When CBD oil comes up in discussions about pain and stress management it usually goes one of three ways:
1. Someone uses it and swears by it
2. Someone hasn’t tried it and is hesitant because of it’s stigma related to marijuana’s psychoactive effects
3. Someone tried it once and it didn’t work for them so they wrote it off entirely
It’s true, CBD might not work for everyone. However, if you suffer from chronic pain or health conditions that have you popping pills all day – you owe it to your body to give it a try. CBD is a natural pain and stress relieving option that lacks many of the negative side effects that are associated with narcotics and over-the-counter medications. So, why aren’t more people using it? Many are scared to try hemp derived CBD oil because it’s associated with the psychoactive affects of marjuana’s THC. It’s hard to know where to start because there are so many products out there.
The most important thing to consider is that everyone is unique – stress levels, pain levels, body weight, and more factors make using CBD a custom-tailored solution. Whether someone has anxiety, joint pain, chronic pain, or just wants a good post-workout recovery plan there’s a CBD product that can help.
Everyday Uses for CBD Oil
CBD (cannabidiol) is a game-changer for stress management and pain relief because it helps soothe the endocannabinoid system in our bodies. Over the past decade there have been major advances in the medical and scientific communities about the role hemp derived CBD oil can play in treating the kinds of serious medical conditions that cause spasms, convulsions and seizures. CBD’s usage and benefits don’t always have to be that extreme, though. CBD is so versatile and gentle, it can help just about everyone.
People commonly use CBD for:
– General aches and pains
– Muscle soreness
– Joint pain
– Stress and anxiety
– Anti-inflammatory aid
In addition to helping our central nervous system control stress, there are impressive anti-inflammatory results when using CBD after an injury or surgery.
Dispelling Common CBD Oil Myths
The #1 piece of information everyone should know is that hemp derived CBD oil is NOT a drug. We are talking about products with 0.3% THC to 0% THC in them based on the preparation. In this way it is similar to hemp, which is used commonly for rope, clothes, etc. Hemp derived CBD products are legal across the USA and available in stores and online. Please, do not miss out on the benefits of hemp derived CBD oil because you think it would cause legal trouble for you. It is the CBD products that are marijuana derived that are not legal in all 50 states. Thus it is crucial to look for products that say “hemp derived CBD” to comply with federal law.
Another important detail about CBD is that there is no toxicity level – meaning you can’t take too much. There’s no way to overdose; in fact, most people don’t take enough. That’s usually why people try it and claim it doesn’t work. They’re dipping their toe in ever-so-cautiously because it’s new and different. They aren’t figuring out the proper dose and delivery method for their body weight, body fat percentage, and pain level, they aren’t getting the results they need.
Finding the Best Delivery Method
These days there are so many ways you can include CBD into your wellness routine. There are candy, drinks, and even bath bombs! How fast CBD works and how long it lasts will vary depending on how you use it. It’s all about finding what works best for you.
Some of the delivery methods I DON’T recommend, when starting out, are:
– Vaping – This delivery is the fastest method but measuring the dose of your inhale is difficult
– Edibles – A healthy diet is always important and these are usually sweet snacks or candies
My top picks to start with:
– Capsules – Best because you can measure the dosage!
– Tincture drops under the tongue – Also good for measuring dosage but have a faster delivery
– Topical Application – Helps to localize treatment for pain and inflammation
Finding the Right Dose
This is the trickiest part – CBD has amazing benefits if you know how to find your correct dosage. Think about how much pain you’re in or how stressed you are. If you’re constantly stressed, your body is stuck in fight-or-flight mode, the endocannabinoid system is going to need more CBD to balance your body.
Are you in shape? Your weight and specifically your body fat percentage will affect how much CBD you need for it to be effective. It’s especially important when you’re ingesting CBD via a capsule or tincture. Any time you’re digesting something it’s going to take longer to get into your system. Also, some of what you take will just be stored in your fat cells.
A common CBD dose is 1mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight. My tip is to add 10mg if you have extra body fat. Capsules usually come at 10, 20, or 50mg. Most people like to use the 10mg pills to best control the dosage increments. For the average person, who is just looking for general wellness benefits, many people believe 25mg a day to be a good place to start.
If using a tincture, figure out the dosage per drop. Effects should be felt in 15 to 30 minutes and typically last about 4 hours. CBD absorbs best in an oily format, so having a fatty snack after taking it can help the process.
If you’re going with a topical treatment just keep in mind that you may need to use more lotion or bath bombs if you’ve got more cushion on your body. Stimulating the area with warmth from a bath, shower, workout, or red-light therapy can help get the best results. Most topical treatments take about 30 minutes to work and may need to be reapplied throughout the day. Whatever you choose, track where you start and increase your dosage in small increments to find the right method for you.
What to Look for When Shopping for CBD
Because there are so many CBD products out there, as well as a plethora of online shopping options, here’s what to consider when shopping for CBD:
1. Look for whole plant CBD extract – NOT hemp seed oil!
2. Don’t go cheap! A high-quality product may run you around $40-50
3. Make sure the brand has 3rd party purity testing – clean farming, no harsh chemicals
4. The oil should be made by Ethanol or CO2 extraction methods
If CBD Oil Still Doesn’t Work for You
Sometimes, CBD isn’t enough to treat the severity of someone’s pain or anxiety. In this case I may suggest a product that has a small amount of THC to help the CBD activate. Even as little as the legal .03% THC level can make a difference. If someone is open to including THC in their treatment, I recommend not going above 2 mg of THC per dose. If THC is not an option, the herb echinacea could possibly help enhance the effects of CBD as well.
Make CBD Oil Your New Wellness Treatment
Stress is not just an issue but a killer, especially in America ! CBD oil is not only a great stress fighter, it’s a natural, gentle pain relief option with little to no side effects. CBD helps soothe the endocannabinoid system and reduces inflammation which can help the body — whether you’re recovering from a workout or a broken leg. Remember, how well you manage pain plays a role in how well you age. Stay healthy as you get older by using CBD as a wellness treatment for your body.
Click HERE to read more about anti-aging, managing stress levels and suggestions for your overall health.
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