What Are The Benefits of Using CBD For Pets

Cannabidiol (CBD) is renowned in the health and wellness industry for improving the quality of life of human beings. CBD promotes a state of homeostasis that enables the body and the mind to heal from harm or injury without subjecting the patient to extensive pain or discomfort.

However, CBD isn’t only useful in treating humans. It’s also beneficial for animals, specifically household pets who are recovering from small injuries or that happen to suffer from social anxiety. As a natural remedy, CBD helps humans and animals alike improve the quality of their lives without any significant side effects.

CBD for pets benefits

According to the American Kennel Club, CBD treats neuropathic pain within animals and also helps to control seizures. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that allow pets to heal from small cuts or injuries without damaging or oversentivizing the central nervous system.

Like people, animals have an endocannabinoid system that enables the body’s natural endocannabinoids to attach to nerve receptors. Sometimes, there are a deficient number of endocannabinoids flowing through the body, which can oversensitize the nerve receptors and send signals to the brain that exacerbate the pain within the body.

CBD’s molecular compounds are very similar to the body’s own endocannabinoids. Regular doses of CBD can increase the quantity of endocannabinoids, attach themselves to the nerve receptors, and prevent the brain from responding to any pain or sensitivity within the nerve cells.

CBD for animals

Since there are real benefits from using CBD oil, the big question remains – how much is a healthy dose to administer to your pet? The most common household pets are cats and dogs so let’s focus on the healthy dosages for those animals.

How much CBD can cats have

You should consult with your primary veterinarian before administering any CBD to your cat. If your cat has been administered other medications for illnesses or afflictions, those treatments could upset the benefits of using CBD oil. Ask for your veterinarian’s recommendation, and then determine how to administer CBD to your cat.

How much CBD oil should I give my dog

Similar to a cat, you should start with a small dose of CBD for your dog. Given that their body masses are much smaller in relation to humans, they require less of a dose to treat illnesses and ailments than people. Factors like the age and overall health of your dog will help determine the optimal dose for their conditions, as well as through consultations with your veterinarian.

Studies have shown that CBD can help treat social anxiety within dogs and allow them to experience more calm and less aggressive day to day interactions at home. Dogs can be very startled by unexpected noises like construction or thunderstorms due to their very sensitive hearing. A few drops of CBD oil can help tame those fearful responses to loud or unsettling noises and allow your dog to live a less stressful life.

CBD benefits for pets

CBD provides many benefits to all different types of animals. It’s been known to treat anxiety for small animals like dogs, cats, and even birds that live in small cages within the house. But it’s also been useful in helping improve the quality of life for larger animals like horses.

Some of the most common benefits from CBD for pets of any size include:

  • Improvements in social anxiety and feelings of anxiousness
  • Treatment of seizures and other epileptic conditions
  • Reductions in physical pain or discomfort
  • Increased appetites and healthy eating habits
  • Reductions in cancerous cells and ailments

Many people treat their pets as equal members of the family and want to do all that they can to improve their quality of life. It’s natural to feel loving care and responsibility for a sick pet, and using CBD to treat those illnesses or ailments will not only improve your pet’s well-being, but also allow you, as the owner, to achieve peace of mind.

CBD pet care calming and soothing lotion

As a natural and healthy remedy, CBD is one of the most organic ways to treat any illnesses or injuries that affect your pet’s well-being. In particular, hemp-derived CBD products contain high concentrations of CBD oil that support your pet’s endocannabinoid system to reduce the effects of physical or mental pain and anguish.

Using hemp-derived CBD products like coconut oils or soothing lotions will help assist with your pet’s general mobility, social anxiousness, or pain mitigation. The coconut aroma promotes a soothing and tasty effect with each treatment, ensuring the dosage will be properly administered and ingested by your furry little friend.

All it takes is a few drops of oil on the tongue or a slight dab of lotion behind the ears for CBD to take effect. It will be absorbed directly into your pet’s bloodstream and enter the endocannabinoid system to start interacting with the body’s nerve receptors. Within only minutes after administering the dosage, you can expect the effects of CBD to start making an impact on your pet.

Final thoughts

If you have a four legged loved one that is living in pain or suffers from anxiousness, CBD can be one of the best remedies you can use to improve their livelihoods. It’s a perfectly natural product with no significant side effects, ensuring that your pets remain happy and healthy throughout their lives.

One thing to keep in mind is that other medications administered to your pet may interfere with CBD’s natural healing abilities. As previously mentioned, consult with your pet’s primary veterinarian for advice on CBD oil and whether regular doses would be beneficial for your furry little friend. Your veterinarian will know your pet’s medical history, and can make a medically-backed recommendation on how much CBD to administer to your pets.

Is CBD Skincare Worth It?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound found within the cannabis plant. The cannabis (or hemp) plant contains over one hundred different compounds – the most famous being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the compound which gives a psychoactive effect, associated with the classic ‘marijuana high’.

CBD, however, contains trace amounts of THC (0.03%) and has become somewhat of a worldwide phenomenon in recent years, praised for its healing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-packed properties and health benefits. Now, you can find CBD in a versatile range of products, from cooking oils to gummy bears, to vapes and unsurprisingly – creams and lotions in the world of beauty and skincare. In fact, Research shows CBD skincare’s market size is estimated to reach $1.7 by 2025.

Does CBD Improve Skin?

For treating more serious skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, CBD topical solutions have shown to be an effective gentle, appeasing tool. In relieving skin itchiness in severe eczema cases for example, a study shows a 60% radical decline in the harshness of itch for patients. 20% of the patients were even able to stop using their prescribed pharmaceutical drug treatment, in favour of a CBD topical lotion replacement. 

CBD works by integrating with our endocannabinoid system (ECS). When we consume CBD orally, or apply directly to an area of skin, the special compounds within CBD bind to receptors which work within our ECS (known as CB1 and CB2). Our endocannabinoid system is related to our overall sense of balance, harmony and well-being. It manages sleep, appetite, mood, temperature regulation and it can sense when something feels ‘off’ or disrupted in the body. Generally speaking, CBD acts as a soothing, smoothing balm to irritation and irregulation. Whether that be troubled or acne-prone skin, a more severe case of eczema/psoriasis or a painful tightness in your left knee – for example. 

When considering, ‘Is CBD skincare worth it?’ from a more cosmetic perspective, it is advantageous to consider CBD is also packed full of antioxidants and omega fatty acids – which are highly beneficial for skin, hair and nails. The hemp seeds help to maintain the skin’s moisture balance and regulate oil production by hydrating without clogging pores. CBD also contains a unique type of omega-6 fatty acid, which performs like an inflammatory anti-agent. Not only useful when treating angry or oily looking skin, this can also be a helpful tool in reducing the appearance of wrinkles, and adding a plumpness and vitality to dryness. 

CBD Skin Care Products

Ok, so you’re sold on the glossy idea of CBD in skincare. Now you want to know, which products are best for my skin type? There are unlimited items on the market, each one using new buzz words and enticing slogans – the choice can be overwhelming. If this is your first time using CBD, a good option could be to add a couple oil tincture drops to your regular face or body lotion over a 2-3 week period and notice the difference. This way, you can also consume CBD orally if you wish, for a holistic approach to finding out for yourself is CBD skincare worth it. Try the Calyx Boost 250mg CBD Oil – a great kickstarter to the world of CBD and endocannabinoid system, and the ideal way to test your appropriate dosage level. Boost is the lowest CBD concentrated tincture in the Calyx oil range.

