CBD is a compound in hemp plants that has been recently legalized in the US. Because of this, more and more companies have started selling oils, tinctures, salves, capsules, and other therapeutic products infused with CBD. Now, these products are frequently sought after as natural remedies for different conditions, one of which is anxiety.
In recent years, CBD became a very popular remedy for those suffering from the condition. Most people take CBD in the form of oil to soothe their anxious feelings while others resort to this as a supplementation for the condition itself. But the question is – will CBD work for anxiety?
Can CBD work for anxiety?
Though there is not much scientific research on the effects of CBD on anxiety yet, more and more anecdotal evidence has surfaced – most of which claim that CBD is extremely effective for aches, pains, sleep, and more. Among all of these positive effects, one of the most promising is how CBD can help with anxiety.
Anxiety is one of the most common reasons why people choose to consume CBD-infused products along with pain and depression. Since almost 20% of adults in the US suffer from one form of anxiety or another, CBD comes as a huge relief.
But before you start taking CBD in different forms, whether for anxiety relief or for other reasons – make sure to speak with your doctor first. Do as much research as you can about CBD and your condition to ensure your own safety and well-being.
How does CBD work for anxiety?
While the research on CBD is still in preliminary stages, health experts and CBD advocates claim that helps with anxiety by aiding with the body’s production of serotonin, a type of neurotransmitter and hormone that plays a role in the regulation of emotions. This is a similar effect as certain medications for anxiety.
Are there any potential side effects?
As with any other medications, taking CBD may come with a number of potential side effects, although this is rarely the case. Another important reason why anxiety sufferers have become interested in CBD is that it isn’t as risky as pharmaceuticals. Still, knowing the potential side effects is important. These include:
- Appetite changes
- Mood changes
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
Some evidence has also shown that taking CBD might result in an increase in the levels of specific enzymes in the liver, one factor that might contribute to liver damage. In some cases, CBD may even interact with medications. Therefore, you should consult with your doctor first if you take any kind of anxiety medication.
Using CBD for anxiety
CBD has different effects on different people. While one person may find relief from anxiety by taking CBD oil, other people might not experience the same positive effects. Unlike medications, there is a need for more research to prove how CBD can help treat – or even cure – anxiety and other conditions.
After speaking to your doctor about taking CBD oil despite taking other medications, it’s time to think about what type of CBD product to take. CBD comes in the form of oils, salves, creams, capsules, and more. But for most beginners, one of the most common forms of CBD they take is CBD tincture.
CBD tinctures are easy to administer. All you have to do is use the dropper to administer a few drops of the CBD liquid under your tongue. Keep the liquid there for about one minute before swallowing so it gets absorbed by your bloodstream more effectively.
When it comes to CBD, figuring out the best dose can be quite tricky since there are no standard guidelines for CBD dosing. Since CBD affects people differently, you may have to do your own experiments to determine the most effective dosage for you. Just make sure that you take the oil or tincture consistently for a few weeks to feel the effects.
Conclusion
If you experience the symptoms of anxiety like irritability, fatigue, muscle tension, sleep issues, difficulty concentrating, and more, speak with your doctor right away. If you’re interested in taking CBD as part of your treatment, work with your doctor to find out how you can incorporate this health supplement properly.
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