Stress and anxiety have unfortunately become all too common ailments in our society. According to the WHO, 260 million people worldwide suffer from anxiety. These anxiety disorders can lead to other problems such as panic attacks or anxiety attacks that affect daily life. CBD seems to be a good solution to alleviate these disorders.
What is stress and anxiety?
Stress is a situation in which our body is under nervous tension, it is a response to a direct stimulus: fear, emotional overload, aggression etc.. This stress will release hormones in the body to protect itself which will have physical and psychological effects in the short and long term.
Anxiety is the anticipation of a future threat, a feeling of apprehension and a state of constant vigilance. Anxiety disorders occur when the person concerned suffers from an exaggerated intensity compared to the real risk, with a paralyzing level of distress. Unfortunately, these disorders have many physical, psychological or cognitive effects that can be dangerous in the long term.
Anxiety disorders and chronic stress have negative effects on health: it is an important risk factor for the development of certain diseases because it makes the immune system weaker. The mortality rate is also higher.
How does CBD work to relieve stress and anxiety?
CBD is endowed with anxiolytic properties that act on stress and chronic or occasional anxiety. It acts directly on serotonin, which decreases during an anxiety attack. CBD allows to regulate this hormone by acting on the general well-being.
CBD will also act on our endocannabinoid system which is composed of receptors everywhere in our body and which plays an important role in many processes: appetite, memory, metabolism, immune system, communication between cells etc. These receptors are activated thanks to the cannabinoids naturally present in our body but when there is a dysfunction such as stress or anxiety disorders, this system is unbalanced. CBD will then act on these receptors to restore the balance.
A study conducted in 2016 shows that taking CBD has a direct anxiolytic effect on our body and would relieve the symptoms of stress and anxiety. Another survey from 2019 shows that many people are already using CBD to treat anxiety or stress disorders.
What are the benefits of CBD for stress and anxiety disorders?
Thanks to its anxiolytic and relaxing properties, CBD will act on the symptoms of stress and anxiety disorders such as:
Improvement of sleep disorders and reduction of insomnia
Soothes the emotions
Allows a better concentration
Helps the feeling of control and decreases the feeling of anxiety
Allows to better manage irrational fears
Limits panic attacks and anxiety
Increases pleasure and good mood
How to take CBD against stress and anxiety?
There are many CBD-based products in different forms. The most recommended is CBD oil taken sublingually (under the tongue), in the form of drops, which allows for a quick effect that lasts for several hours. You can also take this oil in capsule form orally, the effect will be less rapid but it will last longer. Finally, you can use herbal teas, infusions or hemp-based teas before going to bed to help you fall asleep and get a good night’s sleep.
