CBD For Anxiety: How to Use It?

Anxiety affects 18.1% percent of the adult population in the US. That’s over 40 million people who suffer from chronic anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. You can learn more about anxiety and the symptoms of anxiety here  https://cfah.org/anxiety-statistics/.

While no cure exists for anxiety, many effective treatments can help you manage symptoms and lead a fulfilling life. One such treatment is cannabidiol (CBD), a natural compound found in hemp plants that don’t have psychoactive effects.

In this article, we’ll explore how CBD can help reduce anxiety symptoms. First, let’s look at anxiety, how it affects you, and how CBD can help.

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What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal human reaction that protects us by signaling danger and preparing us to address it. It becomes a disorder when the anxiety response is out of proportion to the actual danger or when anxiety interferes with daily functioning.

There are several anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), specific phobias, and separation anxiety disorder. You can experience two or more anxiety disorders.

The symptoms of anxiety disorder depend on the type you have. Yet there are common signs:

• Feeling nervous, tense, or restless 
• A sense of impending panic, doom, or danger
• Having an increased heart rate
• Breathing rapidly (hyperventilating)
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Feeling weak or tired
• Trouble concentrating or constantly thinking about present worry
• Having trouble sleeping
• Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems

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How Can CBD Help with Anxiety?

One traditional use of CBD oil is to reduce anxiety and stress. Not only has it been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms, but it also eases the physical symptoms associated with anxiety, like an increased heart rate, muscle tension, and excessive sweating. When we feel anxious, our bodies go into “fight-or-flight” mode, which puts our bodies on high alert resulting in some of these symptoms.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates mood and other bodily functions, including pain, memory, sleep patterns, and appetite. When our ECS is imbalanced or dysregulated, it can negatively impact our mental health, causing mood disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety.

CBD works with the ECS to bring balance back to our bodies by helping the body produce more of its cannabinoids. CBD also stimulates the production of serotonin in the brain, which helps regulate mood and behavior and manage pain and sleep.

A 2011 study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that CBD may help reduce symptoms associated with a social anxiety disorder (SAD). While participants in the study only took a small dosage of CBD (600 mg), they still experienced significant improvements in their anxiety levels compared to those who took a placebo.

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How to Use CBD Oil for Anxiety

CBD oil is extracted from cannabis plants. It is blended with a carrier oil, like hemp seed or coconut oil. Its popularity has been growing over the last few years as an alternative treatment option for conditions like anxiety. But how do you use this oil? 

Here are useful tips for using CBD oil to manage anxiety: 

• Start with a small amount of CBD and gradually increase if necessary. 
• Take CBD at various times of day and in different environments (at home, before bed, outdoors, etc.) to determine which works best. 
• Adjust the dose on the basis of how you feel. If you experience increased anxiety after taking it, reduce your dose the next time around. 
• Consult your doctor before taking CBD oil UK if you are on medication or have underlying health issues. Although CBD is well tolerated by most users, it can interact with some medicines, so check with an expert doctor first if you take any prescription medications or supplements.

Dosage of CBD Oil for Anxiety

The optimal dose of CBD for any individual will vary depending on factors, including their size and weight, age, and the severity of the anxiety they are experiencing. Generally speaking. However, most people tend to find that a dose between 10-30mg per day works well for anxiety.

How Long Will It Take CBD To Work? The time it takes for CBD oil to work varies from person to person. Many users report experiencing positive results from taking CBD oil within 1 hour. However, some users may need to take their CBD oil for a week or longer to notice an effect.

Conclusion

CBD can relieve those who suffer from anxiety and its many effects without getting you high from the THC found in marijuana. If you’re ready to enjoy life without the fear of debilitating anxiety attacks, you should consider giving CBD. Hopefully, the information above will help convince you that it’s not only beneficial but also incredibly safe and risk-free. Meanwhile, if you wish to integrate the substance into your diet, get in touch with an expert for more information on the dosage and application use.