Botanical Bliss

When the 2018 Farm Bill passed and the option to grow hemp was made accessible to more farmers, CBD oil went mainstream, becoming a more prominent fixture in the public’s awareness. This once-misunderstood dietary supplement has since taken the wellness world by storm, with health gurus and some doctors alike taking note of its potential uses.
But what exactly is CBD oil? If you’ve ever wondered about this rising-in-popularity supplement and what it can mean for you, keep reading; in this ultimate guide, we’re going to go over everything you need to know about hemp CBD, including possible results you could see and how to get them.
About CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in hemp plants. It’s one of many compounds called cannabinoids, but this one in particular exhibits signaling properties within the body, which means that it can impact cells it comes in contact with.
It’s no surprise, therefore, that there are multiple major areas within the body that CBD can impact thanks to the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
CBD is a lipid molecule. This allows it to easily move through the skin and pass into the mucosal membranes. Your body can, therefore, absorb it without ever needing it to enter the gastrointestinal tract or to be digested. Because of this, CBD has multiple administration methods that you can choose from to best suit your needs.
CBD is often used within dietary supplements, cosmetics, food, pet products, and body care products.
It’s important to stress that CBD extract, unlike other notorious hemp products, is non-intoxicating and does not create a high of any kind.
About the Human Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
In the section above, we mentioned the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It’s an important part of understanding how our bodies process and benefit from CBD, so we’re going to get detailed here.The ECS is a biological system that’s made up of neurotransmitter receptors, enzymes, ligands, and transport molecules. Its job is to essentially act as a “master regulator” for the body, and can directly impact other systems. A regulated, balanced ECS is important to overall health.
All mammals–including us humans–have an ECS, just like we’ve all evolved with cannabinoids, which can help keep this system in order.
And here’s why this matters: the nutritive properties of CBD benefit from something known as “The Entourage Effect.” When this phenomenon occurs, the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in hemp CBD oil all come together well, with the sum of the parts being greater than the whole.
For reference, full-spectrum hemp CBD extract contains over 120 cannabinoids and more than 500 phytonutrients in addition to antioxidants, flavonoids, and terpenes. These nutritive properties are beneficial to the body and can impact the ECS in a good way.
The Big Question: Is CBD Legal Now?
A lot of the general public seems confused about what CBD is, and their biggest concerns around it are 1) the misconception that it can cause a high and 2) that it isn’t legal.
Here’s the simple answer: Yes, as of right now, CBD is legal in general. States can, however, regulate it within their borders. It’s up to you to do your research and find out if your specific state has regulations in place to restrict or ban it.
The path to legalization has been an interesting one.
Originally in 1937, all products created from cannabis (and cannabis itself) was made illegal; by 1970, they were simply listed as “controlled substances” that were still heavily regulated, but not entirely outlawed altogether. In 2014, things changed again; there was a Farm Bill that allowed hemp to be cultivated for research programs under state programs.
Then, in the 2018 Farm Bill, the game was changed in a very big way, allowing for broader cultivation so long as you’re following specific regulations. This bill also opened up the option of transporting hemp across state lines, making it more accessible for customers.
Now, customers can use hemp products so long as they’re not trying the CBD as drugs. This means that their THC content must be under .3%, which CBD oil’s generally is and Exlininol’s always is. These, however, are just the federal restrictions; states may have stricter regulations in place.
The Differences Between CBD vs. THC
You’ll notice that in the section above that we mentioned that the THC content must be below a certain threshold in CBD.
THC (whose full name is “tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD actually share the exact same chemical makeup. They’ve got 30 hydrogen atoms, 21 carbon atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms, and they’d like identical if it wasn’t for a unique arrangement of a single atom that separated the two.
They are, essentially, two similar but different types of cannabinoids, and each one influences cannabinoid receptors differently.
THC has intoxicating and psychoactive properties. It can often give its consumers a high.
CBD is not intoxicating, meaning that you can’t get high from it. Most CBD oil will contain somewhere between 0-0.3% of THC, but this is not addictive, won’t create a high, and is so low that it won’t impair your functionality in any way.
With a low THC count, CBD oil has the potential to provide more benefits to its users with fewer side effects. It doesn’t come with a number of the negative side effects common in THC like poor memory retention or depression. A relatively recent study backed this up; after asking 16 healthy men to ingest THC, CBD, or a placebo, the results were clear. Men on THC expressed more anxiety, a faster heart rate, and even heightened feelings of dissatisfaction, providing that THC had acute behavioral and physiological effects but that CBD was “well tolerated.”
Fun bonus: CBD use may even alleviate temporary symptoms of anxiety instead of causing or triggering it.
CBD Methods of Delivery: An Overview
There are a number of different ways that you can choose to consume or utilize CBD oil, giving you plenty of options to find the right choice for you, your concerns, and your lifestyle. Let’s take a look at a few of the best delivery methods available.No matter what your lifestyle is–and even if you’re always on the go–there’s a product and delivery method that can work for you.

