Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including racing thoughts, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and trouble sleeping. Various lifestyle choices are responsible for aggravating anxiety, including late nights, overwork, erratic schedules, improper diet, and chilly surroundings. While there are many conventional therapies for anxiety, some may question its effectiveness.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in using CBD oil to relieve anxiety. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants. It has been shown to have several therapeutic benefits, including reducing anxiety and stress.
In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of anxiety and how CBD oil can help. We will also provide tips on how to choose the right CBD oil for anxiety and how to use it safely and effectively.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety disorder is an intense, excessive, or persistent worry, fear, and feeling of apprehension. A byproduct of today’s modern lifestyle, an anxiety attack is a stress reaction. You may ignore it for a while, but if prolonged, it can prove to be hazardous for both mind and body.
Anxiety Symptoms
Common anxiety signs and symptoms include:
- Feeling restless, nervous, or tense
- Sense of impending danger or panic
- Rapid breathing and increased heart rate
- Sweating and trembling
- Feeling weak, tired, or sleepless
- Gastrointestinal (GI) problems
Types of Anxiety
There are five major types of anxiety disorders, as detailed below:
-
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Characteristics- Chronic anxiety, exaggerated worry, and tension about everyday activities or events. It includes persistent and excessive thinking and worrying.
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Characteristics- Repetitive behaviors, unwanted thoughts or obsessions, and compulsions.
-
Panic Disorder
Characteristics- Unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear followed by physical symptoms, like dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, or abdominal troubles.
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is an anxiety disorder developed after exposure to a terrifying event that may include violent personal assaults, accidents, natural disasters, etc.
Characteristics - Intense and disturbing thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, hyperarousal, avoidance, and emotional numbing. Several other problems may arise in PTSD patients, including phobias, anxiety, depression, self-harming or destructive behavior.
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Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder)
Characteristics- Excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations. A person may experience anxiety symptoms anytime when they are with other people. Phobias may provoke panic attacks.
Ayurveda’s View on Anxiety
According to Ayurveda, anxiety is due to an aggravation of the Vata dosha. Balanced Vata creates joy, positive thinking, and imagination, whereas aggravated Vata leads to constriction, fear, and anxiousness.
Ayurveda focuses on pacifying Vata and balancing Kapha and Pitta in the body to relieve anxiety. Let’s dig deeper to find how Cannabis helps curb symptoms of anxiety and other stress-related disorders.
Cannabidiol (CBD) Oil
Cannabis has been used in Ayurveda for ages to reduce anxiety and manage stress. Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most abundant phytocannabinoid constituent of the Cannabis plant. Unlike ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not have psychoactive effects. CBD oil is Cannabis oil with a higher ratio of CBD along with other active compounds for maximum potency and least side effects.
The cannabis extract obtained from cannabis leaves is diluted with a carrier oil like coconut oil, olive oil or hemp seed oil. It stimulates the endocannabinoid system of the body, which contributes to overall well-being.
Medical Cannabis produces chemical compounds called cannabinoids, which are quite similar to neurotransmitter chemicals produced naturally by our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). ECS is a collection of neuromodulators, their receptors (CB1 & CB2), and signaling pathways.
It regulates the body’s physiological system to maintain homeostasis (the state of balance). Phyto-cannabinoids (CBD & THC) bind mainly to CB1 and CB2 receptors and specific enzymes and metabolites to activate the pathways and regulate the symptoms.
CBD Oil Benefits
CBD Oil has broad therapeutic properties across a range of neuropsychiatric disorders, deriving from diverse central nervous system actions. Some of the primary reasons for taking CBD oil include anxiety, stress, movement, mood, memory, appetite, pain, and more. Some of them are detailed below:
- Helps relieve anxiety
CBD oil is being used as a potential anxiolytic therapy. Studies suggest that CBD reduces anxiety in patients suffering from social anxiety disorder (SAD). The action is related to the effect of CBD on activities in the limbic and paralimbic brain areas.
- Aids in relieving neuro-degenerative diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases are caused due to inflammation. Inflammation can accumulate plaque between the neurons and damage neurons in the brain. THC found in CBD oil promotes the removal of toxic clumps of amyloid-beta protein in the brain and thus protects neurons.
- Uplifts Mood
According to Pubmed , “CBD has received growing attention due to its anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. As a consequence, and given its safety profile, CBD is considered a promising new agent in relieving anxiety and mood disorders. CBD oil therapy has shown significant improvement in mood and reduction in subjective distress and psychosocial stress.
How to Use CBD for Anxiety?
