Over the past 10 years, depression has reached unprecedented proportions, affecting more than 350 million people worldwide. It is a detrimental and serious mental disorder that can profoundly affect a person’s ability to function in their daily life. While there are many conventional therapies for depression, such as antidepressants, many people are trying to find alternative treatments that might show more effectiveness and have fewer adverse effects. One such alternative medicine way to struggle with depression is CBD oil. Unlike other similar substances, CBD does not have a psychotropic effect on humans.
CBD products can be of any form, including CBD oil, gummies, topicals, and other edibles. The choice of CBD forms is huge, and you can see it for yourself https://hometownherocbd.com/collections/delta-8-thc-edibles. Before taking CBD, consult your healthcare provider to discuss the best dose. This article focuses on the effects of CBD in the treatment of depression. Thus, you can decide whether this is the right option for you.
Medical Properties of CBD
CBD oil is derived from plants of the family Cannabaceae and does not have any psychoactive properties associated with marijuana. However, it does have some potential medicinal benefits for treating conditions like depression. CBD has various medicinal properties that make it potentially effective in medicine. It has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, which may contribute to its ability to improve mental health.
One of the CBD effects is boosting mood and lowering stress. CBD alters serotonin levels for the better, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, and eating behavior. Some antidepressants block serotonin, but CBD does not. It instead responds favorably to serotonin levels. Moreover, it stimulates neurogenesis, which helps repair damaged circuitry. Adding CBD to your daily menu may help you experience lasting effects.
It also interacts with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) — antidepressants that work by preventing serotonin from being reabsorbed. Further research and education are needed to understand the best way to use CBD for depression. However, never neglect to check with your healthcare specialist before taking CBD if you take other medications.
Forms of CBD
CBD products and treats are available in different forms, each with advantages and disadvantages. When purchasing CBD-containing products for depression treatment, look for brands that use organic ingredients.
Edibles
The gummies are generally made from fruit pectin and gelatin and should not contain any harmful additives or preservatives. When buying CBD gummies, make sure to find a product that contains less than 0.3% THC.
Capsules and Pills
CBD in capsules and tablets is used in systemic medical therapy. Capsules are ideal for those who want to avoid the taste of CBD oil. They are easy to take and provide a precise dose of CBD. Recently, the FDA approved Epidolex, the first high-potency CBD drug to treat seizure disorders.
Tinctures and Oils
CBD oil is the #1 and best-loved form since not everyone feels comfortable taking pills. It is easy to take and can be taken sublingually (under the tongue), allowing quick absorption into the bloodstream. CBD oil also offers the versatility of CBD, as it can be used in cooking and baking or added to drinks.
CBD in Combating Stress
CBD can be a very effective treatment used whenever you feel stressed or anxious. It is also a great alternative to harmful pills and anxiolytics. It has been proven that CBD improves sleep quality and reduces levels of depression-related anxiety. CBD is also helpful in treating generalized social anxiety. The use of CBD oil for depression treatment can help alleviate some of the symptoms. In studies, patients who take CBD oil reported improved sleep and reduced anxiety.
One of the biggest questions surrounding using CBD oil is whether it will work as effectively as antidepressant medications. The answer may be yes, but it should be weighed against the possible side effects of stopping your prescription medications without consulting your healthcare provider first. Studies have shown that CBD can have positive effects on mood, even though it has the potential to interact with certain drugs.
Side Effects of CBD
If you’re considering trying CBD oil for depression, you should know a few things before starting. CBD can ease the symptoms of depression. However, severe cases of depression require a diagnosis and treatment plan from a medical professional. Some symptoms of depression include a loss of appetite, nausea, and a decreased interest in food.
Many patients self-medicate with CBD to combat depression and other mental illnesses, risking increasing their symptoms and exacerbating their depression. In such cases, patients should take CBD with great caution under the close supervision of the attending physician.