Table of Contents
The CBD market is forever growing, with new products basically pouring out of our phones, tablets, and laptops all the time. And, in a marketing strategy we simply go crazy for, companies are constantly pressed to think up newer, more bizarre, over the top applications. As a harmless consumer, how can we possibly think up our own fun, homemade CBD uses? To put it simply, CBD pickles probably exist, and it’s probably really beneficial to rub them on sore joints.
The wonderful thing about CBD, though, is that you could probably somehow infuse it in pickles, and you probably could rub it on your tennis knee and feel relief (but, please, don’t hold me to that). There’s a reason CBD’s so popular, but this reason might also be the reason it may become commonplace sooner rather than later – its versatility.
Because of CBD’s many applications, there’s a constant race in pretty much every industry for new and innovative products or uses. By exploring CBD’s versatility, let us show you why it’s so popular, and give you 3 new, easy ways to incorporate it into your day.
Why Is CBD So Great?
So why has CBD become so, almost untouchably, popular? It turns out that the connection CBD and our bodies/brains is a match made in heaven. As you’re already probably fully aware, CBD is a natural compound called a phytocannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis plants. It won’t give you the same sense of ‘high’ or euphoria that THC will, although they are closely related.
The ECS, Endocannabinoids, and Cannabinoids
CBD works by interacting with our endocannabinoid systems, which are pretty amazing in their own right. There is still a lot to learn about this wonder-system, but what we do know is that the ECS helps regulate crucial functionsthroughout the body and brain like sleep, mood, memory, pain, inflammation, and appetite. Our body produces its own endocannabinoids to help our bodies run smoothly and maintain homeostasis (called AEA and 2-AG), but also interacts with external cannabinoids like CBD and THC.
ECS Receptors
ECS receptors, known as CB1 and CB2 receptors, are located throughout the body and brain, and endocannabinoids bind to these to signal the ECS to jump into gear. However, like many functions and systems, the ECS may not always work to its full potential, and our own endocannabinoids might not be functioning to full capacity.
This is where external cannabinoids can come to the rescue, and CBD certainly has shown promise doing just that. Although there is a lot we don’t understand about how CBD interacts with our ECS, it’s thought that it doesn’t actually bind to ECS receptors the same way that THC does (which can cause a variety of effects and is also responsible for the ‘high’ received from tHC). Rather, it’s thought that CBD inhibits the breakdown of the endocannabinoids already present in our systems. Because CBD only really helps your body ‘boost’ the functioning of the ECS without actually tampering with it, it’s quite safe to use, relatively side effect free, and non-addictive.
CBD’s Versatility
To date, CBD has shown remarkably positive clinical results helping with hard-to-treat chronic and neurological pain and inflammation, such as that associated with arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease, and has been approved as an effective medication for two types of childhood epileptic seizures that accompany Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. But beyond these remarkable results, CBD can help with many ailments that, although less chronic, impair our daily functioning: stress and anxiety, restlessness, minor aches and pains.
Much like a teenage girl, the ECS is complicated, and the extent of what it helps to regulate within our bodies is an ongoing investigation. But this complicated nature is exactly the reason CBD is so versatile: it can help regulate functions we might not even be aware of yet. Moreover, because ECS receptors are found pervasively within the body and brain, and even close to the surface of our skin, CBD’s therapeutic potential reaches even further. So whether you’re eating it, dropping it under your tongue, or applying it to sore muscles, CBD works where it’s needed.
And because of this, producers and sellers have put CBD in everything from beer to bathwater. But if you’re looking for a few new, inventive ideas to try at home, we’ve got you covered. Without further adieu, here are three easy things to try with CBD to incorporate it into your day:
DIY Acne Treatment Mask –
CBD is known for helping with things within our bodies, but it’s also great for helping improve the appearance of our skin as well! CBD oil contains a large amount of vitamins, fatty acids and minerals that nourish and protect the skin. But beyond this CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties, it’s ability to reduce sebum production, and anti-bacterial and anti-fungal nature makes it an excellent acne fighting companion.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 drops essential oil
- 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup Premium quality CBD oil
- 1 ripe avocado
Simply remove the flesh of the avocado into a bowl and mash until smooth. Then add all other ingredients and mix until fully incorporated. Apply to a freshly washed face and leave on for 10 minutes. Wash your face thoroughly and apply your favorite moisturizer/serums.
Easy Sleep Enhancing CBD ‘Cocktail’
If you experience trouble switching off before hitting the hay, this CBD application will have you drifting off in no time. Ingesting CBD creates a subtle, prolonged experience, which is ideal for drifting off and sleeping all the way through the night.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup tart cherry juice
- 1 cup white grape juice
- 1/2 dropper valerian root tincture
- Preferred dose of good quality CBD oil
Just combine all ingredients and ingest about an hour before bed. Both tart cherries and grapes have naturally high amounts of melatonin, and valerian root has been used throughout history as a natural sleep aid. To take CBD’s potential to the next level, try drinking it before a night time meditation!
Super Simple CBD Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you’re sick of awkwardly trying to find some peace and quiet to drop some CBD oil under your tongue in the office, why not incorporate it into your favorite cookie recipe to be enjoyed at home and on the go?
Ingredients:
- 3 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup softened butter
- 5 oz Unflavored, good quality CBD Oil
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F/160 degrees C
- Place the softened butter mixed with CBD, brown sugar, and white sugar in a bowl and cream until smooth
- Beat in the eggs one at a time before stirring in the vanilla extract
- Add salt, baking soda, and flour together in a separate bowl and combine – then add dry ingredients to wet and incorporate chocolate chips
- Drop large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans then, then bake for about 10 minutes
Of course, we would advise using the best quality CBD products for any experimentation. The brand should be able to provide a lab test result to solidify their transparency and best practices. If you want to branch out into further and more experimental applications, it’s best talking to a medical professional for the best possible advice. But, with a little guidance and a lot of fun, you can explore many easy ways to use CBD a little bit differently!