Results of Supplementing with CBD
CBD oil has a number of distinct benefits that its users may experience, helping with symptom management and improved wellness all at once.
Here are a few of the most common outcomes someone may experience when using CBD oil dietary supplements:
Improved relaxation to prepare for sleep, including a reported better quality and duration of sleep.
The ability to re-center and get (and then stay!) balanced, thanks to the internal homeostasis that happens when CBD works from the inside out.
A boosted capability to tackle life’s everyday obstacles, making it easier to roll with the punches life gives out without being so heavily affected by it.
A maximized workout recovery period. Endurance and performance athletes like “Sherpa” John Lacroix of the Human Potential Running Series, MMA fighters Andrew Leone and Tiffany “Time Bomb” Van Soest, and celebrity trainer Alec Penix regularly talk about how CBD can offer support to maximize the recovery period, including soothing any aches and pains.
Does CBD Have Side Effects?
CBD oil seems to be well tolerated by the majority of its users. That being said, there’s always a risk of adverse effects when trying a new supplement, whether you’re using it orally or topically.
Some reported side effects include fatigue, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. These side effects may be most likely to happen when start taking CBD for the first time, so it’s recommended that new users start with a small dose and gradually work their way up as needed.
Please note that you should never start taking any new supplement or begin a treatment plan without talking to your doctor. Make an appointment with a practitioner you trust, and they can help you decide if CBD is right for you and if it’s safe to take in your current condition and with your current medications list. You can’t have relief, recovery, and resilience if it’s just not right for you, after all, and doing what’s best by you is always what matters most.

 

Original Posting: https://elixinol.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-hemp-cbd/

 

Every morning since puberty hit, you’ve probably been putting on deodorant. You don’t want to be the smelly person at school or work. And there are a lot of deodorants on the market that smell great.
But the problem with most of those deodorants is that they could be doing serious harm to your body. Making the switch to natural deodorant is a great alternative to your regular marketplace options.
Natural deodorants aren’t made up of a lot of the same ingredients that most typical deodorants do, like aluminum and parabens, a preservative that has been shown to be potentially carcinogenic and estrogenic.
And unlike regular deodorants, natural deodorants work to maintain the moisture of your skin.

Here are some of the reasons you should be switching to natural deodorant.
Many deodorant brands brag that their products work as a sweat blocker. That’s from the aluminum in the products. It forms a plug over your sweat glands and your pores. You don’t want that. When your pores get clogged, dirts and oils get trapped under your skin. Without having open pores, the dirt and oil can cause blackheads and other acne.
Do you really want some painful and nasty zits all under your armpits? I thought not.
There have been some claims that using aluminum in antiperspirants can cause a number of health problems, including breast cancer and Alzheimer’s. Though some doctors have said that since the body doesn’t absorb the aluminum, the risk is pretty minimal.
Those parabens mentioned earlier can also be harmful, throwing off your body’s hormonal balance. So with all these potential risks, it’s not a bad idea to consider switching to a natural deodorant.
With aluminum-free deodorant, you still get the odor control found in most deodorants without the harsh chemicals. Many natural deodorants, like Whiskey, Ink, and Lace’s, use ingredients like coconut oil to condition the skin and keep it hydrated. Also, unlike many other deodorant brands, many natural deodorant brands are cruelty free, meaning there is no testing on animals.

Now, fair warning for if you make the switch. It can take your body a couple weeks to adjust to the natural deodorants after using the chemical-filled products you may be accustomed to. Your underarms may get worse for a short period, but will bounce back quickly, detoxifying your body from the chemicals that have been stored up in your body.
Using a natural deodorant with natural ingredients is an important step to make. Reducing the amount of harmful chemicals that are in your body is a great way to improve your future health.

 

Original post by: Mike Wargo / Whiskey, Ink & Lace

Sleep

Every parent of a newborn can tell you: Sleep deprivation is brutal. It increases fatigue, moodiness and can even cause you to gain weight. According to Project CBD, “Approximately 70 million people [in the US] suffer from insomnia, insufficient sleep or another sleep disorder.” That’s a lot of sleep-deprived people.

Because CBD Hemp Oil works with the body’s endocannabinoid system, it helps regulate balance and homeostasis. The positive effects of whole-plant cannabidiol allow you to take advantage of the health benefits of CBD by purchasing products that contain non-psychoactive CBD.

