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In the US approximately 18% of the population have some type of anxiety disorder according to the Anxiety and Depression Associate of America. It is also the most common mental illness. Based upon those statistics I would assume I would be a part of that 18%. It has been something I have struggled with for years but not really understood it until later in my adulthood.
I go through cycles where I have some really big ups and then other times things can feel really bleak and the feelings can be overwhelming. I know that there are those in my family that have had similar problems but I have also learned ways to try to get a handle on it.
Most of which is doing my best to control what I can in my environment by staying busy and also eating right and exercising regularly. Failure to do so is a sure fire way of the dark clouds to begin to hover over me.
Common treatments for anxiety and depression can include use of prescribed anti-depressants. The good news is that there is research showing success using CBD Oil to treat for anxiety and depression. CBD is something I have had some personal success with, however let’s dig in and learn a little more.
Understanding The Human Body and The Role of CBD Oils
In my previous posts I have mentioned some of the shocking benefits of CBD Oil and some uplifting research supporting its use to treat epilepsy. In a 2018 survey 62% of those taking CBD Oil were using it to treat medical conditions such as pain, depression & anxiety. Check out my full listing of CBD Oil Benefits here.
Much of the benefits are going to be interacting with the endocannabinoid system. Stick with me folks I am not going to get too technical here. I’ll cite you some more technical sources to further read but I know the initial thoughts going through your head. “The Endocannabinoid System? I never learned about that in school!!”
It is simply the internal system within the body that allows the central nervous system to connect with peripheral organs.
Your body connects with complex chemicals and receptors and this relatively new system (I say new because its still gaining more understanding) is relatively new to the medical community. I found this more simple explanation of the endocannabinoid system from 2005. So this has been almost 15 years ago and starting to scrape the surface for what research is now showing tremendous promise.
Successful Medical Research Studies
Now that we have covered initial content referencing more understanding of the systems and how they connect to each other, lets dive into some specifics on research that is supporting CBD Oil’s positive effects for anxiety and depression.
Back in 2016 there was a study performed on a young girl who had sadly been abused at a young ago. As a result there was intense anxiety, insomnia and lack of the ability to focus. There was initial treatment with pharmaceutical medications that showed partial success but came with major side effects (this is our common denominator of all our discussions as we review ways to find solutions without all the negative side effects).
The study utilized CBD Oil as a treatment for the young girl and was able to provide clinical data supporting it as a safe treatment for reducing her anxiety and improving her sleep. Her caregiver was seeing improvement in her anxiety and the young girl was able to sleep in her own room most of the time which she apparently didn’t do before.
Additional Medical Research on CBD & Anxiety Relief
As research progresses you will begin to see more research referencing the successful use of CBD oil as a successful alternative option to relieve anxiety symptoms. In a recent January 2019 article it was referenced that using CBD oil to treat social anxiety was comparable to ipsapirone and Diazepam (Valium).
Another interesting tidbit of information mentioned was the safety of use. There are very limited side effects and it does not suppress the breathing centers of the brain in the way that opioids do (opioids again being at epidemic abuse levels).
Does that scare you to think that pharmaceutical medications can have that effect?
That is very positive for those seeking for treatments outside of prescription medications. If that isn’t enough to get you thinking why don’t you check out the list of side effects for diazepam (Valium) which was referenced in the article.
This 2015 study reviewed clinical evidence regarding CBD Oil’s – (cannabidiol) potential treatment capabilities for anxiety disorders. Existing evidence strongly supported CBD’s use to treat generalized anxiety disorders, panic disorder, social anxiety, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
While reviewing the potential side effects (be sure to read the post on the side effects of CBD Oil) they found that it was well tolerated across a wide dosage range of up to 1,500mg daily (orally) with no reported psychomotor slowing, vital sign abnormalities or negative mood effects. The human experimental findings supported the initial pre-clinical data showing CBD to be an effective treatment for anxiety related disorders. Furthermore the review stressed to value to continue studying the CBD Oil treatment capability for anxiety disorders.
Are There Any Other Natural Options To Consider
There actually is a common spice in your pantry may also be able to assist with anxiety and depression. Turmeric has numerous benefits. It has also been researched for its anti-cancer properties.
There is a chemical substance in Turmeric known as Curcumin that contains many helpful properties. Turmeric can be purchased as a health supplement as well as a spice. It is also one of the common spices used in curry.
Increased Research In CBD Continue to Show Promising Results
For the almost 20% of the population who suffer from some sort of anxiety we have learned how there are other options available outside of pharmaceutical medications. Advancements in modern research continues to unlock the mysteries of the human body and how its functions.
The relative new understanding of the endocannabinoid system has linked how the mind and body connect. Now medical research has clinically been able show that CBD Oil has been effective to give relief to those looking for other treatment options. As time progresses more research will be performed and be able to give more data on the promising results we have seen so far.
I hope you found this helpful.
Stay empowered and informed!
