Understanding CBD and Its Benefits: A Mama’s Guide
Okay, mamas, let’s talk about something that has been popping up everywhere for a few years now—CBD. You’ve probably seen it on social media, at your local health food store, or online, and you’ve probably heard about it from other moms, etc. But let’s be real; it can be so hard to figure out what’s actually going on with all the buzz. What exactly is CBD, and should we be using it?
I get it. You want what’s best for you and your family, but so much information is out there, and a lot of it can be overwhelming. Here’s the good news; CBD, when used right, can be safe and natural option to support your health and wellness- and the best part is, it can be helpful for so many things like supporting your stress levels, promoting better sleep, helping your body handle the ups and downs of everyday life and in some cases it is used for treating some really serious issues! Let’s dive into the details and clear up some common confusion so you can make an informed choice.
What is CBD?
Alright, let’s start with the basics. CBD stands for cannabidiol- one of many compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC (which is the part that makes you feel “high”), CBD is non-psychoactive. In other words, it won’t make you feel buzzed, but it will likely help you feel more balanced and calm.
CBD is typically extracted from hemp, a variety of cannabis that contains only trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3%). Hemp-based CBD is legal in all 50 states, so no worries there.
When you use CBD, it interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system helps keep your body in balance, and CBD can help it stay that way, especially with all the stressors and challenges modern life throws at us.
Common misconceptions about CBD
Before we dive deeper, let’s get rid of some myths that you may have heard…
– Will CBD get me high? Nope! CBD is not like the stuff that makes you feel “stoned.” It’s a non-psychoactive compound, meaning it will not alter your mental state.
– Isn’t CBD the same as marijuana? Not exactly – CBD can come from both hemp and marijuana/ cannabis plants, but it’s the hemp version we’re talking about here—and it’s got very little THC (the compound that causes the psychoactive effects).
– CBD is only for serious health problems, right? Not at all! Whether you’re dealing with stress, sleep issues, or just need a little support to feel your best, CBD can be a helpful addition to your wellness routine. It’s definitely not just for chronic conditions.
THC vs CBD
So, what’s the difference between THC and CBD? Here’s the rundown:
– THC is the compound found in the cannabis plant that has the psychoactive effects and that “weed” feeling.
CBD, on the other hand, is more about wellness—it supports your body’s balance without those psychoactive effects.
If you are looking for something that will help with stress, sleep, or overall well-being without making you feel like you‘re floating through the air,
CBD is your friend!
Types of CBD
There are several different kinds of CBD products available, and knowing the difference can help you choose the right one for your needs.
Here’s the breakdown:
Full-spectrum CBD: This is where all the magic happens. Full-spectrum CBD contains all the beneficial compounds found in the cannabis plant—like cannabinoids, terpenes, and a tiny trace amount of THC (less than 0.3%). That little bit of THC actually helps the other compounds work better together, a phenomenon called the entourage effect. This is why full-spectrum CBD is the most effective and the type I’d take.
Broad-Spectrum CBD: This one has most of the plant’s beneficial compounds, but all the THC is removed. If you want the benefits of CBD without even a trace of THC, this is a good option.
CBD isolate: This is the purest form of CBD, with nothing else from the cannabis plant. It’s a great choice if you only want the effects of CBD, but you won’t get the added benefits of the entourage effect.
CBD rosin: Here is a lesser-known form of CBD that’s gaining popularity—CBD rosin. Unlike most CBD extracts that are made with solvents, the rosin is extracted using heat and pressure, which means it’s a solvent-free, more natural concentrate. It’s made from the flowers and buds of the hemp plant and can have a more potent effect than regular CBD oil. Rosin retains more of the plant’s natural terpenes and cannabinoids, offering a richer, more full-bodied experience. Because it’s solvent-free, it is considered a cleaner, more natural product.
How CBD Works
CBD works by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate things like mood, appetite, sleep, and immune function. It’s basically your body’s way of keeping everything running smoothly.
In today’s world, we’re constantly under stress, dealing with a lack of sleep, juggling everything, and being exposed to environmental toxins. All of this can interfere with our ECS and throw it off balance. That’s where CBD can come in, helping to support and restore balance so your body can function at its best.