For a heavier dosage cream, the Calyx Smooth 600mg CBD Lotion is a rich silky balm, designed for ample moisturisation as well as for persistant aches and pains. With its hydration elements and highest concentration of plant-based CBD, this water-based anti-inflammatory aid can also be used to treat clinical skin conditions. It’s made with lavender and sandalwood essential oils, to add a delicious scent of relaxation.

Can CBD Oil Reduce Wrinkles?

Anti-ageing products make up for the largest market share of skincare. Despite ageing being a perfectly healthy (and natural) part of life, everyone is looking for the secret formula to visibly diminish the appearance of dullness, ruddiness, crows feet and laughter lines, as new birthdays approach. Whilst CBD isn’t the only antioxidant product on the market (Vitamin C and Retinol are other hugely popular options), it’s moisturisation properties in conjunction with anti-wrinkle repair, could be an enticing option for those wanting to explore the world of cannabis beauty.

Wrinkles are inevitable as we grow older – as ‘free radicals’ build up over time, causing natural damage to cells. Skin becomes thinner, drier, wrinklier and generally speaking, more fragile. This largely cannot be avoided, although sun exposure, poor diet, excessive stress and tobacco smoking can all contribute to the body’s natural production levels of collagen and elastic. CBD not only contains antioxidants, but also special substances known as linoleic and oleic acids, which contribute to overall skin health and appearance.

CBD can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, by repairing free radical damage, and smoothing fine lines over time. The antioxidants in CBD work in this way by  binding to the molecules in the skin cells, which also acts as a form of protection.

CBD Face Mask

Generally speaking, human skin is not the most permeable. Meaning, the skin naturally tries to block substances from entering the body. A face mask can alternatively be applied generously – thick enough to penetrate the dermal barrier and reach the bloodstream. The skin pores therefore can more easily absorb the antioxidants found within CBD. CBD face masks can be created by applying a thick layer of a CBD topical lotion (Smooth+ for example) on to the skin, and leaving it on for 10-20 minutes before massaging the lotion into the skin thoroughly. This way, the CBD compounds have a longer ‘opportunity’ to interact with the cannabinoid receptors directly beneath the skin. CBD facemasks are a popular natural, plant-derived option, in comparison to more chemically-made sought after brands available.

When deciding ‘is CBD skincare worth it or not’, sampling a CBD face mask treatment could be the quickest way to find out. Though most scientific research into CBD skincare is largely anecdotal, CBD face masks have shown remarkable results in their potency as an anti-inflammatory, damage reducing, anti-drying and rejuvenating face balm.

So, is CBD Skincare Worth it? Final Thoughts:

In our honest opinion – yes CBD skincare is worth it. For its wide range of benefits and suitability for a number of different skin health issues. Whether it’s acne, redness, wrinkles, dyrness or itchiness, CBD has you covered. With so many products available, here are some final tips and tricks when looking to blend CBD into your skin care routine:

  • Check for third-party certification on the purity and stated amount of CBD to be sure the label is truthful. Due to issues surrounding legislations, this industry can be prone to false claims.
  • Be sure the ingredient states ‘cannabidiol’, not just ‘hemp seed oil’ or ‘hemp seed extract’, this is not the same as CBD oil. 
  • CBD skincare should be contained in safe, sealed packaging. Clear bottles, jars or any sort of container which allows for a lot of light and air will make the CBD less effective. These products should be avoided.
  • You might see ‘isolate’, ‘full spectrum’ or ‘broad spectrum’ CBD on the label, which can help to differentiate. However, it’s also important to be aware these terms are not fully regulated.
  • Due to the plant-derived quality of CBD, the substances available are ideal for sensitive skin, and there are no known side effects for skin products. Try CBD for your skin for at least a couple of weeks, and enjoy noticing that new healthy glow.

How to Use CBD for Chronic Back Pain

Back pain can become one of the biggest disruptors of our day to day lives. According to the Mayo Clinic, back pain is one of the most common reasons that people must visit their doctors and miss out on everyday activities like going to work or simply being up and about. For that reason, many ask about CBD for chronic back pain.

Symptoms of back pain can be as minor as a slight muscle ache to as serious as stabbing or burning sensations in the back that stretch down through the legs. In more critical forms of back pain, any movement of the spine can trigger unbearable agony in the body.

To help people who suffer with back pain, there’s a growing consensus in the medical community about the benefits of using CBD oil to reduce the agony of the condition. As a natural remedy that has become synonymous with the health and wellness industry, CBD provides many physical and mental benefits to patients in dire need of relief.

CBD oil for pain and inflammation

Whenever you experience an injury, your body’s immune system will begin the process of healing itself. Inflammation is part of that process, and it involves the white blood cells within the body releasing natural chemicals into the bloodstream to weed out dangerous toxins or causes of physical pain or harm.

However, if inflammation lasts for too long of a time, it can cause chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation sensitizes every organ, nerve, and tissue within the body to the point where people live in constant pain from the condition.

Doctors may recommend using CBD oil for pain relief as it contains anti-inflammatory properties. Regular doses of CBD allow the body to enter a state of homeostasis by allowing the body’s natural endocannabinoid system to block pain receptors from sending signals to the brain. If the brain doesn’t compute that the body is in pain, inflammation will subside and the patient can return to a healthier state of being.

Does CBD oil work for pain

CBD has been proven to reduce the effects of pain and discomfort for people who have been diagnosed with a variety of different conditions. For example, CBD’s natural ability to relax the body’s aches and pains has helped people cope with arthritis in tight joints.

CBD has also been prescribed for people who experience gout, and it’s also helped people with serious pain or lesions deep within the bones. Additionally, the FDA approved a CBD-derived drug known as Epidiolex as the first CBD medically approved treatment for two rare forms of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.

How to use CBD oil for pain

The most common way to use CBD for chronic back pain is in the form of an oil. Using a dropper, ingest the oil sublingually (under the tongue), and allow the droplets to remain under the tongue for approximately 30 seconds. Additionally, you can use a cream to absorb CBD through the skin where it will work its way into the bloodstream organically.

During this time, the oil is being absorbed into the bloodstream. Once the oil has become part of the bloodstream, it will intersect with the endocannabinoid system and block pain receptors in sensitive or damaged nerves from transmitting signals to the brain about the discomfort. This allows the body to minimize the effects of illness or injury while promoting healthier and more fulfilling well-beings.

Will CBD Help With Back Pain

Scientists have conducted many studies to determine the net benefits of CBD oil. While there are still conclusions to be drawn about the benefits of CBD oil, researchers have almost universally concluded that people living with chronic or severe pain will experience some pain relief by taking regular doses of CBD for chronic back pain.

Among the most important research into pain relief, including back pain, are a series of studies that analyze data dating all the way back to 1975. The data showed that CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties were able to mitigate the effects of chronic pain with no significant side effects from the treatment.

