CBD may help relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress while improving sleep and providing relief from pain.
Studies demonstrate the efficacy of CBD as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, and to assist with schizophrenia treatment.
CBD interacts with certain medications, including blood thinners and some antidepressants (amitriptyline, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline and mirtazapine) as well as immune suppressant medicines like cyclosporine.
1. Reduces anxiety and stress
CBD interacts with receptors within the body’s endocannabinoid system to facilitate relaxation. This system regulates key bodily functions such as sleep, mood and appetite regulation – in turn reducing anxiety by raising serotonin levels – an “endorphin-producing hormone”.
CBD products come in various forms, from edibles and tinctures to sprays. According to one study, participants using broad spectrum CBD products reported better stress management than those who utilized isolate-based solutions.
Before using CBD to treat anxiety, however, consult with a healthcare professional first. Most over-the-counter CBD products are currently unregulated and could contain ingredients that could negatively affect your health, according to Dr. Streem. Additionally, some may contain enough THC for them to trigger drug tests.
2. Helps with insomnia
People having difficulty sleeping may turn to CBD for help. Unlike THC, CBD won’t get them high; it serves as a natural sleep aid.
CBD works to promote better sleep by relieving anxiety and creating an atmosphere of peace and serenity, as well as helping regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Some experts see CBD as an effective remedy for insomnia or other sleep disorders; however, further studies must be undertaken.
Studies show that CBD could help combat nightmares and sleep disturbances associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Furthermore, studies suggest it could aid those suffering from restless leg syndrome (RLS), an condition characterized by involuntary leg movements during sleep. CBD could also serve as an aid alongside behavioral therapy or prescription medication; those experiencing insomnia should consult their physician first before trying CBD as a solution.
3. Helps with pain
CBD can provide analgesic effects, helping reduce or relieve pain. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties may provide relief for arthritis or chronic conditions like fibromyalgia.
CBD may help manage neuropathic pain, which results from damaged nerves. A study indicated that CBD significantly reduced pain associated with peripheral neuropathy patients.
CBD effectively reduced mechanical allodynia and thermal hypersensitivity in mice undergoing neuropathological pain studies. This result can be attributed to CBD’s potency on A3 Glycine Receptors while decreasing CB1 and CB2 binding affinity.
Make sure that the CBD product you purchase has been independently assessed for safety and efficacy by third-party testing bodies such as NSF International. Look out for their quality assurance stamp or certificate on the label; additionally, avoid taking CBD if taking other medications like blood thinners, antidepressants, benzodiazepine sedatives like Clonazepam or Ativan or immune suppressant drugs such as Cyclosporine as it could increase their levels in your system leading to side effects like drowsiness or increase levels in general resulting in increased dosage levels or side effects like fatigue and side effects such as fatigue as it could increase levels in your system increasing levels of these medications increasing its levels in your body while potentially increasing effects such as side effects like fatigue due to interactions.
4. Helps with depression
Anxiety and depression often leave those affected by them experiencing prolonged periods of low mood, often coupled with loss of appetite and extreme exhaustion.
CBD has been found to regulate serotonin receptors and increase adenosine levels, thus decreasing stress signals and acting as neuroprotectant and anti-inflammatory agent.
One small study with 11 patients suffering from PTSD showed that CBD reduced nightmare symptoms when taken alongside standard psychiatric care; however, this wasn’t a double-blind trial and therefore results could vary considerably.
Prior to trying CBD products, it is wise to consult your physician. CBD may interfere with how some prescription medicines, including antibiotics, antipsychotics, cholesterol medicines and blood thinners work within your body.
5. Helps with anxiety
Studies show that CBD reduces stress responses in humans and animals alike. Furthermore, research suggests it could assist with anxiety disorders, depression and other mental health disorders – although more investigation needs to take place first.
People looking to try CBD for anxiety should look for products containing other calming ingredients, like chamomile or valerian root to promote sleep and calm the mind, or extra soothing oils suitable for evening use or if they struggle sleeping.
As always, it is wise to read and follow all directions on product labels carefully in order to avoid interactions between medications, such as blood thinners or antiepileptic medications, and your chosen product. Doing so could increase blood levels or result in abnormal liver enzyme tests – neither situation would be desirable!
