How can CBD oil tincture help in reducing anxiety?

How can CBD oil tincture help in reducing anxiety?

Written by Deepak Bhagat, In CBD, General, Updated On
January 8th, 2022
, 596 Views

Ever had a panic attack the night before a major test? That pit in the stomach before an interview? If you’ve ever been nervous or overwhelmed before a critical life event, chances are you’re a victim of anxiety. And you are not alone.

The National Institute of Mental Health marks down an estimated figure of 31.1% of U.S. adults who go through at least one type of anxiety disorder during their lives. So what is this medical condition?

Anxiety is the way humans biologically respond to stressful situations. Risk factors like genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental circumstances combine to cause feelings of anxiety.

How can CBD oil tincture help in reducing anxiety?

To make matters worse, anxiety disorders can take several forms. These disorders include the following:

  • Agoraphobia

  • Social anxiety disorder

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD

  • Separation anxiety disorder

  • Panic disorder

Fortunately, there are treatments for patients diagnosed with this mental health condition. There are two popular kinds of treatments – therapy and medication.

While medicine may work for some, others may not be able to consume drugs- for instance, a pregnant woman or someone who cannot use sedatives, beta-blockers, and antidepressants. Here’s where CBD tinctures come in.

What are CBD oil tinctures?

First, let’s talk about CBD.

The hemp plant contains a compound called CBD or cannabidiol. This phytocannabinoid is widely known for its calming properties and is used in numerous wellness products. These products include vape oils, creams, oils, and edibles like cookies and gummies, among others.

This article, however, deals with CBD oil with CBN tinctures. And specifically, how you can benefit from anti-anxiety CBD oil tincture.

CBD tinctures are made with alcohol and water, which are infused with hemp plant extracts. The effects of the tincture can be felt within half an hour.

A point to note, CBD tinctures are often confused with CBD oils. The key differences are:

  • Tinctures use alcohol as the base and are infused with natural oils, whereas CBD oil is made with only oils like coconut or olive oil.

  • CBD oils are extracted using carbon dioxide, and CBD tincture is extracted with alcohol.

  • CBD tinctures last longer when stored well – four to five years.

  • In terms of potency, the oil is more potent than the tincture.

  • CBD oils may be used topically or applied on the skin. It is best to ingest the tincture.

How is CBD oil tincture made?

Tinctures are medicated liquids made with an alcohol base. First, CBD enriched hemp extracts are doused in alcohol. Manufacturers then heat the mixture. Vinegar or oil from coconut or spearmint is added to form the CBD tincture. It may also contain amino acids, fatty acids, and critical vitamins for bodily nourishment. CBD tinctures for insomnia are available in the markets too. In this case, vegetable glycerin is used instead of alcohol.

How can CBD oil tincture help with anxiety?

The oil tinctures have high bioavailability. This means they are absorbed into the system faster than other forms of CBD. So the effect of CBD on anxiety may be more pronounced. Clinical trials surrounding the study are still in the introductory phase.

Nonetheless, a study published in 2015 shows that CBD potentially serves as a treatment for anxiety. The report states that “Systemically administered CBD reduced acute increases in heart rate and blood pressure induced by restraint stress”.

A person having low levels of serotonin suffers from anxiety. Serotonin is the primary hormone in charge of stabilizing moods and general feelings of wellbeing. The CB1 and CB2 receptors found within the nervous system interact with CBD and are said to increase the production of serotonin. This, in turn, brightens up an individual’s mood.

Another study investigated the effects of CBD in persons with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). The results conclude that CBD usage significantly brought down anxiety levels in SAD patients. This was related to brain activity in paralimbic structures within the limbic system.

Studies on trauma-affected humans and animals say that PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms such as negative thoughts and nightmares may be effectively reduced via CBD. The long-term effects of the treatment are not yet known. One should keep in mind that significant research work is yet to be carried out in this field.

How to use CBD oil tinctures for anxiety

Do note that the compound may interact with medications like blood thinners. There could also be side effects like changes in appetite, drowsiness, and dry mouth. If you are alcohol averse, try non-alcohol tinctures. Always consult a medical professional before ingesting CBD tinctures.

Here’s how you should sublingually take a CBD tincture

  1. First, decide which tincture would work best for you. There are three broad kinds –full-spectrum CBD, which would give you a high; broad-spectrum CBD that contains cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids; or CBD isolate, which is pure concentrated CBD.

  2. Add a few drops of the liquid under your tongue using a dropper.

  3. Keep the tincture there for a minute before swallowing. That way, the CBD will be absorbed into the bloodstream to give you the maximum effect. You may also choose to mix a few drops into your food and drinks.

  4. The dosage depends on your tolerance. Experiment and find out the strength and quantity that works best for you.

  5. Ensure you regularly follow a routine as you could feel the effects gradually.

What to look out for when buying CBD oil tinctures

The CBD market is flooded with tinctures of various kinds, all claiming to be of the best quality. Since you are ingesting the CBD tincture orally, it is all the more crucial to find out the brand’s credibility.

Do keep in mind the following while selecting your tincture:

  • Third-party testing – Choose a tincture brand that gets its products tested from an independent lab. Verify the results for yourself through a certificate of analysis.

  • Product source – Find out where the hemp was grown and processed. It should be grown organically to avoid contamination.

  • Ingredients – The ingredients must be natural and organic.

Final Word

For the most part, a CBD oil tincture is generally safe to consume, provided it is from a reputed brand and is dosed appropriately. If you suffer from anxiety or know someone who does, the tincture may prove to be quite helpful.

Remember that studies related to the long-term effects of these therapeutic solutions are yet to be conducted. You should conduct thorough research before setting out on your wellness journey.

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