CBD dosage recommendations to relieve anxiety vary depending on the individual's condition, weight, and other factors. Researchers and healthcare professionals do not yet standardize it.
CBD administration methods include:
- Oil
- Capsules
- Edibles
- Sublingual spray
- Vaporized oil or cannabis flowers
Best CBD Oil
Medical Cannabis in India is gaining popularity, but many people still wonder if CBD oil is legal and where to buy CBD oil.
CBD oil should be made using full-spectrum cannabis extract infused with coconut oil. The high-grade organic coconut oil boosts the absorption of cannabinoids because it allows easy absorption in the digestive tract and metabolism in the liver. Infusion of cannabinoids in coconut oil thus boosts the bioavailability of cannabinoids and helps break down the cannabinoid-coconut oil complex in the liver for immediate effect.
Ayurvedic Products to Combat Anxiety
Cannabis medicine in India is now gaining popularity because of its effectiveness. Vedi makes cannabis medicines in India available in three different proprietary formulations: - Cannapain, Cannaflam, and Cannaron, and four classical formulations such as Kameshwar modaka, Jatiphaladi churna & Bilvadi churna. These medicines are free from chemicals, artificial flavors or sweeteners, sugar, salt, gluten, soy, pesticides, and heavy metals.
- Cannaron Capsules and Cannaron Oil - This wholesome cannabis leaf extract formulation revitalizes the nervous system and uplifts the mood.
- Cannapain Capsules and Cannapain Oil - This full-spectrum cannabis leaf extract formulation alleviates pain and improves sleep. It has potent anti-anxiety properties and improves the quality of life.
- Cannaflam Capsules and Cannaflam Oil – This natural Cannabis medicine soothes chronic inflammation and fortifies the immune system.
Risks and Side-effects of CBD for Anxiety
CBD is considered to be a safe and well-tolerated substance for most people.
Some risks and side effects associated with CBD include:
- Change in weight
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
Before taking any CBD products, individuals must consult a doctor.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use CBD, as it may harm the fetus or baby. There may be a risk with certain medications and supplements, such as blood thinners and liver medication, so it is important to check with a healthcare professional.
Please note that CBD is not a medical treatment for anxiety or mental health conditions.
CBD Oil for Anxiety: Important Terms to Know
The following table defines some important terms that you may encounter while considering the use of CBD for anxiety:
|
Term |
Meaning |
|
CBD |
A compound found in the cannabis plant that does not cause the ‘high’ sensation that is often associated with cannabis use. |
|
THC |
A psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. It is responsible for the ‘high’ sensation associated with cannabis use. |
|
Full-spectrum |
These CBD products contain all of the natural compounds found in the cannabis plant, including THC, but THC levels should not exceed 0.3% to comply with FDA regulations. |
|
Broad-spectrum |
Broad-spectrum CBD products contain most of the natural compounds found in the cannabis plant, except for THC. However, even though manufacturers remove most of the THC, it may still be present in very small amounts. |
|
CBD isolate |
This is the purest form of CBD and should contain no THC. |
|
Cannabinoids |
The cannabis plant contains over 120 compounds, of which CBD is the second most abundant after THC. |
|
Terpenes |
Terpenes are another compound found in the cannabis plant that gives a unique aroma. A few terpenes, such as limonene, may also have specific health benefits. |
Get Medical Advice from Vedi Experts
If you’re interested in leveraging CBD oil for your anxiety, talk to our doctors at Vedi Wellness Centres. The medical advice will help you uncover the root cause of your issues and achieve holistic mental, physical, and spiritual health. They will guide you on how to figure out a starting dosage that’s right for you.
Cannabis oil has a promising role as an alternative therapy in the management of anxiety disorders. Find the best CBD & CBD oil products at Vedi Herbals.
FAQs
Does CBD oil remove anxiety?
CBD oil can reduce anxiety symptoms. It may offer therapeutic benefits over antidepressant medications, but it is not a replacement. It significantly reduces anxiety and discomfort in people facing this health condition.
Is CBD oil good for panic attacks or anxiety?
Researchers have found that taking CBD oil reduces behavioral signs of anxiety. The dosage recommendation for using CBD to relieve anxiety symptoms vary for every individual. So, it is better to consult a doctor before starting the consumption of CBD.
How much CBD should a beginner start with?
Determining the right starting dose of CBD for a beginner can be tricky as it depends on several factors. "Start low and go slow" is the key principle when starting with CBD.
What is the best CBD for sleep and anxiety?
Vedi's Cannaflam is best CBD for sleep and anxiety. Cannaflam is available both in capsule and oil dose form.
