OVER recent years a new health and wellness product has exploded across the market – with many people turning to it to help with a variety of symptoms.
CBD is on the lips of everyone from Kim Kardashian to Joe Rogan – but does it actually work and what can it do for you?
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CBD is short for cannabidiol and is one component of the marijuana plant.
But don’t be fooled into thinking that it can get you high. While it might come from the same plant as pot – CBD doesn’t have any hallucinogenic effects and is not a classified drug.
Today is National CBD day and it’s thought that around 1.3 million Brits use the products to help them with a variety of ailments and health concerns.
Co-founder of CBD company Orlo, Ross Gilchrist, said the plant can help manage symptoms of anxiety, improve skin and even prepare your mind and body for a restful night’s sleep.
Speaking to The Sun, the 31-year-old explained why the CBD business will continue to boom and how you can use the products to your advantage.
He explained: “The coronavirus lockdown has seen many people struggling, no two people had the same lockdown.
“Many people turn to CBD who have literally tried every other remedy – for some people it’s seen as a last resort but many don’t understand how it could help them in their everyday lives.”
Ross and his business partner Rick Williams, 43, started the company after Rick’s father sadly passed away after being diagnoses with mesothelioma, a terminal cancer caused by Asbestos.
Rick’s dad was in unbearable pain and after doing some digging, he found that CBD could help.
This helped to alleviate some of his pain to the extent that he was able to cut down on prescription drugs which impaired his cognitive functions – meaning he was able to spend his final months in less pain.
Here, Ross and other experts talk through five ways that CBD could help you change your life and all it takes is a couple of drops under the tongue.
1. Sleep & stress
We all know that poor sleep can wreak havoc with our day to day lives.
It can make us tired, irritable and groggy and can even contribute to weight gain as we search for sugar-laden snacks to help boost our energy levels.
Ross explained that CBD contains terpenes which often include a lavender scent, which is relaxing and calming.
When we are struggling to sleep we can become stressed and this can be a vicious cycle.
Many people use exercise and meditation to help them sleep, but Ross said consumers using CBD have found that using it helps them drift off naturally and that they have an undisturbed sleep pattern.
2. Anxiety
Ross said that many people have used CBD to help master their anxiety.
He said: “It does a great job of helping to regulate your nerves and relax you.
“You can always combine it with perhaps breathing exercises and many people have said it has helped them stop suffering and in some cases it has removed the need for the use of Zanex and similar products.
“It’s a great way of calming down and this goes hand in hand will sleep,” Ross added.
Top Tips for using CBD
Ross explained that when you first begin using any CBD oil, the key is to start off slow and then build up your dosage until you’ve found a level and strength that fits your flow.
He added that this would come down to recommended amounts, but that there are three main ways you can consume CBD.
Under the tongue: – One of the most popular and easy ways to take CBD oil under your tongue. Just one or two drops here without water enables the CBD oil to access your bloodstream quicker.
Drink up: For a less immediate result, try adding drops of CBD oil to your favourite drink.
Ross said that the mint in the Orlo CBD drops will freshen up your drink, so you can stay refreshed while gradually benefiting from the effects over the course of 30 minutes or so.
He added: “We found it’s is best enjoyed with cool drinks such as water, juice or even a smoothie.”
Treat your skin: For those looking to explore the reported skin benefits of CBD oil, try adding a few drops to your favourite moisturiser.
Ross said: “Whether it’s for your face or body you may find that, as many people have discovered already, using CBD oil externally on a regular basis could help skin look healthy and nourished, or even penetrate deeper to potentially soothe aches and pains.”
3. Injury
Many athletes use CBD to help with their injuries and to help them recover.
Rugby players such as James Haskell and George Kruis have both spoken about their usage in the past.
Mike Tyson has also been vocal as well as UFC star Nate Diaz.
Ross explained that he had also previously played rugby and that he had used it for an injury as a “nice way to sooth it without using medication”.
Many athletes also use CBD due to anti-doping rules or checks.
Products like Orlo are THC free so that they do not lead to a violation of anti-doping legislation.
4. Pain relief
Constantly using pills such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can be damaging and can even become addictive.
Ross said that CBD has been shown to help athletes to increase their pain threshold and at the same time ensures that muscle cramps and pain are reduced after using CBD.
5. Migraines
Experts at PureSport CBD also highlighted how using CBD can help alleviate the pain specifically caused by migraines.
They explained: “Migraines are categorised as mild to severe headaches that occur in a pulsating fashion and are also accompanied by nausea and feeling sick.
“The sufferer may also experience a significant sensitivity to light and sound. CBD oil is useful for easing the nausea associated with migraines, and also can remedy the intensity of pains experienced.
“Alongside this, research has linked CBD oil with being able to reduce inflammation and possess convulsive effects.”