CBD Hemp Oil does this by activating two categories of receptors that play a role in the release of neurotransmitters, feelings of pleasure, concentration, memory and pain tolerance (read more about how Cannabidiol works).

Numerous studies have shown how CBD can aid in alleviating temporary symptoms of sleeplessness. Conversely,  a 2006 study on rats showed an increased alertness with light, displaying that CBD could potentially be used for relief of day-time drowsiness. Another study revealed how CBD aids anxiety, a common factor that keeps people awake.

Relaxation

Looking to take the edge off a long day? Instead of alcohol, reach for CBD. Because of how CBD affects your brain, CBD gives you an all-natural, organic sense of relaxation, instead of an inebriated one. Maintaining a healthy balance and homeostasis, is a key attribute of the endocannabinoid system and CBD aids in relaxation.

Several lines of evidence in mice have clearly demonstrated that activation of cannabinoid receptors in the brain lower heart rate and blood pressure in response to stress. It’s all related to a molecule called Dopamine.

CBD activates adenosine receptors, which play a major role in the release of dopamine. One of Dopamine’s attributes is associated with the “rewards” center of our brain. Sex. Drugs. Inspiration. People often describe a spike in dopamine as a feeling of “motivation” or “pleasure.”  Feelings of pleasure, reduce feelings of stress. When our muscles are loose, our minds are clear and our heartbeat is resting, we feel relaxed. It’s a balanced relaxation instead of an intoxicated one.

Recovery (Reducing Inflammation)

Inflammation in the body causes pain. When something hurts, inflammation is usually involved. While it’s both the body’s signal to send healing to that area, left untreated, inflammation can cause systematic body trouble.

CBD plays a role in inhibiting inflammation by activating the substances that activate the CB2 receptors in our endocannabinoid system. A terpenoid found in hemp called beta-carophyllene also activates this receptor with no psychoactive effect.

If you’re an athlete, CBD is an excellent tool. After hard workouts, muscles are torn, glucose reserves are low and lactic acid has built up. Taking a serving size of our Liposomes and Capsules at the onset of soreness can lessen the sensation of pain, allow you to move more freely, which will speed up muscle repair.

Another way to incorporate CBD Hemp Oil into your healthy recovery is the Elixinol Rescue Balm. Entirely plant-based, Rescue Balm is an excellent AFTER-SUN and POST-WORKOUT balm. Less sticky than aloe with more pain-killing attributes, Rescue Balm does wonders for sore muscles and sunburn. While it won’t completely alleviate the sting of sunburn or the pain of sore muscles, it takes the edge off just enough to be civilized.

Things to consider when incorporating CBD Into Your Fitness & Wellness Plan

When purchasing CBD products, consider the source. At Elixinol, we extract CBD using the “full-spectrum” of the hemp plant. Full-Spectrum CBD oil is extracted from organic, industrial hemp plants. This includes the variety of constituents including terpenes, sugars, flavonoids, secondary cannabinoids, that are found in all parts of hemp. Elixinol CBD oil is extracted from industrial hemp plants that are specially bred to contain high concentrations of cannabidiol. We extract the CBD oil using Super-Critical Fluid Extraction technology. This extraction method is more expensive, but is non-toxic, and produces a highly potent and pure extract.

Incorporating CBD Hemp oil into your healthy lifestyle is a choice for a natural remedy that doesn’t get you high, works to restore your body to balance and isn’t habit forming. For more information on how CBD effects sleep, relaxation and recovery, or on any of the products mentioned, please read more.

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References

1. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-active-times/14-ways-lack-of-sleep-is-causing-weight-gain_b_9612080.html
2. https://www.projectcbd.org/sleep-disorders
3. https://elixinol.com/education/the-endocannabinoid-system/
4. https://elixinol.com/blog/how-does-cannabidiol-cbd-work/
5. https://www.projectcbd.org/sleep-disorders
6. http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2013/07/what_is_dopamine_love_lust_sex_addiction_gambling_motivation_reward.html
7. https://ministryofhemp.com/blog/cbd-oil-for-sleep/
8. https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/cannabis-and-sleep
9. http://www.consciouslifestylemag.com/omica-hemp-cbd-tonic/
10. https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/the-effects-of-cbd-on-fear-anxiety-and-a-healthy-stress-response
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3085542
12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2828614/
13. https://elixinol.com/blog/cannabinoids-can-stop-inflammation/

Original blog post by Elixinol.

More and more athletes are beginning to incorporate CBD into their daily regimen, for good reason. CBD can decrease workout recovery time, inflammation, and pain. New studies are also very promising for the use of CBD in head injuries, so it is no surprise that it is becoming a common necessity in many MMA fighter’s routines.

