CBD Oil For PTSD
22 October 2021It is a common misconception that PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) affects only soldiers, firemen, or other front line workers. People suppose that only these professionals experience trauma severe enough to cause long-term problems. This assumption is incorrect: basically anyone can get PTSD. PTSD comes with many different symptoms, including intense flashbacks, anxiety, social withdrawal, and persistent feelings of tension. Regular treatment consists of psychotherapy and medication. However, CBD Oil may prove highly effective in PTSD treatment, too.
Living With PTSD
It may surprise you to know that at least half of all people have been through some sort of trauma at some point in their lives. Those who manage to cope with such experiences (such as a fire, the loss of a child, or natural disaster) are not affected by post-traumatic stress symptoms. In a matter of weeks, we put the events into perspective and we learn to live on without being traumatized. For some, however, such shocking events are hard to process. The event continues to cause stress, and that is when PTSD may become an issue.
This explains why PTSD affects not just professionals like war veterans and first aid personnel. Anyone can encounter shocking events, ranging from sexual abuse to serious car accidents. PTSD is a chronic condition, in which the following symptoms keep returning:
- Anxiety;
- Dizziness;
- Trouble concentrating;
- Depression;
- Fatigue;
- Social withdrawal/ isolation;
- Agitation;
- Skittishness;
- Trouble sleeping (nightmares, insomnia);
- Headaches;
- Panic attacks.
For many people suffering from PTSD, living with trauma is exceptionally difficult. Hardly anyone truly understands what they go through, and even simple everyday tasks can prove too challenging. In addition, vivid flashbacks can cause stress and anxiety attacks. PTSD treatment usually consists of some combination of psychotherapy and medication. Studies indicate, however, that CBD may either support regular treatment or be used as an alternative therapeutic avenue.
The Influence Of CBD Oil On PTSD Symptoms
Hemp plants are a rich source of various compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. One of the best-known cannabinoids is CBD (cannabidiol). It is commonly used for pain, anxiety, inflammation, and more. CBD Oil can influence emotion and memory in ways that may have positive effects on the symptoms of PTSD. So how does that work, exactly?
Humans, other mammals, birds, and even fish and reptilians all have their own endocannabinoid system (ECS). CBD (and other cannabinoids) can affect the receptors of this system, enabling it to influence a range of different processes. These CB1 receptors are located all throughout the body, although the highest concentrations are found in the brain and the rest of the central nervous system. This is why CBD can work together with the ECS to influence memory, emotions, and sleep. These are precisely the areas where PTSD expresses itself most severely.
CBD, Memory, And Emotion
CBD affects how we experience our memories. In case of PTSD, memories tend to surface at the most inconvenient moments, bringing anxiety and stress in their wake. This chain of events triggers negative emotions. CBD can help reduce stress and anxiety by indirectly activating CB1 and serotonin receptors. As a result, moods remain more stable and a general sense of calm is easier to maintain. In addition, CBD can ease the state of hypervigilance characteristic of PTSD.
CBD And Stress
CBD Oil can also help relieve PTSD symptoms by its ability to bind to receptors of the immune system. This can improve regulation of stress hormone release. Traumatic memory flashbacks involves activation of mood receptors. CBD can reduce the frequency of such flashbacks, which can decrease resulting tensions.
This is how CBD can address the symptoms of PTSD from multiple angles. People affected by PTSS could benefit from using CBD Oil both physically and mentally. Moreover, this supplement causes few if any side-effects. The same cannot be said for drugs such as SSRIs and antidepressants that are usually prescribed to treat PTSD, Do note, however, that CBD may interact with certain types of medication. Even though CBD is a supplement rather than actual medicine, be sure to consult your doctor if you have any doubts about potential drug interactions.
Research Into CBD Oil And PTSD
Perhaps all this sounds too good to be true; you may wonder at this point whether there is any proof for the effectiveness of CBD Oil for PTSD. In fact, various studies have looked into the matter; both on animal and human subjects. Research from 2015 published in Neurotherapeutics, for instance, demonstrated the effectiveness of CBD Oil for various anxiety disorders including PTSD. The study concluded that CBD shows good results as an acute intervention for various anxiety disorders. Although greater insight into the long-term benefits call for further research, science is very optimistic about the future of CBD Oil as a treatment for anxiety disorders like PTSD.
In one small-scale study conducted in 2019, 11 adult PTSD patients received daily oral doses of CBD alongside their regular counselling and medication. The study lasted eight weeks, after which 10 out of 11 patients reported their symptoms had decreased by 28% on average. Sleeping patterns improved, with reduced occurrence of nightmares, while both concentration and mood showed improvement too. Interestingly, the four patients who continued to take CBD for another 36 weeks or more kept on showing improvements for the remainder of this period.
CBD Oil As PTSD Support
People dealing with PTSD often indicate that the experience is a constant struggle. It affects all aspects of daily life, because it is often impossible to predict where the next trigger will cause a symptomatic flareup. Fortunately, CBD can be used either as general support or to complement ongoing therapy.
Anyone looking for an easy way to take CBD could try CBD Tablets. They come with the double advantage of melting in the mouth and tasting great as well. CBD Tablets with added vitamin C can be taken without water and without anyone noticing. whether at home, at work or on the go. CBD Gummies are another quick and easy way of taking your daily dose of cannabidiol in four delicious fruit flavours.
The big advantage of our Full Spectrum CBD Oil is that it contains not just CBD, but all the other active ingredients of hemp plants. That provides subtle extra potential due to the entourage effect, which allows alle cannabinoids and other ingredients to influence and complement each other. The one thing you won’t find in any of our supplements is noticeable amounts of THC. That means you cannot get high or stoned from using our products: you’ll stay perfectly sober.
If you want to try CBD Oil for PTSD, consult your doctor first; especially if you’re already using medication. CBD can affect how your medication works in certain cases. PTSD can cause very severe symptoms. If you are dealing with psychological problems, always seek professional guidance. There’s no need to go through this alone, and no matter how effective CBD can be, some problems are just too big to tackle with supplements alone.
Fortunately, CBD can be used to complement almost any other solution, so be wise and use all the opportunities that nature and science have to offer!
