Feeling Low? CBD Could Be the Answer

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We all experience low moods now and again, and this is entirely normal. However, for some people, low moods can last longer and be extremely debilitating. Mood can have a negative impact on all aspects of your life, from your family relationships to your professional life. Mental illnesses, such as anxiety and depression, are extremely prevalent nowadays; and feelings of dread and sadness are two of the main psychological symptoms. You don't have to suffer in silence though, and the chances are (as you have found this article) that you are searching for an all-natural solution. Rest assured, you have come to the right place!

From gummies to mints, CBD edibles are a fun and satisfying way of incorporating CBD oil into your daily wellness routine. In this article, we will take a look at the variety of ways that CBD may positively impact the symptoms of low mood. You'd be surprised how deeply low mood can affect your whole lifestyle, and the vast array of symptoms that come with it. We here at Amphora believe that it is just as vital to take care of your mental wellbeing, as it is your physical wellbeing, as there is a definite synergy between them. So, make sure that you keep reading to discover everything you need to know concerning CBD for low mood. People love CBD and the effects it can have on their mood, and we are sure that you will too!

What is CBD oil?

First things first, let's define what CBD oil is, as it is vital that you understand a little bit about it before we take that deep dive into how it may affect your mood. You may be familiar with the term cannabidiol, but what you might not know is that it is short for CBD! CBD is found in cannabis Sativa plants; it is extracted from this plant, and then finally diluted with a carrier oil. Two popular choices are hemp seed oil and coconut oil, due to their natural properties. Hemp seed oil is rich in fatty acids, which help to maintain normality over our bodily systems. It contains both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, and also gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Coconut oil is also rich in fatty acids, as well as vitamin E. There are over 100 chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant, and some are more famous than others. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC for short, is one of the more well-known cannabinoids due to its intoxicating properties, as it can create a 'high'. CBD, however, creates no such effect, as it is non-psychoactive. This is one of the many reasons for CBD's rise to popularity, as people are searching for natural ways to enhance their health and wellness routine. There have been numerous studies into the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD oil for a range of maladies. Things look promising in its use for the possible treatment of conditions such as chronic pain, inflammation, and mood disorders.

How to take CBD oil

You will be pleased to know that you are in no way limited when it comes to the ways to incorporate CBD oil into your wellness routine. We are all different, and therefore we should expect everyone's wellness routines to be different as well. People have the power to choose how to take their CBD oil in a way that is best for them. Vaping is a popular method of consuming CBD oil, and this is a good choice for those of you wanting to feel the effects as quickly as possible. We at Amphora specialise in CBD vape oil, and you will notice that all Infused Amphora CBD oil vape cartridges contain our organic ingredients for your wellness benefits. CBD oil tinctures and sprays are also a popular method, as well as capsules and topical CBD creams. Today, though, we are going to make a case for the benefits of CBD edibles. These are a simple and effective way of incorporating CBD into your busy lifestyle. After all, we all need to eat, and who doesn't love a sweet treat every now and again? CBD drinks are super popular, as people like to add a few drops of CBD into their morning smoothie or coffee. CBD gummies are also a fun option, as is CBD chocolate, protein bars, and cookies – the list just goes on! We recommend doing some research yourself, not only because it's fun to discover all of the new ways of consuming CBD, but also because your perfect method of consumption is just out there waiting for you.