By alleviating the tenseness in the muscles and reducing pressure on the joints, CBD can allow the spine to shift and rotate as normal without causing searing pain to shoot through the bodily system. This relief allows people to forego pain and carry on with their day to day lives in happier, healthier, and more fulfilling ways.

CBD lotion for back pain

CBD lotions or creams relieve the most common symptoms of muscle or joint pain with a simple application onto the skin. Dab a small amount of cream into the palm of your hand and rub gently against the tender area of your lower back where the pain emanates. Once the skin thoroughly absorbs the lotion, the CBD oil will absorb into the body and you’ll begin to feel the effects of the treatment.

Always consult with your doctor before you begin using CBD oils or creams for back pain treatment. While there are typically no side effects to the treatment, your personal medical history may have potential for complications derived from the treatment. Your doctor’s knowledge of your history will determine whether CBD for chronic back pain is the right treatment for you.

Additionally, make sure that you purchase any CBD creams from a reliable vendor, like Calyx. When you purchase from a trusted source, you can expect a certain quality of product to always be delivered to your door. This ensures that you don’t inadvertently apply a defective treatment to your body and risk worsening your back pain.

Final thoughts

Back pain is one of the most uncomfortable and restrictive injuries that can plague the body. Finding a way to combat that pain and improve the quality of your life will unquestionably improve your overall health and happiness.

Natural remedies are always a safer and more fulfilling method of treatment. CBD oil has the potential to minimize the worst effects of your back pain and increase the quality of your life so that you can get back to doing the things you want to do.

Always do check with your doctor before taking CBD oil, but don’t be afraid to have that consultation. Once you get the nod of approval, you can purchase CBD oils, creams, or other products that will alleviate your pain and put you back on the path to a more fulfilling livelihood.

Can You Take CBD Before and After Surgery?

As a natural remedy to promote health and wellness, CBD oil has benefited many people who choose to ingest it into their bodies. CBD has the ability to promote a sense of homeostasis within both the body and the mind, enabling people who experience symptoms of physical pain or mental distress to improve the quality of their lives. It’s natural to raise the question of CBD before and after surgery.

CBD is available in a wide variety of products, including oils, tablets, capsules, sprays, and lotions. Oils, in particular, are very easy to ingest into the body. A few droplets from an oil dropper sit under the tongue for approximately 30 seconds before the oil is absorbed into the bloodstream. The effects of the oil can be felt almost immediately.

Ingesting CBD oil is a very safe and straightforward procedure, but is it safe to do so around the time of major surgery? Can you safely take CBD oil before and after surgery? Let’s discuss the benefits and concerns of both pre and post-surgical CBD ingestions.

CBD for pain after surgery

Recovering from surgery can take days, weeks, and sometimes months depending on the severity of the operation. Recovery requires plenty of rest and medications to prevent post-surgical infections or risks to the body. Unlike hospital administered medications, CBD is a natural remedy that can be used to recover from surgical procedures.

How does CBD work?

The human body contains what’s known as the endocannabinoid system, which produces endocannabinoids that attach to nerve cells and receptors throughout the body. These receptors manage the effects of pain or inflammation within the body that prevent or lessen the brain’s ability to recognize pain, aches, or stiffness.

However, the body sometimes struggles to produce enough endocannabinoids to keep the system functioning properly. CBD is molecularly similar to the body’s natural endocannabinoids and can substitute for depleted systems. When ingested into the body, CBD attaches to two particular receptors known as CB1 and CB2, effectively blocking pain or ache signals from reaching the brain. Consequently, the body feels less pain and the patient is able to experience a more content and fulfilling life.

Does CBD help with post-surgical recovery?

Surgery is a very painful procedure, though the patient doesn’t feel the effects since they’re unconscious during the operation. But there are many post-surgery pains and symptoms that afflict people in recovery, and CBD can help mitigate those symptoms.

Some of the most common post-surgical symptoms include:

  • Headaches
  • Muscle pain
  • Arthritis
  • Join pain
  • Inflammation
  • Back pain

Regular doses of CBD oil can reduce the effects of each of those symptoms so the body doesn’t feel such strong pain. Additionally, CBD helps promote healthy sleep, which is vital to recovery from a serious surgical procedure.

Effects of CBD before and after an MRI

Before surgery is deemed necessary, patients typically undergo at least one MRI to identify any patterns in the brainwaves that could threaten the patient’s health in the event of a surgical procedure. Seizures are not uncommon side effects of an MRI, but a recent study suggests CBD can help mitigate those symptoms.

The University of Alabama conducted a CBD study that was published in Science Direct. Twenty seven participants were administered daily CBD doses of 15-25 mg, and doses were administered before and after an MRI. The patients documented any seizure-like symptoms throughout the study, and the notes showed decreases in seizure-like episodes, including epilepsy, before and after the MRI.

Effects of CBD before and after anesthesia

Regular ingestions of CBD, particularly CBD derived from marijuana plants, can influence how the body responds to anesthesia, according to Harvard Medical School. Anesthesia helps patients go to sleep in preparation for surgery, but a higher tolerance for marijuana-derived CBD could require higher doses of anesthesia. Doctors need to be made aware of these tolerances to prescribe the proper amount of anesthesia.

The article makes no mention of hemp, which is one of the reasons why hemp-derived CBD oil, from trusted providers, can be more beneficial to people.

Effects of CBD before and after a tooth extraction

One of CBD’s primary benefits is its ability to reduce feelings of anxiety. According to a medical study on tooth extractions, dental phobia is a very real condition that can be treated with controlled doses of CBD oil. Medical experts recommend small doses of CBD oil the night before and the morning of a tooth extraction procedure to help patients get healthy amounts of sleep, and to reduce their anxiousness about the procedure.

Effects of CBD before and after chemotherapy

A growing number of experts in the medical community believe that CBD could be the ideal therapy to help patients prepare for and recover from chemotherapy. Doctors suggest that CBD has the ability to co-exist with the drugs from chemotherapy without disrupting the effects or impact on the patient.

Final thoughts

Surgery is a very serious invasive medical procedure, but it’s a necessary one when the situation calls for such a treatment. Recovery from surgery can be a very long and painful process, yet CBD oil can minimize those painful aftereffects so that happier and healthier lives can be restored. CBD before and after surgery has its advantages.

As mentioned, in regards to CBD’s effects on anesthesia, it’s important to mention to the attending doctors any regular CBD use prior to preparation for surgical procedures. Higher tolerances for CBD could influence the amount of medication required for a surgical procedure, and doctors need to know how much to prescribe to ensure a smooth surgery goes ahead.

CBD is an anti-inflammatory remedy that can minimize feelings of physical pain and improve mental health and well-being, both of which are directly affected by the toll of surgical procedures. If CBD seems like a viable option to improve your preparation for or recovery from surgical procedures, contact your primary care physician to speak about that option for a trained medical opinion on whether or not to proceed.

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

What Are Winter Blues?

