Terpenes For Anxiety — The Basic Guide

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Table of Contents

• What Is Anxiety?
• Different Types Of Anxiety Disorders
• Treatments For Anxiety
• Terpenes For Anxiety
• Terpenes For Anxiety
• Conclusion — Visit Budmail Today!

Anxiety affects everyone at one point or another. For some, worse than others. As a matter of fact, approximately 3 million Canadians ages 18 and up have reported some form of mood and/or anxiety disorder! Anxiety stems from numerous reasons and can be managed in multiple ways — cannabis being one of the more popular options.

However, not every strain of cannabis is the same. Some strains will work better than others depending on the terpenes of that particular strain. Some terpenes are great for increasing appetite, some allow you to rest easier and so on. Therefore, if you’re interested in learning more about anxiety and cannabis terpenes for anxiety, continue reading!

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is actually a normal reaction to stress (in most cases). Everyone will feel anxious at some point in their life and that’s to be expected. Whether you’re faced with a worrying situation, or you’re just constantly stressed over a million different things. Regardless, it’s necessary for human survival. It’s actually responsible for our fight-or-flight response that comes from an adrenaline rush. Nonetheless, some symptoms you may experience due to anxiety are:

• Increased alertness
• Feelings of worry
• Irritability
• Heart palpitations
• Difficulty concentrating
• Restlessness

Just like everything in life, a healthy dose of anxiety is completely fine and safe. When your anxiety gets out of hand, that’s when it becomes a problem. When it starts affecting your day-to-day life and it feels like it’s got a hold on you, it’s time to be aware of the situation. It’s time to do something about it.

Different Types Of Anxiety Disorders

As mentioned, experiencing occasional anxiety is normal. However, when anxiety occurs over a long period of time and starts to affect your sleep, school or work, for example, it becomes more of a concern. When someone has an anxiety disorder, the worry or the anxiousness doesn’t simply go away after you’ve dealt with a particular situation. It unnecessarily prolongs itself and can actually get worse over time.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “People with generalized anxiety disorder display excessive anxiety or worry, most days for at least 6 months…” That’s a long period of time to be constantly worried, stressed and anxious. Anxiety disorders usually stem from a source. The source or the “trigger” can differ from person to person. With that being said, other forms of anxiety disorders include:

• Panic Disorder – People with this disorder experience recurrent and unexpected panic attacks.
• Phobia-Related Disorder – A person will experience immense anxiety over their specific phobia.
• Social Anxiety Disorder – Being in social environments with many people will cause anxiety.
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder – A person displays excessive anxiety throughout their everyday routine.

For more information on different types of anxiety disorders click here.

Causes For Anxiety Disorders

Usually, there is more than one reason why someone suffers from an anxiety disorder. In most cases, it’s a combination of different stressors. Anxiety disorders stem from a number of factors. Factors such as genetics, brain chemistry, environmental stress, and medical conditions. Let’s get a better understanding of these factors and how they can lead to anxiety disorders.

Genetics

So far, no single gene has been identified to be the trigger for anxiety. However, a combination of genes from your biological parents may influence your chances of getting anxiety. Unfortunately, doctors aren’t sure which exact group of genes causes these conditions.

Although, based on a study done on identical twins (with the same set of genes) for generalized anxiety disorders, it suggests that anxiety and depression may be linked to certain genes making it possible that these disorders are hereditary. Chances are that the younger the person who’s suffering from anxiety is the higher the chances are that it’s due to genetics.

Brain Chemistry

Our brain chemistry is the reason for our body’s daily functions. This includes but is not limited to; breathing, eating, keeping your heart pumping and even the emotions we experience. Different parts of our brain send out neurotransmitters that help with the communication between your nerve cells.

Based on the Chemical Imbalance Theory, panic disorder symptoms can be associated with an imbalance of chemicals (neurotransmitters). Our frontal lobe and hippocampus regulate our mood and emotions. If those parts of our brain were somehow rewired or damaged, it can lead to unstable moods and even personality changes. Even something as simple as changing your diet can cause a chemical imbalance! Being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder because of a chemical imbalance is ultimately plausible.

