Different Ways To Incorporate CBD Into Your Lifestyle
Whether you love it or hate it, you have to admit that CBD, or cannabidiol, has become increasingly popular across the world.
Studies show that one in seven Americans use CBD, with the USA holding a 40% global market share in this prolific industry. Not to be left behind, the EU holds 31% of shares, making it the second-largest shareholder in the global CBD market, despite hosting countries with varying laws and regulations around CBD products. And where percentages and ratios will tell you that CBD is a worldwide superstar, real-life superstars like Kim Kardashian, Seth Rogen, and Queen Whoopi have exercised their celebrity influence by promoting CBD to the world.
So, this global word-of-mouth worked its magic, and now here you are: interested in the balancing effects that CBD has to offer. The world of cannabidiol, with all its oils, vapours, ingestibles, and creams, can be daunting. But, we're here to break it all down for you.
CBD and Balance
The reasons why people decide to incorporate CBD into their lifestyle are vast. While scientific knowledge around CBD is inconclusive, there's plenty of stories that suggest CBD has a balancing effect on your body and lifestyle. Incorporating CBD into diet and lifestyle can have a centring effect on a lot of crucial aspects of your daily life; as we at MANTLE know, even adding a few drops of CBD oil into your morning coffee can set your whole day on the right path.
CBD provides something valuable to our daily lives. Unfortunately, many of us lead hectic existences, which can range everywhere on the spectrum, from robotic schedules to chaotic rituals. We rarely take time to infuse self-care into our routines; and it's rare that we ever stop and think about the benefits of balancing out our daily diet of stress, tension and constant movement with some peace and solace.
As it stands, all human beings need balance in their lives, and this is reflected within our very bodies. So, is it any wonder that we are continually seeking a similar type of balance in our daily lives?
Why is CBD So Important For Balance?
Unfortunately, while our body's internal system balances itself pretty effortlessly (for the most part), finding balance in the external world might need a more active hand!
So, when we switch on some Netflix after a hectic day at work, we call this a work/life balance. When we find ourselves mixing healthy vegetables into our pasta, we call this balancing our nutritional intake. In the same way, when people ingest or apply CBD, they are balancing themselves too. And the pleasures of CBD extend beyond balance: it is often said that ritual- especially intentional rituals, where we are doing something with the knowledge to improve ourselves- can be powerful in their own right. Just ask Casper ter Kuile, who holds that repetitive action, when done right, can uplift the spirit to significant degrees. As ter Kuile summarises, ritual 'is a visible expression of something which is invisible, like gratitude'.
Ensuring you're taking CBD as a ritual in your daily routine can contribute to this visible expression of the invisible. While self-care has been translated into many different definitions which vary from person to person, to sum it up properly, self-care equals putting energy into improving your mind, body and spirit; it means taking time for yourself.
The landscape surrounding the potential balancing effects of CBD is made up of Ayurveda, Eastern practices, and general public consensus that will assure you that CBD is beneficial for maintaining balance. And balance, for what it's worth, is essential to your ultimate wellbeing. A daily dose of CBD can have you making some headway in your quest to become a more centred individual.
As for claims that ritual and habitual CBD use can hold a unique kind of sanctity? Well, the only way to find out if that's true for you is to try it for yourself and see.
So, now you're interested in incorporating the balancing effects of CBD into your own lifestyle, so you can visually express gratitude and, ultimately, become a master of wellbeing? Keep reading!
Ways to Incorporate CBD Into Your Diet
CBD Oil
Perhaps the most versatile way to get your daily dose of CBD is ingesting it in its oil form. CBD oil, when sold by a reputable source, usually contains CBD with a combination of terpenes, phytocannabinoids, flavonoids (and sometimes trace amounts of THC, if that's legal in your country). All these compounds are safe, carefully extracted, tried and tested compounds are dissolved in a carrier oil, which usually holds its own lovely cocktail of terpenes and flavonoids.
The amount of CBD oil you take is up to you. Beginners may choose to start with one or two drops under the tongue; more experienced users can go up to five drops a day. It's well worth it to check the instructions included with your product for the recommended dosage, although many CBD users are already conscious about what dosage suits their bodies. You can also calculate your CBD dosage according to the concentration of CBD in your product, and the dose of CBD you desire in a day.
