Despite our best efforts, at times, anxiety and depression are emotions that we all may experience at some point in our lives. While searching for different mechanisms to help us cope during these difficult episodes, it’s important that we seek out healthy and effective ways to address our mood on a daily basis.
Thankfully, research has shown that CBD is a supplement that can be used to not only enhance our mood, but it also promotes relaxation and calmness as well. CBD is safer than many other treatment options and we’ll show you how it can be used to help those who may be in need of a new and holistic approach to dealing with anxiety and depression.
What is CBD?
CBD is a chemical compound that is found within the cannabis sativa plant. Despite this, many CBD products are made from the hemp plant, which is also a member of the cannabis family.
What’s different about the hemp plant is that it contains less than 0.3 percent THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol. This is the other prevalent cannabinoid found within the cannabis plant, and it is also responsible for producing feelings of intoxication upon consumption.
It is important to note that CBD does not contain any addictive substances or psychoactive properties, therefore it will not cause you to feel “high” after use. Additionally, CBD can be used for both recreational and medicinal purposes, and studies show that it has promising health and wellness benefits.
CBD comes in a variety of different forms such as CBD capsules, CBD gummies, CBD sprays, and perhaps most notable, CBD oil.
Is CBD an Antidepressant?
Many people understand that anxiety and depression most times go hand in hand. CBD possesses many different properties but it is very well known for its antidepressant and anxiolytic effects.
Working at a molecular level, CBD is able to work with the body’s endogenous endocannabinoid system, and enhance the functionality of the CBD receptors in the brain and throughout the body. This mainly occurs through the stimulation of the brain’s neurotransmitters.
CBD has the capability to regulate the serotonin levels in the brain. By keeping them balanced and not allowing them to rise too high or drop too low, CBD promotes a balance within the endocrine and endocannabinoid system as well.
Serotonin is the chemical that is associated with feeling happy and relaxed. CBD also binds to a very specific serotonin receptor, which is most closely connected to anxiety disorders. Once it is attached, it helps to ensure that enough cortisol, which is the hormone related to stress and subsequently depression, is being produced.
An added benefit of CBD is that it also assists with the prevention of chemical imbalances that can occur. Our glands within the endocrine system produce various hormones that affect our moods, memory, cognitive ability, and more.
CBD encourages neural regeneration in the brain, specifically in the hippocampus region. The neurons in the brain can become damaged when a person is under chronic stress which leads to anxiety and depression. Through CBD’s power to stimulate the growth of new neurons, it is then able to reduce anxiety attacks and also physiological responses to anxiety such as rapid heart rate and hyperventilation.
Does CBD Harm the Brain?
Going back to the endocannabinoid system, there are CB1 and CB2 receptors in our bodies and their job is to bind to cannabinoids both naturally produced and synthetic.
Most CB1 receptors are located throughout the body, particularly in the brain. These CB1 receptors manage memories, movement, thinking, mood, and other functions as well. In general, the CB2 receptors are found in the immune system. These receptors affect pain and inflammation sensations in the body.
CBD has a unique ability to disrupt or block the transmission of neuron signals to lessen our brain’s perception of pain. Despite the fact that CBD does not actually directly attach to these receptors, it does indeed instruct the body to bind and use the naturally- produced cannabinoids when CBD is consumed.
Aside from alleviating the symptoms of various neurological disorders such as epilepsy and Alzheimer’s, CBD has been declared as safe by health officials and does not harm the brain. It actually possesses neuroprotective properties.
Where to Buy Quality CBD Oil?
You should always speak with your doctor prior to incorporating CBD products into your regimen, as it may interact with other medications that you are taking. There are many reputable CBD suppliers available online and many UK-based sites carry high quality products that undergo rigorous testing to ensure authenticity and purity.
CBD oil in the UK is highly potent and also many sites have third party testing certification to verify that you are receiving what the packaging indicates. You can use CBD for anxiety and depression as well as CBD oil, CBD capsules and also CBD gummies are excellent options because they can be taken quickly and discreetly. Continue to do research to discover all the ways that CBD products can be useful when dealing with anxiety and depression.
