Struggling with Emotional Distress? Try CBD
By Kelly Benson
and catastrophe. Hopelessness. Anxiety. Depression. Stress. Anger. FEAR. These are all very appropriate emotions when you think about the challenging times we are living in. We are all “too busy” and stressed to the max at the expense of our own mental health and wellness. You are not alone in this, most humans are experienc- ing these emotions at this time. The society we live in greatly contributes to, and often even creates, emotional distress and mental health disorders.
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If one were to go to a doctor and express these emotions, the likelihood of a diagnosis and suggestion of medication is high. We are the most medicated country in the world, so why are we also one of the unhealthiest? SSRI medications and benzodiazepines are overprescribed and misused. In many cases medication is nec- essary and can have a positive impact on someone’s life for a time, but in many cases it is simply not necessary and one would benefi t more from a natural approach and lifestyle change. I say this with confi dence not only based on my own experience but also the experiences of hundreds of people
26 ELM™ Maine - March/April 2019
e live in an over-stimulated, fast paced world with constant news fl ashed at us of despair, violence,
I engage with through my work. The people I work with reach out to me because they are seeking a different way. They don’t want to have to switch medications 10 times until they fi nd the “right one”. They seek freedom from the very thing that was supposed to help them.
So, what do we do? There are many
health practices that will contribute to improved mental health. The food and what you put into your body to nurture it plays a huge role. The wonderful world of plant medicine and plant allies that often grow abundantly in the fi elds and forests can pro- vide support which will exceed all expecta- tions. I will highlight a few of my favorites for anxiety, depression, and stress here.
Cannabis/Hemp CBD (Cannabis sativa) This master plant is at the top of my list.
Within our bodies lies the Endocannabinoid System, or ECS, and this system is respon- sible for regulating our physiology, mood, and overall bodily homeostasis. There are more than 100 cannabinoids in the can- nabis plant, but CBD and THC are the most studied. When you use CBD, the cannabi- noids present in the plant medicine bind to our bodies’ own cannabinoid receptors located throughout our organs and periph-
eral nervous system, and provide balance and support wherever there is dysfunction or imbalance. CBD has been shown to increase feelings of wellbeing, decrease depression and anxiety, and support a vari- ety of other common ailments. This plant’s medicine is SAFE, effective, and offers something for just about anyone. Note that I am speaking about Hemp derived non- psychoactive CBD.
Motherwort/Passionfl ower/Vervain Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is an
herb known as being wonderfully support- ive to matters of the heart; including anxi- ety, heart palpitations, and melancholy. It is a gentle sedative and anti-spasmodic and promotes relaxation without drowsiness. Contraindications: As it also stimulates the muscles of the uterus, it should not be used if menstrual bleeding is heavy, nor should it be used during pregnancy.
Passionfl ower (Passifl ora incarnata) is one of the most beautiful fl owers I have ever seen. It is a gentle sedative and acknowl- edged in the herbal world as a wonderfully supportive plant medicine for anxiety, stress- induced tension, and irritability. It can be used to support insomnia and is generally safe for all to use, including children.
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