We all have dealt with some kind of trauma in our lives. From losing a loved one, facing abuse, getting cheated on, to getting our heart broken due to one or the other reason, we have suffered major stress. While many of us are able to pull ourselves out of these situations, a lot of us feel overwhelmed in a way that it affects our ability to cope with it. Many of us, when put in a similar event, feel threatened or feel unusual fear in our bodies because of our brain processes the past trauma. It is a condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD and quite a lot of us suffer from it during a large part of our lives.
CBD is considered to be the latest and a natural way to deal with this problem. The studies are quite convincing of CBD’s ability to heal PTSD but they are still in fancy. So, can CBD oil really help in the complete treatment of PTSD? Let’s find out.
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What exactly is PTSD?
PTSD is an acronym for post-traumatic stress disorder, which is a psychological condition that develops after someone goes through a life-threatening event or a situation that instilled quite a fear in their minds. Usually, it is military veterans or abuse survivors, who deal with PTSD but this condition can affect anyone due to an event that might be common for others, but not-so-common for that particular individual.
The good thing is that therapy, along with medication is quite a way to deal with, and sometimes, completely remove this condition. However, in recent years, CBD has grown popular as a natural treatment of PTSD.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a naturally-occurring cannabis compound, just like marijuana albeit without or with very low amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, which is another cannabis compound primarily responsible for producing ‘high’ in your body. In other words, you cannot get stoned with CBD even though it is a cannabis product.
However, the great thing about CBD is that it has been helping people across the world with its ultra-therapeutic qualities and many healing characteristics. Now, you know the reason behind its popularity. In recent times, CBD has been in the news for healing problems like anxiety, insomnia, depression, seizures, even cancer, etc.
Thus, it can be expected from CBD to cure PTSD as well, since it has been successfully helping people with similar mental and psychological problems.
CBD oil is one of the many formulations of CBD and still considered to be the most recommended product to deal with problems like PTSD.
How CBD oil can help in the treatment of PTSD?
CBD has this extraordinary ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system of the body. The endocannabinoid system, or ECS, is primarily responsible for regulating the emotional and psychological system of the body by modulating features like mood, memory, pain, cognitive functions, appetite, sleep, etc .
CBD has cannabinoids which target CB1 and CB2 receptors that are found in the brain and nervous system and help in controlling emotional behaviour in human beings. While CB1 is responsible for regulating fear memory formation, sleep, appetite, tolerance for pain, moods, etc, its deficiency may lead to high levels of stress and anxiety. The bliss molecule, known as anandamide activates this receptor and it is obvious that when anandamide is low in the body, the person will feel anxious or remain fearful.
CB2 receptors, on the other hand, are known for regulating inflammation, which is a great cause behind most diseases and problems in the body. These receptors help in building immunity of the body by binding with the CBD cannabinoids.
People suffering from PTSD have their ECS disrupted in some way that leads to pleasant memories and anxiety coupled with fear. When CBD cannabinoids attach with these receptors, together, they bring the body to a state of balance, known as homeostasis, which leads to normal functioning of the body. Thus, CBD oil might help in reducing, if not disappearing, the problems of PTSD patients.
What does the CBD research say?
As mentioned in the introduction, the research and studies on the topic are limited but they are promising enough to support CBD’s ability in dealing with problems like anxiety, stress, depression, and PTSD.
Like this study, which has positively observed the ability of CBD in dealing with PTSD-related disorders. Another study that was carried out in 2012, revealed that CBD, in fact, has the ability to reduce threats from predatorial stress-causing chemicals. However, the testing was done on rats and not humans in this case study.
This 2018 study talks of CBD as a good option for the potential treatment of PTSD.
Another study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, in 2019, stated that people who didn’t consume cannabis were seven times more likely to experience episodes of PTSD than those who consume it.
Although there are more studies required to understand the relationship between CBD oil and PTSD in depth, there are several anecdotes from around the world where people have reckoned to find relief in their PTSD-related issues through the use of CBD oil and other formulations of the same.
What are the benefits of using CBD oil for PTSD?
There are also certain benefits of CBD oil that help in reducing the symptoms of PTSD in human beings. Some of the benefits are listed below for your perusal.
1. It helps in stopping nightmares, including flashbacks and persistent memories related with the traumatic event.
2. It reduces anxiety, panic attacks, and stress, which plays a major role in PTSD, and has a calming effect on the patients.
3. It helps in sleeplessness, which is also a major symptom of PTSD. It also helps in improving the quality of sleep and reduction of night sweats.
4. It is also known for preventing the formation of fear memories by regularly reducing stress, depression, and worry.
Conclusion: Should you use CBD oil for PTSD?
There are more human trials and studies required to come to the conclusion regarding the ability of CBD oil in treating a disorder like PTSD completely. However, it can surely be used as a supplement, along with medications and therapy. Certain lifestyle modifications, including regular exercise, yoga, balanced diet, good sleep, etc. also help in dealing with this condition. Remember, most of us have suffered with one or more types of traumatic events and with the support of family and friends as well as good therapists, we can overcome any problem in life.