What are winter blues exactly, or to put in more scientific terms, what is Seasonal Affective Disorder? Seasonal Affective Disorder (often known and written as SAD) is considered a type of depression (reduced serotonin levels, lower mood, lesser energy), which follows a specific seasonal cycle or pattern. SAD is a subtype of depression, meaning the symptoms are the same, however it is usually specific to the winter months, when there is a distinct lack of sunlight. Disturbance to the biological clock which regulates our sleep-wake cycle (known as something called our circadian rhythm) is often the trigger, as well as hormonal changes in serotonin and melatonin levels, which occur when the nights become longer, and the days become shorter (often combined with a drop in temperature).

Winter Blues Symptoms

Generally speaking, the winter blues or SAD symptoms are recognised as an overall lack of energy and heightened sense of sadness or indifference. This can often include over-eating and sleeping too much. However, here are some other signs to look out for, if you are wondering how to determine what is seasonal affective disorder.

  • Loss of interest in hobbies you usually enjoy (activities feel like too much effort to be enjoyable)
  • Struggling to focus at work (scatterbrained, easily distracted)
  • Feeling slower and more lethargic (more tired, despite less activity)
  • Withdrawing from social situations (socialising feels intimidating and negative)
  • Difficulty making decisions, taking initiative, or sticking to plans (reluctancy to create goals or plans at all)
  • Feelings of hopelessness or despair about the future (finding it difficult to put effort into everyday life)

How to Beat the Winter Blues

As with mental health in general, whilst there is no magic pill or formula you can take, there are certainly plenty of scientifically proven ways which can help to alleviate symptoms. What is Seasonal Affective Disorder medicine without a good healthy diet and exercise (this always goes without saying and can often be the best place to start). Put down the cheese covered meals, sugary snacks and overly-processed cereals. Start with a brisk walk, a light job, a gentle stretch. The rest becomes easier with time.

How Long Does it Last?

SAD typically lasts between fall and spring, over the course of the winter months. However, it can also occur throughout the summer months. This also depends, of course, on which side of the equator you are on. The further you are away from the equator, can determine how short your days, and how long your nights are. Typically wherever there is less sunlight, there will be an increase in winter blues symptoms, for a longer period of time.

Seasonal Affective Disorder Treatment

So now we know the answer to what is Seasonal Affective Disorder, we need to know how to treat it. How can we help ourselves and each other to feel better, during the hardest parts of the winter months? There are a few different remedies to mention here:

  • When there is available sunlight, go and get the most you can from it. This will help boost serotonin levels, even for an hour or two on your lunch break. Some sun on your face can work wonders for your overall sense of wellbeing. 
  • If natural sunlight simply isn’t available, you can purchase lights designed for helping decrease SAD symptoms. These light boxes mimic sunlight, and can help boost your natural production of melatonin.
  • A habitual sleep routine of getting up and going to bed at the same time each day can really help to normalise and harmonise your natural circadian rhythms (and therefore happy hormones).
  • Boosting your intake of vitamins, minerals and level of exercise generally can be kept simple for most people. On the whole, avoid too many dense carbohydrates, which can be a typical comfort food in the winter. Try to include as many fruits, vegetables, proteins and fibre-packed grains such as quinoa and wild rice in your diet as you can. Keep sugary treats as treats. Breaking a sweat a few times a week does wonders for SAD, whether that means a light home work-out, a gym session or run around in the local park with a ball and a couple of friends.
  • Remember to drink plenty of water. This can be more difficult to do when it’s easier to crave alcohol or hot chocolate during the winter months, when our body craves warmth. Limit your alcohol intake too – as alcohol is a depressant and can make you feel more lethargic in the long-term. 
  • Make sure you are including social time in your calendar to spend time with friends and family. Even making time for a phone call or FaceTime with someone can make a huge difference to your day. Physical interaction is ideal, so even if it doesn’t feel totally naturally when you are heavy with the winter blues, an extra push to go and spend some time talking about other things with other people can be really benefitial.
  • CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) is proven and effective for various kinds of depression. For long-lasting treatment of SAD, especially if particularly severe, this could be a practical option. CBT works by challenging (and changing) attitudes and behaviours. Focussing on beliefs and thoughts that are held by a person’s cognitive processes.
  • Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) could also be an option for a more severe case of the winter blues. Always speak with your doctor about the risks, dosage, an idea of length of time and what you hope to achieve. SSRIs work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can often alleviate symptoms to a point where CBT is more effective.

Does CBD Help With Depression?

With other factors in place, as mentioned above, such as a healthy diet, enough sunlight, some stretching, walking or sweat-breaking – yes, a daily dose of CBD oil can also help ease the effects of seasonal and/or bouts of depression in everyday life. Our endocannabinoid system (ECS) is linked to regualting our overall sense of harmony and balance in the body, taking into consideration elements such as our mood, sleep cycle, temperature gauge and appetite. The compounds within CBD work by binding to receptors CB1 and CB2, increasing the production levels and therefore overall functioning of our ECS. CBD works in combating depression by interacting with our body’s serotonin receptors. Though scientific proof is based largely on animal and anecdotal studies in this area, there is thought that CBD could eventually be thought of as a natural alternative to depression and anxiety medication (such as SSRIs). For now, consider consuming this plant-based medicine in the form of tincture oils, capsules or sprays, as part of a holistic approach to caring for your mind and body.

Does CBD Help With Anxiety

Similar to the ways in which CBD can help ease symptoms of depression, the CB1 and CB2 receptors are also linked to our central nervous system, and therefore levels of increased or decreased stress and anxiety. A lack of serotonin is also linked to the hormone cortisol, which is pumped around our blood when our body enters a state of perceived threat, emergency or something known as fight or flight. Scientific studies have shown evidence that CBD could help counterbalance the brain malfunctions associated with chronic stress. Other factors which cause stress are surprisingly genetic (a heavier imbalance in our hormones and neurotransmitters) and environmental toxins. Ultimately, CBD helps with anxiety by regulating the ECS, which is linked to our central nervous system, which is connected to the release of the stress hormone cortisol. If you are curious about experimenting with CBD oil for anxiety, try 1-2 drops of the Calyx Heal CBD Tincture Oil before bedtime to help regulate your serotonin production and sleep cycle.

CBD Oil Beauty Routine

What is CBD?

In short, CBD stands for cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is just one of over one hundred different types of cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is responsible for cannabis’ euphoric effects, or ‘high’. CBD on the other hand is non-intoxicating, and is known to be packed full of antioxidants and healing properties – with a (limited, but nonetheless) FDA approval for Epidiolex – a drug intended to treat epilepsy.

Both THC and CBD work by binding to certain receptors in the body (named CB1 and CB2), which interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system runs throughout our bodies, including the nervous system, muscles, brain, heart, skin, immune system and digestive organs. Whether your interest in CBD is sparked by CBD oil beauty, CBD oil as an aid for anxiety, or CBD for faster muscle repair, the benefits of this plant-derived oil are multifaceted. 

The ECS is predominantly physiological. Its responsibility is to maintain a sense of balance, harmony and peace in all bodily systems. This includes sleep, mood, memory, appetite, inflammation, temperature awareness and pleasure. When one or more of these areas are on ‘high alert’, or not functioning to their intended capacity, it is the work of the endocannabinoid system to try and regulate the system back to normality. Both THC and CBD can help the receptors CB1 and CB2 reproduce, therefore increasing this sense of equilibrium in the ECS, and consequently, the entire body.

