Category: CBD Blog

Our Trifecta for Wellness and Longevity

We’ve been flooded with questions lately about our longevity diet and our recent comments about polyunsaturated fats (PUFA). You may ask, why are we so anti PUFA? What’s in it for us?

Well, less arthritic pain. Better health. Longevity. We’d like our kid to not be eating PUFA in every single product made for children. PUFA is creating long term cumulative problems like arthritis, obesity, heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes and premature aging.

We have been helping customers for years manage inflammation with our CBD products. Our research for solutions lead us to the number one source of pain and inflammation and how to deal with it. We want to help everyone get to the root cause and solve their problems and we actually want you to need less of our products. But for a time, with consistency, our products will give you the tools to deal with chronic inflammation and have a better quality of life.

With this in mind, here is our number one easiest entry point into getting control over your health and starting the longevity journey.

1. Eliminate polyunsaturated fats from the diet.

2. Take CBD to help reduce inflammation, lower stress and improve sleep.

3. Take vitamin E daily or any time you eat PUFA.

4. Take 3-9 systemic enzyme capsules daily on an empty stomach.

Depending on your current state of health, you may need to do this for a few months to a couple years or more. In the first two weeks you should start to see massive reduction in inflammation and improved sleep quality, and overall sense of wellbeing. At 4-6 months on a low or PUFA free diet, you should see reduction in age spots and skin that has more resiliency to sun damage, improved blood sugar balance, better mobility. After a couple years of flushing out a lifetime of garbage with our our basic protocol, you have, essentially, a younger body and have undone decades of cellular damage.

What’s so bad about PUFAs anyway?

There are two major categories of fatty acids, saturated and unsaturated. For decades, unsaturated fats have been touted as heart healthy, cholesterol lowering fats. The issue comes with the fact that unsaturated fats are highly unstable and become oxidized and rancid when exposed to heat. Oxidized fats create free radicals which weaken our organs, cause accelerated aging and are cancer promoting. PUFAs also deplete vitamin E which is one of our most valuable dietary master antioxidants next to glutathione.

Here is how to go PUFA free:

1. Cut out the most toxic of the PUFAs from your diet. These are cooking oils such as soybean, corn, sunflower, safflower, canola, palm, peanut, sesame seed, grapeseed and of course hydrogenated oils, AKA trans fats. Fish oil supplements are also in this category, unfortunately. Cold water fish need polyunsaturated fats to survive because they stay fluid in cold water (as opposed to saturated fats that harden in cold temperatures like lard and coconut oil). Less egregious PUFAs would be nuts and seeds, nut butters, olive and avocado oil (which is a mix of monounsaturated fatty acids). Also, factory farmed animals that eat a diet high in corn and soy will contain more PUFAs in their fat, so try to find animal protein sources that are organic and pasture raised. If you have health problems eliminate all PUFA for a time.

2. Read labels of foods you buy and be mindful of eating at restaurants. Most will use PUFAs to prepare foods. Fried, sauteed and stir fried foods will definitely be cooked in PUFAs. Opt for grilled, poached, boiled and steamed foods options when eating out and take vitamin E with your meals.

3. At home, cook with coconut oil, ghee, butter, lard or tallow.

Mellow Out The Pain and Inflammation Caused By Inflammatory Oils and Foods:

CBD is one of the best ways to get the body back to homeostasis. Studies have shown CBD can reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, improve cognitive function, improve sleep and manage stress*. We use this to get our inflammation under control quickly. We have several other blog posts regarding CBD benefits here and here if you’d like to learn more.

Breakdown the stores of PUFA in your body:

Some studies have estimated that the half-life of fat stores is around 400-600 days, which means that it could take up to 2-3 years to gradually reduce the number of PUFAs in the body. Dieting and exercise can release these PUFA fat stores quickly, but at the same time recirculate these fats in the body causing more free radical damage. This is why we need to protect ourselves with vitamin E daily. If you are on a weight loss diet you can safely take two capsules per day AM and PM. Too much E can cause blood to thin. You should also make sure to take a full spectrum E that contains a mix of tocotrienols and tocopherols for best results.

Reverse the damage:

While diet and vitamin E can help mitigate PUFAs, we can take things to the next level and start breaking down fibrin, biofilms and plaque that have accumulated over time by poor diet, mold exposure, and physical injuries. Systemic enzymes are like Drano for your body, dissolving debris. An enzyme blend that contains serrapeptase or nattokinase can be hugely impactful for overall wellness and longevity. These are taken on an empty stomach, as opposed to digestive enzymes that are taken with meals. We recommend 3 capsules 3x day for at least one to two months and then scale down to 3 per day if you want to fast track your progress.

