Anxiety has become the modern epidemic of our time. From racing thoughts and shallow breathing to gut issues and sleep struggles, millions live in a state of chronic stress, often without fully understanding why. But behind the symptoms lies a deeper biological story, one involving your vagus nerve, your trauma history, and your body’s ability—or inability—to regulate itself.
And here’s the part they don’t tell you in a 10-minute GP appointment: Some people explore CBD and cannabis as part of their toolkit for supporting nervous system balance.
The vagus nerve (Latin for "wandering") is the tenth cranial nerve, and it truly lives up to its name. It travels from your brainstem through your throat, lungs, heart, digestive tract, and nearly every major organ, acting as the primary highway of your parasympathetic nervous system—aka your “rest and digest” mode.
Its job? To slow your heart rate, deepen your breathing, aid digestion, and regulate inflammation. When functioning properly, it creates a calm, balanced internal state. This regulation is referred to as vagal tone, and the better your vagal tone, the faster your body recovers from stress.
Low vagal tone, however, is associated with:
A 2010 study found that individuals with higher vagal tone experience more positive emotions, better social connectedness, and resilience in the face of stress.
Let’s get one thing straight: anxiety is not just “in your head.” It’s in your nervous system.
When you experience trauma, especially early life trauma or chronic stress, your nervous system gets stuck in a loop. Instead of returning to safety after a threat, your body remains in a heightened state of vigilance. This is where neuroplasticity comes in.
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections. It’s how you learn, heal, and adapt. However, trauma can cause maladaptive neuroplasticity, where the brain strengthens fear-based circuits rather than calming ones.
In practical terms:
CBD is the non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis, and while most people know it for helping with sleep or inflammation, fewer realise that CBD can directly support nervous system regulation and trauma recovery by interacting with:
Let’s break this down.
The ECS is a biological system made up of receptors (CB1 and CB2), endocannabinoids (like anandamide), and enzymes. It plays a crucial role in regulating:
Research suggests CBD interacts indirectly with ECS pathways, which may influence anandamide levels and serotonin signalling. Scientists are continuing to explore how these mechanisms relate to mood and stress.
In short, it helps your body stay balanced. And a well-balanced ECS means better vagal tone, fewer inflammatory responses, and improved emotional regulation.
Study spotlight:
A 2022 paper in Frontiers in Behavioural Neuroscience found that ECS modulation plays a critical role in fear extinction and anxiety control.
The amygdala is the part of your brain that detects threats, real or imagined. In people with anxiety or PTSD, this region becomes hyperactive. It constantly fires off signals of danger, even in safe situations.
Preliminary fMRI research has observed changes in amygdala activity after CBD use, though more studies are needed to understand what this means for anxiety or stress responses. r
Clinical study:
A 2019 study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology showed that 600mg of CBD significantly reduced amygdala response to fearful faces in social anxiety sufferers. ³
Animal studies suggest cannabinoids may influence neuroplasticity, including in areas linked to memory and emotional regulation. Human data is still emerging.
Why this matters:
Many trauma survivors experience hippocampal shrinkage, leading to poor emotional control, memory issues, and a sense of being constantly overwhelmed.
Scientific evidence:
A study in Neuropsychopharmacology (2013) found that CBD stimulates neurogenesis in the hippocampus, reversing chronic stress damage. ⁴
Emerging studies suggest that the ECS also directly influences autonomic nervous system function, which includes your vagus nerve. While human data is still growing, evidence from animal models and heart rate variability (HRV) studies point to CBD’s ability to enhance parasympathetic activation.
This matters, because:
Anecdotal support:
In many of our customers, we’ve seen improved HRV scores within 3–4 weeks of daily CBD use (typically full-spectrum oil), alongside better sleep and reduced panic symptoms.
This isn’t new. Indigenous cultures across the world have long used cannabis not just as a medicine, but as a sacred plant ally in healing circles, rituals, and rites of passage. It was never about zoning out—it was about tuning in.
Today, we are rediscovering cannabis’s role in trauma-informed therapy:
Whether in a tea, taken sublingually, or applied as a balm during bodywork. Some people report that CBD supports relaxation during trauma-informed practices, though experiences can vary and more research is needed.
If trying CBD, many people start with a low amount and gradually increase, paying attention to how their body responds. Increase gradually as needed. Everyone’s nervous system is different.
Daily dosing helps retrain the ECS. Think of it like “physiotherapy for your nerves”—you wouldn’t stretch once and expect to heal.
Using CBD balm or oil during vagal stimulation practices (like neck massage, cold plunges, or breathwork) can amplify effects.
Anxiety and trauma don’t mean you're broken. They mean your body did its best to survive something overwhelming. But survival mode isn’t meant to be permanent.
With supportive tools- such as vagus nerve practices, emotional release, and in some cases CBD - many people explore ways to encourage calm and resilience.
The science is there. The plants are here. The time is now.
Written by Dee Mani
A. The vagus nerve is a major part of the parasympathetic nervous system. It helps regulate heart rate, breathing, digestion, and overall calm. Strong “vagal tone” is linked to faster stress recovery.
A. Chronic stress or unresolved trauma can keep the nervous system in a state of hyper-alertness. This may lower vagal tone, making it harder for the body to switch into rest-and-digest mode.
A. Research is still emerging, but some studies suggest cannabinoids may influence autonomic balance and relaxation. Many people report feeling calmer when using CBD as part of their wellness routine.
A. Breathwork, cold water exposure, meditation, chanting or humming, and somatic exercises can all help stimulate the vagus nerve and promote relaxation.
A. Some early studies and user experiences suggest CBD may support relaxation, sleep, and mood balance. However, more research is needed, and results vary from person to person.
A. Many people start with a low amount of full-spectrum or broad-spectrum oil, gradually adjusting while tracking their body’s response. It’s always wise to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning.
A. No. CBD is not a substitute for professional treatment. It may be explored as a complementary tool alongside therapy, lifestyle practices, or medical care.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. CBD is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting new supplements or practices, especially if you have a medical condition or take other medications.
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