CBD works for everything, right? Some CBD companies would be more than happy to convince you that CBD can not only have you playing golf like Tiger Woods, but it can also straighten your teeth, iron your clothes and change a flat tire!
Be careful what you believe. CBD is not the cure for all of life’s problems, but there are some areas where CBD can lead to real improvements in your wellbeing. The 2019 US CBD Consumer Report by The CBD Insider found that there are three primary reasons that people use CBD, and these reasons were also echoed in a 2019 Gallup Poll. They include:
● CBD for Sleep
● CBD for Stress and Relaxation
● CBD for Pain and Recovery
How CBD Works in the Body
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is the part of your body they probably didn’t tell you about in anatomy class. The ECS system is a vast network of chemical compounds and receptors that exist naturally in the body and serve the purpose of maintaining homeostasis.
Though not discovered until the late 1980s by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, the endocannabinoid system has always been a necessary part of maintaining optimal health. We now know that all animals with vertebrae, including many household pets like dogs and cats, have an ECS.
CBD has the ability to indirectly affect the endocannabinoid system by blocking enzymes that reduce natural cannabinoid molecules. Unlike THC, CBD does not have an intoxicating effect. This is likely because of its lack of direct interaction with cannabinoid receptors.
How does CBD help with Sleep?
According to the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 35% of adults don’t get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can be both dangerous and costly. It is estimated that 20% of all vehicle accidents involve sleep deprivation. A study performed by Rand Corporation states that lack of sleep in the workforce costs the United States over $411 billion annually.
CBD for sleep may be a function of two different concepts. One revolves around the ability to calm the body, thus allowing for less restlessness and wandering thoughts. The other centers around balancing the circadian rhythm through the ECS. Here is a little of the generally accepted science, as we know it.
When you consume CBD, it inhibits the FAAH enzyme. As a result, the breakdown of anandamide (aka “the Bliss Molecule”) occurs slowly. This increases the levels of endocannabinoids in the body, allowing the body to relax (feel more blissful). When the body is calm, without any feeling of worry and stress, a person can get to sleep more easily.
Researchers also know that if a person has a deficiency of endocannabinoids in the body, it has an adverse effect on the person’s sleep and circadian rhythm. When your sleep schedule is off, it can be hard to get back on track. CBD can help.
What to look for when purchasing CBD for Sleep
When you really need to get some sleep, you need the right CBD for sleep. There’s no time to mess around. Receptra’s Serious Rest CBD comes in tincture and capsule form to help you achieve a restful night.
The added benefits of natural sleep botanicals valerian root and chamomile work in conjunction with 25mg of CBD per dose to help you get to sleep and stay asleep. Stop scrolling on social media, Netflix binging and counting sheep. Try CBD for sleep and finally get some rest.
For more information on CBD for Sleep, download this FREE CBD for Sleep eBook that explains the science along with fun facts you can share on trivia night or use in your next report for school!
How does CBD help with Stress?
Because the endocannabinoid receptors allow for two-way communication, the ECS is basically a bridge between the mind and body.
When the brain is overwhelmed by stress, the two-way communication system that is unique to endocannabinoid receptors allows for cells to talk to each other and find a way to quiet the mind and achieve balance or a baseline stress level, in an attempt to mitigate stress.
Increased stress also has a tendency to create free radicals, which have been linked to anxiety disorders as well as numerous other health concerns, and we know CBD is an antioxidant and can help with free radicals.
CBD also promotes the retention of the endocannabinoid Anandamide in the body. This “bliss molecule” is known to promote happiness. Anandamide is also found in chocolate, which could explain why chocolate is a traditional go-to when you are feeling sad. So is CBD! A dropper of CBD for stress could be the difference between a glass half full, or a glass half empty kind of day.
What to look for when purchasing CBD for Stress
According to The American Institute of Stress: As many as 33 percent of people report feeling extreme stress. 77 percent of people experience stress that affects their physical health, and 73 percent of people have stress that impacts their mental health. None of that sounds like a good thing.
