CBD for PTSD: How It Works and What To Know?
Millions of people struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms every year. For many, symptoms can often be debilitating and interfere with daily life. Some people turn to prescription medications for relief, but this solution can come with a host of side effects. With CBD gaining popularity, people often wonder, how does CBD help PTSD?
Thankfully, recent studies have shown that CBD may help reduce and manage PTSD symptoms. This breakthrough discovery has the potential to help millions of people who have PTSD.
This article discusses the research on CBD for PTSD, using CBD for PTSD symptoms, and any potential benefits, risks, and side effects.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally found compound in the cannabis plant. There are many different cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, but CBD is one of the most well-known and studied. It is non-addictive and does not produce the “high” associated with marijuana because it does not contain THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis.
Most CBD available today comes from hemp plants, which have low levels of THC and are federally legal in the United States. Therefore, CBD oil from hemp is an excellent option for people who want to experience the benefits of CBD without the intoxicating, psychoactive effects of THC.
According to research, CBD has a wide range of potential health benefits. For example, it has been shown to help with pain relief, seizures, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and many other conditions.
Generally, it is well regarded as a natural treatment for numerous issues while being considered safe and without major side effects.
How PTSD Affects Your Body
PTSD can occur after you experience or witness a traumatic event. These events can include, but are not limited to:
- Combat
- physical abuse
- sexual assault
- natural disasters
- car accidents
People with PTSD may experience flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, and hyperarousal symptoms. These symptoms often lead to problems with functioning in everyday life.
If you’re experiencing any of these problems, CBD may be a good, natural alternative and option for you.
How Does CBD Help PTSD?
The mechanism by which CBD helps PTSD is not fully understood, but it is thought that CBD may help to regulate the brain’s response to stress. Stress is a common trigger for PTSD symptoms and is often difficult to manage. CBD may help normalize the brain’s stress response and relieve symptoms.
CBD also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which may help relieve some of the physical symptoms of PTSD.
It can treat PTSD in both topical and edible forms. Topical CBD is applied to the skin and may help treat localized symptoms, while edible CBD is absorbed through digestion. Depending on your symptoms, one may be more beneficial for treating your symptoms than the other.
How to Use CBD for PTSD
CBD can be used to help manage PTSD symptoms. Some people find that vaping or smoking CBD provides the quickest relief. As mentioned above, CBD can also be absorbed through the skin by using a topical cream or lotion. For systemic symptoms, edible CBD may be the best option.
CBD products are available in assorted forms, including tinctures, capsules, gummies, and topicals. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a suitable product, and a reputable company manufactures that.
Below are five guidelines to follow when first starting CBD use:
1. First, start with a low dose and gradually increase it over time to find the optimal dosage.
2. Remember, it may take time to find the right CBD product and dosage for you. So be patient and keep experimenting until you find what works best for your PTSD.
3. Consult your doctor before you stop taking medications. Oftentimes, CBD should be used in conjunction with other treatments, not instead of them.
4. CBD may interact with some medications, so you must speak with your doctor before starting CBD if you are taking any prescription drugs.
5. Do not use CBD if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
As with any other treatment, it’s essential to speak with your doctor before starting CBD if you have any questions or concerns.
The Benefits of Using CBD for PTSD
CBD shows potential as an effective treatment for PTSD symptoms. CBD is non-addictive and typically does not interact with other medications. Furthermore, it’s readily available and sold online or at many stores.
Additional benefits of using CBD include:
- Relief from pain, anxiety, and seizures
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Helps to regulate the brain’s response to stress
- Non-addictive
- Affordable and easy to use
Research on CBD for PTSD
Research on using CBD for PTSD symptoms is ongoing, and more studies are needed to determine the long-term benefits of using CBD for PTSD. However, the initial findings are very promising and suggest that CBD may be a safe and effective treatment for this condition.
Current studies show that CBD may help reduce and manage PTSD symptoms.