Our Banish the PUFA Essential Longevity Trifecta:

1. CBD, our Golden State with Turmeric or Good Vibes formula.

2. Our Perfect E vitamin E formula.

3. Our Systemic Enzymes

These are all available in our store now.

*These statements have not been approved by the FDA and are not meant to be used as medical advice. Please see your physician before embarking on a new diet and supplement regimen.

Curried Seaweed Soup

Curried Seaweed Soup

Rich in essential iodine, this comforting soup is one of my favorites to nourish the thyroid and support our endocrine system. We need iodine to produce thyroxine (T4) which gets converted to triiodothyronine (T3) which helps regulate our metabolism. Every cell in our body has a thyroid hormone receptor and because iodine is found almost exclusively in ocean vegetables and seafood, the majority of the world’s population is actually deficient. Kelp and kombu (a variety of kelp) contains the highest amounts of iodine, plus they add a nice bit of umami to this flavorful soup.

Please note,  if you have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Grave’s disease, both autoimmune diseases of the thyroid, this should be enjoyed in moderation as high doses of iodine could worsen symptoms.

Curried Seaweed Soup

Makes 3-4 servings

Prep Time 20 Minutes

Seaweed

2/3 cup (24 g) loosely packed dried wild Atlantic Kombu

3/4 cup (175 ml) hot water

Soup Base

2 1/2 cups (570 ml) very hot water

3 tablespoons(32 g) chickpea miso

2 tablespoons (24 g) coconut oil

1 1/2 tablespoons (23 ml) lemon juice

1 tablespoon (6 g) curry powder

1 tablespoon (8 g) grated ginger

1 to 2 Medjool dates, pitted

For the seaweed, place the dried kombu in a small bowl of 3/4 cup hot water and allow to soak for 20 minutes. Reserve the soaking liquid.

For the soup, blend all the ingredients in the soup base, as well as the kombu and soaking liquid, in a blender until smooth. Adjust seasonings to taste. This recipe is a raw food friendly recipe. For those who like a warmer soup, warm gently over the stovetop. This soup keeps for 3 days in the refrigerator.

From the book Raw & Simple DETOX by Judita Wignall. Copyright 2015 Quarry Books.

Curried Seaweed Soup

City & Sea Q & A with founders Matt and Judita

We wanted to share some of the most popular questions we get about our lifestyle.

What supplements do you take for general health and anti aging?

Most of the supplements we take are for dealing with inflammation, slowing the aging process and helping us to be more resilient against toxins in the environment. We avoid processed foods as much as we can and take systemic enzymes to deal with the lifetime of bad fats and other unhealthy ingredients that have built up in our bodies over decades. Systemic enzymes are also amazing for long term inflammation issues and blood clotting as they break down fibrin and clots in the body. 

We take CBD to deal with stress and the inflammation brought on by daily life and the environment, also to help keep our immune system up and our body in a state of homeostasis. As inflammation goes down we insure it does not come back by using the other supplements and eating a clean diet. 

We take vitamin E as an antioxidant and to help process bad fats and make our skin more resilient. High quality vitamin E is an aromatase inhibitor, meaning it suppresses negative aspects of hormones like estrogen. This study suggests it can help prevent breast cancer. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16091003/It is one of our favorite anti aging tools. 

We take niacinamide, a precursor to NAD+, to help support the metabolism and for its liver protective benefits. Studies show niacinamide enhances the liver’s ability to break down toxins, as well as helps a variety of issues like balancing blood sugar, lowering inflammation and even treating arthritis. An underrated, yet, very strong anti-aging tool. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35334034/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8841834/

Magnesium is essential for over 300 different body processes, but unfortunately our food and our water does not contain sufficient amounts of magnesium at this time in history. “Low levels of magnesium have been associated with a number of chronic diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease (e.g., stroke), migraine headaches, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).” We take it with our CBD for the best night’s sleep ever.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26404370/ Magnesium glycinate is a very bioavailable and tolerable form of magnesium that does not cause loose stools. 

