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CBD: What is the new wellness trend and how can it help you?

Photo credit: IRA_EVVA - Getty Images
Photo credit: IRA_EVVA - Getty Images

From Red Online

You've probably heard the term 'CBD' here, there and everywhere recently, and it might seem like everyone who is anyone in the wellness industry is using it in some form.

In fact, since the outbreak of coronavirus, the number of people using it to help ease their anxiety and lower their stress levels has increased, with Google searches for CBD at 27,000 a day. But, what on earth is it?

Many of us will know CBD in relation to marijuana, which it is a part of, and understandably this can be off putting for lots of people. That's why we wanted to iron out the facts from the fiction and really understand what's what when it comes to how CBD oil can help us.

Here is how CBD works and how it can impact us.


What is CBD?

CBD is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis or marijuana plant, cannabis sativa. CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or hemp oil. It is non psychoactive and doesn’t get you ‘high’.

How does CBD work?

CBD produces some cannabinoids of its own, which are called Endocannabinoids. CBD binds to CB1 receptors (primarily found in the brain and nervous system) and CB2 receptors (found in peripheral organs) throughout the body. CBD simply promotes the normal function of the endocannabinoid system present in all humans and mammals.

How can it affect everyday life?

CBD has been reported to have many positive effects on peoples everyday lives and well being. It has been found to help with anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, along with combating diabetes, helping with fibromyalgia and easing chronic pain. By taking the oil tinctures, the balms or creams and the edibles, it has been reported to greatly improve general wellness, sleep and reducing inflammation and pain.

Photo credit: Michal Venera - Getty Images
Photo credit: Michal Venera - Getty Images

Is CBD good for your skin?

CBD has been found to be very good for calming and relaxing the skin; assisting with giving it that youthful look. Not only have testimonials shown the oil regenerates, firms and soothes your skin, but - most importantly – CBD feeds it with the vitamins, anti-oxidants, phytonutrients and essential fatty acids that are essential for youthful, flawless skin.

How do balms and creams help repair and restore?

CBD has anti-inflammatory actions which people have said are helpful for conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. There are also balms, body salves and hemp creams available which have been found to help with pain relief, post workout recovery and inflammation.

How to make sure it's safe

We spoke to Oli Harris, Creative Director & Co-Founder at Aire CBD, who gave his tips on how to make sure that the CBD you opt for is safe.

1.

Firstly, make sure that any CBD brand you are looking at is a member of the Cannabis Trades Association (CTA). They are the governing body that oversees the sector and they make sure everything said and done is above-board.

2.

Secondly, make sure they have genuine lab test results available to verify what you are buying.

3.

And finally, don’t get sucked into buying the cheapest products on the market. Generally, they taste terrible and don’t work very well. Like most things in life you get the quality you pay for.

So, how do you get started?

Oli explains:

Anyone who’s done a bit of research will also have noticed there’s a number of different strengths of CBD oil available. Everyone is different but for first-time users we’d always suggest starting with the lower strength and building up gradually over time if required. At Aire, we offer 5%, 10% and 15% oils. For people buying for the first time we’d always recommend the 5%.

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Taking it is pretty straight forward. You simply put 2 or 3 drops under your tongue, hold for 30 seconds and then swallow. We recommend doing this no more than 3 or 4 times per day. Putting the drops into food and drink is also a good way to take it. Aire CBD oils have a nice clean, mellow taste which actually works really well in porridge – a personal favourite of mine.

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