CBD products have become increasingly popular in the last couple of years as an aid to health, beauty and general wellbeing. It’s now one of the fastest growing industries within health and beauty, and has plenty of enthusiastic celebrity endorsers from Mike Tyson to Kim Kardashian.
And it’s easy to see why. CBD has been found to have multiple potential benefits from aiding sleep, reducing anxiety, clearing skin, and relieving pain, it is relatively inexpensive, and doesn’t demand a big change to your routine.
So if you like to keep on top of the latest all-round health-boosting products, CBD might be something worth trying out. (Though as always, if you are already taking medications, do consult with your doctor before adding something new to the mix!)
But what exactly is CBD, what are its reported benefits, and how do you use it? If you’re searching for some useful tips and information, look no further – we’ve got you covered!
So What is CBD?
CBD is an abbreviation of ‘cannabidiol’. Cannabidiol is a compound found naturally in hemp and cannabis plants. Yup, that’s right – marijuana.
However, unlike the intoxicating drug one typically smokes or eats, cannabidiol does NOT contain the psychoactive ingredient THC (which is illegal in some countries and some US states).
So CBD is legal, it doesn’t make you “high”, and it’s properties and effects have been scientifically researched to explore its unique health benefits. And initial studies are showing some pretty exciting results.
Typically CBD comes in oil form, either in a bottle (tincture), in edibles, sprays, or to be inhaled in a vape pen. But you can also buy capsules which you swallow, or any number of ‘topicals’ – lotions, salves, or lip balms – which allow you to apply to target a specific ailment or area of the skin.
If you’ve bought CBD oil or capsules as a starter, it is recommended that you start off with a small dose, keep track of the effects as you experience them, and slowly increase your intake if you feel safe and comfortable to do so.
Make sure to carefully read the information provided with the product and do not exceed the recommended dosage. Listen to your body! If something doesn’t feel right, reduce your dosage or stop taking it. Not everyone is the same.
When Do I Use CBD?
Studies have shown a wide range of different uses for CBD oil, both as an aid to your physical and mental health, as well as your beauty routine.
Anxiety and depression are common mental health problems which often come hand-in-hand with high stress, insomnia, and even physical aches and pains. The long term effects of anxiety and depression can negatively affect your physical health and wellbeing, sometimes leading to heart problems or cognitive impairment.
Taking CBD oil as an oral supplement – via a tincture or in a capsule – can help to reduce anxiety and have a calming effect. Taken before bed, it may also aid sleep which as we know – is crucial to proper rest, physical regeneration and mental wellbeing.
Some studies have shown a positive effect when taking CBD to combat social anxiety and performance anxiety in situations such as public speaking or even sex. So if your job includes a lot of nerve-wracking presentations, or if you’ve got a big gig coming up, CBD could help relax you and take the edge off.
It is also understood that CBD has some effect on the brain’s serotonin receptors and so may be a useful, natural remedy to help treat depression in the longer term.
Pain relief is another possible benefit of CBD, studies showing positive effects on all sorts of ailments such as migraines, back pain, arthritis, inflammation and other types of chronic pain. There is still more research to be done in this area and our bodies are all different. But if you are living with regular physical pain, CBD could help alleviate some of the worst effects.
It’s anti-inflammatory benefits also mean CBD could help relieve irritation and keep your skin clear. More than this, studies have shown that CBD can help prevent sebaceous gland cells from secreting excessive sebum, which is one of the main causes of acne.
To use CBD to treat acne, you can either apply directly to the skin (by mixing with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil), or take CBD orally. Though studies have shown direct, topical application to be the most effective.
And there we have it! CBD is an exciting new product in the world of health and wellbeing. It won’t cost much to give it a go and can have multiple positive effects.