Environmental Stress

Environmental stress may be one of the biggest reasons why people develop anxiety disorders. It refers to an environmental stressor that triggers a negative psychological response. Simply speaking, it also refers to someone who has endured or witnessed a stressful life event.

It’s important to mention that one person’s environmental stress may differ from other people’s and may not affect the same person in a different situation. Life events that are usually linked to anxiety disorders include childhood abuse and neglect, witnessing a tragedy such as the death of a loved one, and violence similar to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Medical Conditions

For some people, anxiety disorders can occur due to medical conditions or because of certain medications themselves. In some cases, high anxiety can also be an initial symptom of an underlying health issue. Here is a list of medical conditions that can bring about anxiety disorders:

• Heart disease
• Thyroid issues (such as hyperthyroidism)
• Drug misuse or withdrawal
• Diabetes
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Chronic pain
• Rare tumours

It’s reasonable to think that your anxiety disorder may be caused by a medical condition under these circumstances. If you don’t have any blood relatives who have anxiety disorders, if you experience sudden occurrences of anxiety that don’t relate to your environment, or if you’ve never been diagnosed with any anxiety disorders as a child, it’s best to visit your doctors for some thorough testing.

Treatments For Anxiety

Like most mental illnesses, there are many ways to treat and manage your symptoms to prevent them from affecting your day-to-day life. Some people opt for medication. In those cases, you’ll most likely be prescribed an antidepressant or medication specifically for anxiety. In conjunction with prescription medication, it’ll probably be recommended to attend therapy on a repeated basis as well. On the other hand, there are more holistic approaches such as exercise, meditation, and medical cannabis.

Exercise has been known to boost endorphins which interact with pain receptors to ultimately reduce pain and trigger a positive feeling in the body. Regular exercise has been proven to reduce stress, ward off anxiety and feelings of depression, while also improving your sleep. All these factors contribute to better mental health combatting anxiety disorders.

Meditation has been practiced for hundreds of years and is now commonly used for relaxation and stress relief. The goal of meditation is to focus your attention on eliminating overwhelming and jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind causing stress. It has been known to lower blood pressure, control anxiety and pain, and help improve sleep amongst many other things. All while, helping those who suffer from anxiety disorders manage their conditions.

However, the use of medical cannabis to combat anxiety has been increasing since legalization. Medical cannabis has many benefits including pain relief, reducing inflammation and relieving symptoms of medical conditions including anxiety. Unfortunately, not all strains of medical cannabis are the same. Some are better at putting people to sleep whereas other strains are meant for alternate uses. Now, how can you tell which strains are better for what? The terpene found in marijuana is significant in determining the effects. To find out the different terpenes for anxiety, keep reading!

What Are Terpenes

Terpenes can actually be found in most plants. Simply said, they are compounds responsible for the aroma and the effects of the plants. It’s significant for some plants because terpenes assist with attracting pollinators and repelling their predators. That familiar soothing smell of lavender is because of the plant’s terpenes. The same thing can be said about lemongrass, roses and even cannabis. Although it’s usually a combination of terpenes that produces those certain scents.

They’re actually used to produce the flavours and scents of products we use on a daily basis including perfume, food and body products. As of now, scientists have discovered approximately 20,000 different terpenes and 150 of them are found in Sativa cannabis strains. Nonetheless, terpenes are mostly associated with cannabis and that is because of its high concentration. With that being said, let’s find out which terpenes are best for anxiety.

Terpenes For Anxiety

Again, most plants have a combination of terpenes; cannabis included. Keep that in mind when you’re looking out for strains with terpenes for anxiety. The more terpenes for anxiety found in a particular strain, the better the results.

Linalool (Ln)

This terpene for anxiety produces a floral scent with a hint of tartness and spiciness. Most commonly found in lavender and birch bark. It’s a powerful terpene that affects the serotonin receptors and has been known to treat anxiety, depression and sleep deprivation. This terpene for anxiety is believed to promote relaxation and calming effects. It’s even been used for its sedative and anti-epileptic properties in traditional medicine.

