Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD as it is also known is a condition that affects some people after they have been through a significant event or situation that has caused them to relive the fear after it has occurred. This is commonly seen in military veterans and those who have survived abuse or a significant accident. It’s a condition that can affect anyone but most people who suffer from PTSD will be offered therapy and medication but sometimes, sufferers will require something more and this is where CBD could help.
What is CBD?
CBD or Cannabidiol as it is known comes from the marijuana plant but it does not contain THC which is the psychoactive compound that creates the “high” that’s associated with marijuana.
However, what makes CBD so great is that it has therapeutic qualities and that is why it could help people who suffer from PTSD. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system within the body and regulates both emotional and psychological systems. This means that it can modulate features such as memory, pain, appetite, sleep and mood.
CBD contains cannabinoids and they target both the CB1 and CB2 receptors that are located in the brain and nervous system and control emotional behaviours. The CB1 receptor takes on the role of regulating fear, sleep, moods and memory and when there is a deficiency, it can lead to stress and anxiety. For those who suffer from PTSD, they will have the endocannabinoid system disrupted and that can lead to unpleasant memories and anxiety as well as fear. So, when CBD cannabinoids interact with the receptors they can help to rebalance the body and that could help those who suffer from PTSD to experience a reduction in symptoms.
What are the benefits of using CBD oil for PTSD?
There is still lots of research being carried out on the benefits of CBD oil in the treatment of PTSD and the symptoms associated with it. So, if you are someone who suffers from PTSD, what could you expect once you start using CBD?
- CBD could help people to rest and relax better and that could help to ease the flashbacks and memories that cause nightmares and problems.
- It has been discovered that CBD can help to reduce anxiety and that can also include panic attacks and stress, all of which are major symptoms of PTSD. Therefore, the calming effect that CBD can offer can help patients to feel more relaxed and less stressed.
- CBD can also aid with sleep as it can help people who suffer from PTSD to experience better sleep. As they are more relaxed and sleepy, it can help them to benefit from an improved quality of sleep.
- As mentioned, CBD interacts with the CB1 receptor and with that comes the ability to prevent or reduce the formation of fearful memories as it could help to reduce the amount of stress, depression and worry that an individual might experience when suffering from PTSD.