A couple other things we also take, but do not carry, in our store is good old fashioned aspirin. Aspirin, or in it’s natural form, white willow bark, is a great anti inflammatory that also prevent blood clotting, stokes and heart attacks. It also promotes a healthy metabolism and can be protective against cancer. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26868177/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28106908/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36099932/

We will have a D3-K2 supplement soon, but for now we recommend the Sports Research brand. This is for bone health and aiding in the proper use of calcium in the body.

During the fall and winter we take our immune mushroom blend with 9 different medicinal mushrooms and our whole food vitamin C complex. If we are traveling and under stress we take them in the summer as well. They both support a healthy immune system and have other wonderful anti-aging properties.

What kind of supplement schedule are you on? 

We take vitamin E, niacinamide and CBD in the morning and systemic enzymes, magnesium and CBD at night. 

Systemic enzymes should be taken on an empty stomach to get the deep cleaning/dissolving effects, but you can also take them with food as a digestive aid. 

When we eat out at restaurants we always bring our vitamin E and enzymes to offset any negative ingredients that could be present like vegetable oils.

We also like to take a day or two off of the supplements per week just to reset the body. 

Magnesium is great at night as it can help the body wind down for sleep, but it’s also helpful for dealing with general stress as well as the negative effects of EMF radiation from cell phones and wifi routers. 

Do we really need to take so many supplements?

Honestly, yes, unless you live on an island somewhere with magnesium rich soil and water, no wifi, and native heirloom fruit. Our modern lifestyle is anything but natural, so we need to find ways to balance areas that are deficient and get our health to a state of homeostasis where we are running on all cylinders. 

We do not take multi vitamins. Many of those are made with cheap ingredients and not very bioavailable that end up unused and excreted out of the body. We eat a diet high in fruit and root vegetables, pastured eggs, raw cheeses and raw milks. We tend to avoid or minimize nuts and leafy greens as they contain a digestive blockers and anti-nutrients. Meat is usually bison or warm water wild caught fish. Because of having a high, efficient metabolism, we also consume an adequate amount of healthy sugars daily to give the body low stress fuel. This only works in a body free of lipofuscin and inflammation which starts up at the top with systemic enzymes and CBD. 

We avoid beer and wine because of endotoxins. Beer is very estrogenic which we want to avoid at all cost. We do enjoy a nice cocktail from time to time especially with herbal bitters. These aid the liver in processing fats. Taking niacinamide with our drink helps prevent hangover as well!

All of our supplements help create a strong foundation for your health. But before you begin any supplementation focus on getting your diet in order. Don’t exclude any macronutrients, but find the right ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates that works for you. Because most of us grew up on inflammatory polyunsaturated fats like vegetable oils, we have become insulin and metabolically resistant and feel much better on a higher protein and fat diet. Though sugar has been demonized as causing health problems, that is a result of a body that is loaded with PUFAs that it is unable to metabolize sugars correctly.. As you do the work to remove accumulated PUFAs from your body and increase your metabolism you will be able to enjoy carbohydrates more freely. Enzymes and vitamin E will help start you on the path of getting your metabolism and hormones regulated.

Our new free E-Book will explain more. Make sure to be on our email list to get it in your mailbox when it comes out!

Upgraded Formula vs Original Formula. Why the Change?

City & Sea Trading Upgraded CBD
Full Spectrum Hemp Extracts made with all organic ingredients.

When we started making our unique custom CBD formulations six years ago, we used the best ingredients we could find using the most gentle extraction process that maintained all of the vital health promoting properties. We have not changed much over the years as there was never a reason to make many changes. We were (and still) proud of our first formulations. When we did make changes to a product, it was always for the better. We never took steps backwards or cut corners on our products.

As the science and our understanding of cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system has evolved, our understanding of how CBD can be better utilized by the body has become more clear. Over the last year we were excited to discover a natural technology that gave us something more effective while maintaining important whole plant integrity, maximum bioavailability, and no need for emulsifiers.

Cellular Deconstruction™ Technology (CDT) uses NO solvents, chemicals, harsh temperatures or extreme pressure. All of the cannabinoids and terpenes are preserved in a molecular size that the body can quickly utilize. This refinement process also allows us to remove some of the unpleasant tasting plant waxes and chlorophyll. You’ll notice a lighter color and more mellow tasting tincture, but all the wonderful properties are still there working faster and stronger than ever, even at a lower potency. The same ingredients we’ve always used with faster action and more absorption. We hope you love it as much as we do.