CBD oil is pretty effective, although it depends on how you take the oil that really defines how quickly it takes to feel any CBD-induced balance. Dropping five drops under the tongue is one fast way to get the CBD to work. Mixing the same five drops into a drink (like your morning tea or coffee) takes a little longer, although the overall balancing effect on the body is the same.
The 'Entourage Effect'
There are two favoured types of CBD oil you can incorporate into your diet: full-spectrum and broad-spectrum.
Full-spectrum CBD oil is legal in fewer countries, due to it containing trace amounts of THC. The reason for this is something called 'the entourage effect'. It is likely that a product containing a wide combination of cannabis compounds is most effective for centring your lifestyle. So, if you can get your hands on it, full-spectrum CBD is the most potent form of CBD oil out there.
Broad-spectrum CBD oil is pretty much the same as full-spectrum, but without the THC. Usually, broad-spectrum CBD oil is sold in lieu of full-spectrum, due to legal complications arising from full-spectrum's THC content. Otherwise, the 'entourage effect' is still achieved, with terpenes, flavonoids and phytocannabinoids all working together to enhance the balancing effects of the product. When shopping for your CBD oil, it's always important to check which of these two types you're purchasing, and make sure you purchase the one that's right for you.
The 'entourage effect' is perhaps more effective at balancing than just CBD on its own (known as CBD isolate). The cannabis compounds work synergistically in both full and broad-spectrum CBD oil, enhancing CBD's balancing potential, whilst also providing the additional potential effects of terpenes (which may be especially full of potential when it comes to promoting an excellent self-care routine to suit your needs) and phytocannabinoids (which can have a balancing effect on the body).
A Bit About Carrier Oils
CBD oil is usually a combination of cannabis compounds (the most prevalent of which is, of course, CBD) and a carrier oil, safe to digest.
It's important, when shopping for CBD oil, to note the carrier oil used. This is purely to factor in potential such as taste, allergies, and possible additional effects. A good quality product will clearly label the carrier oil used.
MCT Oil
This is the most popular type of carrier oil used. Extracted from coconut oil, it's an easily digestible carrier oil (which makes it quicker for the body to absorb the CBD). MCT oil has proven super effective in assisting weight loss, as it purportedly stimulates metabolism.
Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil is a common carrier oil, with effects such as aiding skin health (also lowering psoriasis and inflammation) and regulating hormones.
Sunflower Oil
A more affordable carrier oil, but nevertheless beneficial, sunflower oil is excellent for digestion, energy-boosting and, when consumed in small doses (such as a CBD carrier oil) can be great for lowering cholesterol.
Avocado Oil
Another standard CBD carrier oil, avocado oil is super good for your heart (as it's rich in oleic acid), cholesterol and skin, Just like MCT oil, avocado oil is quickly digested, meaning it's great for feeling CBD's balancing effects as promptly as possible.
CBD Capsules and Edibles
Another way to incorporate CBD into your diet is through capsules, multivitamins, and gummies (and pretty much any other foods you can think of). For the most part, CBD edibles are easy to use in public and have a pre-measured dosage, so you don't need to spend as much effort or time adjusting your CBD dosage. Pop in a capsule, vitamin, or gummy, and you're done for the day.
The downside to capsules is that they are pretty slow-acting. Any edible form of CBD will have to pass through your liver and stomach first, and it can take an hour or so for the CBD to begin to take effect.
This form of CBD ingestion can also be inefficient when compared to other methods.
Vaporised CBD
You may have seen that vaping has become a new trend, and if you’ve ever wanted to try it for yourself, you aren’t alone. For an extra balancing factor, CBD can be infused into vape oils. CBD vapes are an increasingly common way for adults to find their daily dose. With vapes being portable and potent, vaping is also handy and effective, not to mention discreet- it is unlikely anyone will be able to tell you're taking CBD while you vape.
Vapes are affordable, come with a range of flavoured e-liquids, and have a wide range of dosages according to your needs. Usually, CBD vapes can hold up to 1ml of CBD oil. To calculate how much CBD is in a single-serve of your vape, you can work out the amount of CBD you can get in one ml of liquid.
A Bit About E-Liquids
You need specialised CBD oils (also known as e-liquids) to vape. This is because normal CBD oil- meant for ingestible use- is too thick to be inhaled into the lungs due to the triglycerides in carrier oils. Removing the fatty acids from an ingestible CBD oil makes it safer to inhale. When you remove triglycerides from an oil, you're left with an oil containing a glycerol backbone- also commonly referred to as 'vegetable glycerine'. This is usually done by exposing the oil to a high amount of heat and pressure.
