6 ways of using CBD in promoting mental health and well-being with evidence + side effects of CBD
We should note that CBD is not an approved treatment for any mental health issues. It helps promote mental health and well-being when used in combination with other therapies. This usually involves dietary and lifestyle changes, the use of professional counselling or other supplements and medications. If you are suffering from serious symptoms of a mental health disorder, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible before turning to natural supplements such as CBD.
The benefits of using CBD oil to improve mental health include:
- Inhibits neurological inflammation
- Supports neurotransmitter activity
- Promotes sleep
- Regulates cortisol levels
- It is neuroprotective
1. CBD for anxiety disorder
Anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental health disorders in the world. Anxiety disorders affect approximately 16% of the population. CBD oils offer several key benefits in managing, alleviating and even treating different types of anxiety conditions.
The benefits of using CBD oil for anxiety disorder include:
- Strengthens GABA function in the brain
- Regulates serotonin and dopamine activity
- Relaxes tense and stiff muscles
- Relieves inflammation in the brain
- Promotes restorative sleep
- Lowers cortisol levels
Evidence: CBD and anxiety disorders
A pre-clinical study published in 2015 investigated the potential of using CBD to treat several major forms of anxiety disorders. The study concluded that there is compelling evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of CBD in reducing anxiety disorders such as PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social anxiety disorder. A large meta-analysis published in 2018 highlighted the benefits of using CBD oil for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study examined the results of animal studies and clinical trials. It concluded that CBD significantly improved PTSD symptoms, including retention of unpleasant memories. The doses used in this research ranged from 12 mg (oral administration) to 10 mg/kg (injectable administration).
2. CBD for chronic stress
Stress is a perfectly normal and healthy process - but only in small doses. Persistent stress can damage our health in the long run. Chronic stress can lead to high blood pressure, lowered immunity, autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, metabolic disorders, anxiety disorders, depression and many other problems. One of the main benefits of CBD is its ability to promote relaxation and relieve chronic stress.
The benefits of using CBD oil for stress include:
- Improves hypothalamic function
- Protects the body from oxidative damage
- Promotes relaxation
- Helps manage common side effects of stress
Evidence: CBD and chronic stress
Cortisol is the primary stress hormone in the human body. Cortisol testing is considered one of the easiest ways to measure stress levels in humans, and lowering cortisol levels is a key therapeutic target for modifying chronic stress levels. In one study, 11 human volunteers were given a high dose of CBD (up to 600 mg of CBD) to measure its effects on cortisol levels. Blood tests were used to measure cortisol levels before and after taking CBD. The results showed a substantial reduction in cortisol levels after taking CBD extract on two different occasions.
3. CBD for insomnia and sleep disorders
There are two main types of insomnia - sleep onset insomnia (difficulty falling asleep) and sleep maintenance insomnia (inability to sleep through the night). Research supports the use of CBD for both forms of insomnia - helping users fall asleep faster, sleep longer, and feel refreshed the next morning.
The benefits of using CBD oil for insomnia include:
- Sedative properties promote faster onset of sleep
- May reduce nightmares
- Regulates the sleep cycle and sleep patterns
- Relieves common causes of insomnia
Evidence: CBD and insomnia
A meta-analysis examining the effects of CBD on sleep in the 1970s found that CBD has different effects on sleep depending on the dose. Low doses of CBD have a mild stimulant effect, while high doses have a much stronger sedative effect. A high dose of CBD has been associated with increased total sleep time and a reduced incidence of movement or sleep interruption during the night. The same meta-analysis also found improvements in sleep quality in people suffering from REM sleep behavior disorder, a condition that causes sufferers to be active during deep REM sleep.
4. CBD for mood disorders
The term "mood disorder" refers to any neurological disorder that affects the body's ability to regulate or maintain emotions. There are dozens of mood disorders, and CBD has a unique effect for each of them. CBD has been shown to help with bipolar disorder, depression, mania (to be treated with caution), hypomania, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
The benefits of using CBD oil for mood disorders include:
- Inhibits inflammation in the brain
- Alleviates common adverse effects of mood disorders
- Regulates serotonin and dopamine activity
Evidence: CBD and mood disorders
Animal studies using well-established models of depression have shown that CBD use produces dramatic improvements in depression scores compared to placebo controls. Other studies have shed light on how CBD is able to alleviate depression. One study found that CBD extracts were able to increase serotonin activity in mice. Serotonin is one of the main targets of pharmaceutical antidepressants. CBD has also been shown to alleviate obsessive behavior in mice - as measured by the mice ball-burying test.
5. CBD for addictions
Addiction and abuse of addictive substances and illegal and prescribed drugs are a serious problem worldwide. Typical forms of addiction include substance abuse, gambling addiction and sex addiction. Addiction is generally classified as a mental disorder. It is characterised by a compulsive desire to do something, despite the obvious negative effects on the body.
