Panic attacks can creep up on anyone. No matter how much you think you’ve got your life together, a rush of adrenaline can still strike and bring you to your knees. The sensation is difficult to articulate—a tight feeling in the chest, coupled with an intense fear that something terrible is about to happen. It’s often accompanied by physical symptoms like accelerated heart rate, nausea, dizziness, and trembling hands. These frightening experiences may be isolated or regular occurrences that interfere with daily life and relationships.
In some cases, sufferers are prone to them frequently due to an anxiety disorder. Regardless of the reason for their appearance, panic attacks are challenging to manage. Fortunately, there are natural remedies you can use to cope in times of crisis: edibles! Here’s our list of top picks:
Kief
Kief is the resin gland of the cannabis plant. It contains the same compounds as cannabis but in a more concentrated form. It’s the same substance that is collected to make hash—but kief is the product of grinding down the buds and removing the trichomes by hand or with an electric sieve. Making kief at home is accessible by gently rubbing buds between your fingers. Like cannabis, kief is a versatile substance that can be used in various ways. It can be smoked in a pipe or joint, vaporized, or added to food. Because it’s more concentrated than regular cannabis, kief offers a more potent high. Kief has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy for anxiety. It may also work by increasing the serotonin in the brain, which is a mood and anxiety regulator. However, kief also has a high level of THC, the compound responsible for the “high” sensation that is also responsible for heightened anxiety.
Weed Edibles
Cannabis edibles are foods that have been either baked or cooked with cannabis butter or oil. Some edibles are available in candies or baked goods like brownies, cookies, or cakes. Others can be mixed into drinks, such as coffee or tea. Edibles are a great way to control the dosage of cannabis you consume. Since they’re metabolized through the digestive system, they take longer to kick in than other methods of cannabis consumption. It means you have more time to find a comfortable dosage and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the experience. The effect of edibles can last from 2–6 hours. It depends on the strength of the dosage and the metabolism of the person taking them. Those with a slower metabolism may need to wait longer for them to kick in. Edibles are not recommended for first-time users. Eating cannabis is much more intense than smoking or vaping because it goes directly into the bloodstream through the liver. It causes a significantly stronger high, lasting longer than traditional consumption methods.
Delta 8 hemps
Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8 THC) is a potent cannabinoid that is known to be effective in reducing anxiety and panic attacks. It acts by activating the CB1 receptor, which is located in the brain and central nervous system. CB1 receptors are mainly responsible for regulating the release of chemicals in the body that are associated with feelings of anxiety and stress. When activated, these receptors inhibit the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which can help reduce stress and improve mood.
Different varieties of cannabis hemp are available in the market, including delta 8, delta 9, delta 10, HHC, and more. They almost have similar properties. However, people often compare delta 8 to delta 10 for the most efficacious cannabis form. You can search delta 10 vs delta 8 on the web to learn more about them.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is one of the most common go-to’s among the panic attack community. Its health benefits are endless, and it’s shown to have neuroprotective, cardiovascular, and positive effects on mood and cognition. Cacao, the plant that chocolate comes from, also has potent antioxidant properties. It can help you fight inflammation and protect against cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks. Dark chocolate is also rich in flavonoids, which studies have shown to have an anti-anxiety effect. Choose a high-quality dark chocolate bar with at least 70% cocoa for the best results.
Taurine And B Vitamins
Taurine is an amino acid in many foods, including fish, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. It’s also found in large quantities in the brain, which plays an essential role in neurotransmitter function. Some studies have found that taking a taurine supplement can reduce anxiety and improve mood. It’s typically recommended to take 500-1000 mg of compound daily. B vitamins are also crucial for regulating mood and reducing anxiety. A balanced diet will provide you with enough vitamins to maintain a healthy level of anxiety. But if you feel anxious more often than you’d like, a B vitamin supplement may help. The most common B vitamins found to reduce anxiety are B6, B9 (folate), and B12. You can get these from a quality multivitamin or a B-complex supplement.
CBD Oil
CBD oil is a cannabinoid oil that is extracted from the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, it does not produce a “high” but has many health benefits, including reducing anxiety. CBD oil has been shown to reduce anxiety by influencing serotonin levels in the brain. Unlike many other edibles on this list, CBD oil does not make you feel high. It is often used by those who suffer from anxiety but don’t want to be inebriated. CBD oil can be ingested by adding a few drops to your favorite drink. You can also use it topically to treat inflammation and pain.
Conclusion
Edibles are a great way to deal with anxiety attacks. The good thing is that they aren’t just for special occasions. You can eat edibles anytime you feel anxiety coming on. However, you should be careful when eating edibles. Start with a low dosage and wait a few hours before you eat more. To avoid an overwhelming experience, it’s best to eat a small amount, just enough to make you feel comfortable but not high. Ultimately, it’s important to remember that there is no quick fix for anxiety. While edibles can help relieve anxiety symptoms, they can’t cure the root cause of the disorder. To prevent anxiety from returning, staying on top of self-care is essential.