CBD for Depression
Do you ever have days when you just can’t seem to motivate? There may be nothing that seems outwardly wrong, yet getting out of bed and being productive still feel impossible. If this resonates, chances are you are among the millions of people who suffer from sadness or depression every day.
Depression manifests for different people in different ways, but it is usually associated with prolonged sadness, fatigue, and lack of interest in the things that you once loved. Among the many treatments for depression, which include therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication, cannabidiol (CBD) is beginning to become more accepted. CBD, which is one of the many cannabinoids derived from hemp plants, has not been approved by the FDA to treat depression, but may work in conjunction with other treatments to help lessen the symptoms.
How does CBD actually work in the body to help alleviate depression? The key to this puzzle is thought to be serotonin, which is a naturally occurring chemical in the body linked to mood. Studies have shown serotonin improves mood and that low levels of serotonin are linked to depression.
This is where CBD comes in. According to CBD Clinicals and a separate 2014 review in Pubmed, CBD interacts with 5-HT1A receptors, one of the locations in the brain that controls serotonin in the body. Research suggests that CBD may help these receptors to function more effectively. In other words, CBD may increase the production and/or effectiveness of serotonin, which in turn may help people manage their mood and depression.
Before incorporating CBD into your wellness regime, it’s important to check with your doctor to make sure that it will be safe for you. Some antidepressants and other medications can negatively interact with CBD (a list of these medications can be found here). It’s also a good idea to talk to your psychologist or therapist about it, as he or she may have input on potential side-effects you would not otherwise be aware of.
Once you have established that it is safe for you to begin using CBD, you’ll want to figure out the best way for you to take it. Miraflora’s CBD is all made from organic hemp grown on our family farm in Boulder County, Colo. We harvest the finest full-spectrum hemp flower oil on the planet, thanks to our superior soil and snowmelt from the Rocky Mountains.
We recommend our sublingual tinctures, which come in a natural and mint flavor, because they are absorbed quickly in the body. Our soft gels are not as immediately absorbed, but they’re a great way to get a consistent dose on the go. Also try our Sparkling Beverages, which come in four great flavors with other functional ingredients to help you stay healthy and happy.
