Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental illnesses. Experts estimate that it affects nearly 18 percent of adult Americans. This disorder can consume a person’s life, leaving them feeling restless, nervous, agitated, or even hopeless. In some instances, anxiety can cause unwanted physical symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat, profuse sweating, or insomnia.
Luckily, all hope is not lost for those dealing with anxiety. There are many prescription anxiety medications approved by the FDA. Other sufferers prefer to take a more-natural route to treat anxiety. CBD oil is one of the most popular natural remedies, and you can try Pure Plan to see if CBD oil will help with your symptoms. Before making any decisions, however, it’s important to understand how anxiety affects the body.
What Is an Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety is a familiar feeling. It’s how the body reacts to uncertain, stressful, or dangerous situations. Being able to feel anxious may help protect a person from making rash, unwise decisions. It enables you to stay aware of your surroundings and alert to the people around you. However, if you feel anxious on a regular basis, you may have an underlying anxiety disorder. In the worst cases, anxiety may become completely debilitating.
Everyone experiences passing bouts of anxiety at some point. Perhaps you have a big presentation at work and worry about what the boss will think. Maybe you had a big fight with your partner and fear what the future holds. In both of these situations, feeling anxious is completely normal. Once the stressor resolves, so do the anxious feelings. However, with an anxiety disorder, these feelings become constant and chronic. Even without a stressor, you may feel uncontrollable dread or nervousness.
Anxiety can affect your life in huge ways. These uncomfortable feelings may prevent you from enjoying everyday activities. Many sufferers struggle to participate in social activities. Others develop low self-esteem and struggle with depression. Those with anxiety may be less likely to follow through with tasks or try new adventures. It may prevent you from applying for a new job. Anxiety can also get so bad that you fear leaving your house.
While medical professionals all agree that anxiety disorders do exist, no one knows for sure what causes them. Some speculate it’s a combination of several risk factors, including genetics, environmental conditions, trauma, and other mental health comorbidities. Regardless of the cause, anxiety disorders produce very real, sometimes terrifying symptoms.
How Do You Treat Anxiety?
Many people need help coping with their anxiety, and some turn to prescription medications. While these drugs do offer relief, they are not without their own set of side effects and symptoms. Anxiety medications may cause fatigue, upset stomach, dizziness, or mood swings. It’s also dangerous to stop these drugs cold turkey. Doing so may worsen anxious feelings or make a person feel sick.
Instead of dealing with the side effects of powerful drugs, many people decide to treat their anxiety through natural methods. Rest and meditation may help calm a person during an active attack. Engaging in regular exercise is also recommended. Many prefer the mindfulness of yoga to help them keep their anxious feelings at bay. One of the newer natural remedies is CBD oil, and it shows a lot of promise in helping people overcome anxiety.
How Does CBD Oil Work for Anxiety?
CBD oil has become one of the most talked-about anxiety treatments. Users like that it’s natural and doesn’t have the same side effects as prescription medications. Before you learn how it helps to treat anxiety, you need to know what it is and how it works. CBD is a type of cannabinoid that’s derived from hemp. Even though CBD comes from the cannabis plant, it won’t make you feel high. Instead, it’s used as a natural remedy for many ailments, including anxiety.
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Taking CBD oil is a great way to reduce how often you feel anxious. It works by raising serotonin levels in the body. Although this chemical is concentrated in the digestive system, it’s also found throughout the central nervous system. Serotonin helps to stabilize moods and create feelings of euphoria. Low amounts of this essential chemical may trigger anxiety and depression. CBD oil may trigger the brain to increase production of serotonin.
Research shows that CBD oil improves anxiety in many cases. It can help a person feel more at ease and relaxed before speaking in public. Those with social anxiety may be more willing to go out into the world after adding the oil to their regimen. Even those with anxiety caused by PTSD or OCD may find relief in their symptoms. Furthermore, CBD oil doesn’t cause paranoia or other unwanted side effects. Instead, most users report feeling calmer and more in control of their feelings.
Best of all, CBD oil is not addictive. People can add this natural remedy without fear of dependency. Even those who take high doses (upwards of 1,500mg a day) can stop without negative effects. Prescription anxiety medications, on the other hand, can become addictive. That’s why so many people prefer to take CBD oil instead.
How Do You Take CBD Oil?
CBD is sold in many shapes and forms. Some are taken orally, while others are applied directly to the body. The right delivery method depends on your personal wants and needs. The dosage may also vary depending on the type you choose.
The most common oral options are tinctures and edibles. Those looking for the most-potent product usually choose tinctures. To use, simply place a few drops of the oil under your tongue and hold it there for about a minute. This sublingual delivery method allows the oil to be absorbed quickly, and it’s ideal for those looking for fast results. Edibles may include gummies or other types of candies. While users enjoy the unique flavors of edibles, absorption is much slower. You must wait for your body to digest the edible before noticing any improvement.
Topical CBD oil is becoming more popular. Creams, lotions, salves, and patches are some of the most common topical applications. These products contain a specific amount of CBD oil alongside other ingredients, such as carrier oils and fragrances. Those who opt for topical CBD products usually enjoy the application process. Rubbing cream onto the skin, for example, may help relax a person. Additionally, lotions may help reduce dry or itchy skin. You can also find CBD oil in a variety of bath products. CBD-infused bath bombs, for example, let you soak away your worries while still enjoying the benefits of CBD.
While topical products are very effective, they may not be the first choice for someone experiencing a sudden anxiety attack. Because it takes time for the body to fully absorb the CBD oil in the skin, it may not offer relief in a timely manner. Oral oils will help stimulate serotonin levels the fastest. However, for those looking to manage and maintain already controlled anxiety levels, going with a topical CBD oil is a great option.
What Else Does CBD Oil Treat?
The benefits of CBD oil don’t stop at treating anxiety. This miracle oil may also help reduce the symptoms of other mental disorders. Those dealing with depression may find some relief by adding a tincture of CBD oil to their routine. It may also help regulate those with certain mood disorders. However, you shouldn’t stop taking your medications to switch to CBD oil. It’s often safe to include the oil alongside other treatments, but always consult with your doctor before beginning a CBD regimen.
There is also some evidence that ingesting CBD oil may help improve the appetites of cancer patients. Research is being conducted to study the effects of CBD oils and other conditions, including epilepsy, autism, and neurological disorders. More evidence is needed to substantiate these claims, but the initial findings are very exciting.
Topical CBD oil may help reduce pain. Those dealing with chronic pain may find relief by rubbing CBD-infused products directly on the affected area. It may even reduce the often difficult-to-treat nerve pain caused by multiple sclerosis and arthritis. CBD oil reduces inflammation and redirects neurotransmitters to help diminish the feeling of pain.
Pet owners should also be excited about CBD protects. This oil is safe for animals in small dosages. It can help reduce anxiety and behavioral issues in both cats and dogs. Some pet owners rely on CBD oil to reduce their pets’ joint pain. Administering a few drops of the oil can even stimulant the appetites of animals with certain medical conditions.
Treat Anxiety the Natural Way
Although most people experience anxiety at some point, it should’t ever rule your life. If left unchecked, seemingly benign cases of anxiety may develop into a full-blown anxiety disorder. However, it may be possible to treat these unwanted feelings using the healing properties of CBD oil.
Is CBD oil right for you? Everyone responds to CBD oil differently. Consider adding a few drops to your nighttime routine, or try lathering your body in a rich, CBD-infused lotion. It may be the natural remedy you need to get your feeling of anxiety under control.