Some CBD e-liquids contain MCT, which has been triple-distilled: it's the only carrier oil which can be, simultaneously, vaped and ingested (but don't vape just any CBD oil with MCT as a carrier. The product still needs to be approved for vaping!)
Terpenes can also be added to the e-liquid to promote the 'entourage effect'. This is because terpenes are pretty safe to inhale, can add flavour and aroma to a product, and often have a balancing effect on the body and mind. More expensive CBD e-liquid may only contain terpenes and CBD; these e-liquids are generally labelled as being more 'organic', since both CBD and terpenes hail from the cannabis plant.
It is important to note that cheaper CBD carriers can come as polyethylene glycol. This isn't the safest carrier option, as the glycol molecules in PEG can break down into carcinogens when inhaled as smoke. Be careful when picking your CBD vape oil, and ensure you read all the ingredients, as well as do your research before buying.
It's also important to note that vaping, in general, isn't for everyone. Despite its more effective CBD absorption rates, those with sensitive lungs, glycerin allergies, or people with a past history of smoking may choose to stay away from vaping. It is essential to do what is best for you: if the thought of vaping makes you feel uncomfortable (or you just don't like the look of it), then there are plenty of other avenues for you to take.
Ways to Incorporate CBD into Your Skincare Routine
Not just limited to your inside, CBD can be great in creams, oils, balms, and lotions. Most cosmetic CBD products are excellent in your skincare routine. Not only does a host of CBD skincare provide you with the pleasant scents of terpenes, which promotes a sense of wellbeing in the mind, but terpenes, carrier oils and phytocannabinoids have also been anecdotally known to aid in skin care.
CBD for Acne
Acne is caused by clogged pores, where the bacterium propionibacterium acnes tends to fester. A lot of acne medication centres around ensuring that pores don't get blocked, by way of limiting the production of excess oil and sebum which clogs our skin's pores.
CBD's potential balancing effects can extend into our glands and pores. CBD can balance the amount of sebum our skin produces; great news for acne sufferers, as research often tells us that a lot of acne sufferers have excess sebum clogging their pores.
Alongside this, CBD has also been hailed as a 'self-care agent’ for the skin, mainly due to its propensity to centre and restore balance to the skin.
CBD and Glowing Skin
CBD’s correlation with harmonic, glowing skin is not to be understated. CBD’s balancing effects can keep the skin radiant and soft. But CBD’s power to uphold moisturised, glowing skin also stems from the fact that many skincare-related CBD oils, creams, and balms contain terpenes, which can leave your skin maintaining its glow and staying smooth and youthful. The balancing effects of CBD aren’t just present in the drops of oil you add to your morning coffee: it’s in every great CBD product, and that’s very important to remember in order to ensure you receive the whole CBD experience.
All terpenes (but especially limonene and linalool) have varying results when it comes to centring the mind...and this can significantly assist your skin. By now, everybody knows that a majority of skin conditions can be caused by stress (such as rashes, breakouts and hives!). Anxiety, fear, and stress could factor into less sleep and fewer nutrients entering the body; all factors which could decrease skin health. Keeping your skin clear means keeping the mind calm, maintaining a great sleeping pattern, and, in general, being happy; lucky for us, just the action of inhaling terpenes has balancing effects, just like CBD. The terpenes present in many CBD skincare products carry the unique, potent potential to bring more balance to both our body, mind, and skin.
CBD bath bombs and candles are also a great example of how the ‘entourage effect’ can assist you from the inside out. By inhaling scents, we can reprogramme our minds, stay calm, get a great night’s sleep, and, ultimately, get our skin to reflect how we really feel on the inside.
CBD and You
There are many more ways to incorporate CBD into your lifestyle: while we can’t get them all down in one article (without having you spend the night reading instead of sleeping- which is, by the way, terrible for your health and skin), but we’ve certainly got the popular methods down.
CBD is steadily growing into a versatile, fun, and adaptable product, with the potential to keep you balanced and centred without becoming limited or boxed up. And as we discover more ways to live our best lives alongside CBD, we can begin to realise that the beauty of CBD lies in the range of ways we can use it.