An herbal approach for PTSD
Every patient has unique, individual needs.
Yet, for patients with PTSD, Dr. Hart often
recommends a regimen of CBD during the
day and THC at night. After THC treatment, many find that they are
less likely to experience nightmares and night
terrors, which can significantly disrupt sleep
patterns. Poor sleep means potentially
worsened symptoms the next day.
• The reason why I recommend CBD
during the day and THC at night is
because, for one, CBD has been
shown to be effective in the literature
for PTSD. Because of that, I know
that patients can benefit from it in the
daytime without having to use THC. Cannabis is just one piece of the puzzle
Though cannabis has vast medical potential, it
is just one piece of the puzzle.
While different cannabinoids can help reduce
learned fear and temporarily correct an
imbalance in the endocannabinoid system,
Hart has found that the plant is most beneficial
when integrated with significant lifestyle
changes. The crux of these lifestyle changes is
diet and exercise.
• I limit THC use in the daytime
because I know that it can cause
some short-term memory problems
and cognitive problems. My goal
with my patients is to improve their
functional outcome, so I want to
make sure that I’m treating the
symptoms of PTSD, but I also want
to make sure that I’m actually
improving their overall functioning.
• So, it’s great if someone has severe
hypervigilance and they’re able to
live their day without experiencing
that symptom. But it’s more
gratifying to myself if that patient is
able to go out and perform and
function and do something, and
commit to a higher level.
Dr. Hart also acknowledges that while CBD
can be beneficial for sleep, THC is considered
a more powerful sedative.
As mentioned above, anandamide is released
during exercise. This means that it’s a good
idea for patients with PTSD to get out and
move. In order for the body to make
anandamide, a diet rich in healthy fats is
necessary.
“Everyone should be following a healthy diet,
anyway,” says Dr. Hart. “That’s the
cornerstone of overall health and wellbeing.”
While cannabis has been successful for Dr.
Hart and his patients, Hart makes sure that
lifestyle changes are the cornerstone of his
treatment plans.
When experimenting with cannabis for
PTSD, Dr. Hart strongly encourages working
closely with a savvy physician.
https://herb.co/learn/cannabis-combats-ptsd/