How to use CBD oil for anxiety - UK
Contents
Introduction
Anxiety can happen to the best of us at the worst of times, and it can make the smallest of tasks feel like a long hike up Mount Everest.
But why should we let our anxiety get the better of us? Let’s fight back and take control of how we feel. A great weapon to have in your arsenal is Cannabidiol oil 1000mg. It could help to calm you down and better enjoy your day.
Here are a few tips and tricks on how you could use CBD oil to possibly ease your anxiety.
What is CBD Oil?
Also known as Cannabidiol, CBD is a cannabinoid, which is a chemical compound that has been known to calm and relax people who use it. Although they both come from the cannabis plant, CBD is unlike its parallel THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, which causes the ‘high’ in marijuana.
CBD comes from the hemp plant, with many scientists researching its potential benefits - both for physical and mental health.
After the CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant, the concentrated oil is then diluted with a carrier oil like hemp, olive or coconut oil to improve its bioavailability.
Bioavailability is used to describe the ability of a drug, or other substances, to be absorbed and used by the body.
CBD is getting more and more popular, it is increasingly being used as a balm, cream or massage oil to apply directly to the skin as well as the more common food supplement drops and gummies.
For a really deep dive into this topic visit our What is CBD? Your ultimate guide article to learn everything you need to know about CBD!
What is CBD Oil Used for?
Those who support and research the use of cannabidiol oil believe it can help with many clinical conditions such as epilepsy, depression, chronic pain, acne, and anxiety.
There are some signs from animal studies that CBD may be beneficial for osteoarthritis. Early tests looking into the use of CBD in battling anxiety and depression have found positive results although, this is only in small samples.
One study assessed anxiety's links with public speaking and found that using a dose of 300mg showed effects that reduced anxiety.
Another study that was aimed at helping with PTSD, showed that CBD oil helped the individual reduce the symptoms of anxiety and improved quality of sleep.
Is CBD Oil Legal?
Simply put, yes! CBD oil is legal in the UK since it isn't a controlled substance.
However, there are restrictions in place over THC elements in the oil. CBD oil that hasn't been medically prescribed may only have a THC content of up to 1mg per product or approx. 0.01% in a standard 10ml bottle.
This is because of the psychoactive effects that THC has in larger doses. Medical cannabis, however, can include 20% or more THC!
In special cases that involve conditions such as epilepsy, muscle stiffness and spasms caused by multiple sclerosis, and nausea in chemotherapy, a small number of patients in Britain have been able to access cannabis-based prescription medications to help treat the side effects.
There are now more and more private clinics that can provide faster access to medical cannabis in the UK.
For more information, it’s always best to contact your local GP or visit official channels, such as the NHS website. Some products, such as CBD oil, are available to buy legally in some shops as food supplements, however, the effects may vary from person to person.
How Does CBD Work?
There are many different receptors throughout the human body. Receptors are protein-based chemical structures that are attached to cells in your body. CBD interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors.
These receptors are found mainly in the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system. CBD is thought to alter serotonin signals in CB1 receptors, however, the way that CBD affects CB1 receptors isn't fully understood.
When it comes to your mental health serotonin can play an important role in your well-being. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, which is a chemical messenger within the body. Neurotransmitters have a job to transmit signals to target cells, from nerve cells.
Low serotonin levels have a direct link with people who suffer from depression, and in some cases not having enough serotonin may also cause anxiety.
The most common treatment to help with low serotonin levels is to use antidepressants, also known as SSRI. However, some people with anxiety may be able to manage their condition with CBD instead of SSRIs, depending on how their body reacts. Common forms of SSRI include Sertraline and Fluoxetine.
The best way to find the treatment that suits you the most is to talk to your doctor.
Different Ways to Use CBD Oil to Help with Anxiety
Oral CBD Drops & Sprays
A great way to ingest CBD is to place drops of CBD oil under your tongue. There are mucous membranes located here filled with small capillaries, so the CBD is absorbed quickly and efficiently directly into the bloodstream.
These sublingual CBD oils are a great option for people who struggle with eating gummy bears or vaping. Some people might be put off by the taste of the liquid on their tongue, however, there are products such as our CBD oil sprays available that are infused with citrus and other flavours to help suit the process around your needs.
When it comes to frequency and dosages, it’s always best to contact your doctor, rather than guess. This way you can get the right amount of CBD into your system, without the stress of trial and error.
However, if this is not an option then we would always recommend starting your dosage "low and slow" and working your way up to the 70mg daily limit, recommended by the UK FSA, over several weeks to allow you plenty of time to adjust and assess.
CBD Infused Edibles
One great way for CBD to be absorbed into the body’s nervous systems is by digesting sweets such as CBD Gummies or other chewy sweets that have been made with CBD-related ingredients.
There are plenty of different flavours to choose from, keeping your options open. Unlike using drops, eating these sweets helps avoid the hassle of handling your doses.
Another simple way to dose your daily is by swallowing CBD softgels. These also have the advantage of precise dosage and additionally have no taste whatsoever.
Some people may feel self-conscious about ingesting CBD in public, however, digesting these delicious treats or swallowing CBD softgels can help you feel more comfortable and therefore help keep your anxiety in public to a minimum.
Levels of CBD vary between different brands and allowing you to find the perfect dose for you.
Topical Application - Creams and Balms
Another option that you may choose is to make use of ointments, balms, and creams that can be directly applied to your skin. This method can work against skin conditions, sore muscles and joints, and migraines.
It's common for panic attacks and feelings of anxiety to cause migraines, which can stop you from sleeping and conducting other daily tasks.
The most common places to apply the cream are on areas of the body such as the neck, feet, or back. If you have a migraine, however, it could help to massage the product directly to the temple and pulse points.
Although you may need to apply more cream if you require a higher amount of CBD, you don’t have to worry about doses because of the set amount for each portion of cream that you have.
Strengths of CBD cream or balms differ between the different products avaliable, however, the details will be on the packaging to allow you an easy comparison. This way you can keep the stress of your decision to a minimum, making the choice process as easy as possible.
Final Thoughts
When finding the right CBD oil for you, it’s worth taking the time to make the right decision and conducting the research to help you choose.
We have two guides below that will help you discover more about CBD and the various products available to you:
It’s always important to remember that contacting your doctor is the best course of action if you have any questions or worries about your health!