The benefits of using CBD oil for addiction include:
- Regulates dopamine function in the brain
- Relieves common symptoms of withdrawal syndromes
- CBD may reduce tobacco cravings
Evidence: CBD and addictions
CBD has been shown to reduce cravings for cigarettes in long-term smokers. The study concluded that participants in the treatment group smoked 40% fewer cigarettes than the placebo control group. The effects of CBD had a lasting impact for several weeks after the study ended.
A study published in 2019 analysed a group of 146 patients using medical cannabis who were also taking benzodiazepine medication. The researchers reported that 30% of the patients did not take these medications during the two-month follow-up period. After six months, 45% of patients in the study were no longer taking benzodiazepines. The researchers conducting this study identified cannabis use as one of the key factors in helping patients break free from the addictive tendencies of long-term benzodiazepine use. Many people use CBD oil when coming off benzodiazepine medications. It has been shown to offer direct support in combating the underlying cause of withdrawal symptoms when withdrawing from benzodiazepines by preventing the reuptake of GABA, the target neurotransmitter for benzodiazepine anti-anxiety medications.
6. CBD in schizophrenia
The benefits of CBD in schizophrenia are not well understood. Research still has a long way to go before we see substantiated conclusions about the use of CBD in combating this condition. However, CBD has been shown to offer several key benefits that make it a promising candidate for managing the symptoms of the disease.
Anticipated benefits of using CBD oil for schizophrenia include:
- Regulates serotonin, dopamine and glutamate
- Improves blood flow to cortical areas of the brain
- Alleviates common side effects of schizophrenia
- Regulates anandamide levels
Evidence: CBD and schizophrenia
Research into the effects of CBD in schizophrenia is still in its early stages. There are many challenges in finding effective treatment options for this disease due to its complexity. In fact, the disease does not have one specific cause and most of the probable causes are only theoretical.
The main theories of the causes of schizophrenia include:
- Excess anandamide
- Excess dopamine
- Excess glutamate
- Poor blood flow to cortical areas of the brain
One of the best studies we have on the potential benefits of CBD use in schizophrenia compared CBD use with current prescription antipsychotic medications. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that CBD was as effective as amisulpride in treating schizophrenia symptoms. Amisulpride is a powerful second-generation antipsychotic used in the treatment of schizophrenia and psychosis.The researchers conducting this study hypothesized that CBD's mechanism of action was due to improved anandamide signaling. Other studies have shown that another cannabinoid, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), activates CB1 receptors in the brain, which are thought to be vital mediators of psychosis. Products that contain more than trace amounts of THC should be avoided by anyone diagnosed with or at risk of developing schizophrenia.
Table of benefits of individual cannabinoids
CBD is not the only active ingredient that contributes to the overall health benefits of hemp extract.
While CBD is the main component, other cannabinoids and terpenes found in cannabis also contribute to the overall health benefits of full-spectrum CBD oil.
Here is a brief list of the many health benefits of cannabinoids:
|
Health benefit |
CBD (cannabidiol) |
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) |
CBN (cannabinol) |
CBG (cannabigerol) |
CBC (cannabichromene) |
THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Adaptogenic effects |
✓ |
✓ |
||||
|
Analgesic |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
Anti-inflammatory effects |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
Effects against cancer |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
||
|
Anticonvulsant |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
||
|
Antidepressant |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
||
|
Antidiabetic |
✓ |
✓ |
||||
|
Antiemetic |
✓ |
✓ |
||||
|
Antiepileptic |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
||
|
Antimicrobial effects |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
|
Antioxidant |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
Anxiolytic |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
||
|
Appetite Stimulant |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
|
Suppresses appetite |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
|
Immunomodulatory effects |
✓ |
|||||
|
Neuroprotective effects |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Sedative effects |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
What are the side effects of CBD?
All dietary supplements and medications carry a risk of side effects. The severity of these side effects depends on the specific substance. Compared to other dietary supplements, CBD has a very low risk of side effects. Most people who experience side effects report that the reaction is mild, most commonly involving fatigue or dizziness. In more severe cases, CBD can cause a noticeable drop in blood pressure, diarrhea, or nausea, although this is very rare.Side effects are more common with high doses of CBD and when it is taken with other drugs, supplements, or alcohol.
The most common side effects of CBD include:
- Low blood pressure
- Dry mouth (Xerostomia)
- Fatigue
- Diarrhoea
- Indigestion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rash
Summary: The Benefits of Using CBD
CBD is a very useful supplement that offers a wide range of benefits across multiple organ systems. It is used to support neurological function, cardiovascular health, immune function, and much more. This impressive molecule can offer all of these benefits by interacting with the system responsible for regulating various processes in the body called the endocannabinoid system. By supporting this system, CBD can influence hormone production, nerve function, inflammation, pain transmission, and more.
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