Covid-19 Anxiety/Depression and CBD

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. First, let me introduce myself. I am Michelle Agnew RN, BSN, also affectionately known as "Michelle The CBD Nurse" Specialist.

COVID-19 has brought our World to a halt !!

Many are suffering from anxiety due to the Stay-home mandate, loss of wages, or job security.

While others, like our Healthcare Workers who are battling this Pandemic, are at risk of suffering from mild to severe bouts. of anxiety, stress, depression & PTSD episodes

CBD is one of several compounds found in the cannabis plant that does not get you HIGH!! CBD provides medicinal properties or benefits that work along with our Endocannabinoid System to balance every organ of our body, including our emotions.

The endocannabinoid system plays an integral part in chemical signaling and is responsible for regulating our emotions, mood, memory, and motivation. CBD, taken as a daily supplement regularly, may improve symptoms associated with changes in our feelings.

Feeling nervous

Irritable or on edge sense of impending danger

Panic or doom

Having an increased heart rate

Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)

Sweating

Trembling

Feeling weak or tired,

Difficulty concentrating,

Trouble sleeping

Gastrointestinal (GI) problems

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is the second most common cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. And the most common cannabinoid found in the HEMP plant.

CBD has no mind-altering effects like THC, which means that CBD does not get you HIGH... but it does share some medicinal benefits with THC that assist the body in maintaining balance.

Cannabinoids (ex: CBD and THC) are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. When absorbed in our body systems, cannabinoids emulate the compounds our body naturally produces, known as endocannabinoids.

These chemical compounds surprisingly as research has found, provide relief from symptoms our body may commonly experience like pain, nausea, anxiety, and inflammation.

How do cannabinoids work?

For the body to maintain homeostasis (balance) and optimal health, it must naturally produce compounds called endocannabinoids to bring whatever system has been deficient into balance.

Our bodies can easily get knocked out of balance from environmental pollutants, dietary practices, and emotional stressors. When this happens, the body does not have sufficient endocannabinoids (cannabinoids production from within our body) to keep the system operating optimally. The deficiency places the body at risk of severe pain, discomfort, inflammation, and other disease processes.

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a system of signals/receptors in the human body that interact with cannabinoids to perform various bodily functions. It is one of the most vital regulatory systems within the human body made of a group of molecules called cannabinoids. Along with their cannabinoid receptors, there are about 120+ cannabinoid compounds found in the cannabis plant.

The endocannabinoid system operates like our nervous system but in the opposite direction, sending messages that switch on the regulatory system already located in the human body. The body activates the ECS with precision so that it targets only what the body needs.

The endocannabinoid system then signals molecules located in the central and peripheral nervous system to naturally produce cannabinoids that regulate physiological and cognitive processes like sleep, appetite, mood, pain sensation, memory, and libido.

These are just a few examples of how you can utilize the health benefits of CBD as a daily supplement. Cannabinoid supplements are becoming the go-to-products daily to assist with improving the immune system during this Covid-19 Pandemic.

1. Tincture - oil placed under the tongue for 45-60 seconds for absorption

2. Water Soluble - a CBD water-based product - can be dissolved in any beverage

3. Gummies - a candy-like supplement that reminds me of gummy bears

4. Topical - placed directly on the skin

5. Tea - CBD infused teas

6. Coffee - CBD infused coffee

7. Nasal Spray - CBD immune system defense spray

Check with your doctor before adding any supplements to your daily regimen. If you are currently taking medication, DO NOT stop. Simply make sure your doctor is aware of what you are taking and how often. This process can help with coordinating your care and your journey toward homeostasis (balance) within your body systems.