More than 79% of Americans are affected by stress on a daily basis. Almost everyone knows what it’s like to feel stressed. An upcoming presentation, an exam, or other important events in our lives can make us feel tense. However, a challenging work environment, strained relationships, or a tragic incident can make someone feel relentlessly stressed. However, if the imminent sense of anxiety seems never-ending, it might further lead to chronic stress.
Chronic stress affects more than your mental stability. It can cause severe headaches, and a rise in blood pressure, chest pain, and palpitation. While there are many anti-anxiety medications and treatments available, nothing beats a natural remedy when it comes to treating ailments.
Although CBD is still in its growing stages, there is sufficient research to back CBD as an anti-anxiety supplement. The growing popularity of CBD has everyone curious about this element and its usage.
What is CBD Oil and How Does it Work?
CBD or cannabidiol is one of the hundreds of chemical compounds present in the cannabis plant. They are extracted and separated from the leaves of the cannabis plant, and then used to make various products such as oil, tea, gummies, etc. It is popularly known for its pain relief quality, and for managing stress, anxiety, seizures, and more.
The human body has many different receptors. They are the protein-based chemical foundation attached to our cells, and they receive different signals from various stimuli.
CBD is known to interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors found in the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. Whilst not clearly understood, CBD is speculated to alter the serotonin signals. Not having enough serotonin may cause anxiety. Evidence also shows that CBD is helpful in:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Cannabidiol- Secret Anti-Anxiety Ingredient
You’re probably aware of the spectrum of reactions that cannabis products can produce. It would seem that the popular “unpredictable” behavior displayed after consuming cannabis products is due to the variations in quantities and ratios in phytocannabinoids and synergistic terpenes. Therefore, too much THC can over-stimulate the CB1 receptors.
On the other hand, the non-intoxicating sister molecule of THC, cannabidiol (CBD), can directly or indirectly counteract the over-stimulation and help people suffering from anxiety to manage their symptoms. Today, with the help of medical research and studies, many products are being created without any THC. This process helps to discard the cultural stigma traditionally associated with cannabis.
How CBD Combats Anxiety and Stress
Besides the growing testimonials of individuals who vouch for the successful effectiveness of CBD oil, there is medical evidence that CBD oil works well for treating stress and anxiety. Most researches have been conducted on rodents due to the complicated legal and expensive procedure on human trials. Studies presently suggest that CBD counters anxiety by stimulating the neurotransmitter system, and through neural regeneration.
Serotonin
The role of neurotransmitters is very complex and has various effects depending on the receptor it’s bound to. Contrary to popular belief, serotonin is not exactly associated with happiness, however, any disbalance in the levels of serotonin can stem dysfunction and receptor malfunctions. Serotonin has a minimum of fourteen receptors, however, CBD specifically binds 5-HT 1A which plays the strongest role in anxiety and stress disorder. This explains the anti-anxiety effect on people and rodents when exposed to stressful situations.
Endocannabinoid
Endocannabinoid is a complex full-body system that plays an essential role in the mental and physical health of a person. Our body is capable of producing cannabidiol naturally which is then used throughout the body and the brain in the endocannabinoid system. However, this system is irregulated during chronic stress.
CBD thus helps restore this balance in the endocannabinoid system by preventing overstimulation of the CB1 receptors and boosting the body’s production of endocannabinoids. The rodent experiments show that CBD reduces OCD and other anxiety-inducing reactions, primarily by acting on the endocannabinoid system.
Neural Regeneration
Throughout our life, we keep growing new brain cells and neurons, and thus, keep making new connections. CBD apparently boosts this process. Chronic stress can damage neurons and shrink the brain size, however, some areas are capable of regeneration. Hence, CBD helps in the regeneration process caused due to stress and hence prevents brain damage.
Several studies have proven that CBD encourages neural regeneration, particularly in the hippocampus. CBD’s quality to reduce anxiety comes from its ability to stimulate the growth of new neurons.
Get Rid of Stress Today!
Stress ruins the lives of many. No matter the treatment and remedies, it also depends on the person to let go of things and maintain their health. CBD oil is one of the rising natural remedies for treating many mental and physical ailments. Hopefully, in due course of time, the benefits of CBD oil can reach all those who need it. From pain relief to stress reduction, it has proven an excellent remedy for many.
