I’m a huge proponent of #plantsoverpills whenever possible.
The gentle, non-psychoactive effects of CBD (cannabidiol) oil are perfect for calming anxiety & stress in the body.
My body runs naturally a little more high strung than usual & CBD has been a lifesaver.
So what is CBD oil exactly?
CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut oil. CBD oil is safe, non-addictive, & non-psychoactive (ie. it won’t get you high). It has proven neuroprotective effects & stimulates neurogenesis (the growth of new brain cells). CBD interacts with our bodies in a variety of ways.
One of the main ways is by mimicking & augmenting the effects of the compounds in our bodies called “endogenous cannabinoids”. These endocannabinoids are part of a regulatory system called the “endocannabinoid system”. All cannabinoids, including CBD, produce effects in the body by attaching to certain receptors. Our bodies have CB1 & CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are found primarily in the brain + central nervous system + other tissues. CB2 receptors are found in peripheral organs, especially cells associated with the immune system.
The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in regulating a broad range of physiological processes that affect our everyday experience & is responsible for keeping the body + mind in perfect balance. {projectcbd.org}
My favorite way to take CBD oil is sublingually (½ a dropper under the tongue), but there are other forms such as candies, lotions, bath bombs, salves, etc. There are a myriad of issues that CBD oil helps treat - PMS symptoms + ADD + PTSD + anxiety disorder/panic attacks + depression + OCD + epilepsy + skin issues + autoimmune conditions + neurological disorders + diabetes + digestive issues + insomnia - just to name a few!
Anxiety
CBD oil triggers hippocampal neurogenesis (the regeneration of neurons in the hippocampus).
The hippocampus is a brain region responsible for cognition and memory. In the case of depression or anxiety sufferers, this brain area tends to be smaller, which may explain some of the irrational thinking patterns specific to these conditions.
The human body has a built-in system designed explicitly for processing cannabinoids. It’s called ‘the endocannabinoid system’ and it plays a major role in homeostasis – the body’s ability to maintain a healthy inner balance. This means CBD oil can regulate sleep, appetite, mood, & consequently the level of anxiety we might be experiencing at a given moment.
This compound has a real impact on the brain receptors involved in the body’s response to anxiety. For example, cannabidiol works just like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) – a category of psychiatric drugs specifically designed for anxiety and depression. By bringing your serotonin to normal levels in a natural way, CBD-based supplements can significantly reduce the symptoms of anxiety.
ADD/ADHD
People dealing with ADD have been observed to have low dopamine levels in their prefrontal cortex of their brains. Dopamine is an organic chemical responsible for thought processes such as memory & attention. Dopamine transmits signals between the neurons/nerve cells in the brain.
The pharmaceuticals that are used in cases of ADD/ADHD are stimulants that encourage the rapid production of dopamine, creating a feeling of a higher level of focus. CBD on the other hand, regulates dopamine production naturally without forcing production, leading to an overall more “normal” feeling.
The plant-based cannabinoids such as CBD (non-psychoactive) affect the endocannibinoid system & are known to encourage it to operate more efficiently.
PTSD
CBD oil is gentle & non-psychoactive which is perfect for those dealing with PTSD. Many pharmacological therapies compound the issue at hand & have terrible side effects. CBD oil can help with PTSD by calming down overactivity in the brain by enhancing an endocannabinoid called anandamide.
Anandamide is one of the body’s primary endocannabinoids, meaning natural cannabinoids produced by the body, & essentially operates as a natural antidepressant. These operate in a similar way to CBD oil by stimulating the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for core functions such as mood, happiness, fear, and anxiety.
Anandamide travels to the cell that is sending out panic signals & reduces the output- helping to put the individual at ease.
CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the body help turn off traumatic memories so that people can essentially stop paying attention to them. CBD oil can also serve to minimize or prevent nightmares that frequently occur in those suffering from PTSD. CBD oil creates balance within the body’s endocannabinoid system & allows survivors to regain hold of their lives.
These are just a few of the ways that CBD oil has been proven to be effective.
Like with any supplement, it’s always important to be able to listen to your body when introducing something new into your lifestyle. Always factor in any medication or sensitivities you may have & evaluate from there.
You know your body better than anyone else!
I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have that I didn’t address here!
Peace,
Lo
lauren@laurencrawfordwellness.com
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