograde signaling. Through this process, the endocannabinoid is able to relay a message to the cell sending the fear signals out, altering what message is sent reducing anxiety symptoms.
How to Take CBD for Anxiety
Before you start taking any new medications to help with your symptoms, you need to let your doctor know that you want to make important changes. They can help you determine whether this is a good avenue to take as well as monitor your progress. One thing you and your doctor should discuss are your expectations when it comes to your treatment, what kind of relief are you looking for? This can help give you a good idea of what methods might work best for you.
If you have anxiety that is subtle but is creating a discomfort throughout the day all day, you would want a method that lasts longer. Most methods that last longer take longer to kick in, so this is something to consider. These long-lasting methods include:
Suppositories
Pills
For anxiety that is triggered or can get debilitatingly severe, there are methods that work more quickly. However, they don’t last as long. These methods can kick in in minutes, but only last for a few hours. These methods include:
For those with chronic anxiety throughout the day that can cause attacks or bouts of extreme anxiety, using both ways may also be helpful. Taking a pill for the anxiety throughout the day, and then having a tincture for when your anxiety starts to get excited is also a good strategy should your doctor recommend it. You and your doctor may not see CBD oil as a forever medicine. The goal may be to use it as a tool to help you through therapy, with the final goal of you being off medication and being able to function with as little to no discomfort.
If you and your doctor have decided that CBD oil may be able to help you with your symptoms, be sure to stop by our online store and check out our isolate CBD oil products and our full spectrum hemp products. Remember to consult with your doctor and make sure that you keep a detailed journal.
Ashley Everett and Jay Burton, the owners of Cachet Brands, are creating premium CBD for an active community of athletes, fitness enthusiasts, dancers, entertainment professionals and creatives. They hope to always provide quality CBD infused products that are consistent, high quality and trusted. If you have any questions, please contact us.