Life is hard enough as it is. Choosing the right CBD for stress should be easy. A dose of 25mg is the average amount needed to take the edge off. Receptra Naturals has made it even easier to find calm in the chaos by adding passionflower and lavender to their Seriously Relax CBD tincture.
Passionflower and Lavender have long been used to help calm nerves and provide a sense of comfort and focus. Paired with CBD for stress, they might be unstoppable.
How does CBD help with Pain?
CBD has known antioxidant properties. The U.S. Government patented CBD as an antioxidant and neuroprotectant over 20 years ago, though hemp general cannabis use has existed for centuries. Antioxidants help to reduce inflammation by fighting off free-radicals in the body.
When you breathe, cells use the oxygen you take in and spit out free radicals. This is a process called oxidation and it’s the same thing that causes apples to brown, iron to rust, and skin to wrinkle. This concept is called “oxidative stress.”
Free radicals are a natural response that promotes inflammation, which is helpful in moderation. If left unchecked, it can have serious consequences in the body. CBD can help keep them in check.
Anandamide is an endocannabinoid that helps to reduce the feeling of discomfort. CBD allows more anandamide to exist in the body at one time by holding back enzymes that reduce the amount of anandamide in the body. This can reduce the perception of pain and also boost your mood.
Endocannabinoid receptors located directly underneath the skin are able to absorb and interact with CBD applied topically to achieve immediate relief for physical discomfort, bumps, and bruises.
CBD combined with other natural botanicals such as arnica and camphor for topical application or turmeric for internal intake, can help the discomfort-reducing powers of CBD. Receptra Serious Relief line is specifically designed to help with pain.
What to look for when purchasing CBD for Pain
According to the American Pain Foundation, more than one-quarter of Americans (26%) age 20 years and over—or, an estimated 76.5 million Americans— reported that they have had a problem with pain of any sort that persisted for more than 24 hours in duration.
All pain is not created equal. For severe or unexplained pain, you should always consult your doctor. Even acute pain like the bumps and bruises of life, soreness from a hard workout, back pain from a long day at the office, or age-related irritations can be enough to slow you down.
There are two great ways to cope with pain using CBD. Topical application can meet the discomfort right where it is at, while CBD tinctures work from the inside out. Receptra has both in their Serious Relief CBD product line.
Topical CBD for Pain
It is important that your topical CBD can penetrate the skin to reach your natural endocannabinoid receptors. One of the reasons the Receptra Naturals Targeted Topical™ formula was ranked #1 CBD topical of 2020 by The CBD Insider is because of the additional benefits of other natural botanicals. Camphor is used to open pores and increase delivery, while arnica helps to reduce swelling and soreness on contact.
CBD Tincture for Pain
Just like taking an over the counter pill for pain, you don’t want to take more than you need, but how much you need may depend on your level of pain. Receptra Serious Relief tinctures come in 33mg CBD per dose and 66mg CBD per dose concentrations. These formulas also contain turmeric to assist in reducing inflammation and a blend of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.
Full-Spectrum CBD and the Entourage Effect
Some people work best alone and others prefer to be a part of a team. CBD is a team player. Receptra full-spectrum CBD oil includes all of the cannabinoids in the hemp plant and hundreds of additional plant compounds such as vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, flavonoids, and terpenes.
This creates a synergy between cannabinoids, providing the ideal environment for CBD to interact with your body’s natural receptors. This concept is called the “entourage effect.”
Full-spectrum CBD oil gives the body what it needs when it needs it with more effectiveness than if the CBD molecule was separated out (isolated) from all of the other cannabinoids and compounds.
The team at Receptra Naturals CBD not only grows their own hemp in Colorado, but the entire company is part of the process from planting and shucking to the time it is shipped to your door.
The Benefits of CBD
So, now you know the truth. CBD may not turn you into a whole new person, but if it can give you better sleep, make you feel less stressed and help you be in less pain, isn’t that a good reason to give it a try?
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