The rise in popularity of CBD mints

In this article, we are going to put CBD mints in the spotlight. CBD mints are taking people's wellness routines by storm for a range of reasons, and we only see their popularity growing to starry new heights as more people continue to discover them!  So, what are CBD mints? They are a blend of the typical mint ingredients you'd find in sweets, infused with a dose of CBD oil. The benefits of consuming CBD mints are seemingly endless, but let's go over a few. Firstly, we enjoy the convenience of this method. You simply pop the mint into your mouth while you are on-the-go to feel the effects! Not to mention, due to it being pre-dosed, you can quickly work out how many mints are sufficient for your wellness routine. Also, they are a faster way of consuming CBD oil in comparison to the other edibles on the market, such as gummies or cookies. This is important for those of you that want to reap the calming benefits of CBD quickly, in order to reduce your stress levels. They also have long-lasting effects of up to seven hours. Therefore, they can set you up for most of the day, making CBD mints especially useful for people wanting to potentially improve their mood while they are at work. And finally, and perhaps the one you have been waiting for – the taste! Mints are delicious and refreshing on their own, but the fact that they can be infused with CBD takes them to the next level! Some people tend to reach for CBD edibles not only due to their therapeutic benefits, but also to avoid the natural tang of CBD oil. This makes CBD mints the ideal choice, as they not only taste yummy and provide helpful mood balancing effects, but they also freshen your breath. This leaves you with a long-lasting refreshing taste in your mouth, as well as the potential benefits of CBD for hours to come!

Reasons for feeling low

The causes of people's low moods are seemingly endless, however, there are some common lifestyle and environmental factors that can negatively impact your mood. Who knows, perhaps you have experienced many of these yourself:

• Poor or disturbed sleep
• Consuming too much alcohol
• A lack of exercise/ fresh air
• A lack of recreational activities
• Poor/unbalanced diet
• Covid-19 lockdown – common struggles during this time include the loss of employment and financial instability.

Symptoms of a low mood

According to the NHS, the following are the most common symptoms of a generally low mood:

• Feeling sad and worried
• Experience panicked thoughts or anxious feelings
• Fatigue/ insomnia
• Low self-esteem
• Easily becoming angry/ frustrated.

These feelings can pass within a few days or weeks; however, they should not be overlooked. They can pass on their own, or by making positive changes to your lifestyle, such as altering your diet or going for a 30-minute walk/ run five times a week. Other changes can take longer to achieve, such as finding new employment, however actively looking and landing interviews will no doubt improve your mood and productivity.

Depression

However, if you find your low mood lasting longer than two weeks, it could be a sign of a mental illness. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they can include:

• Low self-esteem
• Being tearful
• Constant feelings of sadness
• Feeling helpless/hopeless
• Changes in personality – such as becoming irritable and angry quickly and taking it out on loved ones
• Lack of interest in things that you previously enjoyed
• Feeling anxious
• Suicidal thoughts.

The physical symptoms of depression can include:

• A lack of energy
• Change in sex drive
• Insomnia
• Weight and appetite changes
• Constipation
• Body aches and pains
• Fatigue.

As we have stated, the severity of depression can range from person to person. Mild depression will likely have an impact on your day to day life, while moderate depression will have more of a significant influence. Severe depression can have such a severe impact on your daily life that you can no longer live a normal life, for example, some people will be unable to get out of bed in the morning and will stay there for weeks on end.

In terms of the current treatments for depression, it will depend on the severity of the individual's illness. Typically, for milder depression, lifestyle changes will be recommended, or mild to severe cases can be treated using antidepressants or counselling, or a combination of both. Unfortunately, these treatments are not cures, as people often undergo unpleasant side effects. Take serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), for example. These are commonly prescribed antidepressants, and they can cause a range of unpleasant side effects such as, feeling sick/ anxious, appetite changes, headaches, sexual dysfunction and insomnia, to name just a few. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a typical talking therapy prescribed to people suffering from low mood. However, people can end up waiting for months for their appointment while their symptoms worsen, or face paying money that they can't afford if there are no free appointments available in their area.

Anxiety

Suffering from both anxiety and depression is relatively common, as anxious feelings and worry are two of the main psychological symptoms of depression. Anxiety itself is a mental illness that affects millions of people worldwide; in the UK alone back in 2013, there were 8.2 million reported cases of anxiety. The condition is categorised as an individual experiencing feelings of constant worry and unease that impacts their daily life. The symptoms of anxiety are similar to those of depression. Psychological symptoms include a sense of dread, feeling restless/ irritable, and finding it hard to concentrate. Physical symptoms include (but are not limited to) shaking, feeling sick, insomnia, extreme tiredness, as well as tension and aches in muscles. The current treatments for anxiety are extremely similar to depression, with a combination of medication and therapy often recommended. However, many people are turning to CBD as a natural supplement to current treatments for their symptoms.

