Can CBD Really Help with Your Anxiety?

In recent years, CBD oil has become very popular as a treatment for anxiety. People take it to deal with mild anxiety or to manage more severe anxiety disorders. Those using CBD swear by it as a natural treatment option.

How effective is it for anxiety, though? Will it work for you? Let’s explore those questions and take a more in-depth look at what CBD oil is.

What Is CBD Oil?

CBD is a compound extracted from the marijuana plant. It’s not psychoactive, so you won’t get high from it, and it won’t make you paranoid. It also has few adverse side effects. CBD oil contains varying concentrations of CBD for consumption.

How Will It Help with My Anxiety?

CBD acts on the endocannabinoid system in the human body. This system is responsible for regulating several processes, such as your immune and nervous systems. It also may assist the brain in balancing its levels of serotonin.

Scientific research is pretty thin on the ground, but what is available looks promising. This 2015 study found that the CBD was useful in the treatment of a range of psychiatric disorders:

  • Social anxiety disorder
  • Panic disorder
  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder

It does have an impact, but how much will depend on the dosage and the quality of the product. It’s worth paying a little more to deal with established companies. Look in online reviews for the top-rated CBD brands for anxiety. These are suppliers who offer a high-quality product.

Is It Safe to Take?

Side effects from CBD oil are generally few and far between, but, in a small percentage of cases, the following can occur:

  • Mood swings
  • Diarrhea (although this usually goes away after a week or so of use)
  • Dizziness
  • Change in your appetite
  • Sleepiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Low blood pressure
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • A slightly higher heart rate when taken in larger doses
  • Potential interaction with medications, particularly those for the treatment of anxiety disorders, antihistamines, and anti-epileptic pharmaceuticals
  • Increased anxiety (in rare cases)
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Generally, the side effects will decrease once you’ve been taking CBD for a week or so. To reduce the potential for side effects, try the following:

  • Use a reputable supplier. Less honest manufacturers may use harmful solvents to extract the CBD. This process leaves residues in the oil. They may also use low-grade marijuana, which can contain a lot more THC than they state. THC can make you feel more anxious.
  • Start with the lowest possible dose and monitor your reaction. You’d be surprised at how active this compound is. You’ll probably need far less than you think.
  • Choose the right concentration for your needs. Different manufacturers use different concentrations of CBD. Choose the one that meets your particular needs. If you want to sleep better, a lower concentration is fine. For pain, go higher.
  • Consider splitting the dose after about a week or so. By splitting your dose, you get the same dosage, but less all at once.
  • Consider a different form of delivery. For those who experience gastrointestinal upset, it might help to deliver your dose via a suppository.

Final Notes

CBD oil is generally safe. Most users never experience any of the side effects we’ve mentioned above. If you’re one of the few that do, check out our tips, and hang in there. The side effects are usually short-lived.

Compared to the typical side effects of drugs like Ambien and Valium, CBD side effects are relatively mild. You’re getting a highly effective and wholly natural treatment for your anxiety.

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