CBD For Self Care This Fall
estimated read time: 12 minutes
Self care is essential to maintaining and improving our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. As Fall turns by and Winter waits around the corner the need for self-care becomes paramount. The days are shorter, the nights are darker, and the air becomes dry and cold. So let’s take a look at some ways that CBD can be integrated into a fulfilling and grounding self-care routine for a happier, healthier Fall!
In recent years, CBD has emerged as a popular and natural alternative for wellness needs ranging from sleep and mood to mental and physical relief! With so much to offer and so many products claiming different things, it is important to know what you are buying, and why!
In this article we will break down the basics of CBD and its benefits, offer ways to integrate it into a self care routine, and even show you how to make Hemp-Infused Brownies for a nightcap!
But first, we have to answer the question:
What is CBD?
CBD stands for Cannabidiol, and is a cannabinoid extracted from the hemp plant just like THC. CBD however, is a non-psychoactive compound. Unlike THC, CBD does not induce a euphoric "high," making it a preferred choice for those seeking the therapeutic effects of hemp without the associated altered state of mind.
CBD is often the start of the show, but the secret is that all cannabinoids work together to help unlock a breadth of potential health benefits. The effectiveness of CBD and other cannabinoids is due to their unique interaction with the endocannabinoid system, but we will go into this later on.
Benefits of CBD
Early research indicates myriad potential benefits of CBD ranging from promoting physical relief to boosting the immune system. Although it is crucial to note that it should not replace professional medical assistant or advice.
Among the suggested benefits are stress management, promotion of better sleep, and physical relief and relaxation. Incorporating CBD into your self care routine is a great way to improve your overall well being.
"Full Spectrum" Benefits and the Entourage Effect:
When a hemp product advertises itself as “Full Spectrum” this means that it contains every, or most, cannabinoids in it - CBN, CBD, CBG, THC, etc… The benefits of a Full Spectrum hemp product is that not only does it provide the positive effects associated with each individual cannabinoid, but when working in concert, the cannabinoids increase the effects of the others. Like fine wine paired with fine cheese, they just work better together!
Why Self Care Matters in the Fall
Taking care of yourself is a full time job, all year round. But the gorgeous falling leaves and the flickering jack o’ lanterns of Fall come with some unfortunate side-effects brought on by the changing seasons. While self care always matters, here are some reasons that it’s good to be extra kind to yourself during the year’s cooler half.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as S.A.D, exacerbated by reduced sunlight exposure, can negatively impact mood and energy levels.
- The colder weather means drier air, and both of those mean extra dryness and stress on your skin, scalp, and hair.
- The approaching holiday season can be both exciting and also stressful, so much travel and worry, it is important to maintain the routines and rituals that keep us grounded.
Self-Care Routine + CBD:
Incorporating CBD into your self-care routine can be transformative. Whether opting for oils, gummies, or topicals, CBD may amplify relaxation and contribute to an overall sense of well-being.
Depending on how you are looking to take care of yourself this season, there is many healthy and fun ways to incorporate CBD into your wellness regimen.
CBD + Fall Skincare:
Cold winds biting your face? Dry air causing your elbows to crack? Grab some Full-Plant Salve and lather a little on at the end of your wash-routine. CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory qualities, as well as helping regulate oil production in the skin. The interaction with the cannabinoid will bring down redness and help lock in any moisture!
While more studies are needed, early research suggests that CBD used as a topical in this manner could help reduce scarring! If you’re looking to incorporate an organic and gentle addition to your skincare routine, then check out a Full-Spectrum salve like Sam’s Full Spectrum Topical from yin yang infusions!
CBD + Mental Health Care:
As mentioned before, the Fall and Winter can be a tough time mentally. The holidays, despite their charms and joys, can be a notoriously stressful time, on top of the already dour mood brought on by gray days and early nights. We’re encouraged to care and look out for each other during this time of year, but we have to remember to care of ourselves as well.
CBD won’t make the in-laws go away, and it won’t make the rain stop falling, but users report that taking CBD helps to:
- Ease Stress
- Promote Relaxation
- Relax muscles
- Improve Sleep Quality
- Provide Physical Relief
Which makes CBD an excellent addition to any relaxing, rejuvenating, Fall activities! When the weather is clear try a CBD+CBG gummy to get the full spectrum benefits, and take a walk through the crisp air and crunchy leaves!
CBD Self Care Ideas and Tips for Fall:
The hardest part of a self care routine is taking the time out of your day/week to make it happen! If you’re reading this already, you’re already past the toughest step. Self care is just as much about taking care of the mind as it is the body, below are a number of fun and easy Self Care activities that CBD can be easily incorporated into!
- Meditation/Mindfulness
- Sitting in silence and focusing on your inner self can be difficult at the best of times. But if you’re stuck inside from the weather and have the time, then the stress reducing effects of CBD can help ease you into a deeper, more grounding practice! For those looking to lower stress levels, mediation can have an incredibly positive impact.
- Infused Drinks
- Warm yourself up with some hot cocoa or warm tea before heading out into the cold air! CBD Oils like Yin Yang Infusion CBD + CBG Drops can be mixed directly into any of your favorite Fall drinks for the benefits of both CBD and that seasonal PSL!
- Yoga
- In the theme of pleasant things to do when it is unpleasant outside! Incorporating yoga into a self care routine can not only keep you moving and active without having to brave the outdoors, but can be easily enhanced by the calming effect of CBD!
- Tasty Treats
- There are loads of different ways to incorporate CBD into your diet. Check out this recipe for Infused Brownies as a tasty way to try cooking with hemp infusions! Nothing says self care quite like brownies after all!