Tiffany van Soest is laser-focused on achieving and maintaining her highest mental and physical potential. Known as the “Time Bomb,” she’s a high-performance, mixed martial arts powerhouse with an explosive fighting style.
Tiffany is a champion MMA kickboxer, GLORY kickboxing world champion, and five-time Muay Thai world champion. As an Elixinol ambassador, she incorporates hemp extract products into her daily life and rigorous training routine.

Tiffany incorporates hemp CBD extract into her grueling workout, training, and recovery routine every day.
“I really like the Cinnamint Hemp Extract Drops,” she says. “I have them every morning. I typically wake up with sore muscles and feel really tired.
“It’s a good way to start my day, get my head on straight, and just get dialed in and do what I have to do.”
Tiffany also loves using Hemp Balm to nourish and pamper her skin and muscles. “My massage therapist uses the balm when he massages me,” she says.

A peek inside Tiffany’s healthy routine
Tiffany’s day begins early, with a run or surfing session before she heads to the gym for her first of two training sessions. “I try to get some type of movement or do something productive before my first session. Some mornings, I teach a Muay Thai class.”
Her training changes depending on the day and her specific needs. “I take a class with my coach, who teaches, and then we do pad work. On alternating days, I do strength and conditioning at a different gym.”
The six-day-per-week, twice daily training sessions are demanding, so Tiffany makes sure to get plenty of sleep at night and work in an afternoon nap between sessions when she can.
“That nap in between sessions is crucial to powering up,” she says.
Flexible nutrition supports training needs
Tiffany finds that following the principles of certain healthy diets–rather than going all-in on one specific diet–helps her balance her perspective on nutrients and the proper fueling of her body. She tailors her food choices to her specific training needs for the day.
“I take principles from the paleo diet and the ketogenic diet. On certain days when I’m training a bit harder, the ketogenic diet doesn’t really suffice,” she says. “I need more carbs on those days. So I tailor my diet to what I’m doing that day.
“But my rule around food is, if I could pick it or it’s made with ingredients I could have picked, harvested, or killed, then it’s good. I just try to keep it as natural as possible, with as few processed foods as possible.”
Follow Tiffany for fight dates, events, and more on Facebook and @tiffanytimebomb on Instagram, or visit her website at tiffanytimebomb.com.

Photos courtesy of Tiffany van Soest. Original post by Elixinol (elixinol.com)

 

 

As CBD products expand around the world, it makes sense that someone would take the obvious step to create CBD gummies. Cannabidiol (CBD), is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. CBD interacts with an internal system known as the endocannabinoid system (ES). It’s the ES which is responsible for maintaining internal harmony and balance in our bodies. The ES is made up of receptors, and cannabinoids such as CBD bind with these receptors creating a chemical reaction. There are several different forms of CBD available, but one of the most popular ways many people new to CBD are experiencing the benefits of CBD is through CBD gummies. Koi CBD gummies contain 100% THC free CBD which is laboratory tested to ensure that you’re getting high-quality, premium, Broad-spectrum CBD gummies. Unlike a lot of gummies on the market, Koi gummies are mixed and rolled three times with Broad-spectrum CBD. Broad-spectrum CBD means you’re getting the full complement of terpenes and cannabinoids, minus THC.

If you have never had any gummies or edibles before, then here are some great tips!
Understanding What to Expect – Remember, CBD gummies contain no THC, so you’re not going to get high. When you have CBD, most people simply report that they have an increased feeling of happiness and relaxation. Don’t expect to find yourself bombed out and lying on the couch.

Start Off Slowly with CBD Gummies – Everyone is different, and everyone will react differently the first time they try CBD gummies. When you use gummies for the first time, it’s important to follow the instructions which the manufacturer recommends on the packet. If you feel like the effects weren’t strong enough, then try increasing the dosage slowly. If they were too strong, then decrease the dosage.

Choosing the Size to Suit You – The great thing about CBD gummies is it’s easy to eat one or two, or to simply cut a gummy in half if one gummy is too much. Everyone is different, and everybody reacts differently to CBD.

Choose a High-Quality, Broad-Spectrum CBD Gummy – When you’re choosing a CBD gummy, ensure that the company displays all it’s laboratory results. Koi CBD believes in the quality of its CBD products and isn’t afraid to let everyone have access to the lab results which back this up. Also, choose a broad-spectrum CBD product to ensure you get the benefits of all the terpenes and cannabinoids, not just CBD isolate.

Always Speak with Your Doctor – Always speak with your doctor or health care professional before ceasing any medications or starting new ones. CBD has very few side-effects, but if you’re switching from one pharmaceutical medication to CBD gummies, then it’s always a good idea to speak with your doctor first.

Original blog by Koi CBD; KoiCBD.com