How does this apply to CBD Oil Beauty?

CBD is also bursting full of antioxidants and beneficial amino acids. Similarly to the ways it binds to receptors to treat aches, pains, inflammation, or mental chattiness – it can also help to appease and add a glossiness to agitated, wrinkly or acne-prone skin.

In clinical skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema, the main body of research is still limited almost entirely to animal and anecdotal studies – however, much like other areas of testing CBD’s potential, the studies are ongoing and are showing highly encouraging evidence.

CBD oil beauty in the meantime, is on the rise – and for good reason. There are a number of different ways you can integrate CBD oil into your daily skin care routine.

Do I Need a Daily Skin Care Routine?

If you’re looking to improve the appearance of ageing skin, the short answer is yes. A  daily skin care routine allows the effectiveness of the product to work over time. Because no temple is built over night. How many products do I have to try? Remember: each skin is different, so make sure you are sampling in the right area for your skin age and type. A consultation with a dermatologist should be able to help you in this area, if you are really unsure of where to begin. Judging by the texture and luminance of your natural skin, once cleaned, you should have an idea whether you gravitate more towards dry/sensitive or oily/combination.

What is a Good Skin Care Routine?

The basic principles behind a quality skincare routine are a three step process: cleanse, treat and moisturize. Dr. Ashley Magovern, founder of Manhattan Dermatology, explains ‘treating’ your skin involves using things like vitamin C serums, creams packed with retinol, or a CBD oil topical solution. Dr. Magovern says, ‘the middle step can make a huge difference over time, in the appearance of ageing skin’.

CBD in Beauty Products

Some tips for sampling CBD oil beauty products: always read the label, and make sure the ingredients list says it is inclusive of ‘cannabidiol’. Even ‘hemp extract’ or ‘hemp seed oil’ is not necessarily pure CBD oil. Some brands list their CBD content in milligrams, which can be a good way to check.

There are also three different areas of CBD to consider, which can also be recognised in the world of CBD oil beauty. The difference between ‘isolate’, ‘full-spectrum’ and ‘broad-spectrum’.

  • Isolate: pure CBD. No other cannabinoids. 
  • Broad Spectrum: No THC is detectable. 
  • Full Spectrum: Trace amounts of THC and other cannabinoids such as CBG and antioxidant compounds.

Does CBD Oil Tighten Skin?

CBD interacts with skin (specifically, ageing skin), by reducing free-radical damage. Free radicals are atoms or molecules in the body, which are highly reactive with other cellular structures, because they contain ‘unpaired electrons’. Imagine one of these cells moving all over the place, bumping into other cells and disrupting their flow. Free-radicals can cause damage to skin cell proteins and DNA, causing collagen to break down faster. Antioxidants are substances which protect your cells against free-radicals. As CBD is full of antioxidants, the oil works to reduce the look of dullness, deterioration and wrinkles overtime.

Looking for some inspiration of where to start?

The Calyx Smooth 600mg CBD Lotion is a heavy, soothing, silky balm, designed for even the most tenacious aches and pains. With its hydration properties and highest concentration of hemp-derived CBD, this water-based anti-inflammatory natural cream can be used to treat clinical skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. Tinted with lavender and sandalwood essential oils, to add a sensory touch of relaxation to the experience.

Drop any of the three Calyx CBD Bloom – 100mg Bath Bombs into your tub to fizzle, soak and soothe into. Lullaby, Heart to Heart and Detox each providing their own flavourful zest. These unique bath blooms have the added CBD quality to their mix of essential oils. The CBD engages receptors through your skin, thanks to the moisture and humidity, while the citric acid provides the fizz. Bath bombs are a luxurious, experiential way to integrate CBD oil beauty into  routine. For the ultimate relaxation and full-body treatment.

The Calyx Boost 250mg CBD Oil is an all round customer favourite, and an excellent way to enter the world of CBD. Acting as a kick-starter to the endocannabinoid system, Boost is the lowest CBD concentrated tincture in the Calyx oil range. The perfect way to interact with your dosage level, and start experimenting with your baseline ECS. This tincture can be taken in the morning, evening, or even throughout the day to help regulate your senses. You can even use Boost infused with your favourite skincare products for added hydration. Just add 1-2 drops into your moisturiser, or this product can be applied directly on to skin.

Can CBD Reverse Aging?

Ageing skin naturally becomes more fragile, thinner and drier over-time. The search for the miracle cream to plump our skin is neverending. While no CBD cream, or any other cream for that matter, can technically ‘reverse ageing’, it can definitely help to protect skin from further declination. CBD also contains linoleic and oleic acids, both contribute to skin health and longevity.

CBD Cream for Wrinkles

Wrinkles are a natural part of ageing, caused by external and internal factors, which largely cannot be avoided – a simple fact of life. However, some elements such as an excess of sun exposure, an unhealthy diet, too much stress and smoking tobacco, as well as environmental factors (living in harsher conditions), can certainly lower the body’s natural production levels of collagen and elastin. The antioxidants in CBD oil can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, working as an anti-inflammatory agent to the skin, repairing damage and smoothing fine lines over time. The molecules in CBD oil work by binding to the molecules in the skin cells, protecting them from free-radical damage.

Final Thoughts

CBD oil beauty: what’s the verdict? While there are plenty of antioxidant products on the market, CBD is a strong choice. Furthering your topical solution with a tincture oil could also increase the levels of antioxidants in your bloodstream. Our advice is to experiment with introducing a CBD product to your daily skin care regime, and see what works for you and your skin-type.

Celebrities Who Use CBD

Just in case you’re fresh to the scene: the legal separation of the hemp plant from the marijuana plant in 2018 has led to a natural-health boom in the CBD industry worldwide. Marijuana contains an ample amount of the cannabinoid known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which contains a psychoactive effect or euphoric ‘high’. The hemp cannabidiol (CBD) however, is100% clean, natural, and works by organically balancing the body’s chemicals. The surge in both research and product development has been huge – with the industry estimated to be worth $20 billion by 2024.

This endless growth in popularity is clear – the health-benefiting elements found within this medicine offer a solution to some of the modern culture’s negative symptoms. Numerous and ongoing studies into the hemp plant have shown promising examples of various CBD oil tinctures, capsules, sprays, topical creams, gummies, and vapes being used as a natural anti-inflammatory, pain relief, and mental health aiding supplement.

It’s no surprise the industry has also inspired a celebrity cult following. CBD users across the board – athletes, Hollywood actors, musicians, and politicians – all swear by the calming, soothing effect of the various CBD-related products on the market.

