CBD against anxiety and panic: Facing anxieties with more calm!
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Time to read 5 min
In recent years, CBD oil has gained increasing popularity in the treatment of anxiety disorders. The natural remedy derived from the hemp plant has been shown to help alleviate anxiety and panic attacks.
Various research studies and a growing number of user reports confirm that people are having positive experiences with CBD oil for anxiety and panic. This article reports on the most important studies and how exactly CBD can help against anxiety and panic attacks.
We will examine the mechanism of action of the natural active ingredient CBD, its greatest advantages, and its possible application for certain indications. In short: We summarize the current scientific basis of CBD for anxiety and panic in simple terms for you.
The various types of anxiety disorders show how diverse and complex the spectrum of anxiety can be. Each disorder has its own specific symptoms and challenges. All excessive anxiety states can severely impair the lives of those affected.
Affected individuals may experience sudden episodes of intense anxiety, which can be accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, or even panic attacks. Muscle tension in the body, flashbacks, sleep disturbances, nightmares, and inner restlessness can also be among the symptoms.
How can CBD help with anxiety and panic?
The classical treatment methods for severe anxiety usually rely on elements of psychotherapy or on medications such as antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Sometimes, a therapy consisting of self-help strategies with sensitization exercises and relaxation techniques can also show a helpful effect.
Natural remedies such as valerian, hops, St. John's wort, lavender, lemon balm, motherwort, or hawthorn can also contribute to gentle calming and anxiety relief. However, with CBD oil for anxiety and panic, there is now another herbal medicine that is said to be quite effective in combating anxiety and panic attacks.
Customer reviews:
"I am so grateful that these drops exist. I have been suffering from an anxiety and panic disorder for a year, and since I started using these drops, I feel much better."
"I can live more freely again, as my panic attacks are almost gone, and when they occur, I have them better under control and feel better quickly."
The great advantage of CBD oils, drops, and sprays is indeed their purely herbal origin. More and more studies are investigating the potential of cannabidiol (CBD) from the cannabis plant for anxiety disorders. Although CBD was discovered in 1940, there were only a few scientific studies until 2012. Today, their number has drastically increased, and knowledge has grown.
CBD acts on the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). This plays a crucial role in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and pain perception. CBD interacts with the receptors of the ECS, particularly with the CB1 and CB2 receptors. In many cases, CBD shows promising therapeutic properties.
CBD works against anxiety!
According to a 2019 study², cannabidiol (CBD), the active ingredient from the cannabinoid class of the hemp plant, has calming, stress-relieving, and anxiety-reducing effects. The retrospective case study in a psychiatric clinic initially included 108 patients, with 72 adult individuals still included in the final sample.
In 79.2 percent (58 individuals) of these 72 fully participating patients, anxiety decreased in the first month and remained at an improved level throughout the study. 66.7 percent (48 study participants) also slept more restfully, and their sleep patterns improved. With the exception of 3 patients, all subjects tolerated the cannabinoid CBD well.
According to the study, there is clear evidence that CBD exerts a calming effect on the central nervous system. Treatment of anxiety disorders can demonstrably benefit from cannabidiol. Further controlled clinical studies on the topic of CBD for anxiety and panic attacks are recommended.
Following the overall study results, it is very likely that CBD can indeed help many people with symptoms of anxiety and panic disorders. The active ingredient does not appear to alter consciousness or induce a "high." Further studies support these assumptions.
2 more study examples of how CBD can help with anxiety and panic
| Clinical picture | Study results |
| Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder (SAS or SAD) |
A study from 2011 shows¹ that CBD can significantly reduce social anxiety in people with generalized social anxiety disorders (SAS or SAD). Anxiety-reducing effects were observed in both humans and animals. |
| General anxiety-related disorders and anxiety-related behaviors |
A study from 2015 states⁷ that CBD has a broad pharmacological profile. It is known to regulate anxiety and anxiety-related behaviors. |
Frequently asked questions about CBD for anxiety and panic
What is the correct dosage of CBD oil for anxiety and panic?
Every body reacts differently strongly or weakly to CBD. It is therefore always advisable to start with a low CBD dosage and gradually increase it to find the individually correct amount. Even if an overdose is almost impossible, it is best to discuss the correct treatment with your doctor if in doubt.
Can CBD worsen the situation during panic attacks?
Many users report positive effects on their anxiety and panic symptoms from taking CBD. However, there are also a few reports that describe no or a negative effect. Again, if you have any questions, discuss the use of CBD products such as oil, drops, or spray with your doctor.
Does CBD interact with other medications?
Yes, CBD can have side effects and interactions with other medications. In particular, interactions with medications processed by the liver (such as blood thinners and antidepressants) can occur. In this case, consult your doctor before treatment with CBD preparations.
Are there quality differences in CBD products for anxiety and panic?
At least there are some suppliers who treat their products with less care than we do. We recommend that you only buy products from trustworthy manufacturers such as Hanfgeflüster. This is because we strictly pay attention to the quality, integrity and potency of our CBD products. Furthermore, we are certified according to IFS, GFSI, ISO 22000, ISO 22716, ISO 9001 and HACCP and are happy to be monitored by independent control authorities.
Sources and studies
¹ Bergamaschi, M., Queiroz, R., Chagas, M. et al. (2011). Cannabidiol Reduces the Anxiety Induced bySimulated Public Speaking in Treatment-Naïve Social Phobia Patients. Neuropsychopharmacol 36,1219–1226, [Source]
² Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large CaseSeries. The Permanente journal, 23, 18–041, [Source]
³ Prof. Dr. Dr. med. Katharina Domschke (2019). The origin of fears – can fears also help us?. AOK Gesundheitsmagazin, retrieved on May 21, 2024, [Source]
⁴ Klinikum Stuttgart, Clinical Focus Areas: Anxiety Disorders, Phobias and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders, retrieved on May 21, 2024, [Source]
⁵ Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (2022). 5th edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).American Psychiatric Association Publishing, Washington, DC, 215-262
⁶ John W. Barnhill , MD, Weill Cornell Medical College and New York Presbyterian Hospital (2018).Overview of Anxiety Disorders. MSD Manual, [Source]
⁷ Blessing EM, Steenkamp MM, Manzanares J, Marmar CR. (2015). Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment forAnxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics. 12(4), 825-36, [Source]