Hemp Oil for Anxiety Management: Studies, Products, and Substitutes
Hemp-derived CBD oil, extracted from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant, has been gaining attention for its potential benefits in managing anxiety. However, the long-term safety and effectiveness of this natural remedy remain a topic of ongoing research.
Preliminary studies suggest that CBD, the active ingredient in hemp oil, may have medical uses, particularly in anxiety management. For instance, a 2011 study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that 600 mg of CBD reduced anxiety in individuals with social phobia during public speaking. More recent reviews have found CBD doses between 300-600 mg to be effective in reducing social anxiety and improving physical symptoms associated with anxiety, such as digestion and pain.
Mechanistically, CBD interacts with brain receptors involved in mood regulation and serotonin systems, which may support its anxiolytic effects. However, it's important to note that while these findings are promising, large-scale, long-term clinical trials remain limited.
As for safety, studies hypothesize that CBD/CBDA-rich hemp oil is generally safe, without evident severe adverse effects or interference with other drugs. Side effects and individualized responses vary, and consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended for dosing and monitoring. Long-term human safety data are still sparse, meaning ongoing research is essential to fully establish chronic use risks or benefits.
Two popular brands, Moon Mother and Zion Medicinals, source organic ingredients for their hemp oil within the United States and undergo third-party lab testing. Moon Mother grows hemp on their USDA-certified organic farm, while Zion Medicinals offers 4 1-oz bottles containing 250-1,500 mg of cannabidiol.
Other natural remedies for anxiety include exercise, which stimulates the brain's production of endorphins, and chamomile tea, which has been found to be safe and effective in reducing symptoms of general anxiety disorder. Drinking low caffeine green tea and consuming ginger can also help reduce stress levels and improve brain function.
In conclusion, while early research and anecdotal reports show that hemp-derived CBD oil can be a helpful adjunct in anxiety management with a reasonable short-term safety profile, definitive conclusions about its long-term safety and effectiveness require further rigorous, controlled clinical studies. Users should approach CBD as a complement rather than a sole treatment and seek medical guidance.
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[2] Iffland, K., & Grotenhermen, F. (2017). An update on safety and side effects of cannabidiol: a review of clinical data and relevant animal studies. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 2(1), 139-154.
[3] Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in anxiety and worry: a systematic review. Journal of cannabis research, 2(1), 16.
[4] Wagner, J. D., & Martin, B. R. (2017). Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 14(4), 825-836.
[5] Bergamaschi, M. M., Queiroz, R. H., Chagas, M. H., De Oliveira, D. C., De Martinis, B. S., Kapczinski, F. C., & Crippa, J. A. S. (2011). Cannabidiol reduces the anxiety induced by simulated public speaking in treatment-naïve social phobia patients. Neuropsychopharmacology, 36(6), 1219-1226.
- The scientific exploration of CBD's potential in health-and-wellness and mental-health sectors continues, with ongoing research focusing on its long-term safety and effectiveness.
- In addition to CBD oil, other remedies like exercise, chamomile tea, low caffeine green tea, and ginger are also utilized for managing anxiety symptoms, each offering unique benefits for mental and physical health.