For the rich and famous, CBD-usage falls into three main categories:

  • Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can be used as part of a programme for exercise and muscle recovery. Studies suggest CBD is taken either orally or applied directly to sore areas and joints, can help to accelerate the healing of tightness in the body.
  • Improving memory and focus. CBD has also been shown to relieve symptoms of ADHD – which has links to overall mental wellbeing. Being more present in our lives and less distracted, particularly when it comes to stabilizing a work-life balance has become increasingly important and challenging in recent years. Especially if you’re living a fast-paced, busy lifestyle.
  • Research suggests CBD could work in assistance to those suffering from anxiety, depression, and sleep-related difficulties. CBD compounds bind to endocannabinoid receptors in the brain, calming ‘inflamed’ levels of stress. CBD has also been linked to increased levels of dopamine, which naturally supports sleep, a healthy appetite, and works to combat levels of cortisol – the body’s natural high-alert response.

Athletes Who Use CBD

Anthony and Sergio Pettis

These two professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters have been keen to talk about their use of CBD products, as well as a partnership with The CBDistillery. Anthony is a former lightweight champion and Sergio is in the bantamweight division – both pushing their bodies to their limits in terms of strength and endurance. They say CBD helps with their aches and pains – and is always included in their regime and training programme. Anthony claims CBD oil helps with ‘the body’s natural healing process’. Sergio said he prefers to use CBD than ‘potentially damaging anti-inflammatories like Tylenol and Advil’, as CBD has no side effects.

Megan Rapinoe

Soccer star and Olympic gold medalist, Megan Rapinoe was also intrigued by CBD offering a natural remedy for pain relief. She was looking for a healthier option, which worked in-sync with the chemicals in her body – the fact CBD also works as a sleeping aid and relaxation tool was a bonus. Megan has been crowned a Women’s World Cup champion twice and has also won the title of 2019 FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year. She now works with a CBD brand sponsorship because she says, ‘There’s a lot of stigma around the use of CBD in soccer. There needs to be greater education so athletes can make an informed decision.”

Ben Franks

With two Rugby World Cup titles under his belt, Ben Franks is one of the world’s most successful people to have ever tossed a rugby ball – famously playing for the ‘All Blacks’ New Zealand team. Franks has been using CBD ‘long before it was popular’ thanks to a teammate recommending it as a game-changer he has ‘never looked back on’. Franks, having played Rugby for over two decades, is aware of the impact the sport has on the body, and how CBD can help with a faster recovery. He is now the founder of company Impact Sports CBD. Together with co-owner James Haskell, Ben claims he is on a mission to make more sportsmen and women aware of what they are putting their bodies through, and how CBD can support pain management.

Celebrities Who Use CBD

Jennifer Aniston

World-renowned actress and film producer, Jennifer Aniston, uses CBD oil as an aid to help her overcome occasional bouts of anxiety and depression. She prefers THC-free hemp products as she says they come with all the relaxation benefits of the marijuana plant, minus the psychoactive (and sometimes lethargic) effect.

Kim Kardashian

Reality TV star and overall media personality, Kim Kardashian, claims she has been a huge fan of CBD. She says it has helped her to overcome feelings of overwhelm throughout her career – but particularly during law school, and since having her fourth child. With her busy lifestyle of modelling, acting, becoming a mother, and developing her skills as a businesswoman – she swears by CBD topical lotions and creams, to help her relax and get to sleep. Even her most recent baby shower was CBD themed, with guests stretched out on yoga mats, each provided with an oil for themselves to keep.

Martha Stewart 

American businesswoman and TV personality, Martha Stewart, says she has been using various CBD topical creams and lotions to soothe an aching tendon. She claims they have been really effective, and applying the lotion has become part of her daily routine. Martha is now looking to collaborate with a CBD company to create a product line for pets, eventually spanning out into cosmetics and food products.

Tom Hanks

Most know Tom Hanks as a world-renowned actor and film-maker, but few know about his battle with type two diabetes. Hanks started using CBD oil to relieve stress and anxiety and later discovered the side-effect of it soothing aches and pains related to his diabetes. He has since been working with Cornell University to look into the benefits of cannabidiol for people diagnosed with stress-related diseases and fellow diabetes sufferers. 

Gwyneth Paltrow

A-list actress, author and businesswoman, Gwyneth Paltrow, has been focusing on her own wellness brand – Goop – in more recent years, which has been working to bring health-based knowledge and awareness to the masses. Paltrow has been a huge advocate for CBD oils and tinctures from the start and began writing about their benefits long before the list of celebrities who use CBD was quite so long. In 2018 she launched a Goop summit, where a panelist of speakers outlined the important differences between the THC and CBD cannabinoids.

The Trailer Park Boys

Canadian TV entertainment entrepreneurs, The Trailer Park Boys are collaborating with OrganiGram to promote the use of CBD and cannabis-related products for medical usage. The show was a huge hit in Canada, but relatively unknown to the rest of the world, until TBS productions partnered with Netflix. Now with their popularity spreading across the US and beyond, they want to focus on developing packaging and branding for CBD products sold by OrganiGram.

Gene Simmons

Notorious 80’s rock band ‘Kiss’ co-founder Gene Simmons is notably passionate about the benefits of the hemp plant. He is in the process of creating a line of CBD-infused, non-alcoholic sodas for the USA and Canada, with ‘Rock Steady Sodas Inc.’ and has invested over $10 million into Canadian cannabis grower ‘Invictus’.

Drake

Toronto-born rapper, songwriter, producer, businessman, and CBD user – Aubrey Drake Graham – has also decided to launch his very own cannabis & CBD business, ‘More Life Growth Company’. Focussing on various CBD and cannabis-related products, extracts, herbal teas, papers, and clothing.

Final Thoughts

Despite the growing number of celebrities who use CBD, the hundreds of product designs, labels, and marketing/PR specialists found in this industry, we always advise potential users to do their own research and investigation before purchasing a product. Due to the changing legislation in various parts of the world, it is not uncommon to come across brands with very low levels of the CBD cannabinoid in their products. Check labels thoroughly, and if possible, ask to see a third-party seal of approval.

Though medical research is well underway – testing to see whether CBD can be used as an alternative replacement to some common modern medicines – the research into humans suffering from major illnesses is still somewhat premature. We suggest using CBD as part of an overall holistic attitude to improving your health. If you’re eating a healthy diet, looking after your body, getting regular exercise, and are already working with mind-body practices such as yoga, mediation, dance, or creativity – CBD can be an incredibly beneficial boost to your daily routine.

CBD Massage Oil Benefits

CBD (cannabidiol) is one of hundreds of compounds extracted from both cannabis and hemp plants. CBD oil has become a popular commodity within the health and wellness industry as its natural molecular components enable people to heal or, otherwise, improve the quality of both their physical and mental lives.

Once extracted from the plants, particularly hemp-derived oils, CBD is distributed in a wide array of products that promote healthy organic livelihoods. CBD skin lotions, in particular, are popular commodities in the health and wellness space. These lotions are natural skin cream bases with an optimized dose of CBD oil to improve localized skin or pain irritations.

Due to their healing and soothing properties, CBD lotions are often used by massage therapists in sessions with their own patients. The combination of a soothing CBD skin cream mixed with the calming nature of a full body massage allows people to enter a deep state of calm and relaxation, which promotes significant benefits to both physical and mental health.

Let’s look into CBD oil massages and the benefits derived from those sessions.