SYSTEMIC ENZYMES, FIBRIN AND CALCIFICATION

One of the major causes of pain and inflammation in the body is fibrin, an insoluble protein that is produced in response to bleeding and is the major component of a blood clot. When tissue damage results in bleeding, fibrinogen is converted at the wound into fibrin by the action of thrombin, a clotting enzyme. This is a lifesaver, as it is basically a scab that allows bleeding to stop and wounds to heal. But fibrin can become problematic with chronic inflammation and improperly utilized calcium.

In the case of heart blockage, the culprit is usually calcification of the arteries. The source is often poor diet induced chronic inflammation. In response the body begins to send fibrin to build up a scab. This fibrin attracts calcium and before long you have blockage of the circulatory system.

Autoimmune issues can cause overactive fibrin development as well. The very thing that the body does to save our lives can be the cause of pain and eventual death. Fibromyalgia is the name for fibrin that is undissolved and continues to build up around inflammation. You can see how a strong anti-inflammatory like CBD may be helpful for fibromyalgia pain, but how do you address the core problem? Vitamin K2 helps the body properly utilize calcium while systemic enzymes break down fibrin and bad calcium. An overall clean, whole food diet removes the source for most of these problems.

The key to dealing with fibrin is enzymes. Enzymes are the building blocks of life. They are a part of all organic life performing various important functions in our bodies. Systemic enzymes break down fibrin overgrowth and toxic buildups all over our body. Studies show they can help break down toxic metals as well as lipofuscin (age spots) that comes from polyunsaturated fats in our cells and can help unclog arteries. One amazing study exposed rats to high doses of aluminum and after 45 days of systemic enzymes, the rats showed a huge improvement in negative effects of the aluminum and were markedly better than the control group (1).

Enzymes are essential if you are dealing with inflammation, joint pain, bad skin, calcification and conditions like fibromyalgia. We take enzymes daily as well as vitamin E (we have a City and Sea vitamin E coming soon). All of these combined with regular CBD have been the best tools in fighting inflammation. Everyone is turning to fish oil for inflammation, and in most cases this is just causing more problems since polyunsaturated fat is unstable and oxidizes in the human body. We can see in studies that a diet deficient in vitamin E and high in fish oils leads to yellow fat disease or lipofuscin  (2).

Not only do enzymes break down lipofuscin, but vitamin E helps to metabolize the oils that cause it. Reduction or removal of polyunsaturated fats and high dose enzymes and vitamin E can remove one of the main causes of inflammation, and the addition of CBD in a coconut oil base addresses inflammation head on.

So how do you take systemic enzymes? Our starting dose years back was 6 enzyme capsules per day on an empty stomach. Because we have a great diet we just take a maintenance dose of 3 pills a few days a week usually before bed on an empty stomach. After years of taking systemic enzymes we have seen improved skin, noticeable reduction of age spots, less random aches and pains, greater mental clarity and more.

One interesting note on enzymes, most of the places on Earth that have the longest living people are in tropical locations where they eat large amounts of tropical fruits, which have massive amounts of naturally occurring enzymes. Our anti aging protocol includes supplementing systemic enzymes and enjoying as much pineapples, mangos and papayas we can get our hands on. If you really need a reboot to your health, go to the tropics and eat all the local local fruit you can along with daily sunlight and walks on the beach. 

For the beginner, we suggest 6-9 pills a day on an empty stomach. If you’re in really bad shape you can take as many as 10 per day, but start slow as it can cause the bowels to move. Once your body is cleaned out you will be on a regular healthy bowel movement schedule and you can reduce it to 2-3 enzyme capsules per day. Give it time as fibrin is the result of years of constant inflammation, but most can start feeling some benefits with in a few days to a few weeks. Click here to explore our systemic enzymes.

1) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23821590/

2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/625860/

More on systemic enzymes:
https://www.nytimes.com/1984/11/14/us/enzyme-used-to-dissolve-clots-in-coronaries.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3529416/

https://academic.oup.com/cardiovascres/article/57/2/563/307976

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibrinolysis

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7585045/

https://ndnr.com/pain-medicine/pain-management-using-systemic-enzyme-therapy/

CBD Benefits For Men

City and Sea Trading - Organic Full Spectrum HEMP CBD Products

The statements below have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. All information comes from medical journals and government websites, but is not to be used as medical advice. Please consult a doctor if you have a medical condition.

