Is CBD oil a natural antidepressant?
Depression is a complicated disease affecting approximately 300 million people worldwide. Depression manifests itself in a wide range of symptoms, from sadness and anxiety to insomnia and lack of focus, and can be difficult to recognise and treat properly. As patients look for an effective treatment without side effects, they are increasingly relying on natural CBD oil.
The effects of CBD oil and symptoms of anxiety or depression
Research into the possible benefits of CBD oil is still ongoing, but the results known so far in treating and managing depressive symptoms are very promising. Keep in mind, however, that the information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
The effectiveness of CBD oil for depression
The cannabis plant contains more than a hundred cannabinoids, including the universally renowned pair tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These cannabinoids affect the endocannabinoid system in the human body and can induce a variety of beneficial effects. Although THC also has therapeutic effects, it is most commonly associated with the intoxicating states that people experience and associate with marijuana use, such as distorted perception of space and time or uncontrollable fits of laughter. CBD drops have no such effects.
CBD oil indirectly interacts with the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 in the brain and central nervous system in a way that helps the body restore balance - achieving a state of homeostasis. If a person is suffering from depression, CBD oil can bring some stability to their moods, relieve anxiety, and help them get better sleep.
As mentioned, research into the use of CBD oil for depression is still ongoing, but the evidence currently available is encouraging from a scientific perspective. In addition to depression, CBD may have positive effects on a number of other aspects (stress, insomnia, anxiety, etc.) related to mental health.
CBD oil to improve mood
CBD drops have incredible potential to improve mood and boost motivation. Unfortunately, the scientific evidence behind this claim so far relies only on animal studies. Anandamide is a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of joy, happiness and motivation, commonly called the "bliss molecule". CBD acts as an inhibitor of the so-called anandamide reuptake. This means that CBD increases the amount of anandamide available in the brain. Increased levels of anandamide can reduce some of the symptoms of lethargy, anhedonia (the inability to experience positive emotions and feelings) and fatigue associated with depression.
CBD also inhibits the reuptake of the neurotransmitter adenosine. Adenosine receptors play a role in the manifestations of anxiety and depression. If adenosine levels in the brain are too low, a person may experience anxiety or depressive symptoms. CBD oil inhibits adenosine A2A receptors, which leads to an increase in the amount of this neurotransmitter in the brain, resulting in clear thoughts and improved mood.
What helps for anxiety? Try CBD oil
CBD drops activate the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor, which increases serotonin levels in the brain. Low serotonin levels are associated with the onset of both depression and anxiety. In anxiety, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are usually prescribed to increase the amount of the neurotransmitter. Cannabidiol works similarly to SSRIs but does not have the same side effects as traditional antidepressants.
Several studies have demonstrated the ability of CBD oil to reduce anxiety. A small, double-blind study was conducted on people diagnosed with generalized social anxiety disorder to measure the effects of CBD on their difficulties. After CBD administration, study participants reported reduction in anxiety. They underwent brain scans and the scans showed changes in cerebral blood flow patterns that correlated with lower levels of anxiety.
CBD oil has also shown potential benefits for people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CBD indirectly activates the CB1 and CB2 receptors, and as noted above, increases the amount of the "bliss molecule" anandamide available in the brain. It has been demonstrated that activation of CB1 receptors attenuates behavior that is triggered by adverse memories. Increasing the amount of anandamide along with decreasing the response to traumatic memories offers great potential for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition, a 2018 comprehensive review of numerous studies on CBD's ability to reduce PTSD-related reactions concluded, "Human and animal studies suggest that CBD may offer therapeutic benefits for disorders associated with inappropriate reactions to traumatic memories."
CBD sleep oil
Sleep is incredibly important to our physical, mental and emotional well-being. Not only can insomnia be caused by depression itself, but insomnia can also be a side effect of taking antidepressants. Lack of sleep can make the symptoms of depression worse. The right amount of sleep can do more than just make you feel rested - it can help you feel good. Because CBD oils can reduce anxiety, stress, and emotions associated with depression, they can also help remove the mental barriers that keep you from sleeping well.