CBD Oil Massage Benefits

Massages are commonly used to treat both physical aches and soreness and also to help calm anxious or negative thoughts that flood into the mind. High blood pressure is a common symptom for people living with anxiety, and a massage can help calm the anxious feelings that cause a person’s blood pressure to spike. In fact, CBD has treated high blood pressure cases and helped improve people’s lives.

A CBD oil massage enables both the body and the mind to relax. Feelings of stress and the pressures of everyday life fade away during a CBD massage, allowing the body to enter a state of calm that relaxes a person’s blood pressure. Low blood pressure promotes a healthier life with fewer risks of medical complications, and CBD massages are a great way to boost one’s level of content.

How to Make CBD Massage Oil

There are actually several steps of preparation to consider before you start making your own CBD massage oil. You’ll want to be honest with yourself and ask a series of questions about the type of treatment you want to give yourself. Think of your homemade CBD massage oil as a means of bringing the spa home with you. Think about the feelings and sensations you experience when visiting a spa and how you can recreate those feelings yourself at home.

Ask yourself questions like:

  • Should the oil combat excessive dry skin?
  • Do you want the oil odorless or should it have a scent?
  • How thick should the oil be?
  • What’s the size of the CBD dose to include in the oil?

Answers to each of these questions will help you create a recipe unique to your own needs so you create CBD massage oil that delivers exactly what you expect. Making your own massage oil and lotions are not the only CBD DIY recipes either; in fact, there’s a great DIY recipe for CBD gummies that you can use to add edible treats to your at-home spa experience.

CBD Massage Oil Effects

One of the main benefits of CBD oil massages is that anyone can enjoy the remedy. Typically, CBD is ingested directly into the body in the form of oil droplets, capsules, or edibles that mix into the bloodstream once they’re digested. For the majority of people, this method of treatment is perfectly safe. However, there are instances where underlying medical conditions can make digesting CBD unsafe for a person’s health and well being.

CBD massage oil lotions, on the other hand, are not ingestible treatments. The oil lies within the lotion, which is itself absorbed by the body’s skin. There’s no digestion required, which makes this method of CBD treatment perfectly safe for almost anyone.

Additionally, as the massage works out sore muscles, the CBD oil helps:

  • Eliminate joint aches and pains
  • Prevent inflammation
  • Reduce the effects of anxiety
  • Treat skin conditions

CBD Massage Oil for Pain

CBD is a helpful remedy to block pain receptors in the body from sending signals to the brain. CBD enters the body’s endocannabinoid system, which connects the nerve receptors to the brain tissue and manages feelings of pain or discomfort within the body.

Both the body and the mind achieve states of homeostasis through CBD oil treatments, enabling calm and relaxing sensations that prevent overwhelming feelings of pain or discomfort from registering in the brain.

Coupled with the relaxing sensations of a standard massage, CBD lotions allow people to achieve states of harmonic bliss. These moments offer a reset for people coping with difficult moments in time, allowing them to process those moments and move on to healthier and happier periods of their lives.

Best CBD Massage Oil

Healthline offers a guide on their recommended best CBD massage oils. However, keep in mind that you should always find a trusted provider of CBD products, in any capacity, before you agree to purchase them.

The main benefit of Calyx-branded CBD lotions and other products is that you can trust the quality and purity of CBD concentrations within those products. All of our products are derived from hemp plants which, by their own molecular compounds, contain minuscule traces of THC. You can trust that there are no psychoactive effects from Calyx-branded CBD products. All of our lotions promote homeostasis and calming and relaxing effects on your health and wellbeing.

CBD and Concussions

CBD is one of over 100 cannabinoids with roots in both cannabis and hemp plants. Advocates in the health and wellness industries advocate for mass extraction of CBD oil from these plants in order to distribute the product as a natural organic remedy to improve the livelihoods of people living with debilitating conditions.

Hemp-derived CBD oil, in particular, promotes healthy living in a number of ways. There are oils that provide users a boost of energy as well as ones that promote a state of calmness and mental alertness. There are also oils that can heal bodily injuries or harm, which can go a long way towards improving both the physical and mental well being of people living with serious medical complications.

One of the ongoing questions about CBD’s capabilities relates to concussions and, specifically, if there’s a way to treat concussion-like symptoms using CBD products. That’s what we’re going to look into with this article.

Symptoms of a Concussion

First and foremost, what exactly are the symptoms that point to a concussion? The CDC has a list of guidelines for identifying concussions in young children and teenagers, which all revolve around painful trauma to the brain. Among the most common symptoms are:

  • Appearing dazed or stunned
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Headaches or intense pressure in the head
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Trouble with light or noise

A more detailed guide is also available describing how concussions affect adults. The symptoms for a concussion in an adult are almost identical to the symptoms in young children so the methods of treatment are very similar.

It’s important for the victim of a concussion as well as any friends or loved ones in their lives to recognize the serious symptoms of the condition as soon as possible. Left untreated, concussions can cause long-lasting conditions that diminish the overall quality of one’s life.

How to Cure a Concussion Fast

Always contact your primary doctor if you think you’ve had a concussion. Your doctor will be able to diagnose the severity of the injury, and he or she can prescribe the correct method of treatment to help you fully recover from the concussion.

At the same time, there’s a list of guidelines on how to speed up concussion recovery, and many of the suggestions are at-home remedies you can do yourself. From spending less time staring at electronic screens to minimizing movement of your head or neck, you can help coach your body through its own healing process to accelerate the recovery.

Lots of rest is also key. The brain has suffered significant injury from a concussion, and rest is what enables the brain and the body to reset themselves to their pre-injury levels.

Side Effects of Concussions

In addition to the pain and short-term effects of a concussion, there are many long-term repercussions that will likely impact people who sustain such injuries. 

The University of Utah Public Health Department states that most concussion symptoms will pass on their own in a few weeks time. However, up to 20% of people will experience side effects of a concussion for up to 6 weeks after the injury. These side effects include:

  • Memory problems
  • Irritability
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Sensitivity to light and noise
  • Depression

Any one of these side effects or a combination of multiple conditions makes it more difficult for people to recover from concussion injuries. Depression, in particular, is prone to extend the trauma associated with the injury as feelings of physical and mental pain reduce a person’s overall outlook on life. For people with ongoing depression, CBD oil can actually improve the brain’s response to how the body feels, reducing feelings of depression in patients.

Treatment for Post Concussion Syndrome

When post-concussion syndrome afflicts patients, medical advisors recommend those people contact their doctors as soon as possible. Symptoms that last up to 6 weeks or beyond are signs of structural damage to the brain that can inhibit both the mind and the body’s ability to recover from the concussion injury.

The Mayo Clinic states that older people are more likely to experience long-term post-concussion syndrome due to the fact that their bodies are frailer than younger people. Similarly, the Mayo Clinic says that, while there’s no conclusive explanation, women tend to experience post-concussion symptoms more commonly than men.

CBD and Concussions

To help reduce the potential for post-concussion syndrome, researchers have tested CBD’s ability to improve the recovery from a concussion. Studies have already shown that CBD’s therapeutic benefits show promising potential in treating neurodegenerative disorders and other nerve disruptions in the brain, suggesting a rudimentary framework for treating concussion symptoms as well.