How Does CBD Support the Endocannabinoid System?
By supporting the ECS, CBD helps maintain balance within your body. This can mean a better mood, less stress, improved sleep, and overall well-being. And as mamas, we could all use a little help with that, right? CBD works by helping the ECS keep all systems working together in harmony, especially when life gets busy and chaotic.
What’s even more fascinating is that our bodies naturally produce endocannabinoids—chemicals similar to the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant (like CBD). These endocannabinoids play a key role in regulating import functions like mood, stress levels, appetite, and immune responses. The ECS is constantly working to keep our bodies in balance, but factors like stress, poor sleep, and environmental toxins can interfere with its function.
What’s even cooler? Endocannabinoids are naturally present in breastmilk, which means the ECS plays a role in the development of babies right from the start. This also hints at how critical the ECS is for overall health and balance throughout our lives. So, when we introduce CBD into the mix, we’re simply supporting what’s already happening in our bodies—helping the ECS do its job better.
Benefits of CBD
Let’s talk benefits, mama. While CBD is still being studied, it has the potential to:
– Promote a healthy stress response (Because let’s face it, we all need some help with that!)
– Encourage restful sleep (Bye-bye sleepless nights!)
– Support healthy hormonal balance (We could all use some of that post-baby hormone reset!)
– Aid in maintaining a healthy mood (Mama needs to feel good!)
– Promote overall relaxation and well-being
Remember, the FDA doesn’t allow us to make claims about treating or curing specific health conditions, but research has suggested CBD can help with these benefits—just make sure you’re using the right kind and the right amount!
CBD Has Been Studied For
Now, you might be wondering—does CBD really work? Well, researchers are studying it for a ton of different things, and while we can’t make any health claims, it’s exciting to see all the interest. Some studies show that CBD might help with things like:
- This study found that CBD helped improve mood and reduce anxiety.
- This study showed potential benefits for improving sleep patterns.
- This study found that CBD could help maintain a balanced immune system.
- This study found evidence that CBD could help reduce the severity of seizures in certain conditions.
- This study looked at how CBD might support cardiovascular health.
- This study investigated CBD’s potential in supporting healthy inflammatory responses.
- This study found that CBD showed promise in aiding with pain management.Remember, just because CBD is being studied for these benefits doesn’t mean every CBD product will work the same way. CBD’s exact dose and quality plays a huge role, which is why it’s so important to choose a high-quality product that’s been third-party tested for purity.
Concerns About CBD Use
Before you dive in, it’s natural to have questions! Let’s go over some of the big ones:
– Is CBD safe for kids?: If you’re considering CBD for your little one, chat with a trusted practitioner if you aren’t comfortable making your own decision on it. Many people have successfully used it with their children with no risks.
– Is CBD safe during pregnancy and nursing? Well, this one’s tough. To be honest, there’s a ton of research claiming no or articles saying more research needs to be done, which is true. My personal view is more on why you might take it and run the risks and benefits of what the alternatives to that would be.
– Will CBD make me feel high?: Nope! Full-spectrum CBD does contain trace amounts of THC, but not enough for it to affect you psychoactively.
– Is CBD addictive?: CBD is not considered addictive. It’s non-psychoactive and won’t cause any dependency.
– Will I fail a drug test? If you are using a full-spectrum CBD product, then yes, there is a tiny chance you could test positive for THC. If you’re concerned about drug tests, then maybe try a broad-spectrum CBD instead.
Choosing a CBD product
When choosing CBD, make sure you’re getting the full spectrum if you want the full benefits of the entourage effect. Look for products that have been third-party tested for purity and potency. And, of course, avoid anything with added chemicals or unnecessary fillers.
Personally, I recommend Earthley’s CBD oil and Pain relief rub, which are high-quality, full-spectrum, and third-party tested to ensure you are getting the best.
So, there you have it, mamas! CBD is a natural, safe, and powerful way to support your wellness routine—whether you’re looking to manage stress, sleep better, or just feel a little more balanced. Just be sure to do your research, choose high-quality products, and consult with a trusted practitioner if you feel the need to and have concerns!
Here’s to feeling your best, naturally!
