Thousands of years ago, marijuana was used to treat medical conditions. There are two types of marijuana, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) being the most abundant and the most well-known for its psychoactive properties, and cannabidiol (CBD) being the second most abundant and not having psychoactive properties.
CBD has gained attention as a potential mental health enhancer, over the last few years. Journal of American Medical Association Network Open reported in 2019 that Internet searches for CBD had increased significantly in the United States. Between 2016 and 2017, search rates rose by 125.9%. Google searches for CBD information alone accounted for 6.4 million in April 2019.
The Use Of CBD Oil
Cannabis sativa contains over 100 chemical compounds, called cannabinoids. Various compounds in cannabis are responsible for the “high” that is attributed to marijuana. The primary psychoactive formulation in cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). On the other hand, CBD doesn’t have any psychoactive properties like THC.
According to reports, CBD can help with several conditions, although more studies are needed to determine all the potential effects and benefits of CBD. Many studies indicate that CBD shows promise for treating conditions as diverse as depression, anxiety, epilepsy, and sleep challenges, among others. People who need relief from pain and other symptoms may find CBD appealing since it does not cause the mind-altering effects of marijuana or certain pharmaceuticals. Studies indicate that it may relieve symptoms of chronic pain and anxiety, giving it momentum in the health and wellness industry.
Listed below are four health benefits of CBD oil that are backed by science.
1. Depression
The evidence for CBD’s ability to reduce depression is mixed at this point in time.
Researchers have shown that CBD may alter the brain’s serotonin levels. Neurotransmitters like serotonin play a role in emotion regulation, stress management, and mood regulation.
Approximately 17.3 million adults in the U.S. suffer from depression each year, as reported by the National Institute of Mental Health. Complementary and alternative treatments for depression have grown in popularity in recent years.
Studies have looked into the possibility that CBD might have antidepressant properties. Low serotonin levels may also contribute to depression. Serotonin receptors in the brain are affected by some antidepressants. Animal studies suggest CBD may contribute to depression by affecting serotonin receptors, which may lead to antidepressant effects.
2. Sleep Difficulties
CBD oil for sleep can be beneficial in treating sleeping disorders because it calms the body and the mind. Although it contributes to mental health and well-being, a third of adults in the U.S. do not get the necessary minimum amount of sleep each night, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Not getting enough sleep translates to depression, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
After taking an average dose of 25mg of CBD twice daily for a month, studies of people with anxiety symptoms and poor sleep showed that just over half experienced improved sleep quality.
3. Reduces depression and anxiety
Many mental health disorders can wreak havoc on health and well-being, including anxiety and depression. Among mental health conditions contributing to disability worldwide, depression ranks first, followed by anxiety disorders.
Pharmaceutical drugs are primarily used to treat anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, leading to drowsiness, agitation, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and headaches. The medications can also be addictive and may result in substance abuse.
It has been shown that CBD oil is effective in treating depression and anxiety, thus making it appealing to many who suffer from these disorders.
A Brazil-based study in which 57 men were either given CBD or a placebo 90 minutes before being tested on public speaking. An effective dose of CBD for reducing anxiety during the test was found to be 300 mg. There was little difference between a placebo, a 150-mg dose of CBD, and a 600-mg dose of CBD in anxiety reduction.
4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
U.S. adults who have PTSD comprise approximately 6.1% of the population. A person with posttraumatic stress disorder might be re-experiencing traumatizing events, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and avoidance of items that evoke the memories of the trauma.
Researchers are exploring whether CBD can reduce the symptoms of this condition. It has been found that CBD supplements, in addition to routine psychiatric treatment, decreased the symptoms of PTSD, according to a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
Even children with post-traumatic stress disorder have benefitted from CBD oil’s relaxing effects.
How should CBD be consumed for mental health?
In addition to CBD oil, CBD can be obtained in the following forms:
- A vapor
- Using nasal sprays
- Tablets
- Edible Creams
- Gummies
CBD is most commonly consumed in the form of oils. In addition to being placed directly under the tongue, these oils can also be dissolved in liquids such as tea and coffee. Another standard method for taking CBD for depression is in capsules and edibles.
A person seeking support for depression may want to consider cannabis products that have high CBD concentrations (>9.5%) and low THC concentrations (5.5%). There are still no guidelines regarding the recommended dosage for people who take CBD for depression. Contact your medical provider to determine the appropriate dosage and whether CBD is the right treatment for you.
Here’s the bottom line
Researchers have examined CBD oil’s potential for treating anxiety, depression, acne, and cardiovascular issues. This natural remedy may even provide pain relief and symptom relief to cancer patients.
CBD oil is undergoing research to uncover its potential health benefits, which will lead to new therapeutic uses.
CBD is still relatively unknown for its efficacy and safety, but recent studies indicate that CBD may be a safe, effective, and natural treatment for many health conditions.
