Anxiety is therefore a general mental disorder that is evidenced to be on the rise in many people today. For some, it comes in the form of racing thoughts, and for others as free-floating anxiety, constant worrying, or panic attacks. Conventional pharmacological interventions can be useful but will often cause side effects. Consequently, more people are looking for natural cures like CBD for anxiety and Lion’s Mane for anxiety.
In this article, we will try to explain if there is any gain in taking CBD and Lion’s Mane to help reduce anxiety, how these two substances work, and how we can help you know which might be the best for you.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety, therefore, is not a condition of worrying, being anxious, or stressed– it is more a mental illness. More generalized, anxiety disorders are the predominant type of mental disease in the USA, and up to 18% of adults have anxiety disorder at least once during the year. Anxiety means that the person is worried too much, gets irritable easily, cannot focus, and has other related physical signs such as increased pulse rate or muscle stiffness.
Cognitive behavior therapy together with benzodiazepines and SSRIs are the popular solutions but with the rising cases of disorders linked with the use of these products, many opt for natural remedies for anxiety.
This has prompted the use of two specific species namely CBD (cannabidiol) which they deemed to have a cure and Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) fungi they believe have a cure.
What is CBD?
CBD or Cannabidiol is an organic compound extracted from the cannabis plant but the plant Gibraltar from which CBD is derived has little or no psychoactive qualities. THC, by contrast, makes users feel “high” and is more likely to be the substance that will get one arrested because it is categorized as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. However, CBD has been researched and explored with the view of possibly having health-improving effects, such as a solution to anxiety, inflammation, and pain.
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How CBD Works for Anxiety
CBD for anxiety affects the body in response to the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in controlling stress, mood, and other bodily processes. In particular, CBD affects receptors responsible for the regulation of serotonin – a neurotransmitter that impacts mood.
CBD may enhance the communications of serotonin receptors, strengthening the known nervousness calming impact. In another study conducted in 2019, CBD was found significantly to lessen anxiety levels after one month of observation, indicating it could be used as a treatment regimen.
Forms of CBD Available
There are many ways to consume CBD, including:
- CBD oil (the most common form)
- Capsules
- Edibles (such as gummies)
- Topical forms of application (for local use)
- Vape products
The form you will choose will be determined by your lifestyle and your choice. For example, some consumers use CBD oil underneath the tongue since it provides more accurate dosing than oils, others may prefer capsules or edibles.
Research on CBD for Anxiety
Given that CBD is still a relatively new subject of research in terms of anxiety, there are several promising studies. A previous systematic review of preclinical and clinical trials identified in 2015 revealed that CBD may help manage GAD, SAD, and PTSD.
Furthermore, a 2019 controlled clinical study by The Permanente Journal pointed to cannabidiol as a promising cause of therapy for patients with sleep harassment and anxiety.
Likely Impact and Complication
CBD is considered safe and non-toxic; however, some side effects have been reported that include; tiredness, change in appetite, and flowing of the stool. Strictly medical advice on the use of any new supplement should be sought from a practitioner especially if you are on another medication.
In legalities, CBD is in a similar boat in that its use is legal in some countries and some states in the United States. Regarding the legal status, it is legal to buy CBD from hemp containing not more than 0.3 THC but it is recommended to look for the laws of the state.
What is Lion’s Mane?
Lion’s Mane, scientifically referred to as Hericium erinaceus, is a medicinal mushroom that has been considered within Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment regimens. This makes the plant have a peculiar look that makes it resemble the mane of a lion very much. It has been used in the past to treat ailments including liver, chemotherapy-related side effects, skin disorders, wounds, and diabetes, recently Lion’s Mane has been found to support brain health, enhance cognitive ability, and ease anxiety.
The Effectiveness of Lion’s Mane for Anxiety
Lion’s Mane for anxiety works through a different process than CBD. It contains numerous valuable substances called hericenones and erinacines stimulating the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein that is crucial to cell development and support in the brain area.
A process called neurogenesis can positively influence the functionality of our brain and our feelings as well. Also, for Lion’s Mane, the research shows that it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which tend to calm stress and anxiety as a result of its healthy effect on the brain.