One particular strain we carry that has a high concentration of Linalool is Mazar-I-Sharif. Although we don’t have the flower form, we do have this particular strain in hash form. Hash is the oldest form of concentrate and is still popular to this day. The texture of the hash is soft and malleable with earthy and spicy aromas. Mazar-I-Sharif is renowned for its warm Indica body stone and is perfect for smoking, eating, dabbing and vaping. Other strains with high Linalool include Zkittlez, Do-Si-Dos and Fire OG.

Limonene (Lm)

Limonene is produced in the flower’s resin glands and is usually associated with a fruity, citrus aroma. In case the name of this terpene didn’t give it away, it’s safe to assume that Limonene is found in most citrus fruit rinds, cosmetics and cleaning products. Not only does this terpene determine the smell of select cannabis strains, but it also determines the effects. Although I do have to mention that just because a strain smells lemony, it doesn’t necessarily mean it has Limonene. Benefits from Limonene are stress relief, mood elevation, improving absorption of other terpenes and more.

Meat Breath is a Sativa-hybrid strain that contains high amounts of Limonene. This strain is crossbred from Meatloaf and Mendo Breath. Its highly resinous and produces notable aromas including earthy pine, clove and hops with a floral note. When smoked, the flavours are incredibly smooth and tangy upon exhale with hints of citrus. The effects include a buzzing euphoria that tends to make people more social and happier. You’ll experience cuddly and silly energy for hours! Other strains to look out for are OG Kush, Sour Diesel and Super Lemon Haze.

Myrcene (MS)

This compound is found in highly fragrant plants such as mangoes, thyme, and basil. It is also prominent in many cannabis strains. It’s known for its sedative effects and may be linked to the couch-lock effects of certain strains of cannabis. However, some studies have shown that Myrcene is effective in treating symptoms of anxiety, insomnia and other sleeping disorders. Besides helping with anxiety and sleep disorders, other effects comprise anti-inflammatory, pain relief, and antimutagenic. Since restlessness and lack of sleep are symptoms of anxiety disorder, Myrcene is perfect as one of the terpenes for anxiety.

A lot of strains contain Myrcene but, a strain like Blueberry Kush has Myrcene as a dominant terpene. Blueberry Kush is a pure Indica strain. It’s high in THC and provides deeply relaxing, happy, euphoric, and sleepy effects. It emits an earthy aroma with notes of berries and herbs just like the flavour of this strain. Perfect for people who suffer from ADHD, chronic pain, depression and of course anxiety. Blue Dream, Granddaddy Purple and Harlequin are other strains that have high concentrations of Myrcene.

Other Terpenes For Anxiety

The terpenes mentioned prior aren’t the only other terpenes for anxiety. Other terpenes that can treat anxiety disorders are:

• Beta-Caryophyllene
• Alpha-Pinene

It doesn’t seem like there are many terpenes for anxiety but, don’t fret. Science is constantly evolving and new discoveries are always popping up. You’ll never know when scientists will discover more terpenes that can treat symptoms of anxiety disorders.

Conclusion — Visit Budmail Today!

Everyone at Budmail understands that cannabis is not just for recreational use. It’s being used every day to treat various conditions including anxiety disorders. That’s why we strive to provide the highest quality cannabis products in Canada for an affordable price. This way, everyone can have access to the necessary treatment that’ll help manage their symptoms. Speaking of access, Budmail also offers services that’ll make it much more convenient and easier for you to shop.

You’ll never have to leave your homes to purchase cannabis ever. All you need to do is place your order and have it either shipped or same-day delivered straight to your doors. If you have any more questions regarding strains that can help with anxiety or any other conditions feel free to use the interactive chat box or simply call the phone lines. Not only will they provide excellent customer service they’ll also provide the best recommendations specifically for you. Visit Budmail today to find a variety of great value strains and more!