CBD has a lot of potential to help people with a wide range of health conditions, including conditions that men are particularly prone to developing.  As such, many researchers are looking at how CBD can help with men’s health in particular.

CBD is a chemical that can be extracted from hemp and cannabis plants. It’s non-addictive, non-intoxicating, and federally legal in the US. Research shows that CBD might have a wide range of health benefits, and although it needs to be studied further, many people swear by using CBD to enhance their well being.

Due to biological and social reasons, men are more likely to suffer from certain conditions. Many of those conditions can be helped by CBD. Here’s what you need to know about CBD and men’s health.

CBD for Anxiety and Depression

Mental health is not a gender-specific issue. However, men are far less likely to get help for mental health issues than women.

And it’s not like men don’t experience mental health issues. According to The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), at least 6 million men experience depressive disorders every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men are more likely than women to die by suicide.

What could account for this mental health gap? Men might feel that seeking help is a sign of weakness. In many cultures, it’s seen as unmanly to talk about your emotional and mental health – a stigma that needs to be addressed.

While it’s no substitute for therapy and positive lifestyle changes, CBD might be able to help you manage mood disorders like anxiety and depression. In fact, anxiety is one of the most common reasons for using CBD.

Research on CBD and anxiety is promising. For example, a 2011 study found that CBD could reduce the symptoms of social anxiety disorder. CBD could also help with the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, another anxiety disorder, according to a 2018 review.

Some research concludes that CBD could also help with the symptoms of depression. A 2010 study and a 2014 study, both animal studies, found that CBD could soothe both anxiety and depression. However, this must be studied on humans before we understand exactly how it works.

And we know that stress can contribute to the development of mental illness. A promising 2018 review of studies concluded that CBD could reduce stress. Regularly taking CBD might help your body and mind cope with the stress of everyday life as well as aid in a restful night’s sleep.

CBD for Addiction

Men are typically more likely to use illicit drugs than women, according to The National Institute on Drug Abuse and are more prone to developing a dependence on drugs.

It’s not just so-called hard drugs that men struggle with. According to the CDC, men also face higher rates of alcohol-related deaths and hospitalizations. The CDC also notes that men binge drink twice as much as women.

CBD has potential as a treatment for addiction. Firstly, it’s not addictive itself, and can’t make you feel intoxicated. Conversely, CBD might help people with substance abuse disorders.

Research from 2015 shows that CBD might be able to actually moderate the brain, thus reducing dependence on illicit drugs. Further research from a 2019 double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial showed that CBD could reduce cravings and anxiety for those addicted to heroin – an extremely promising conclusion.

Currently, there is ongoing research looking into how CBD can help those with addictions. Hopefully, this research will tell us whether CBD could help people who are addicted to other illicit drugs as well as alcohol, nicotine, and more.

CBD for Heart Health

Cardiovascular health is something men, in particular, should be conscious of. According to the American Heart Association, one in three adult men in the US have some form of cardiovascular disease.

High blood pressure, in particular, is quite common in males under 45 years old, according to the American Heart Association. High blood pressure can lead to conditions like stroke.

The good news is that CBD might be able to help with cardiovascular issues. One study gave nine healthy men one dose of 600mg CBD. They were compared to men who received a placebo. The researchers found that CBD actually reduced resting blood pressure. When the subjects underwent stress tests, those who were given CBD experienced a smaller increase in blood pressure.

And because CBD is an anti-oxidant, it might help reduce stress on the heart. For example, one interesting animal study found that treatment with CBD prevented heart damage in mice with heart disease. While this effect needs to be studied in humans, this research is promising.

Finally, men often put their health last and avoid looking for medical help until it’s too late. According to WebMD, men often put their health last and avoid looking for medical help until it’s too late. Take precautions today to protect your health and well being, and know when to turn to your doctor for guidance.

If you’d like to invest in your health by using high-quality CBD products, shop our range here.

