CBD News
The Ultimate Guide to Self-Care with CBD Products
Nov
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of over 100 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids, which can all be found in varieties of the cannabis plant, including marijuana and hemp. In recent years, there has been an explosion in the interest of self-care with CBD products.
CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are the most commonly recognized cannabinoids. However, the two chemical compounds are very different. THC has psychoactive properties, creating the characteristic “high” associated with using marijuana. CBD, on the other hand, does not have any of these psychoactive properties. Instead, it provides the benefits of cannabis without the high.
With the growing popularity of CBD oils and products, it has quickly become a common ingredient in self-care routines. Whether you’ve had a rough week or just need some time to yourself, CBD products could be just what you’ve needed to enhance your own life. Here’s your ultimate guide to incorporating CBD products into your self-care routine.
Use CBD Products for Post-Workout Routines
CBD is available in a variety of forms and delivery methods, including topical creams, lotions, balms, and salves. These work by activating the endocannabinoid receptors located within your muscle tissue. Along with more direct delivery, topical CBD products offer more localized relief, only affecting the area where you apply the balm or lotion.
Studies in rats found that transdermal forms of cannabidiol may help reduce inflammation and pain. Other studies further point to the role of your endocannabinoid system in regulating both acute and chronic pain, though more research is needed to confirm these early findings.
The key here is the direct application of the topical CBD to the affected area. You don’t have to worry about metabolism or all the processing and breakdown that happens in your stomach and intestines with edible CBD.
If you have been carrying some heavy loads or going extra hard at the gym, consider massaging some CBD lotion into your muscles, especially before you head to bed.
CBD Balms for Skin Care
Inflammation often lies at the root of many skin problems, including acne and rosacea. Even general redness and blemishes are likely caused by some degree of inflammation.
Cannabinoids have been found to possess antioxidant properties. Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals, a product of the natural oxidation that happens within your body. Free radicals can cause damage to muscles, DNA, and other tissues, including skin, contributing to inflammation and general signs of aging. CBD may work two-fold as an antioxidant to potentially help with inflammation and signs of aging, though again, more studies are needed to fully understand these potential benefits.
On top of all of that, CBD oils often contain natural fatty acids that can help nourish dry skin. If you have been spending too much time in the sun, CBD may provide relief for sunburns.
After cleansing your face, apply some CBD balm to your skin to help blemishes, soothe any signs of redness or inflammation, and generally calm yourself after a stressful day.
CBD Bath Bombs
A hot bath is one of the most essential tools in your self-care arsenal. Bath bombs, in general, elevate the experience to a new level of luxuriousness, but with CBD bath bombs you can help relax your body and calm your mind while keeping your skin nourished, soft, and smooth. Let the bath bomb wash away the sweat, dirt, and bad vibes that have accumulated throughout the day.
It’s as easy as filling your tub and dropping in the bath bomb. From there, put on your favorite album or podcast, curl up with a book (that you don’t mind getting a little waterlogged), or just let your mind wander freely. Top it off with a chilled drink to stay hydrated while you soak, and you may just replace your showers with baths altogether.
CBD and Food
Along with hygiene and relaxation, you need to recharge your body with the right foods. The good news is that CBD can be easily incorporated into just about any food or dish you could be craving. Some general tips for making food with CBD:
1. Be Aware of Temperature
Although warming CBD can help increase its general effectiveness, getting it too hot can actually eliminate some of its active components, particularly terpenes. Around 320 degrees Fahrenheit, the CBD will begin to evaporate. Generally, you should avoid heating CBD directly over high heat.
2. Sweeter Is Easier
CBD is most often used in sweet dishes and baked goods, as sugar and chocolate offer easy ways to mask the inherent bitter flavor of CBD and other cannabinoids.
3. But You Can Still Try Savory
That said, CBD can still be used quite effectively in savory dishes. It just needs to be infused into some sort of fat or oil, like butter, lard, ghee, or coconut oil. Vodka, rum, and other hard spirits also offer an effective vehicle for CBD in savory dishes.
4. Cooking Is Better Than Drizzling
As tempting as it might be to just drizzle some CBD into your soup or onto your sandwich, cooking it into your dish is always recommended. Aside from helping process the actual CBD, the heat helps the flavors mix, covering up the CBD’s bitterness.
5. Understand Refined and Unrefined CBD Oils
Refined oils offer more versatility and are generally easier to work with, as less-refined oils have more of that bitter aftertaste. However, less-refined oils can still be plenty useful in dishes containing chocolate, spices, or other strong flavors.
