You’ve probably been hearing a lot about cannabidiol, better known by the acronym – CBD, and hemp oil lately. And let’s be real: these are hardly new inventions. They’ve been around for roughly forever, but the conversation around them has taken a major turn over the last few years. Traditionally, words like “hemp” and “CBD” have been associated primarily with recreational drug use (scandalous!), but that’s no longer the case. CBD and hemp are now living a whole new life in the wellness world, becoming increasingly mainstream all the time. And guess what? We’re here for it!
As a reminder, we’re not doctors (did you think we were? cool!) — but we are pretty good at sorting through overwhelming piles of information and bringing you the headlines so you can feel empowered to make well-informed decisions for yourself and the people you care about. Given all of the information out there right now about CBD and hemp, we figured it was about time that we give you the real deal… at least as we see it! Keep scrolling for some useful nuggets that will (hopefully) give you the tools you need to decide whether or not hemp or CBD have a role to play in your own life.
- Let’s get the definitions out of the way, especially because hemp and CBD oils are different. According to Well+Good, CBD is a component of the cannabis plant that’s chock full of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s produced by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil, like coconut or hemp oil. Hemp oil is made from hemp seeds. It’s a cold-pressed extract with a similar consistency to sunflower seed oil and jojoba oil. It’s high in antioxidants and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids. It does not, however, contain any CBD. It’s important not to confuse the two when you’re making purchases, because hemp oil does not have as full a range of benefits as CBD oil.
- CBD oil, in particular, has a lot of health benefits. It’s no accident that CBD oil is suddenly getting so much attention. We’re talking about it because it works! Healthline notes a wide range of health advantages, including pain relief, anti-tumor effects, and benefits to heart and brain health. It’s also beneficial for skin problems, anxiety, substance abuse, and depression. If you think that CBD oil could help relieve any of your personal health issues, we highly recommend that you chat with your doctor about it. While it’s readily available without a prescription at certain stores, it doesn’t come cheap, so it’s worth your while to get some medical advice before you give it a shot.
- Hemp oil isn’t so shabby, either. Hemp oil is often used as the carrier oil for CBD, but it has a few of its own advantages. Per Well+Good, it’s primarily recommended as a nutritional supplement and superfood. When applied to the skin, it’s also a great moisturizer (and it won’t even clog your pores).
- These resources have a rich history. We’re not the first generation to put CBD oil to work for our health gains. It’s actually been used for years to treat muscle aches, joint paint, arthritis, headaches, eczema, psoriasis, and so much more. After a few decades of staying away from it because of its association with marijuana, we’re all just getting back on board the CBD wellness train.
- Don’t forget the side effects. Just like anything else, CBD oil can’t be totally perfect. According to Verywell Health, it can trigger anxiety, changes in appetite and mood, diarrhea, drowsiness, and nausea. Be on the lookout for these side effects if you decide to give these products a try.
- Be a smart consumer. Lots of companies are cashing in on the buzz around CBD and hemp, and we don’t want you to be fooled by the lower-quality products. Generally speaking, Healthline recommends looking for full-spectrum CBD oils, which typically produce stronger results. They also recommend staying away from any company that promises extreme results on their packaging. Go for a brand that offers lab results from a third-party, as well as easy access to customer assistance. Those are signs that you’re working with someone reputable!
***Please consult with a medical professional before adding these products into your routine!***
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Featured image: R+R Medicinals/Unsplash; Stretching image: Gesina Kunkel/Unsplash