Stress, anxiety and depression have affected most of us at some point in life, and in today’s fast-paced, always-on world, it’s little wonder that these conditions are now more prominent in society than ever.
In a time where we are told that we can, in fact, have it all, the pressure to excel in the business world, take care of family and, somewhere in amongst it all, have a social life, can often leave us feeling run down, frazzled and constantly on edge – and, with the recent pressures brought on due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, more of us are seeking out solutions to help us through tricky times than ever before.
So, how exactly can we find balance? For many people, the foundations are all about taking a step back from things and learning to say ‘no’ to the things they just don’t have space for in lives – and integrating meditation, exercise and a healthy diet into their daily routine. But increasingly, we’re turning to natural and herbal remedies to help give us a little extra support – not least of all, CBD oil.
A modern buzz word that has enjoyed a meteoric rise in recent years, these three letters are the ones on everyone’s lips. Touted as an effective treatment for everything from chronic pain to psoriasis, it offers a great deal of benefits when it comes to physical health – but it has also fast become one of the most sought-after remedies on the market for mental health conditions, too, and is widely used in the treatment of stress, anxiety and depression.
It’s no longer a case of heading straight to your GP for a prescription, and new options like this have given people a greater level of choice on how to deal with such issues. You can now easily buy quality CBD online at justbob and in a range of different health food stores – but should you dive straight in and self-treat?
First, let’s understand why CBD and CBD oil are so beneficial to your body and mind, to help you decide if it could be right for you.
CBD oil action on the mind: myth or reality?
The use of CBD oil for therapeutic purposes continues to make its way into the medical profession and, although scarce, scientific research on the effects of CBD is indeed convincing for treating stress, anxiety and depression.
In 2011, a scientific paper published in the respected journal, Neurobiology, found the oil to be effective in the treatment of anxiety. In this study, participants treated with CBD were less anxious at a public speaking event, as well as experiencing a general improvement in their overall mood.
Another more recent publication, in Frontiers of Pharmacology, highlighted the positive effects of CBD oil on the psyche. It was found to reduce feelings of fear and helped to fight against frightening and disturbing memories – and, since stress, anxiety and depression often manifest together, it is reasonable to treat them with the same remedy.
Following a study carried out on rodents, the journal Neuropharmacology of 2017 also revealed the role of CBD oil in the management of stress and mood. It turns out that CBD acts directly on serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter molecule acting on the signals between nerve cells – gently stabilising mood without the unwanted side effects often experienced when taking prescribed SSRIs.
So, the science world has spoken – but could this pioneering new treatment be for you? Let’s take a look at some of its more specific effects.
CBD oil against negative thoughts
Known as an antidepressant and an effective anxiolytic, CBD is an active ingredient in cannabis. Short-term treatment with CBD can help to relieve feelings of fear, stress, depression and anxiety and, unlike the intoxicating effect of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol – which is a molecule also found in cannabis – CBD provides a calming feeling of tranquility to those who use it.
As symptoms of poor physical and mental health, anxiety, stress and depression often respond to negative environmental and internal stimuli. By stimulating a good mood, CBD oil acts on serotonin and prevents the feeling of fear and apathy. If CBD oil is not a remedy in itself against negative thoughts, it nevertheless provides a deep sense of calm for better mental and physical condition, taking the edge off and allowing a greater level of relaxation in those who previously may have been finding it increasingly difficult to unwind.
CBD oil and stress
Triggered by a physical, emotional or nervous shock, stress is a biological reaction within the body resulting from a high-pressure environment. Although it is now an accepted part of daily life for many people, this doesn’t have to be the case. While often, it’s not as simple as simply getting out of a stressful situation there are treatments that can help to make it more bearable – and CBD has shown great promise in giving users the extra support they need.
The cannabidiol molecule acts on the hormones to decrease stress rapidly with regular use, without generating the psychotropic effect specific to THC. A recent study has also shown that brain cells produce their own endocannabinoids, the mission of which is to reduce the feeling of stress, and by attaching directly to these endocannabinoid receptors, CBD oil then participates in the dissolution of negative feelings, while indirectly acting on the longevity of cells.
CBD oil and anxiety
Anxiety is a natural reaction of the body when it detects a dangerous or difficult situation. In excessive doses, this standard ‘fight or flight’ mechanism can quickly turn into a debilitating psychological disorder and can manifest itself in the form of paranoia, phobias, or communication and mood problems. Whether social or general, anxiety often goes hand in hand with panic, irritability, and even depression, and can make day to day tasks feel insurmountable when not kept under control.
Fortunately, it is possible to relieve it with substances with anxiolytic effects, like CBD. A study by a Brazilian researcher has shown that cannabidiol reduces, in particular, the level of anxiety in users while encouraging a more positive state of mind. By stimulating the circuit of cerebral blood flow, CBD oil then acts as a relaxing anxiolytic, making it easier to get on with the day,
CBD oil and depression
When feelings of guilt are combined with low self-esteem and disinterest from those around them, it can often feel as if all of the colour has drained out of life. Depression becomes a reality, sometimes accompanied by other more or less severe psychiatric disorders – but fortunately, CBD oil acts as a natural anti-depressant and has shown promising results in users.
It has been shown to reduce feelings of sadness and hopelessness, keeping the mind on more of an even keel.
In one study, 2,000 participants were asked to rate the effects on their low mood after application, and most confirmed that a puff of cannabidiol optimally reduced their symptoms of depression. Participants reported an increase in feelings of wellbeing – and for a good reason, because thanks to CBD’s favourable effects on serotonin, the role of which is to ensure the management of mood and stress, it is considered to be a natural anti-depressant.
Could CBD oil help you?
A fast-acting antidepressant and effective anxiolytic, the evidence is quickly mounting that CBD oil is effective in helping to reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Whilst it may not completely cure such ailments, combined with a few simple lifestyle changes, such as an improved diet, daily gentle exercise and meditation, it can make these conditions more manageable – so, if you’re having a difficult time during the current Covid-19 crisis, or at any other time, then CBD oil could be the natural remedy you need.
Before taking any natural treatments, it’s advisable to consult with your doctor to rule out any possible reactions with your current medications. Seek advice on dosage to ensure that you are taking it safely, and with any luck, you’ll soon be enjoying some welcome results.