6. Stir It In
When you add your CBD oil, powder, or tincture, make sure you stir it in thoroughly, even more than you might think is necessary. You want to evenly distribute the cannabinoid so that every bite or sip of your dish offers plenty of CBD.
7. Store Properly
Once you have finished using your CBD oil, store it in a cool, dry place. CBD and other cannabinoids are sensitive to heat and light, both of which can degrade the active components, resulting in weaker effects and more bitter CBD oil. If you want your next CBD-infused dish to taste great, keep the oil in your pantry.
An easy and refreshing way to incorporate CBD into your self-care routine is to make a smoothie. All you need is:
– One cup of frozen strawberries
– One cup of frozen raspberries
– A half cup of blueberries
– A half cup of vanilla yogurt
– Three teaspoons of honey
– 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
– A few drops of your favorite CBD oil or a couple of teaspoons of CBD powder
Blend all the ingredients in your blender and enjoy. You can also easily add some greens, including spinach and kale, for extra fiber and nutrition. The berries, yogurt, and honey should cover up any bitterness or overly vegetal flavors.
Just as a note, CBD can have low bioavailability when taken in any sort of edible form. That means that a portion of the CBD you ingest will naturally be lost via the body’s digestive system before it actually gets absorbed into your system. Furthermore, based on a huge range of factors, CBD that has been ingested can take a few hours to take effect, and the effective serving size can vary. If it’s your first time with CBD, it’s always recommended that you start low and slow at about five milligrams before you work your way up.
CBD for Sleep
You can’t address self-care without considering the importance of a good night’s rest. Sleep not only helps refresh your body and mind, but it also just feels great to lie down and relax. However, if you’re feeling stressed, you’ll also probably have trouble falling asleep or getting a restful night in bed.
Where oils and tinctures often have to be ingested and move slowly through your digestive system, sublingual sprays deliver a small but powerful serving size of CBD directly to an area of the mouth that features highly absorbent membranes. That translates to a faster effect instead of waiting hours for the CBD to travel through your body. Simply spray the CBD under your tongue before bed. It should take just minutes to take effect and should last for hours.
5 General Self-Care Tips
There are plenty of steps you can take to enhance your self-care along with incorporating more CBD.
1. Meditate
Meditation is a simple and effective way to reduce everyday stress, promote happiness, and increase your general clarity. Best of all, you don’t need a lot of time to do it. Just a few minutes of meditation a day can make all the difference.
Find a quiet, comfortable room, close your eyes, and be present in the moment. Start by focusing on your breathing, taking the time to take full breaths in and out. Then do a quick check-in with your body, from the top of your head down to the tips of your toes. See if you can feel the skin on your scalp, your eyes, your ears. Determine if something feels painful or “off” as you scan down. Adjust your body, but move on.
The biggest misconception about meditation is that it’s about emptying your mind or thinking about nothing. In reality, it’s about being present with yourself, which also means understanding that your mind will wander, and that’s fine. If your mind wanders as you meditate, don’t get frustrated or annoyed. Simply acknowledge that your mind wandered and gently pull your attention back to yourself.
2. Clean Your Living Space
It might seem like a chore, but it can be a huge part of taking care of yourself and battling stress. It also doesn’t require a full ceiling-to-floor scrub down. Spend five to ten minutes each day cleaning, organizing, or arranging some part of your home, whether it’s your workspace, your bed, or your closet. You’d be surprised just how much you can accomplish in that time and how fulfilled you’ll feel after you’ve done it.
3. Write Down and Visualize Your Plans
As you start each day, write down and visualize your plans and hopeful accomplishments for the day. Give yourself the time you need to do what you need to do, and remember that it’s okay if you don’t finish everything you write down. This is more about organization and understanding your own needs.
4. Unplug
Social media and technology can be great tools that can help you connect with others and learn everything about the world, but that constant source of news and information can be extremely overwhelming. If possible, consider taking a break from social media and tech, even for just an hour a day. It’ll all still be there when you get back.
5. Help Your Community
Self-care is as much about helping others as it is taking care of yourself. If you have the time, consider volunteering with a local organization, whether it’s an animal shelter, library, or soup kitchen.
“Self-care” gets thrown around a lot these days. The key to it is checking in with yourself and giving yourself the space and time you need. Often, caring about others starts with caring for yourself.
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products sold by Healthy Hemp Oil are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on our website is intended to provide general information regarding our products and is not to be construed as medical advice or instruction. Read more