In a 2019 study, researchers looked at 72 patients suffering from anxiety and/or sleep disorders to see if cannabidiol would have any effect on them. At the end of the three-month study, patients were taking CBD daily and saw a 79.2% decrease in anxiety scores and a 66.7% improvement in sleep scores (although the effects on sleep were not consistent). Addressing anxiety, whether sleep-related or not, is very important in the treatment of depression. The additional promising result of improved sleep scores further confirms that CBD oil is a potential dietary supplement that can be used to achieve the best sleep possible.
In addition to these benefits, CBD drops can also relieve pain and inflammation that can prevent patients from falling asleep and staying asleep. A significant role in pain perception is played by glycine receptors located in the central nervous system. In animal patients, CBD has been shown to reduce neuropathic pain and inflammation in the body. So if physical pain is preventing you from falling asleep and staying asleep, CBD drops may provide effective relief.
Benefits of taking CBD oil for depression
The exact pathophysiology of depression is complex and our knowledge of it is still evolving. For this reason, research into why and how some antidepressants work is still ongoing. The main factor contributing to depression is thought to be a chemical or neurotransmitter imbalance in the brain. Most antidepressants work by increasing the presence of certain neurotransmitters that affect mood and emotion, such as serotonin and noradrenaline, by blocking the reuptake of these chemicals.
Common types of antidepressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). While these drugs can temporarily relieve the symptoms of depression, they cannot cure the condition itself. These types of drugs may also have side effects, such as:
- disability
- insomnia
- headache
- dry mouth
- dizziness
- decreased sexual desire or sexual dysfunction
For some people, especially those under 25, antidepressants can even trigger suicidal thoughts and tendencies, usually with the first use or change in dosage. Also, if you decide to stop taking SSRI and SNRI-type antidepressants, you may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. In contrast, CBD oil is largely free of side effects and appears to be similarly effective to SSRIs and SNRIs, but in a more natural and gentle way.
How to use CBD oil for depression
If you find that your depression treatment is not working, you have the option of trying CBD oil. But be sure to consult your doctor, psychologist and/or psychiatrist beforehand, as CBD drops can interact with some common medications, including antidepressants.
The most effective treatments for depression often consist of several complementary parts. CBD oil could complement other methods you may already be using to deal with depression, such as therapy and exercise. You need to work closely with medical professionals to create a treatment plan that best suits your needs. You may also consider speaking with a cannabis expert who has a broader range of knowledge regarding CBD use.
The idea of talking to your doctor about taking a cannabis extract can feel uncomfortable, but if you're not open and honest in your planning, you won't get the answers you're looking for. As more and more research comes in, the stigma surrounding medical cannabis and cannabis extracts is quickly disappearing. Once you've been cleared by your doctor to try CBD oil for depression, you'll just need to decide how you want to consume it. There are a number of different options, including taking CBD oil, tinctures, nutrients (such as CBD gummies), capsules, or through vaporization.
Not many people are comfortable with CBD drops for their ease and convenience of use. This method is also discreet, the effects kick in quickly, and the oils are portable so they can be easily taken throughout the day if needed. Likewise, the quick relief and ease of use of vaporizers make them great. The Caps can be taken two to three times a day and can easily be incorporated into your regular day. You need to experiment with different administration methods and decide which best suits your lifestyle and needs.
Dosing CBD oil for depression
Just as no two people experience depression in the same way, no two different bodies will respond to CBD oil in exactly the same way. For this reason, there is no universal dosage of CBD oil when treating depression. It is best to start with the recommended dosage listed on the product. If you can't find a starting dose, our recommendation, based on an analysis of hundreds of CBD products, may help you: the standard dose of CBD oil is 25 mg of CBD taken twice a day. If this amount does not give you the results you want, we recommend increasing the dose by 25 mg every 3-4 weeks until you feel relief.
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