Introduction
Stress and anxiety have become all too common in our lives. It is no longer an urban incident limited to the upper-class people. Every one, irrespective of age, religion, economic and social conditions, is at risk of suffering from these health conditions. We cannot afford to ignore them as individuals and as a society.
Along with modern antidepressant and anxiety-relief medications, people are looking for traditional ways to overcome these obstacles, natural remedies and organic alternatives. One such remedy is CBD oil and CBD-based medication derived from leaves of cannabis sativa plants. Let’s dig deeper.
Understanding the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis leaves, stems and trichomes. It is one of the many cannabinoids (80 to 100) the plant produces naturally. Some of the common examples of cannabinoids are CBD, THC, CBN, CBG, CBC, and THCV. You may have heard of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC for the infamy it gathers because of its psychoactive properties. CBD is not psychoactive, and it means you rarely get ‘high’ for taking CBD-based medications and CBD oils. After ingestion, cannabidiol, or CBD, acts inside the human body in several ways. One of them is interaction through the Endocannabinoid System (ECS).
Before we discuss how CBD works, it’s essential to understand the Endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex cell-signaling system found in the human body, regulating various physiological processes, including mood, sleep, pain, and appetite. It consists of three primary components:
Cannabinoid Receptors (CB1 and CB2): These receptors are throughout the body, primarily in the brain and immune system. CB1 receptors are more concentrated in the central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are predominantly found in immune cells.
Endocannabinoids: The body produces its own cannabinoids, known as anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).
Enzymes: They break down Endocannabinoids once they have fulfilled their purpose. Two primary enzymes involved are fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL).
Now, let’s explore how CBD interacts with this intricate system to provide relief from stress and anxiety.
CBD’s Role in Stress and Anxiety Relief
Modulation of Endocannabinoids: CBD does not directly get attached to CB1 or CB2 receptors like THC. Instead, it influences the ECS by enhancing the activity of Endocannabinoids like anandamide. CBD inhibits the enzymes FAAH and MAGL, which break down anandamide. This leads to an increased level of anandamide in the body, promoting feelings of well-being and relaxation.
Interaction with Serotonin Receptors: CBD interacts with the serotonin receptor 5-HT1A, known for its role in regulating mood and anxiety. This interaction may contribute to CBD’s anti-anxiety effects by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
Neurogenesis: Some studies suggest CBD may promote the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus, a region of the brain associated with memory and emotion regulation. This potentially contributes to reducing anxiety and stress-related symptoms.
THC’s Role and the Entourage Effect
While CBD has garnered significant attention for its therapeutic potential, it’s important to briefly touch upon the role of THC, another prominent cannabinoid found in cannabis. Unlike CBD, THC is psychoactive and can induce feelings of euphoria. However, it also interacts with the ECS, primarily by binding to CB1 receptors. This interaction can lead to the relaxation and mood-altering effects that some individuals seek from cannabis.
Interestingly, CBD and THC often work best when they are used together, a phenomenon known as the “entourage effect.” The presence of CBD can mitigate some of the psychoactive effects of THC, making the combination potentially beneficial for managing stress and anxiety without the “high” typically associated with THC.
Conclusion
CannaBlithe CBD oil offers a natural remedy for stress and anxiety by harnessing the power of the Endocannabinoid system. CBD-based treatments look at health condition from a holistic perspective. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before adopting CBD into your wellness routine, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medications. You can talk to your doctors. You can also consult with CannaBlithe’s panel of healthcare professionals. With responsible use and careful consideration, CannaBlithe’s CBD oil may become a valuable tool in your journey towards stress and anxiety free life.
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