Cannabidiol or CBD is one of the several cannabinoid components found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. Gaining immense popularity over the past two decades, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that is said to help conditions like anxiety or depression.
With the rise in popularity, the number of manufacturers of CBD products has seen a steady rise. You can now get CBD tincture oil online in UK. Many brands that compete in the market claim their products to be genuinely beneficial for helping treat various problematic ailments. One such brand is Sunday Scaries. As the name suggests, they have been helping their customers overcome the anxiety associated with the weekend coming to an end bringing in a stressful anticipated Monday.
Today, an estimated 31.1% of US adults suffer from anxiety disorders, making it the most prominent health condition in the States. Also, one of the popular CBD products offered by manufacturers is CBD Balm. Thus, the question arises: Can CBD balms lessen your anxiety or panic attacks?
What is a CBD Balm?
Primarily derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant, CBD balms have cannabinoids in them. A well-known cannabinoid is THC that famously produces the ‘high’ sensation when people use marijuana for recreational purposes. On the other hand, CBD does not intoxicate you and has multiple health benefits associated with it.
CBD oil is extracted from different plant parts and converted into a balm that helps soothe sore muscles. It is generally mixed with various natural ingredients, such as peppermint oil, tea tree, eucalyptus, etc.
Many research studies suggest that CBD can have pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-epileptic, and anti-depressing properties. However, the question of whether CBD can alleviate anxiety disorders is debatable.
CBD balms can help the body achieve homeostasis
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays an essential role in the mental health of a person. When the brain has a low level of serotonin, it is plausible that the person is depressed or has anxiety.
There has been clinical evidence suggesting that CBD balms can be an effective treatment for numerous anxiety-related disorders. The most common anxiety disorders today are:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Panic disorder (PD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
These disorders are obstacles in the lives of people, refraining them from performing daily functions and activities. CBD-infused balms interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system stimulating the body to produce more serotonin.
Thus, CBD has a direct impact on the serotonergic system.
Known as the “feel-good” hormone, not only does serotonin stabilize your mood but also promotes a sense of well-being and happiness. Recent studies have shown that CBD and CBN oil for sleep can be a primary treatment for anxiety-related ailments and replace traditional therapies, such as off-the-shelf medication. One study done in 2015 suggested that CBD, along with THC, interacts with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain that regulate fear and anxiety.
Moreover, CBD-infused products are directly linked to emotional processing as it heightens the activity in the brain’s amygdala-hippocampal-cortico-striatal circuit.
How can CBD balms work to reduce anxiety on a topical application?
CBD balms are usually infused with certain added ingredients that aid in helping panic attacks caused by anxiety. For example, aromatherapy is well-known as one of the most common natural remedies for anxiety. CBD balms infused with fragrances or natural oils can be an effective anti-anxiety treatment. Here are just some of the most popular ones:
- Lavender: The smell of lavender can reduce anxious emotions and promote a calmer feeling, helping an individual feel more relaxed. During the medieval period, placing lavender flowers under the pillows was said to help a person sleep. It is also declared to work on our limbic systems that control the emotions of our body.
- Jasmine: In ancient Japan, the scent of the jasmine flower was said to have helped restlessness and promote a greater sense of well-being. The best part about jasmine is that it helps calm a person but will not cause sleepiness making it one of the best essential oils to help with anxiety.
- Lemon Balm: It is said that the natural citrus scent of a lemon balm not only alters the mental state from feeling very anxious, but it also has restorative benefits and improves the quality of sleep. That can help an anxious mind.
These are just some of the many essential oils and fragrances that are available in the market today. Combined with CBD balms, these oils can combat anxiety and panic attacks a person may go through. When applied topically, the CBD is absorbed by the body and helps with joint pain and inflammation, while the essential oils work with the brain and reduce anxiety when inhaled. The best part about the topical application is that you can apply less and add more on top until you feel the desired effect.
It is important to note that Hemp-derived CBD products contain less than 0.3% of THC content and are federally legal. In some states, however, it is still considered illegal. On the other hand, cannabis-derived CBD products are federally not approved because they possess a THC content of more than 0.3%. It is necessary to check the local legislation, keeping in mind that the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has not approved all CBD products sold for medical purposes.
Conclusion
CBD continues to gain popularity for its proven effects in the medical segment. More people are shifting to using more natural remedies for their problems today. Even though CBD in the market cannot be called a legal dietary supplement, it can be used topically.
The studies that examine CBD Balms as a treatment for various conditions are still at their early stages. Moreover, there are many products in the market today that have unproven medical claims and are of unknown quality. It is always necessary to speak with a qualified healthcare professional before using any CBD product for a particular disease or condition, as they can help you find what product and dosage suits you best.
You must no longer let anxiety take over your mental health and allow it to spoil your daily livelihood. With the proven studies about CBD balms, they can be the solution to helping you lead an improved quality of life with a healthier mental state. Living in a panic-free state of mind without missed out on opportunities lies just a few steps away.