CBD oil and depression: the research

Here, we are going to examine how CBD can potentially help those suffering from depression. While there are limited studies on edible forms of CBD, there's a wealth of research into the possible benefits of CBD itself, as arguably all that matters is the key ingredient  – CBD oil. Low serotonin levels in the brain, as well as significant life events, such as the death of a loved one, can contribute to depression. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that naturally occurs in our body to carry signals between neurons. It helps to regulate a whole host of functions, however, it is of pivotal importance when it comes to mood regulation.

While researchers believe that CBD doesn't serve as a serotonin booster, it can interact with the serotonin receptors in the brain to create a possible positive outcome. One important review into the matter was published in 2014, which examined a series of animal studies into the potential benefits of CBD for the symptoms of depression. Tests were carried out on rats, such as a forced swimming test, and a maze to investigate the possibilities. The researchers concluded that CBD demonstrated anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects in animal models, so things look promising for CBD, as a possible novel treatment for depression. Furthermore, the researchers also stated that the majority of studies indicated a "good interaction" between CBD and serotonin levels. A more up-to-date review of the current sources was published in 2018, and they determined that CBD demonstrated acute anti-stress effects. This is encouraging for sufferers of depression, as stress and worry are symptoms that can severely impact a person's day-to-day life.

The physical symptoms of depression can be just as debilitating as the mental symptoms. The good news is that CBD oil could save the day! There has been a wealth of research into the possible therapeutic and wellness benefits of CBD oil when it comes to chronic pain, a common symptom of depression. A 2020 reviewconcluded that CBD holds the potential to be a viable treatment for chronic pain for a range of conditions, especially where other primary modes of treatments are insufficient. In terms of the other symptoms of depression, CBD has been shown to have a possible balancing effect on appetite. One review published in 2017 found that it can provide a stimulating effect for some people, and this can help individuals suffering from depression to eat a healthy and balanced diet.

What's more, a 2014 review  concluded that CBD holds the therapeutic potential to promote wakefulness, judging this from both animal and human trials. This could prove particularly useful for people suffering from fatigue and a lack of energy due to depression. Overall, while further research needs to be conducted into the use of CBD oil before any comparisons could be made between it and mainstream pharmaceuticals, things are looking good.

CBD oil and anxiety: the research

So, what about CBD and anxiety? Fortunately, there is a wealth of research that seems to suggest CBD as a viable novel treatment for anxiety disorders. One such study, published in 2011, examined the effects of CBD oil on sufferers of generalised Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). Participants of the study were either administered a placebo or a single dose of CBD (600mg), before undergoing a public speaking test. Although the researchers concluded that further research into the matter was needed, the effects of a single dose of CBD significantly improved the symptoms of these SAD sufferers. The "rapid onset of therapeutic effect" reported in the results of this study is encouraging. This is excellent news for people that like to consume their CBD oil via mints, as they are pre-dosed and it is therefore easy to control your dosage and find what works best for your own symptoms of low mood.

Incredibly, CBD oil may even encourage more social interaction- having a possible effect on social anxieties (though further testing is needed). As a 2012 study on mice demonstrates, after receiving a single dose of CBD over the course of 21 days, their social interaction was enhanced. Furthermore, a review published in 2015 supports these findings, as it suggests that the current evidence demonstrates CBD has great potential in the treatment for a range of anxiety disorders.

