Recently around the water cooler, there’s been chatter about the benefits of CBD oil. And, by the water cooler, I mean Moms Night Out at a wine bar. Under hushed voices, benefits of CBD were being discussed in serious tones. Heck, even the family dog was taking CBD for arthritic hips.
Not being very familiar with CBD oil or related products, I decided to dive deep into research and find out what the chatter on the down-low was all about. I mean, it’s basically pot, right?
So, No. CBD is Not Pot – At Least it’s Not What You’re Thinking.
CBD oil will not cause you to experience a euphoric effect, or “high.” Because CBD oil comes from cannabis (hemp), a common misconception is that it is psychoactive. The truth is, both hemp and marijuana are cannabis plants. Unlike medical marijuana products, CBD oil that’s derived from hemp, however, contains only trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the well-known psychoactive cannabinoid. THC is the stuff that makes people feel high, NOT CBD.
However, CBD does appear to produce significant changes in the body and has been found to have medical benefits.
Benefits
Because of the way that CBD acts in the body, it has many potential benefits.
- Natural pain relief or anti-inflammatory properties
- Improve Sleep
- Reduce PMS Symptoms
- Quitting smoking and drug withdrawals
- Epilepsy and other mental health disorders
- Helps fight cancer – A review posted to the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology notes that CBD appears to block cancer cells from spreading around the body and invading an area entirely.
- Anxiety disorders (PTS, Panic Disorders, Social Anxiety, OCD) – However, if you have Chronic Anxiety, it may actually amplify your symptoms. Self-testing is suggested as anxiety encompasses a wide spectrum.
- Type 1 Diabetes (helps ease inflammation in the pancreas in type 1 diabetes.)
- Acne treatment is another promising use for CBD. The condition is caused, in part, by inflammation and overworked sebaceous glands in the body.
- Pet Care – CBD can treat a lot of common problems your dog may have including, anxiety, cancer pain, arthritis and seizures.
How It Works
Derived from cannabis plants like hemp, cannabinoids such as CBD interact with your native endocannabinoid system. This central system’s responsibility is to maintain the body’s homeostasis for a wide array of systems, including sleep, mood, anxiety, pain, appetite, and immune response. Each day, our outside environment influences our systems, causing them to fluctuate. The endocannabinoid system is constantly working to keeping them in balance. CBD and other cannabinoids support the efforts of this naturally occurring endocannabinoid system. If you want further knowledge about CBD, this is a good source: https://www.projectcbd
It’s very rare that I have a good night’s sleep.
I attribute my lack of sleep to a bazillion things, but the two stand-outs are changing hormones and a constant barrage of things ‘to do’ on my mind. I also have frequent back and neck pain. I’ve self-medicated with Alleve for pain and Benedyrl to help me sleep, but I’m not excited about either remedy because when given the choice, I prefer natural care. Therefore, I was ready to try out a CBD product and see what the hushed chatter was all about.
I reached out to Therapeutic Treats for this article, because of all the CBD products out there, they appear to be firing on all cylinders.
All of their ingredients are Non-GMO and certified organic. The CBD comes from organic hemp and the chocolates come from the Ecuadorian Rain Forest. Also, the hemp oil that they use contains less than 1% THC thus ensuring its legal in all 50 states and is exempt from the DEA’s Schedule of classified drugs.
Each bar has 60mg of CBD, and squares are marked off with 15mg each for easier dosage.
Recommended dosage:
When it came time to test it out, I made my guinea pig, I mean husband try it first! He had just pulled his back working in our garage and was having a hard time getting comfortable, so he seemed like the perfect candidate. He took 15mg of CBD oil and honestly did not love the taste.
The next morning, I was about to ask him how he slept, but he beat me to it. He excitedly told me that he had some solid sleep without pain. He also said he didn’t feel tired or sluggish, which can often be a side-effect of taking something like Benedryl the night before. This was promising news!
The next evening, I sampled 15 MG of CBD. I too got the strong herbal taste, but it didn’t bother me much. About 30 minutes later I noted that I had a sense of calmness. I didn’t feel tired, or off, just calm is the only way I can describe it. As a hyper Type A person, I don’t often feel calm and so it was a new feeling. I liked it!
Would I Recommend CBD Oil To Friends?
Absolutely, yes. After testing it out for a week, my husband can I can see how it’s helping our sleep schedules. Keep in mind we are taking a very small amount before bed, and we have not tried it during the day time.
I know so many Moms who use over the counter sleeping aids or pain relievers for neck, back and hip pain. My suggestion is to try CBD for a week and see if it’s a good fit for you, as it’s sourced naturally and heck, eating chocolate is a lot more tasty!
