Best CBD Oil for Anxiety: Best CBD Products for Anxiety
Living with anxiety is overwhelming at times. This means that finding effective ways to relieve anxiety is essential for your well-being. In recent years, more and more people try CBD as an addition to their treatment for anxiety. CBD (short for cannabidiol) is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant and hemp plant. More and more research into this fascinating compound is conducted. This is thanks to its potential therapeutic benefits - particularly in relation to anxiety, stress and other anxiety-related disorders [1]. While more research is needed, there is promising evidence suggesting that CBD can help bring down anxiety levels and be a helpful tool for managing anxiety symptoms [2].
Before you consider including CBD oil in your anxiety treatment, it is important to speak to your doctor to make sure it's a suitable addition to your routine. Furthermore, you should understand the legal status and safety of this cannabinoid. CBD is legal in the UK as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC (the psychoactive component that produces the "high" associated with cannabis use). This means that you can legally purchase and use CBD products like CBD gummies and CBD oil tinctures in the UK. Read on to find out how to pick the best products!
Best CBD Oil for Anxiety: The Basics
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is a mix of a CBD extract in a carrier oil or carrier oil blend. This extract is derived from the hemp plant, which naturally contains high levels of cannabidiol (CBD), but very low levels of THC. CBD oil comes in several flavours, strengths, sizes and delivery formats such as droppers or sprays. There are also other forms of CBD available like CBD capsules, CBD gummies, CBD vapes and CBD topicals.
Why Use CBD for Anxiety
There is a growing body of evidence that CBD may be helpful in managing symptoms of various anxiety disorders. This includes generalized anxiety and social anxiety disorder, as well as anxiety and sleep issues [3]. CBD interacts with your body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS plays a role in regulating mood and a plethora of other bodily functions. In short, it is maintaining your body's homeostasis, or balance [4].
Research suggests that the anxiolytic effects of CBD may also partially be due to its interaction with serotonin receptors, which help regulate emotions and mood. CBD has also been shown to have a panicolytic-like effect in pre-clinical studies [5].
Full Spectrum CBD Oil, Broad Spectrum CBD and CBD Isolate Products
There are three main types of CBD oil: full-spectrum CBD oil, broad-spectrum CBD oil, and CBD isolate.
Full spectrum CBD oil contains all the cannabinoids, terpenes and other compounds like flavonoids found in the hemp plant. Yes, this also includes trace amounts of THC (although these are very small, within legal amounts and won't cause a high). All these compounds work together to produce the "entourage effect" - a synergy believed to enhance the benefits of CBD [6].
Broad spectrum CBD oil also contains various cannabinoids and terpenes. However, it undergoes additional processing to remove any trace of THC. This type of CBD oil is suitable for those who still want to benefit from the entourage effect without the presence of THC.
Isolate CBD is the purest form of CBD, with all other cannabinoids and terpenes removed. This type of CBD oil offers the most consistent dosage and is suitable for users who prefer a product without any other compounds.
When selecting CBD oil to improve anxiety it is essential to consider factors such as dosage, strength and the type of CBD oil that best suits your needs. Keep in mind that more research and clinical trials are needed to fully understand the efficacy of CBD oil in treating anxiety. To determine the most appropriate dosage and product for your specific needs if you are already on a treatment plan or prescription medication, we recommend you to speak to a healthcare professional experienced in CBD use.
How to Reap the Benefits of CBD Oil
Now let's discuss how to choose the right CBD oil! We'll also explore how to determine a safe dosage and administration method, as well as potential side effects and interactions to watch out for.
Choosing the Right CBD Product
When it comes to selecting the best CBD oil for any purpose, the first step is to choose a high-quality product! Look for companies that provide third-party testing and certificates of analysis (COAs) to ensure that the product has the correct potency (the correct amount of mg of CBD per ml). You should also consider reading customer reviews to check if the brand is trustworthy and responsive.
There are several types of CBD products, such as oils and tinctures, edibles (gummies, capsules), e-liquids and topicals or skincare products. Tinctures and oils are absorbed sublingually (by putting the oil under your tongue), which offers quick absorption and a higher bioavailability compared to other methods. Edibles take longer to take effect as they need to be digested but might be a convenient option for some. Vaping CBD acts very fast but is only recommended for people that already smoke or vape [7]. It's essential to adjust to the form of CBD that best suits your needs and preferences.
You should also consider the type of CBD in a product: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum or CBD isolate.
How Much CBD to Use
Always begin with a low dose of CBD - around 10-15 mg - and gradually increase it until you find the optimal dosage for your needs. It's worth noting that taking CBD oil with high-fat meals can increase its absorption and efficacy [8]. Determining the most suitable dosage depends on very individual factors such as your age, your weight, and the receptiveness of your endocannabinoid system.
When to be Cautious
First off, CBD oil - in particular at the doses generally consumed with nonprescription CBD products - is generally considered safe! Nevertheless, it's essential to monitor your body's reactions to CBD products and adjust your usage accordingly if you feel anything that's unpleasant.
CBD oil may interact with some medications such as blood thinners or those that warn against consuming grapefruit. It's a must to consult your doctor if you are currently on medication [9]. They should guide you on potential interactions and safety considerations!
By carefully selecting a high-quality CBD oil product, determining the appropriate dosage, and being mindful of potential side effects and interactions, you can make an informed decision about using CBD to help with your stress and anxiety.
Best CBD Products to Help with Anxiety: Conclusion
In your search for the best CBD oil for anxiety and stress, you've likely come across a variety of products and information. When exploring different brands and products you should consider factors such as the manufacturer's reputation, transparency in sourcing and production methods. As for the product itself, check the potency and concentration of the CBD oil.
As you start on your CBD journey trying to find the perfect CBD dose, pay attention to how your body responds. Everyone reacts differently, so finding the optimal strength, dosage and format that works best for you may take some time! Be patient and you will find a CBD oil that provides you with the relief you're searching for.
Lastly, remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a CBD regimen if you're already taking medications for your anxiety. Managing anxiety is often a multifaceted approach. Incorporating lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques and possibly therapy alongside using CBD oil will maximise the benefits to your overall mental health. Keep an open mind and be willing to explore various options. And, as always, reach out to us if you have any open questions! We're happy to help.
written by
anna falk - head of product
As the Head of Product at Harmony, Dr Anna Falk leads the development of our products and provides expert tips for your wellness. With over 10 years of experience in the research and development of natural products, her work is based on rigorous scientific studies.
Anna is an award-winning, internationally published researcher with a PhD in Organic Chemistry. She applies her expertise to develop Harmony's certified products that support your overall well-being. From research to development, she ensures that our products are of the highest quality and meet the highest standards.
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