Anxiety is a broad term for many uncomfortable thoughts and physical feelings that are brought on through worry, fear and stress. We all experience some form of anxiety in life. It is a natural process of our survival mechanism, and has evolved within us to keep us out of danger. However, when anxiety is out of proportion or takes over daily life, it becomes a problem.
The condition may present itself as a generalized anxiety disorder, such as for those who tend to worry about a lot of things all the time, or have a general sense of anxiety without there being a specific cause. Other types of anxiety are to do with specific fears or phobias, such as feeling afraid of being in social situations. There are also chronic anxiety disorders such as OCD and PTSD, which can have a debilitating effect on quality of life.
Anxiety symptoms include:
- General feel of uneasiness, either with or without reason
- Racing thoughts
- Obsessive thoughts
- Fast pulse rate
- Sweating
- Feeling of ‘butterflies’ in stomach
- Chest pains
- Headaches
- Panic attacks
- Insomnia
Some degree of anxiety is simply a natural part of life. It engages our primitive flight or fight response, something that has helped humans protect themselves from harm for millennia. However, when that response is inappropriately switched on, it makes anxiety a condition that is hard to ignore.
Traditional treatment options for Anxiety
Treatment options for anxiety are likely to depend on the severity of the condition. Prescribed medicines for anxiety include anti-depressants, especially when depression and anxiety coexist. Most commonly SSRI anti-depressants are used to increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, a chemical that is known to produce an uplift in mood. Unfortunately, SSRI’s come with a number of side effects, can take a long time to work, and require gradual tapering off if the person wants to stop taking them. If one type of antidepressant does not work, other types may be prescribed.
Other types of medication used for anxiety are sedatives, such as diazepam. While these provide fast relief from symptoms, they are not suitable for long term use as they are addictive. Again, there are some unwanted side effects associated with sedatives, so they are only used as a short term solution to a high amount of anxiety.
Another treatment for anxiety is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This is where the patient meets with a qualified therapist to talk about their anxiety and find coping mechanisms to improve it. This can be more effective in the long term than medication, but often requires several sessions over many months.
There are also natural remedies for anxiety that people often turn to in order to avoid medication, or reduce it. This includes herbal or health supplements like CBD oil, aromatherapy, exercise, hypnotherapy and more.
CBD Oil for Anxiety
CBD oil is a cannabinoid extracted from hemp plants. It is a popular health supplement that has a huge potential for health and well-being, including in the treatment of anxiety.
With its relaxing effects, CBD oil can be used prior to specific anxiety provoking situations, such as for those with social anxiety or performance anxiety. For those with chronic anxiety conditions, a daily dose of CBD is a great way to soothe the nerves and increase a sense of well-being.
CBD for anxiety is also backed up by scientific research. One study by Sao Paulo University, Brazil1 discovered that CBD helped those with social anxiety disorder feel a significant reduction in symptoms. Another article published by the American National Institute on Drug Abuse showed that CBD has a beneficial effect on managing anxiety that comes from PTSD2. When using CBD oil, anxiety symptoms and related conditions improve, making it a great natural alternative to prescribed medications.
There is a huge potential in CBD for anxiety, from general anxiety symptoms to specific anxiety disorders. With so many anxiety medications producing significant side effects, many people look for a natural alternative. CBD is effective in managing anxiety symptoms and improves quality of life, and when used alongside other natural therapies, could mean that traditional medications are no longer required.
So often, the best dose of CBD to treat anxiety is difficult to work out. There’s a lot of conflicting advice online, and no two people are the same or require the same CBD dosage. The best way to work out the right CBD dosage for anxiety symptoms is to use our CBD calculator. It is easy to use, and the results are worked out using information that is personal to you. This means no generic dosing guide, but a recommended dose that is calculated for you, in minutes.
Hemp oil vs CBD oil for Anxiety
Both hemp seed oil and CBD come from hemp plants, a strain of cannabis. Unlike marijuana, another stain of cannabis, the compounds in hemp do not get users high and is deemed safe for use by the World Health Organisation, even in high doses.
While hemp seed oil and CBD oil come from hemp plants, there are differences in their effects. CBD oil contains cannabidiol and other cannabinoids found in hemp plants. It is the cannabinoids that have a calming effect and create an uplift in mood. Hemp seed oil is made from pressing the oils from hemp seeds. This produces a nutritious oil that can be consumed or applied topically.
Hemp seed oil is a great natural supplement with health benefits, but for treating anxiety it is CBD oil that has been shown to bring the calming and relaxing effects that relieve symptoms.
If you have been searching for information on CBD oil or medical cannabis for anxiety, you are likely to be looking for an alternative therapy than medications. The good news is that the cannabinoids found in hemp plants, such as CBD, are very effective at relieving some of the symptoms of anxiety and have little to no side effects. Finding the right dose for your needs is easy to do using the CBD oil calculator, so input a few details and you’re ready to start a CBD anxiety remedy today!
What you need to know about Anxiety and CBD
Anxiety is a condition that affects all of us at times, it is part of our survival mechanism as human beings. It shows when we feel fear about something, triggering a flight or fight response in the body. But, anxiety is a problem when it is unnecessary, and it can have a debilitating effect on quality of life.
Anxiety presents itself in many ways, but common symptoms include feeling nervous, butterflies in the stomach, fast pulse, sweating and sometimes nausea. Symptoms can lead to an anxiety attack, where a person may feel out of control over their bodily responses. Anxiety attack symptoms are pounding heart, shaking, adrenalin rush, and rapid breathing. They are often mistaken for heart attacks, especially in those who have an attack for the first time.
The more we learn about CBD and anxiety, the more promise it shows as a treatment. We already know that CBD has a calming effect, promotes relaxation and aids sleep, and this helps to reduce anxiety symptoms. What is fascinating, is the emerging knowledge of the therapeutic effects of CBD for chronic anxiety disorders, such as PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder.
While hemp seed oil is a healthy supplement, it does not contain the cannabinoids that help with anxiety. In order to get the benefits from a natural treatment, CBD oil has the most potent effects. To find out the best CBD dosage for your needs, use our CBD oil calculator and get your result in minutes.