One study looked at the effects of CBD on rats exposed to chronic stress. The rats were given either CBD to measure anxiety and stress levels. The CBD group showed a significant reduction in anxiety and stress levels.
Additional research from 2018 looked at the effects of CBD oil on humans with PTSD. The study found that CBD oil significantly reduced their symptoms, including reduced social skills and sleep and mood disturbances.
Anxiety and Depression
With PTSD, there is often a co-occurrence of anxiety and depression. CBD is possibly effective as a treatment for both conditions.
CBD oil has been used to treat anxiety and depression successfully. In fact, it may work better than traditional medications for these conditions. In addition, CBD oil is non-addictive and shows potential as a natural alternative for several mental disorders.
During studies, CBD was found to be effective as traditional medications for anxiety and depression.
PTSD and Addiction
People with PTSD have an increased risk of developing an addiction. CBD has shown the potential to be an effective addiction treatment. If you’re struggling with PTSD, addiction can be an additional hurdle to overcome.
CBD oil may help those struggling with addiction to overcome their addiction and find relief from PTSD symptoms.
Side Effects of CBD for PTSD
Like any medication, CBD may cause side effects in some people. However, overall CBD is a safe and natural compound, but it may cause mild adverse reactions in some people. Therefore, it is essential to start with a low dose of CBD and gradually increase as needed.
Some possible side effects of CBD include:
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Low blood pressure
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Digestive problems
If you experience any adverse reactions when taking CBD, stop using it and speak with your doctor. While CBD is a safe and natural compound, some risks are associated with its use. It is vital to understand these risks before starting CBD therapy.
Risks and side effects of CBD may vary depending on the individual and the condition treated.
Finding the Right CBD Product for You
Many CBD products are available, and it can be challenging to determine which is right for you. It is important to choose a product manufactured by a reputable company that contains high-quality CBD.
Begin with a lower dosage and increase it as needed. Some people find that vaping or smoking CBD provides the quickest relief, while others find that absorbed through the skin by using a topical cream or lotion. For systemic symptoms, edible CBD may be the best option.
CBD products are available in a variety of forms, including tinctures, capsules, gummies, and topicals. Therefore, choosing a suitable product for you is necessary and manufactured by a reputable company.
Below are the most common CBD products and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
CBD tinctures
CBD tinctures are liquid extracts of CBD taken orally. They are offered in different flavors and strengths. Tinctures are easy to use and provide rapid relief. However, the main disadvantage of CBD tinctures is that they must be swallowed, which can be difficult for some people. Additionally, high-quality CBD tinctures can be expensive.
CBD capsules
CBD capsules are another oral form of CBD that is easy to use and provides rapid relief. Capsules are an easy way to use CBD on the go. However, capsules can be expensive, and some people find them difficult to swallow.
CBD gummies
CBD gummies are edible CBD products available in a variety of flavors. They are easy to use but may take longer to take effect. The main disadvantage of CBD gummies is that they can be expensive. Additionally, they must be stored in a cool, dry place and should not be exposed to heat or sunlight.
CBD topical cream
CBD topical cream is a cream that is applied to the skin and absorbed through the skin. It is available in different potencies and provides relief within minutes. The main disadvantage of CBD topical cream is that it must be applied topically, which can be inconvenient for some people.
Conclusion
CBD may effectively treat PTSD symptoms and is affordable and easy to use.
Additional benefits of using CBD include relief from pain, anxiety, and seizures, reduced stress and anxiety; helps to regulate the brain’s response to stress, non-addictive, and not interacting with other medications.
Consult with your physician before CBD use, especially with other medications. Risks and side effects of CBD may vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated.
Several CBD products are available, and it can be challenging to determine which is right for you. It is important to choose a product manufactured by a reputable company that contains high-quality CBD.
At Fiddler’s Green CBD, we are proud veterans happy to offer CBD for PTSD. Our products are grown on our farm, and we have a fantastic price per milligram of CBD compared to other companies. We hope this article offers you the information you need to determine if CBD for PTSD is right for you. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
