BENEFITS OF CBD OIL FOR MENTAL ILLNESS: A COMPLETE GUIDE

Managing the symptoms of mental illness can be incredibly difficult. While it is possible to use medication to treat many aspects of these conditions, only some may be helpful.

However, evidence suggests that cannabidiol (CBD), a derivative of the cannabis plant, may help. Regular use of CBD oil may, in fact, alleviate the most severe mental health symptoms.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is an extract of the cannabis or hemp plant. The cannabis and hemp plants are made up of numerous chemical compounds called cannabinoids.

When ingested, these compounds impact the human body in a variety of ways. The THC compound, for example, is responsible for the psychoactivity many people experience when consuming cannabis.

CBD, or cannabidiol, on the other hand, does not have any psychoactive effects on users. However, when ingested, CBD directly impacts multiple biological systems.

Most prominent among these is the central nervous system.

CBD makes up at least 40% of the hemp plant’s extract, making it easy and viable to source.

CBD oil is a tincture taken from the hemp plant that has a high concentration of phytocannabinoids. It is designed to be ingested or otherwise consumed in order to reap the benefits of cannabidiol’s impact on the body’s major systems.

CBD does not only available in oil or drops form. It is possible to use CBD in the form of creams, sprays, and lotions.

CBD and Mental Illness

Research is still uncovering new ways that CBD oil can help the body and manage illness.

However, studies are repeatedly demonstrating the extensive health benefits of CBD oil. Cannabis and hemp extracts, for example, have shown to possibly help individuals suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS), drug addiction, and even cancer.

While CBD products from cannabis have yet to be legal in all U.S. states, CBD products from hemp ARE legal in all states and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to ignore what it offers society.

Let’s discuss the benefits CBD oil may offer people who struggle with a mental illness of any kind.

1. CBD Oil Reportedly Alleviates Stress

One of CBD oil’s most prominent benefits that is being reported is its capacity to help users effectively manage stress. Stress is the underlier of many anxiety disorders and can exacerbate the effects of most mental illnesses.

When people experience stress, their bodies immediately go into “fight or flight mode.” Their blood pressure increases, pupils dilate, and heart rate accelerates.

Their bodies produce an excess of the stress hormone cortisol, designed to give us the energy we need to combat a stressor.

However, common types of stress, including relationship, work, and family-related stress, can put our bodies perpetually in this flight or fight mode. People in this position commonly develop anxiety disorders.

Stressed individuals already struggling with mental illness may experience aggravated symptoms, panic attacks, or mania.

When ingested, CBD oil’s cannabinoids enter the bloodstream. Cannabidiol interacts, in particular, with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system is responsible for regulating mood, sleep patterns, appetite, and more.

Cannabidiol stimulates this system to release more endocannabinoids as well as other hormones and enzymes that may induce feelings of calm in the body. It may also limit the production of cortisol, taking the body out of fight-or-flight mode and into homeostasis.

As a result, people who have anxiety disorders may prevent or alleviate panic attacks with the help of CBD oil. They may also rely on cannabidiol as a tool to manage other stressors in their lives.

2. CBD May Promote Cognitive Function

Studies show that regular consumption of CBD may actually improve cognitive function. Many mental illnesses, such as depression, have to do with an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. Others directly impact one’s neurology.

In addition to the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoids in CBD oil also interact with the body’s central nervous system. CBD may promote healthy nerve function and stimulate healthy neuron firing and interaction.

As a result, individuals with mental illness who take CBD oil may experience clarity of mind and greater levels of rational thinking.

Many maintain that CBD oil may even foster a greater sense of self-awareness. This can be critical for people with mental illness who may feel at the mercy of their disorders.

3. Manage Sleeping Patterns and Digestion

Mental illness can be incredibly damaging to sleep cycles, digestion, and other regulatory processes. People suffering from depression, for example, may find themselves sleeping too much or not enough.

Sleep is incredibly valuable, giving our bodies a chance to heal, regenerate, and process emotions. Continually disrupted sleep can impair cognitive function.

Poor sleeping cycles can also lead to mood imbalances, social issues, and eating problems.

CBD may benefit users in this capacity, too. Cannabidiol works with your endocannabinoid system to regulate sleeping patterns and promote longer periods of undisrupted sleep.

It may also trigger the release of stomach enzymes, regulating digestive processes and promoting healthy gut function.

4. Navigate Triggers

Many people with mental illness encounter daily triggers that can lead to panic attacks, mood changes, and exacerbated symptoms. CBD oil may be an effective tool for navigating such triggers and reducing their impact.

CBD’s interaction with the brain, nervous system and endocannabinoid system is all designed to help bring the body to homeostasis.

This optimization of both body and mind may make users feel more grounded, centered, and in control of their situation.

Over time, regular use of CBD oil may help individuals recognize triggers and healthfully manage them.

Final Thoughts: Benefits of CBD Oil

Mental illness can deeply impact a person’s life, influencing relationships, social habits, careers, and more. Medication and treatment are possible for most illnesses, but they may not be enough.

The benefits of CBD oil may include the ability to help people with mental illness effectively manage their symptoms and daily experiences.

CBD oil may alleviate stress, improve sleeping patterns, and reduce the impact of triggers. It may even improve cognitive function.

If you or a loved one is struggling with mental illness, CBD oil may just be your answer. Start a conversation with us now to learn more about reaping the benefits of this amazing extract!

1 in 5 American adults struggles with a mental illness of some kind.

The most common mental illnesses include bipolar and anxiety disorders, depression, and schizophrenia.

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