CBD - Depression & Anxiety? – gaea health

CBD - Depression & Anxiety?

The world of herbal remedies is often scoffed at by those in the medical profession. But CBD seems to be different. Although many praise the product for its healing prowess (treating everything from gastro disorders to insomnia, anxiety, depression, and many more), the compound is also being used for mental problems like anxiety and depression.

What is CBD Again?

If you want to skip the CBD recap, simply skim past the paragraph and onto the next one below. But if you want a quick summary, stick with us. There are many different cannabinoids, a naturally occurring compound in the cannabis plant, and CBD is one of them. Although one of almost a hundred, CBD is one of two of the most well-known cannabinoids and is also one of the most abundantly found in the cannabis plant. Although it contains no psychoactive effects, it is celebrated by folks worldwide for numerous health benefits, including depression and anxiety.

Hemp-derived CBD

CBD products made from hemp can be quite different from CBD products derived from other types of cannabis plants. Because hemp contains no noticeable amount of THC, your CBD product made with CBD derived from hemp should not have any of the psychoactive effects that come from THC.

Navigating the sea of information on CBD and cannabis products can be overwhelming. While you should never begin any new supplement or product without having a chat with your trusted medical professional, it is especially true for CBD and those already on existing medication.

What makes CBD different?

The short and sweet answer is the sheer volume of people benefiting from CBD, even without the human trials to back them up. That, and CBD does not trigger any hallucinogenic responses.

Why CBD for Anxiety and Depression?

There are trials, reviews, and studies that suggest positive reports such as this article published in the Frontiers in Immunology, where the researchers discovered that CBD could dissipate angst visibly, in a way that doctors can quite visibly see on scans.

More research, a large number of animal studies, in particular, suggest that CBD could be an effective antidepressant. The research indicates that CBD could reduce depression and help with mental problems because of how the cannabinoid interacts with serotonin receptors located in the brain.

Why Does Serotonin Matter?

Serotonin is the primary neurotransmitter that affects many functions, including mood regulation. Many pharmaceutical drugs are designed to increase the serotonin levels in the brain, and serotonin is linked to feelings of contentedness, well being, and happiness. Early studies indicate that CBD can affect the levels of produced serotonin but what's more fascinating is that it can affect the brain's sensitivity to this natural chemical. These research papers suggest that CBD could help the brain respond to the serotonin that is already being produced. More research endeavours uncover how CBD has an apparent stress-reducing ability- which could be precisely why those with anxiety or depression are turning to CBD to help manage these conditions.

But How Does CBD Oil Work?

If we want to understand how CBD oil affects the body and the brain, we should begin by looking at the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is an extensive system in the body that can be likened to a communication network.

The ECS is composed of receptors that are located throughout the body, brain, and nervous system. With every pain, movement, internal function, temperature, memory, mood, or sensation, communication is happening within the body- signals are fired off, and endocannabinoids begin to bind with receptors, letting the ECS know that a counter-reaction needs to take place.

Sound complicated? It isn't.

How does your body know when to sweat so that it can regulate body temperature? Responses like this are a result of the endocannabinoid system, also known as the regulator, ensuring that our bodies remain in a state of balance.

Where Does CBD Fit in?

When CBD enters your system, it works as a supportive aid for the ECS. While the ECS may be working to keep your body in balance and healthy, the CBD cannabinoid binds with the CB1 receptor, which is connected to mental balance and related conditions such as anxiety and depression.

What is the CB1 Receptor?

The CB1 receptor is one of the central receptors, along with the CB2 receptor, and it is mostly located within the brain. Researchers believe the CB1 receptor is connected to the central nervous system and that it could reduce inflammation in the CNS and regulate serotonin levels and how the brain responds to serotonin.

What type of CBD should I take?

Thanks to the blossoming CBD industry, there is a large variety of product options on the market. But how do you know which type of CBD product is best for depression and anxiety?

One of the most popular products among many users is CBD oil. Quality CBD oils and tinctures are among the best product choices as they can offer almost instantaneous results. At But if you are not a fan of CBD oils' taste, then a CBD Vape might be a great option. The cannabinoid can enter the bloodstream quickly, offering rapid results and long-lasting effects.

Here are the best ways to use CBD to support mental health:

Oral

Oral products include sprays, tinctures, capsules, and oils. These are versatile products that can be added to foods or beverages or simply taken as they are. These products are an excellent choice for supporting mental health or catching yourself if you fall into a bout of depression or rising anxiety. They can offer more precise dosing than other options like edibles.

Edibles

Drinks and beverages that have been infused with CBD have become wildly popular. There is an assortment of delicious treats available throughout the cannabis industry. If you are looking for a quick fix for rising anxiety, though, this is not the product to choose. The onset is slow, and the effects are potent, often lasting longer than other delivery methods.

Vaping

One of the quickest methods of ingesting CBD, vaping is popular amongst users seeking refuge from mental health problems. If you already love vaping, including CBD in your daily vape is one of the most efficient and fastest ways to ingest CBD oil. The effects are almost instantaneous as well, and the results can last several hours. There is, however, mixed opinions on the long term safety of vaping, and some users report irritation in the throat and coughing.

If you want to treat your depression or anxiety, choose the method that suits your lifestyle. For example, are you looking for a slower onset that lasts longer? Then edibles or capsules may be ideal. If you are looking for immediate relief, then use a product like oil or vape that can offer almost instantaneous effects.

Dosing: How Much CBD Should I Take?

While there is no set dosing guideline, you should start with a low dose and monitor the effects for one to two weeks if you are new to CBD. From there, you can increase or decrease in increments until you find your ideal dose.

Things to look out for when buying CBD oil?

When buying CBD Oil, the most important thing to consider is quality. Look out for CBD products that have the following

COA

The COA is the Certificate of Analysis and will show you what the exact CBD content is. The COA can also indicate what other compounds may be in the product, and if you are concerned about THC content, then ensure that it is under 0.02% per 1mg.

Third-Party Testing

Does the CBD oil offer a COA? Great. Is the COA from a third-party source? Even better. Third-party testing is essential if you want to ensure that the results are unbiased and a true reflection. Third-party testing will also usually test for possible harmful contaminants.

Are you ready to try CBD oil today? Ensure you get the most out of CBD by having a chat with your trusted medical professional, especially if you are on existing meds for depression or anxiety. Having a doctor to help guide you through weaning off existing medication is essential for a safe transition. Take caution if you are experiencing severe depression and anxiety, as CBD may not be an alternative to your prescription medication, so be sure to discuss introducing CBD with your healthcare practitioner. Remember to respect the process and follow the adage, start low, and go slow.

Get your quality CBD product today www.gaeahealthco