A lot of factors can potentially have an impact on our mental and emotional status. From daily life stressors to unforeseen circumstances, we are constantly being faced with situations that can affect the state of our mood.
Occasional blues can be brought upon by exhaustion due to overworking, unfortunate life events, or lack of adequate rest. A diagnosed mood disorder such as depression or anxiety disorder is usually characterized by low mood, sadness, feelings of helplessness, agitation, panic, and physical and mental fatigue.
While there are various anti-depressants that are capable of regulating one’s mood, most of them are associated with side effects such as addiction, insomnia, nausea, and vomiting.
Lately, Cannabidiol (CBD) is being examined as a natural alternative for treating mood irregularities because it causes fewer and milder side effects. The Best Hemp oil in Australia is also said to produce anti-depressant effects at a more rapid rate than conventional medicines.
Before we examine the potential benefits of CBD on psychological health, let’s take a look at what CBD is and how it works.
What Is CBD?
CBD is one of the many cannabinoids that can be derived from the Cannabis plant species. It is a substance that is present in the hemp and marijuana plant.
CBD is usually extracted from the buds, leaves, and branches of the hemp plant in the form of an oil. The buds and flowers of the Hemp plant can also be soaked in a water or alcohol solution to form a CBD tincture.
Unlike THC, a component that can also be derived from cannabis, CBD does not lead to any psychedelic reactions or feelings of euphoria.
Is CBD Safe For Human Consumption?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile. Reported adverse effects may be as a result of drug-drug interactions between CBD and patients’ existing medications.”
Based on the results of studies conducted on CBD dependence, the WHO released a statement that CBD has no risk of causing addiction or dependency in consumers.
How Does CBD Work?
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is responsible for keeping the body system in a state of constant balance. With the help of cannabinoid receptors present throughout the body, the ECS controls the cannabinoids produced in the body. The ECS controls some physiological processes such as inflammation, body weight, and appetite stimulation.
Phytocannabinoids – CBD, THC, and other Cannabis-derivatives- work by interacting with the cannabinoid receptors, especially CB1 and CB2. They enhance the effects of the endocannabinoids in the brain and the central nervous system. By binding to the receptors, CBD produces anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and analgesic effects in the body.
What Effect Can CBD Have On Your Moods?
Numerous studies have produced results that point to the potential therapeutic impact that CBD can have on mental and emotional health. It has been discovered that CBD use can help in managing the following conditions;
Depression
With the prevalence of depressive disorders in our society today, there is a widespread need for remedies that can elicit a positive response without causing life-altering or adverse effects.
A study carried out in 2018 explored the potential benefits of CBD in neuropsychiatry. It was reported that CBD could have a significant effect on the hippocampus, a part of the brain that regulates memory and emotions. CBD increases blood flow to the hippocampus thereby influencing how the brain processes emotions and memories.
CBD’s effect on serotonin, a neurotransmitter whose deficiency is a major cause of depression, was also noted. CBD can result in a buildup of serotonin in the brain, leading to an improvement in mood and also helping you to maintain a good sense of well-being.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a condition that can cause severe impairment of social, physical, and mental functioning. Usually associated with feelings of apprehension, panic attacks, and agitation, anxiety disorders can be a big hindrance to everyday life and activities.
Reviews have proven that CBD possesses anxiolytic properties and can significantly lower the level of anxiety when used consistently.
It was shown to be effective in managing social anxiety disorder through a test carried out on subjects. The test subjects were asked to perform a simulated public speaking test after taking varying doses of CBD and a placebo. Tracking physiological signs like heart rate and blood pressure revealed that subjects who had ingested 300mg of CBD faired well in contrast to the rest of the test participants.
A comparison between the results of this review and other conventional anxiolytic drugs such as diazepam further illustrated the anxiety-reducing effects of CBD.
Insomnia
Sleep deprivation can lead to a number of systemic and psychological irregularities. Stress, anxiety, and an unhealthy work-life balance are some of the factors that can cause insomnia.
A lot of anecdotal evidence and testimonies have brought CBD’s stress-relieving capacity to light. Adding CBD oil to one’s daily regimen has been said to enhance calmness and relaxation. CBD can aid the process of falling asleep or help you achieve a restful state.
A few drops of CBD oil before sleep can help to calm your mind, prevent errant thoughts, and induce a weightless feeling that can be conducive to restful sleep.
In conclusion, CBD is a compound that can prove effective in eliminating low moods and facilitating a calm and relaxed state. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system receptors and the brain to ensure a balanced emotional status and promote serotonin uptake. With few side effects, it can be a good treatment option for symptoms of mood disorders.
Scientific research has shown the cannabinoid’s potential anti-depressive, anxiolytic, and stress-relieving effects. Although there is still a need for more studies on the impact of CBD on humans, there is already enough scientific evidence that points to the benefits to be gained from using CBD oil.
In order to prevent adverse drug interactions, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider before you commence CBD use. Though CBD is considered safe for human use, necessary precautions should be taken to prevent side effects and complications.