While CBD is a valuable component of self-care, a holistic approach involves more than just its integration. Healthy habits such as regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and ensuring sufficient sleep complement the potential benefits of CBD. Mindfulness practices such as meditation and deep breathing can further enhance relaxation and stress management. Just like CBD, Self Care benefits from its own full-spectrum effect in that way!
CBD Products We Recommend!
Healthy and organic ingredients are also key to a complete self care routine. With CBD, it is important to trust the source and know the products are made with the highest quality materials. That is why sites with easily accessible lab testing results like Yin Yang Infusions are our top recommendation.
Flavorless and easily incorporated into any Fall treat or to be taken directly as part of another self-care endeavor! These are also excellent for those with a busy schedule, who don't have the time to cut out of their day for a more focused self care endeavor.
A pleasant, lightly scented lotion that can help you relax and find relief reducing stress! Use as part of a skincare routine, exercise routine, or both! CBD Topicals have endless uses for those trying to feel better in their body and life.
With natural fruit flavoring and 50 bears per jar, these infused gummies are a perfect sweet treat for chill Fall days! Suggested serving is between 1-10 bears to start, but varies with each person! CBD edibles are a great, easy way to try CBD out!
How do I know what I'm getting when I buy CBD?
As a consumer in an unregulated market, you must protect yourself, ask questions, ask to see lab reports, ask where hemp is grown and sourced. Any company producing a quality product will always have lab reports to back up their products. In these reports you can find things such as: CBD percentage, THC percentage, residual solvent content, heavy metals, etc. There are many products out there that have been tested privately revealing low levels to no CBD, higher than legal amounts of THC and all sorts of nasty things you do not want in your body. Studies suggest that the majority of CBD infused products on the market have less CBD than advertised. Most consumers are taking CBD oil for to regulate their physical and mental well being, so it is advisable to take quality cbd oil to have the best chance of making a positive impact on your overall well being.
How is CBD taken?
There are many ways to take CBD and methods that work for some better than others.
- CBD Oil Tinctures: taken under the tongue and held for several minutes for max absorption, one of the fastest and most efficient ways to consume CBD oils.
- CBD extract: Highly concentrated full extract paste can be used orally as well as topically and is fast acting
- Edibles: My favorite is the gummy, swallowing it mostly whole allows the cannabinoids to absorb like a time release as the gummy digests.
- Creams and Salves: Reported to help promote healthy skin and an active body when applied topically, Yin Yang Infusions relief cream is wildly popular
- CBD Vape: Vapable CBD is used by many for stress and is the fastest absorbing method although not the longest acting.
- Bath & Body products: Your skin is the largest living organ on your body. Use a CBD bath bombs, soaps, and lotions to relax sore muscles.
- CBD Pet Products: CBD oils, topicals, and treats can be used for pets with a variety of conditions such as supporting relaxation and mobility.
Medication interference and CBD oils-
CBD can decrease or slow the way some medications are broken down in the body. "That means CBD may increase the levels of some medications in the blood," Dr. Grinspoon says. Many people looking to take CBD for their overall health are on other medications, and it is reasonable to wonder whether or not there may be a drug interaction. Whether or not an interaction might occur completely depends on the medication a person is prescribed to, so ask your doctor (md dr) if there is any interactions with your medications and CBD oils.
What's in your CBD product?
The FDA does not test CBD products. This means that you don't really know what's in the CBD product you're buying — just like supplements you purchase in a drugstore. The risks? First, the product may not have the expected amount of CBD in it, or any at all. Second, it may contain THC without your realizing it. "The THC content is concerning. If you don't know you're taking THC and get behind the wheel, your driving could be impaired," Dr. Grinspoon says. The safest approach is to purchase from trusted, well known CBD companies like Yin Yang Infusions
Which kind of CBD is best?
Hemp-derived CBD and marijuana-derived CBD are widely available online, in retail stores, or in cannabis dispensaries, depending on your state's laws. Which type of CBD is best? "It certainly is safer to start with hemp-derived CBD, as there won't be the psychoactivity associated with THC," Dr. Grinspoon says. On the other hand, a small amount of THC added to marijuana-derived CBD may aid the CBD's effectiveness, even though it also increases the chance a person will become a little high and have problems functioning.
Should I try CBD?
Only you and your doctor can decide if CBD is right for you. If you get a green light, Dr. Grinspoon recommends using products made from cannabis grown in the United States or in Canada (which both have stricter safety regulations than other countries) that list the amount of CBD and THC on the label, and do not make claims to cure anything.
Incorporating CBD into your daily routine-
Start with a low dose, How much CBD you use depends on the delivery system (whether it's an edible, tincture, or pill, for example) and your individual needs. And of course, as with any new supplement, try it first in a safe environment, when you know you'll be home and you'll have someone there to make sure you're okay. Write down side effects and report them to your doctor if they're concerning.
Does CBD work?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) notes there is some evidence that CBD might promote a greater sense of overall well being and assist mental and physical functions. Most evidence comes from studies with lab animals, and there is truthfully not enough peer reviewed data to say what exactly CBD does to the human body. In his clinic, Dr. Grinspoon sees CBD making a difference for people with overall stress and rest.
Is CBD safe?
While the World Health Organization maintains CBD is considered generally safe and well tolerated, it's not clear yet what quantity of CBD is safe and for how long. It is best to consult with a doctor and conduct thorough research to decide whether or not you can benefit from CBD and cannabinoids.
Have A Happy, Healthy Fall!
CBD, with a diverse array of benefits, can significantly enrich your self-care routine during the Fall and Winter! From addressing seasonal challenges to promoting relaxation and overall well-being, CBD can be a versatile wellness companion.
Whatever way it may be, take care of yourself this Fall!