In research about concussions, doctors suggest that post-concussion syndrome is indicative of structural damage to the brain, or disruption of the messaging system in the nerves that connect to the brain itself. 

CBD has the potential to improve those conditions, particularly disruption to the nerves that impact speech and messaging. When ingested into the body, CBD enters the endocannabinoid system, which connects to nerve receptors in the body. Injuries like concussions disrupt those nerves and increase their sensitivity, which transmits signals of pain to the brain.

CBD blocks those receptors from sending pain signals to the brain, allowing the body to remain in a state of homeostasis. This enables both the body and the mind to recover from any extenuating injuries so that they can return to a healthy state of well-being.

Clinical trials testing CBD’s effectiveness in mice with concussion-like symptoms have already shown promising results. Human trials are underway that researchers are optimistic will point to new therapies to combat post-concussion syndrome and improve thousands of innocent lives.

Final Thoughts

Make no mistake about it; a concussion is a very serious injury and should always be treated with the utmost care. If you’ve suffered from a concussion, you know exactly how painful it can be and that recovery requires time and care to reach the other side.

Contact your primary doctor to get the recommended treatment for a concussion, and ask your physician about their opinion on using CBD for a Concussion to combat the symptoms. Many medical practitioners have recommended CBD to their patients to treat a number of underlying conditions, and your doctor may suggest CBD as a viable treatment for your symptoms.

CBD With Yoga

The budding list of ample health and medical benefits found within the CBD compound has been shaking up a worldwide curiosity in recent years – and for good reason. The properties found within this natural, plant-derived medicine offer a solution to some of the modern societies’ most common aches and pains.

Similarly, the practise of yoga has become a tool – approached with much enthusiasm by westerners and easterners alike – in developing strength and balance in the body, as well as peace and tranquility in the mind. As both works alongside our body’s natural endocannabinoid system, the use of CBD with yoga could be thought of as a natural advantage. Think of the partnership between honey on top of greek yoghurt or ketchup with your fries.

CBD is different from other cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) because it does not contain a psychoactive effect or euphoric feeling. The effects are more aligned with balancing the body’s natural chemicals (endocannabinoid system). However, it is important to learn the facts on how we can use CBD with yoga most effectively before consuming.

How CBD Could Benefit Yoga

Studies have shown that the stretching and flexing amplified by certain postures within a yoga practise, can activate the endocannabinoid receptors in the muscle tissue. CBD, astoundingly, works in a comparable way. The endocannabinoid system is a connected and intertwined series of cells, which flow throughout the body. Working much like neurotransmitters, these cells attach themselves to cannabinoid receptors. CBD works by enabling increased reproduction of these cells (named CB1 and CB2).

On a physical level, activation of the endocannabinoid system through stretching throughout a yoga practise has a number of benefits, such as:

  • Reducing inflammation in the muscle tissue
  • Supporting protein synthesis by reducing the stress hormone ‘cortisol’
  • Reducing muscle pain (by relaxing the tissue)
  • Aids an overall faster recovery

Yoga can put a physical demand on tendons and ligaments. Transitioning between postures, as well as the various poses themselves asks the body to bend with increased flexibility and suppleness. If you’re new to the practise, or stretching before or after sports in an alien concept to you, this requirement of your muscles can feel intense – especially if performed incorrectly, or not handled with care. Yoga also represents balance and an increased awareness of body positioning – which also requires increased strength of muscle tissue.

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can be used as part of a holistic remedy for exercise and muscle recovery. Tinctures, sprays, and capsules can be taken orally as part of your supplement routine, however, studies have shown applying a topical CBD lotion directly to muscles and joints can help to accelerate the soothing of tightness in the body.

The Mind-Body Connection Between Yoga and CBD

We’ve recognised the physical connection between CBD and yoga, but what about the mind? Yoga is a practise centred around energy. Two parts of this philosophy and concept are breathwork (pranayama) and a series of postures (asana).

Traditionally, yoga is a physical practise used to prepare the body for meditation. The idea behind the exercise is to clean the body of toxins built up in our tissues – often caused by stress-related hormones being released into the bloodstream. As we practise yoga more regularly, the goal is to quiet the mind whilst moving through the postures and focussing, or bringing awareness, to how the movement feels in the body.

Yoga highlights the link between our minds and our bodies, encompassing the theory that a rigid, tightened body is linked to more rigid ways of thinking. Fluidity in the body represents more fluid ways of thinking (surrendering, trusting, and letting go more easily).

By stretching and increasing flexibility, whilst creating a time, place, and space to bring energy back to ourselves, we are also promoting calm, openness in the mind. Therefore yoga encourages a more mindful approach to life, both on and off the mat.

Studies have shown CBD can be a useful aid for mental health-related issues, such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. CBD works for treating anxiety, much in the same way it does for muscle-relaxing. The CBD compounds bind to endocannabinoid receptors in the brain, soothing and calming ‘inflamed’ levels of stress and anxiety. CBD has also been linked to increased levels of dopamine, which naturally supports sleep, a healthy appetite, and works to combat levels of cortisol – the body’s natural high-alert response.

More Benefits of CBD with Yoga

CBD has been shown to relieve symptoms of ADHD, by improving focus and memory – which has links to overall mental wellbeing. We live in a world of constant distractions, and being more present in our day to day lives is becoming increasingly challenging and sought after.

Both yoga and CBD offer themselves as solutions to help ignite awareness of the present moment. As notifications are often pulling our minds and our bodies in different directions – CBD can also provide yogis with a remedy for clarity and concentration.

Chronic stress is also linked to cognitive and emotional dysregulation, which contributes to the deterioration of overall mental health. Neuroinflammation is caused when the body experiences chronic stress for extended periods of time. CBD can help to reduce neuroinflammation – which can ultimately allow for more simplicity, quietness, and lightness of the mind. All of which are at the centre of yoga practise.

Can CBD Deepen Your Practice?

In the Vedas (ancient Hindu texts describing the origins of yoga), cannabis and yoga are very closely linked. The sacred plant was thought to promote joy and compassion – a gift from the gods to help free humans from everyday stresses and anxieties.

The benefits of using CBD and yoga together feel as much of a good combination as salt & pepper, peanut butter & jelly, or Starsky & Hutch. Both helping to bring balance to the mind and body, by soothing and calming aches, pains, and reducing toxins in the bloodstream. 

If you’re curious to try the combination of CBD with yoga, we recommend starting with a smaller dosage of 1-2 drops of CBD oil tincture, or one CBD capsule before you start your yoga practise at home. You can always build up and experiment with different dosage measures later.

Final Thoughts

When purchasing a CBD product, it’s important to be aware that not all are created in the same way. Due to the variation of laws and legislations in different parts of the world, the industry is known for misguidance and poor quality products. Always question and research thoroughly when considering which brand to buy from.

Medical studies of CBD on humans are somewhat early on in this area. However, based on a developing body of animal and anecdotal studies – we will likely see increased validation of CBD’s medical efficiency as research continues. For now, consider CBD as a powerful antioxidant – best used as part of a holistic routine, encompassing a healthy diet, exercise, and sleep pattern. If you have other health issues and are considering trying CBD with yoga, we always recommend checking in with your doctor first.