Everyone is a lot more anxious these days and it’s no surprise that we all have rather a lot on our minds – the world is literally and figuratively on fire! So many people are taking to google to look for a helping hand – what can help me get to sleep? What helps with anxiety? – but many people don’t want to rely on over-the-counter or prescription drugs. We are all a lot more aware of what we are putting into our bodies and don’t want to get hooked on synthetic pills or medicines. As such, many people are reconnecting with the medicines of the past and turning to the plant world for answers. One plant extract that has been getting a lot of press recently is CBD – “CBD oil helps with sleep!” “Why CBD oil is the cure for anxiety!” – it’s everywhere! So let’s find out a little more about this miracle plant extract.
What is CBD?
CBD stands for Cannabidiol, one of the many naturally occurring cannabinoids (a type of chemical compound) found in hemp and marijuna (the two main offspring of Cannabis). There are over 100 different cannabinoids found in cannabis plants but the ones which are present in the greatest concentration are CBD and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). You might assume (or fear!) given the strong association (/relationship) with cannabis that CBD will make you high, but thankfully (for some) this isn’t the case! THC is the psychoactive compound that is responsible for the feelings that make people feel “high” whereas CBD is non-psychoactive and only responsible for delivering a number of health benefits such as helping with sleep, your aches and pains, and general anxiety.
Of course, we are still very much in the early days of research, given that CBD is derived from a class B drug, so it’s been hard to get the funding required to officially prove many of the perceived therapeutic benefits of CBD. However, there has been some research looking into CBD for anxiety and why it is potentially so good at relieving our stress and in helping us sleep. It is believed that CBD tackles our underlying anxiety head on by interacting with our serotonin receptors and other receptors responsible for controlling our fear and anxiety. The CBD counteracts any surges in fear or anxiety by suppressing it and rebalancing us into calm.
What is the best way to take CBD for anxiety?
CBD can be taken a number of different ways depending on your preferences. There is CBD in edible format such as in a chocolate or gummy, but I’d suggest that during the day as the sugar isn’t ideal just before bed if you are looking to use it to calm down before sleep). You can vape CBD oil, but you will need to buy a specific vape oil for this – and do not get confused between CBD e liquid or CBD vape oil, the former is lighter and mixed in with cutting agents whereas the layer is much stronger and more pure being only the hemp extract in concentrate form. Vaping is actually the most effective method of taking CBD as it enters the bloodstream quickly through the lungs. Many people have reservations about vaping due its potentially harmful effects but, if for some reason, you need a quick hit, fast, definitely opt for the CBD vape oil version as it requires less puffs and is a lot more pure!!
The most popular format and most accessible way of taking CBD is CBD oil in a tincture. It is also the most natural and healthy way to consume CBD since the CBD is suspended in a carrier oil such as hemp or coconut oil. To take it, you just dropper the CBD oil under your tongue, hold for 60 seconds and then swallow. This is a great option if you want to take CBD oil for anxiety and so take it regularly throughout the day or if you are looking to have CBD oil before bed to help get you to sleep. As said, in this format, the CBD oil is most similar to taking any other health supplement.
In terms of the perfect CBD dosage for anxiety (or whatever you find it helps with!) this is hard to say as everyone is different. This is also true of how the CBD interacts with your system. It’s really a case of trial and error! Start with what your chosen brand suggests in terms of dosage and work up or down from there.
After hearing and researching all of the wonders of CBD, I decided to try it for myself and now have not been able to get to sleep without my Paso CBD tincture by my side! Their drops are broad spectrum (meaning they contain other cannabinoids bar THC) which tends to work better and it’s really made a huge difference for me. So try for yourself and see whether CBD could be the natural cure for your anxiety and sleep!