Depression can be long-term and can affect a person’s career and personal life. The World Health Organization or WHO has reported that about 264 million people worldwide are affected by depression. While prescription medications are available, like anti-depressants, alternative and adjunct options are also available, such as CBD oil.
In this post, you’ll learn more about cannabidiol or CBD oil and its benefits in reducing the signs and symptoms of depression.
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What Is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol or CBD oil is extracted from hemp plants, which is legal in all 50 states and is Farm Bill compliant. Cheefbotanicals explains that CBD oil can be infused in food and beverages, and is non-psychoactive because it contains 0.3 or less percent tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. CBD works within the body, helping support recovery. Also, it can help manage everyday stress levels and depression.
If you wish to get your hands on quality CBD oil, you may check out CBD Oil Australia. They offer a variety of options to address your depression, such as balms, moisturisers, facial oil, and CBD oils in different concentrations that you can add to your morning brew or even on baked treats. And what’s even better, it will also help relieve a slew of other conditions, such as chronic pain, anxiety, epileptic symptoms, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
CBD And Serotonin
Serotonin is considered a happy hormone. It’s an important neurotransmitter and chemical in the human body, which helps regulate mood, social behaviour, digestion, appetite, memory, and sleep, among many others.
There’s a link between depression and serotonin. In fact, Paxil Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, an anti-depressant that helps regulate serotonin production. High serotonin levels in the brain are associated with happiness and elevated mood. On the other hand, low serotonin levels are linked to depressive symptoms, such as feeling upset, sad, and having a generally low mood.
Here’s how CBD works:
- CBD tends to mimic serotonin within the brain. It binds and activates the 5-HT1A serotonin receptors in the body.
- Because of CBD and serotonin interaction, this combination is a major contributor to the anti-anxiety properties of CBD.
- CBD is a potential tool for addiction and even stress recovery.
CBD And GABA
Gamma-Aminobutyric acid or GABA is a main inhibitory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system. It means that GABA inhibits or blocks certain brain signals, reducing neuronal (nerve cells) activity, which plays a significant role in mood and other cognitive functions, producing anti-anxiety effects.
Here’s how CBD and GABA work to help combat depression:
- CBD helps reduce anxiety. CBD binds to GABA receptor, enhancing the natural calming effect of GABA.
- CBD mimics Valium’s sedating effects, which are mediated by GABA receptors. According to a study, high doses of CBD (300 to 600 mg) have sedative effects and are therapeutic for patients with anxiety, epilepsy, and insomnia.
CBD And Dopamine
Dopamine is a chemical or type of neurotransmitter in the nervous system that sends messages to nerve cells, acting as a chemical messenger. Also, it affects how a person thinks, plans, and feels pleasure.
Dopamine plays a vital role in mood, motivation, and reward. A person who works hard to reach their goal gains satisfaction and happiness, which is partly due to the dopamine rush. However, people who are depressed have low motivation and dopamine levels.
Here’s the relationship between CBD and dopamine:
- CBD helps increase dopamine levels in the brain, preventing possible burnout.
- CBD interacts with dopamine receptors, which help regulate cognition, reward-seeking behaviour, and motivation, as evidenced by increased dopamine neural activity and dopamine release.
How To Pick And Use CBD Oil For Depression
Not all CBD oil products are the same. There are three main CBD types, including isolate that contains “only CBD” without other cannabinoids. The second type is full-spectrum CBD, which contains all cannabinoids that are naturally found in a marijuana plant. Broad-spectrum CBD contains several cannabinoids without THC.
Here are some tips when choosing and using CBD oil products for depression:
- For depression, certified organic hemp oil is recommended because it can help to regulate mood to better combat signs and symptoms.
- CBD oil can be ingested as it is, infused in food or drinks, or taken through sublingual route or under the tongue.
- Consult your doctor to get professional advice on how you can integrate CBD oil with your current anti-depressant medication.
Other CBD Products For Depression
Other CBD products are available today that can be used in managing depression, such as CBD buds for vaporising using a vape or vaporising device. The onset of effects when vaping CBD is almost immediate, calming the tensed and stressed out mind and body. Also, CBD edibles are available, like CBD gummies, CBD cookies., and CBD brownies. A good alternative when you want to try something different then CBD to help with your depression is kratom powder. Kratom vs CBD comparison can offer insights into which option might be more suitable for your specific needs and preferences.
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Conclusion
CBD oil helps people better manage the signs and symptoms of depression and helps people better. It can be combined as an adjunct treatment or supplement with traditional anti-anxiety medications. With the findings shared above, it’s safe to say that CBD can help regulate serotonin, GABA, and dopamine receptors in the brain, which help manage stress, increase motivation, and, eventually, combat depression.
