Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil for Anxiety Relief — Similarities and Differences
Anxiety is a common yet often misunderstood mental health condition. It’s not just feeling a little bit nervous or stressed but rather a persistent sense of worry and fear that can significantly impact your daily life. If you’re living with anxiety, life can feel like a constant battle, with anxiety making it difficult to concentrate, sleep, and enjoy everyday activities.
But anxiety isn’t all in your mind. It can also lead to physical symptoms like heart palpitations, sweating, and trembling. The toll of anxiety on your emotional and physical well-being cannot be ignored, and finding relief from this challenging condition is critical.
CBD for Anxiety
While pharmaceutical medications can be effective in treating anxiety, they often come with a range of side effects that can be uncomfortable or even dangerous for some people. For example, many anti-anxiety medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and memory problems. Other side effects may include nausea, dry mouth, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction.
In contrast, hemp and CBD oil are natural approaches with a range of potential benefits for anxiety without the adverse effects of pharmaceutical drugs. But as hemp products grow ever more prevalent, it’s important to understand the differences between hemp oil vs CBD oil for anxiety relief so you’re empowered to make informed choices about your health and wellness. Continue reading to learn more.
What is hemp oil?
Hemp extract, also known as hemp oil, is derived from the leaves, flowers, and stalks of the hemp plant, a variety of Cannabis Sativa. It’s a natural, minimally processed product that preserves the composition of hemp exactly as nature intended.
Although often confused with hemp seed oil, which is derived from the seeds of the hemp plant, it’s not the same. Hemp seed oil does not contain the same wealth of active compounds and cannabinoids as hemp extract.
Some of the most abundant cannabinoids found in hemp extract are:
- Cannabidiolic acid (CBDa)
- Cannabidiol (CBD)
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
- Cannabinol (CBN)
- Cannabigerol (CBG)
- Cannabichromene (CBC)
- Cannabivarin (CBV)
- Cannabidivarin (CBDV)
Plus, because hemp oil is gently extracted from the entire hemp plant and all its aerial parts, it contains a wide range of other valuable compounds like terpenes and flavonoids that work synergistically to heighten the positive effects of the cannabidiols. The whole plant is greater than the sum of its parts, and these plant compounds may have a better effect on the body when they work together rather than when isolated.
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil typically refers to a concentrated cannabidiol extract from industrial hemp plants containing less than 0.3% THC. It can be made directly from hemp or from concentrated and refined CBD isolate blended in a carrier oil.
CBD oil is typically more refined and processed than raw hemp extract, which means it may not contain the same range of active compounds as the original plant material. This refinement process may involve using solvents or other methods to extract and concentrate the CBD compound, which can alter its natural composition.
While CBD oil may offer some potential therapeutic benefits of hemp oil extract, it’s manipulated and not an exact replica of the beautiful hemp plant as it exists in nature.
Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil for Anxiety Relief
Both hemp oil and CBD oil come from hemp, and both products have potential therapeutic advantages when it comes to anxiety relief. However, hemp extract perfectly mirrors nature and has a wider range of beneficial compounds. It’s also less processed and doesn’t contain traces of harmful toxins used in manufacturing CBD oil.
Moreover, hemp extract also contains a range of terpenes, which are fragrant oils that give the hemp plant its distinct aroma and flavour. Some terpenes, such as linalool and limonene, may have potential calming and anxiety-reducing effects.
What does the science say?
In a 2015 review, researchers reviewed CBD as a treatment for neuropsychiatric conditions. They evaluated multiple studies and concluded they strongly support CBD for the following:
- generalized anxiety disorder
- social anxiety disorder
- panic disorder
- post-traumatic stress disorder
- acute anxiety
A 2019 study found that CBD has a calming effect on the central nervous system. After assessing the effect of this hemp compound on 72 people with anxiety and sleep disorders, researchers found it reduced anxiety in almost 8 in 10 study participants and improved sleep quality in nearly 7 in 10.
Now, you’ll find CBD in both CBD oil and hemp extract. But hemp extract is rich in CBDa, which CBD oil isn’t. CBDa is delicate. As a precursor, it’s converted to CBD through a process known as decarboxylation. It’s easily lost in the rough manufacture of CBD oil, where the beautiful hemp plant is subjected to a harsh heating and filtering process.
In contrast, raw hemp extract is an unmanipulated product containing high levels of CBDa, and this compound may have unique therapeutic effects distinct from CBD.
Research suggests that anandamide (AEA), one of your body’s own endocannabinoids, plays a vital role in regulating your emotional states. The term “ananda” derives from Sanskrit, meaning internal bliss, and AEA modulation may provide therapeutic value for people living with mood and anxiety disorders. Interestingly, it’s been proposed that CBDa may be able to increase and maintain levels of AEA in the body, thus possibly leading to anti-anxiety effects.
Opt for hemp oil vs CBD oil for anxiety relief
By choosing hemp oil vs CBD oil for anxiety relief, you benefit from a wider selection of active compounds that can ease anxiety and promote overall wellness. In addition, these healing substances work in perfect synergy, amplifying each other’s effects and providing a 360-degree range of health perks. So don’t settle for less — choose hemp oil for anxiety and feel relief. Nesas Hemp offer top quality products!
