Social anxiety can have a significant effect on quality of life, and unfortunately it's a common condition. This leads far too many people to relay on pharmaceuticals to live the life they want to.
There might be a better solution though.
A growing body of evidence shows that CBD has the potential to help people who suffer from a wide variety of ailments.
One of the areas that shows the most potential promise for CBD is relief from anxiety.
More research is needed before definitive conclusions can be made, but there is a wide array of evidence that shows CBD may be able to help with anxiety.
Furthermore, CBD may be able to help reduce the symptoms of many types of anxieties, including social anxiety.
How Could CBD Help Reduce Anxiety?
CBD's potential ability to reduce anxiety is tied to its impact on your body's Endocannabinoid System.
Every human has an Endocannabinoid System. This is a system in your body that consists of numerous parts. Thes include;
- Cannabinoids that your body produces
- Cannabinoid receptors that your cannabinoids bind to
- Enzymes that break down cannabinoids.
These cannabinoid receptors are found throughout your body, including in your skin, muscles, and bones. This is why your Endocannabinoid System can have such a powerful impact anywhere on your body.
Under normal circumstances, your body's cannabinoids will bind to your receptors. This leads to numerous physiological reactions. Enzymes will then break down the cannabinoids, concluding a reaction.
CBD will alter the strength and timing of that bonding. That, in turn, leads to a longer and stronger reaction.
Your Endocannabinoid System is believed to play a critical role in helping your body maintain homeostasis. This means that it maintains regular levels of a variety of physical and emotional sensations, including pain, anxiety, sleep, and more.
CBD's impact on your body may be tied directly to its ability to reduce your levels of anxiety.
Research on CBD and Anxiety
CBD is undergoing an increasing amount of study, and the research thus far has been very positive, with an array of studies showing CBD's potential to help reduce anxiety.
This potential has been demonstrated in numerous studies that have been published in peer-reviewed, scientific journals. For example:
A 2015 study examined the theory behind why CBD may help to calm anxiety, while also looking at the various biological mechanisms through which this positive change may take place. The study found that "existing preclinical evidence" gave support to the idea that CBD could be used for the treatment of various forms of anxiety, including social anxiety.
A 2020 study made similar conclusions, noting that available evidence did support this concept. However, like the 2015 study, the 2020 study found that more research was needed before more definitive conclusions could be drawn.
Other articles have also reviewed literature and come to similar conclusions, giving hope to the idea that CBD could represent a unique and non-traditional form of anxiety relief.
Does CBD Help with Social Anxiety
For people who suffer from social anxiety - meaning fear or anxiety about participating in a variety of social situations - there is even more potential good news, as some specific studies have found that CBD may be able to help reduce social anxiety.
For example:
A 2019 study tested two groups of Japanese teenagers: One was given CBD, while one was given a placebo. The study found that the group that was given CBD showed reduced signs of social anxiety and depression.
The study was small - containing only 37 individuals - but the fact that it was double-blind gave hope to the idea CBD could truly reduce social anxiety.
A 2011 study - this one also with two groups - tested 24 people before giving a speech in front of an audience. The study found that people who were given CBD before the speech showed lower rates of anxiety than the group that was given a placebo.
Given the social anxiety felt by individuals before they gave a speech, it seems possible that this study could support the notion that CBD could help with social anxiety.
While this study's findings are potentially powerful, its number of participants was relatively low at 24.
Other articles - like ones from the National Social Anxiety Center - have noted the potential for CBD to be used to help reduce social anxiety.
What does the above mean for people who suffer from social anxiety?
It means that the future of CBD and social anxiety may be promising.
Indeed, the internet is replete with stories from individuals who have had positive experiences while using CBD for anxiety reduction.
As CBD is commercially available, you can buy CBD at any high-quality location. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
First, check with your doctor. You would do this before starting any other supplement, and CBD is no different. There are some issues with CBD and drug interactions, and your doctor should know what issues there are.
Second, do not use CBD in replace of therapy or traditional medication, and do not stop taking medication if you start CBD. CBD is not an approved medication for treating anxiety, and while it holds the potential to be helpful, it should not be used to replace a more traditional form of therapy.
Third, understand the limitations. The evidence does indicate that CBD may be helpful for anxiety, but there is no guarantee that this will be the case.
It's best to start with a smaller CBD dosage for social anxiety. You can increase your dose as needed.
Last, make sure to check the Certificate of Analysis of any CBD product. Any high-quality CBD vendor will make this certificate available, as it is how you can verify the contents of any CBD you are about to consume.
As you can see, CBD is not a panacea for anxiety. However, it does seem clear that the potential exists for CBD to help reduce your anxiety. This is a finding that is supported by some scientific research and many individual stories.
If you want to learn more about CBD for social anxiety, contact Eden's Herbals at support@edensherbals.com today!
*These statements have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any illness. Medical advice should be taken from a medical professional.
All of the articles on this site are written by 3rd party content providers, expert bloggers or doctors not directly affiliated with Eden's Herbals.
Individuals should learn the risks and side effects prior to taking CBD. Make sure to always check with a medical professional before starting any new CBD treatment or medication that is not FDA approved.