Studied Lion’s Mane for Anxiety
Although research on Lion’s Mane for anxiety is sort of limited in comparison to CBD, the studies that have been conducted are positive. When in 2010 researchers decided to let menopausal women take Lion’s Mane, they discovered that the participants had lesser anxiety and irritation compared to the placebo group. This ability of the mushroom to regulate inflammation levels as well as promote the health of the brain can be a key to the control of anxiety symptoms.
Moreover, a 2015 experimental animal study said that Lion’s Mane possesses anxiolytic properties by increasing hippocampal neurogenesis, the making of a new neuron in the hippocampus, a brain area important to memory and stress regulation.
Types of Lion’s Mane That Exist
Similar to CBD, Lion’s Mane is available in various forms:
- Lion’s Mane powder is usually consumed in smoothies or added to coffee.
- Capsules
- Teas
- Tinctures
The choice of the form may depend on the daily job and diet plan. A lot of people add Lion’s Mane to their morning coffee or smoothies to help them with productivity and memory for the day.
Possible complications and eventual food choices
As previously mentioned, Lion’s Mane mushroom is safe for most individuals and is not toxic that often. However, some people can have some digestive upset or in this case have an allergy if they are sensitive to mushrooms. Every supplement should be taken with dosage advice from a healthcare provider, especially if one is pregnant, nursing, or taking medicine.
CBD vs. Lion’s Mane: A Comparison of the two for Anxiety
The use of CBD and Lion’s Mane show promising results for anxiety, although they act differently. Let’s compare them in several key areas:
Mechanism of Action
- CBD works with the body’s endocannabinoid system and increases serotonin levels which contributes to lessening anxiety.
- The growth of new neurons is supported by this mushroom which is very effective in enhancing the health of brain organs starting with heart health by reducing stress and anxiety.
Effectiveness
- CBD has more resources for anxiety treatment with one study finding CBD effective in treating general anxiety disorder, another studying CBD for social anxiety disorder, and yet another research focusing on the CBD effects on PTSD.
- Lion’s Mane is proving to be a natural remedy for anxiety with first trials pointing to its possibility of alleviating anxiety symptoms as well as enhancing brain capabilities. Yet, the effects as observed above remain suggestive, and more human studies are required to validate these findings.
Side Effects and Safety
CBD is relatively harmless, but there are side effects, for example, fatigue, changes in appetite, and others. Furthermore, its legal jurisdiction is also taken into consideration.
Lion’s Mane is also relatively safe, and fewer side effects have been registered in vice. But those people who are sensitive to Mushrooms should be very careful.
Personal Experiences
Some users feel the initial impact on their anxiety levels and decide to take CBD while others get the benefits related to cognition and emotions from Lion’s Mane. Many others even use both as a way of supplementing their general brain health or well-being.
How to Choose Between CBD and Lion’s Mane
If you’re trying to decide between CBD and Lion’s Mane for anxiety, consider the following factors:
1. Your Anxiety Type
CBD might be more efficient when it comes to acute anxiety like a panic attack or Social Anxiety Disorder because it can instantly control serotonin levels.
It was found that Lion’s Mane can fare better in managing prolonged stress and overall brain health.
2. Your Lifestyle and Preferences
So if you are seeking a remedy that gives immediate relief, then CBD oil or capsules are the most recommended.
If you can accept including organic substances in your everyday life, Lion’s Mane in powder or tea form might be perfect for you.
3. Legal and Safety Considerations
However frequently the use of CBD is still questionable in some areas, therefore, please consult the legislation of the country or state you are in before purchasing.
Lion’s Mane is a food product therefore it has no limitations as to its purchase and use.
Lastly, the best thing that they need to do is attempt one of the remedies or both at that, with a lessening amount first before increasing it based on your body’s reaction.
Conclusion
CBD and Lion’s Mane show promise for an all-natural solution to anxiety and both of these mushrooms have different mechanisms and outcomes. CBD is fast-acting due to its effects on the endocannabinoid system while Lion’s Mane mushrooms promote steady brain health by stimulating the regeneration of neurons.
Of the two, one should ask oneself the following questions: Do I have a current lifestyle, and what type of anxiety do I have? As always, your physician should be notified before using a new supplement due to its benefits or otherwise.
Uncovering the advantages of these natural treatments can help you to begin changing your life in a positive way and find a solution matching your case.
