Anxiety can be a gripping, overwhelming, all-consuming state, one that seems to override the circuit breakers. During this uncertain time, there’s been an uptick in usage and recommendation of CBD for anxiety relief, as reported by CNN. How does CBD for anxiety relief work? It’s almost like taking a warm vacation for your mind, body, and soul. Let’s take a look at what science has discovered thus far.

What Happens During Anxiety? Inside the Brain

When the brain encounters a threat (whether perceived or real), it will release a flood of brain chemicals, such as the stress hormones cortisol and norepinephrine. These hormones then cause our heart rate to rise, thus increasing the blood and oxygen flowing throughout our body. All this activity prepares us for “survival” mode, which is fight-or-flight.

Two brain regions have been found to be especially related to emotional responses: the amygdala and the hippocampus. The hippocampus is responsible for translating threatening incidents into memories. The amygdala is the part of the brain that inputs and processes emotions, and memories stored here - especially fear-based ones - can influence anxiety, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When we encounter an emotional situation, the amygdala and hippocampus work together to process the emotions into a response.

How CBD for Anxiety Relief Works

There is an abundance of anecdotal reports of folks finding anxiety relief from CBD. However, how does it work inside the body to calm our system? Researchers continue to study the neuroscience and biochemistry of how CBD for anxiety relief works, and what’s been discovered thus far is fascinating, as compiled by the scientists at Project CBD.

Remember the hippocampus, the part of the brain that turns threatening experiences into memories? Studies have found that CBD enhances CB1 signaling, which helps creates new neurons in the hippocampus!

Participants in a study who described increased states of relaxation from CBD were also found to have higher brain activity in the limbic region, which is - not surprisingly - where both the amygdala and hippocampus are.

CBD has also been found to help boost serotonin - the brain chemical that contributes to feelings of happiness and wellness.

CBD for anxiety relief may also be tied to lowered heart rates as well, thus potentially nipping the entire fight-or-flight response triggered from the brain to the cardiovascular system. In a study of rats who were physically restrained, those given CBD had lower heart rates, arterial pressure, and anxiety levels.

What’s even more interesting is that whole plant CBD has been found to be more effective than CBD isolate - which is CBD that has been extracted and isolated from all the other plant compounds. This has been named the entourage effect, where all the compounds of the hemp plant work better together, just as Mother Nature intended. Indeed, studies have shown that participants who take whole plant CBD need lower dosages than CBD isolate for efficacy.

That’s why our CBD for anxiety relief is formulated with full spectrum CBD, along with beneficial terpenes and essential oils. Take a peek at all the soothing, natural ingredients in our Revive line, and you’ll see why it’s been so appreciated for anxiety relief. Enjoy the restoration of your peace and calm, in mind, body, and soul, with a daily dose of ECO Therapy CBD.