Seven benefits of taking CBD oil
From improving your sex life, skin and sleep. We've discovered 7 Unexpected Benefits of dosing with CBD
IF you haven’t tried CBD yet, chances are you’ve seen it in health stores, on Instagram and even on beauty counters. Almost impossible to avoid hearing about since 2015 when the first cannabis-based medicine became available in the UK under prescription. Fast forward six years and CBD is now one of the most talked about products in the health and wellness world. Loved by athletes, personal trainers, psychologists and doctors - while it has grown into a multi billion pound industry in such a short space of time, there are still a lot of consumers who don’t fully understand what CBD is and how it could benefit them. And there is a reason for this hesitation. Unlike many of the most popular health supplements on the market - take Vitamin D or Fish Oil for examples - and most people, whether they take them or not, can tell you what they can help with.
So when a new one appears to come out of nowhere - it’s easy to think “I’ll just stick to what I know.”
But with more and more research coming out about this new herbal supplement, and the list of potential health benefits getting longer and longer - could it be time to re-think CBD?
From better skin to improved sleep, CBD expert and founder of the FSA approved brand Canamis, Ed Buckwald, revealed seven of the most unexpected benefits of taking CBD. And trust me, we’ve tried a lot of different brands here at Blowout and this is hands down our favourite!
Ed Buckwald
What exactly is CBD?
CBD, or Cannabidiol oil is extracted from the leaves and flowers of hemp plants. These plant parts are usually discarded because they have no “high” value, but it is this element of the plant that provides powerful health benefits. CBD itself is a cannabinoid similar in structure to THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for the "high" experienced with cannabis, but unlike THC, CBD does not get you high. Instead of blocking your cell receptors, CBD enhances these important connections to help restore balance to your mind and body. To get scientific, we all have an endocannabinoid system in our body which regulates everything from our inflammatory responses to disease and injury, to our daily moods and sleep patterns. The human body produces cannabinoids daily to help keep things functioning smoothly, but when things like processed foods, stressful lives and a lack of sleep get in the way, our cannabinoids deplete.
CBD oil offers a way to top up your tank and keep your mind and body functioning to it’s best.
So here are the 7 unexpected benefits of taking CBD:
IMPROVE YOUR SEX LIFE
Struggle to let go and be in the moment? This could be stifling your sex drive and leaving you with “meh” orgasms – or stopping them altogether. Recent research has shown that taking CBD can help you to relax in the bedroom, paving the way for more frequent and more intense orgasms. CBD is also a vasodilator, which means it relaxes the blood vessels in your body, encouraging blood to rush to where it is needed more efficiently.
Sex experts believe that taking CBD daily helps to increase sexual sensation and pleasure while also increasing your libido.
ENJOY DEEPER SLEEP
We all know we need to get good quality sleep to keep ourselves fit and healthy, but new research https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/aug/02/coronavirus-lockdown-increase-insomnia-uk-sleep-mothers has found that the number of Britons suffering sleep loss rose from one in six to one in four in the last 12 months, A further 22 per cent say they have trouble falling asleep every single night. If you are currently nodding your head and mouthing “that’s me” at your screen, then CBDc could be the answer to your problems.
Taking CBD oil before bed can help to quiet the noise in your mind and allow you to turn own the activity levels in your mind - helping you drop off to sleep more easily.
Research suggests that CBD can help to reduce anxiety and pain while also helping to regulate sleep cycles thanks to its natural relaxation and anti inflammatory qualities, also paving the way for a deeper sleep.
CBD can be added to hot or cold drinks, so winding down at bedtime by adding a few drops to your favourite chamomile tea could be the ultimate recipe for a deep sleep.
SPOT FREE SKIN
Yes that’s right, CBD can help you achieve healthier skin.
While most people take CBD sublingually (oil drops under the tongue) CBD can also be applied topically (directly on to the skin) to help fight acne and other skin blemishes.
CBD cream works by reducing inflammation and slowing the production of sebum (oil) which can clog pores.
CBD can also help to “calm” skin that is prone to overreacting to stress, alcohol, diet or other triggers that can cause flare ups.
EASE PERIOD PAIN
One of the ladies - if you need a helping hand once a month to reduce painful menstrual cramps then taking a few drops of CBD oil under your tongue can do wonders for providing relief from these symptoms.
Research shows that CBD significantly reduces inflammation because it targets neuropeptide receptors involved in managing pain.
CBD is also great at helping to regular mood, so those who suffer with PMT or highly emotional periods can hugely benefit from supplementation.
BANISH POST WORKOUT DOMS
CBD can transform post-workout routines for athletes and amateurs alike thanks to it’s anti inflammatory capabilities and ability to target and reduce pain.
CBD oil can be taken orally or applied topically to help fight pain caused by injury, but also to reduce the aches and muscle “DOMS” after exercise.
Try introducing a post-workout muscle balm that targets aching muscles and joints to help you recover quickly.
BOOST YOUR MOOD
The human brain contains two types of cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. These receptors are activated by the presence of cannabinoids in the body. CBD works as an agonist for these two receptor sites, which helps to keep moods stable and mitigate symptoms of schizophrenia, depression or anxiety. CBD also appears to have a positive interaction with serotonin, the happy hormone.
MANAGE MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS
Most recently, research has suggested that CBD could help women improve their estrogen-to-androgen ratio, helping to reduce the hot flushes associated with the menopause.
Research is ongoing within this field of study, but early results appear promising.
Ed Buckwald says: “We’ve already seen customers turning to CBD for symptoms that are common with the menopause.
“Since cannabinoid receptors are present in the uterus, we are eagerly waiting to see the outcome of trials that will explore this link further.”
CBD is best taken as a daily supplement, like a multivitamin, rather than in reaction to symptoms.
As with any new supplement, start with a smaller dose and increase as you go.
Learn more about CBD dosing from Canamis at www.canamis.com