However, it is not just anxiety itself that CBD oil can help with. As we know, anxiety disorders come with a plethora of both physical and mental symptoms, and here we look at how CBD oil can help on the physical side of things. Let's begin with nausea, as feeling sick is one of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety. One 2010 study examined the effects of CBD on cancer patients suffering from nausea. They found that 49% of people that consumed CBD oil saw a reduction in their nausea. Insomnia is also a distressing symptom of anxiety, as it can negatively impact the rest of your day. The good news is, there's plenty of exciting research into the benefits of CBD oil for sleep. A study published in 2019 examined the benefits that CBD oil can have on sleep and anxiety. Seventy-two people took part in this study; 25 of these people were struggling with insomnia or other sleep-related problems, and 47 of them had anxiety. These participants were administered 25mg of CBD per day for one month. The results are encouraging, as 66.7% of the participants reported improvement in their sleep, and 79.2% also reported a reduction in their anxiety. People suffering from anxiety also find themselves struggling to concentrate on anything, as well as struggling with their memory. This can negatively impact their professional life or study. A review published in 2017 examines a selection of some of the current research into the therapeutic potential of CBD oil when it comes to Alzheimer's Disease. It found that CBD may be able to reverse and prevent the associated cognitive deficits in rats, and could potentially help to improve memory. This is a promising and important area of research, and one that shows CBD could possibly help to supplement the treatment of a range of diseases. Overall, CBD oil appears to be a fantastic potential supplement when it comes to helping us out with symptoms of anxiety.

The key ways that CBD oil can help improve your mood 

Scientific studies are all well and good, but how can CBD oil actually help improve my low mood, you ask? Here, we are going to outline the key ways that consuming CBD mints may help improve your mood, whether that be due to a general low mood, or because of a mental health disorder.

• Better sleep: does tossing and turning all night in frustration sound familiar? Then you are not alone, as insomnia is one of the most common symptoms of a low mood, anxiety, and depression. When you find yourself unable to turn off those anxious thoughts, reach for a CBD mint, or your chosen method of taking CBD. CBD oil has potential calming properties that can promote a good night's sleep. A healthy eight hours per night of high-quality sleep can make all the difference to your mood.
• Mood/ energy booster: CBD mints may be able to naturally boost your mood levels, as well as your energy. This is great news for people suffering from mood disorders. Sometimes simply getting out of bed in the morning is an achievement, and CBD mints have the potential to help get you get up, even through your lowest moods.
• Managing pain: scientific studies and research demonstrates that CBD oil has the potential to help in combating pain, and even chronic pain, in some people. Pain is a common cause for low mood, especially for people that have to endure it on a daily basis. CBD mints can help to manage this pain, enabling you to focus and concentrate better on the task at hand.
• Improving memory: the research into the possibility of CBD oil being able to improve memory is in its early days, as we mentioned before. Saying this, things look promising. Memory fog and concentration issues can plague people that are suffering from a low mood, and CBD products could be the answer.

When to consume CBD mints for low mood

Here at Amphora, we believe that everyone is unique, and that there is no best time to consume CBD  to help in lifting your mood, or for enhancing your wellness routine and lifestyle. We would only suggest more specific ideas for specific symptoms of a low mood. For example, it is logical to consume CBD before you go to sleep, if sleeping problems are your main concern. You should also then consider the dosage you wish to consume, as you may need a slightly higher dose to reap the sedative effects that CBD oil can give you. One of the most appealing aspects of consuming CBD oil via mints is the dosage control, as there is a lower dose of CBD in mints compared to oils and sprays. This means that you have the option to incorporate them regularly into your wellness routine, or just when you feel that you need them. If you have a flare-up of symptoms due to your low mood, then you could consider consuming them for the duration of that period, and when you feel better, simply stop. Other people are more strict when it comes to their wellness routine and taking care of their mental health; thus they will have a set time that they have scheduled into their day when they consume their CBD in mint form or otherwise. Just do whatever works for you!

Love CBD and its possible mood-boosting effects? Then you are certainly not alone! Overall, there is great potential for CBD mints, and CBD oil in its many forms, to help improve the symptoms of a low mood. So, the next time you feel anxious, and unhappy thoughts begin to consume you, breathe deeply, try a CBD edible and see its potential calming and balancing effects for yourself.