Do you feel stressed? Worried about something in the future or about the repercussions of the past? Much of the time, anxiety is a natural, automatic response to stressful stimuli, and is perfectly normal. That said, there are varying intensities of anxiety and sometimes it can be debilitating.
There are systems in the human body that relay messages to the brain when feeling endangered. This transmission is critical for human survival, causing our bodies to temporarily boost adrenaline levels to respond with fight-or-flight behavior depending on the circumstances. Symptoms of anxiety can include an elevated heart rate, heightened sensitivity to the physical environment, and sweating.
Many with anxiety will try just about anything to find relief from their stress. Some turn to pharmaceutical medications to help overcome symptoms but find themselves unsatisfied with the results. Other times, people are overwhelmed with side effects from their medications, making it difficult to continue with their regimen. This is where CBD enters the conversation.
What is CBD and how is it used?
The human body contains a wide network of receptors that are designated as CB1 and CB2. These receptors can bind with cannabinoids.
CBD is one of the many naturally occurring compounds in cannabis and hemp plants. A single cannabis plant contains 113 active ingredients called cannabinoids. Each compound has its own range of effects on the brain and the body, but two in particular have gained more traction over the rest. Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, and CBD or cannabidiol, are two of the primary ingredients in cannabis plants and have since become associated with their own positive and desirable outcomes. Research is showing that b oth CBD and THC could have therapeutic properties, but THC is the cannabinoid that contains psychoactive effects. CBD, on the other hand, does not. For this reason CBD has become more attractive to some people as a possible treatment for anxiety as well as other conditions without any of the psychoactive effects of its counterpart.
Because CBD does not have a psychoactive component, it can make it a less risky alternative as compared to using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other common anti-anxiety prescription medications.
Best Form of CBD:
- Sublingual: under the tongue
- Ingestion of edibles
- Topical applications
Sublingual Consumption of CBD
One of the fastest and least obtrusive ways of consuming CBD is sublingually with a CBD oil or tincture. With a dropper, place a few drops underneath your tongue before swallowing and feel the full effects. However, it is important to know that smoking and vaping produces quicker effects. That noted, it is easier to keep track of the exact dosage that you consume and adjust the amount based on your needs.
CBD Edibles
CBD oil is sometimes infused into candies and various other treats in the form of edibles. You can also use CBD oil in your own recipes at home and combat symptoms of anxiety without veering away from your normal dietary choices. There are certain downsides to ingesting CBD that way, determine whether or not this method of consumption is for you. It can take up to four hours for CBD to be completely absorbed into the body when consumed through an edible.
CBD Topicals
If you are looking to treat joint pain, muscle aches, skin conditions like eczema, neck and back pain, headaches, or sinus congestion, then a CBD-infused topical may be for you. These ailments can also be side-effects of chronic anxiety. Although relief can be felt relatively quickly with a CBD topical, they offer the lowest dosage of CBD products and are not ideal for acute anxiety relief.
Because the popularity of CBD is one the rise, there are many CBD products and companies today. When purchasing CBD always be sure to double check label claims and rely on companies backed by third-party tested lab results. Turn to Real Tested CBD for all the reliable sources and products. Click here to learn more.