SOURCES

Bitencourt RM, et al. (2018). Cannabidiol as a therapeutic alternative for post-traumatic stress disorder: From bench research to confirmation in human trials. DOI:
10.3389/fnins.2018.00502
Blessing EM, et al. (2015). Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. DOI: 10.1007/2Fs13311-015-0387-1
Crippa JAS, et al. (2010). Neural basis of anxiolytic effects of CBD in generalized social anxiety disorder: A preliminary report. DOI:
10.1177/0269881110379283
Depression in men. (n.d.)
nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health/depression-in-men.shtml
Excessive alcohol use and risks to men’s health. (2016, March 7)
cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/mens-health.htm
Hoffman M. (2008). 6 Top Health Threats to Men. https://www.webmd.com/men/features/6-top-health-threats-men
Hurd Y, et al. (2019). Cannabidiol for the reduction of cue-induced craving and anxiety in drug-abstinent individuals with heroin use disorder: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2020-02633-003
Iffland K, et al. (2017). An update on safety and side effects of cannabidiol: A review of clinical data and relevant animal studies. DOI:10.1089/can.2016.0034
Jadoon KA, et al. (2017). A single dose of cannabidiol reduces blood pressure in healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study. DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.93760
Men and cardiovascular disease. (2013). Retrieved from 
heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@sop/@smd/documents/downloadable/ucm_319573.pdf
Prud’homme M, et al. (2015). Cannabidiol as an Intervention for Addictive Behaviors: A Systematic Review of the Evidence. DOI: 10.4137/SART.S25081
Rajesh M, et al. (2011). Cannabidiol attenuates cardiac dysfunction, oxidative stress, fibrosis, inflammatory and cell death signaling pathways in diabetic cardiomyopathy. DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2010.07.033

CBD For Women’s Health And Wellness

City and Sea Trading - Organic Full Spectrum HEMP CBD Products

Many people use CBD for health reasons, but women, especially, can benefit from CBD, as it’s often used to soothe symptoms of menstruation, PMS, menopause, and more. But how exactly can CBD help women, and what does the research say about the link between CBD and women’s health*?

CBD is a non-intoxicating chemical that naturally occurs in cannabis and hemp plants. Cannabis has actually been used in gynecology for millennia, according to a review in the Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics. In ancient medicine, cannabis was used to soothe painful periods, remedy morning sickness, and even help ease pain during childbirth.

Nowadays, modern technology has made it possible for us to extract CBD from cannabis and hemp plants. Research shows that CBD could have a range of health benefits, but it has the added bonus of not making us feel high. What’s more is that it’s considered a non-addictive substance.

So how exactly does this health product help women? Here’s what you need to know about using CBD for women’s health.

CBD for menstrual cramps
Menstrual cramps have an important job. They’re caused by prostaglandins, hormones that cause the uterus to contract. These contractions help the uterus shed its lining. While this is an important job, these cramps can also be extremely painful.

If you have bad menstrual cramps, CBD might be able to help you. While the effects of CBD on menstrual cramps have not been confirmed by research, many studies show that CBD might be able to help with pain in general. For example, an extensive 2018 review found that CBD could be effective at reducing pain.

Although it needs to be studied further, many people believe that CBD is especially good at soothing menstrual pain.

CBD for autoimmune conditions
Women are more likely to have autoimmune disorders, which include conditions like fibromyalgia, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis (MS). A key characteristic of autoimmune conditions is inflammation – something CBD seems to reduce – which is why many experts are hopeful that CBD could help.

The above-mentioned 2018 review on CBD and pain especially looked at fibromyalgia as well as cancer-related pain and neuropathic pain. It concluded that CBD could effectively help with fibromyalgia-related pain. Another 2018 study concluded that CBD could improve mobility in people with MS.

While CBD and autoimmune conditions must be studied further, many people swear by using CBD to manage their symptoms. We advise you to talk to your doctor if you want to use CBD to help with your symptoms, especially if you’re taking any other medication.

CBD for depression and anxiety
Of course, women are not the only people who struggle with depression and anxiety: anyone can have these conditions, no matter their gender. However, depression and anxiety can often be exacerbated by PMS, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause.

This is where CBD comes in handy. CBD is often used to boost mood and soothe stress, although the link between CBD and mood needs to be studied more.

A 2011 study concluded that CBD could reduce the symptoms of social anxiety disorder. A promising 2018 review looked at multiple studies and concluded that CBD could reduce the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, another anxiety disorder. Lastly, one 2018 review of studies showed that CBD could reduce stress.

Some animal studies suggest that CBD can also help with depression. For example, a 2010 study and a 2014 study concluded that CBD could soothe both anxiety and depression. A 2019 study also noted that CBD seemed to reduce depression in animal models. However, this needs to be studied further before we know for sure.

Incorporating CBD into your self-care routine can be a great way to relax, unwind, and self-soothe.

CBD for menopause
Menopause comes with a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including joint pain, inflammation, mood swings, and more. As mentioned above, CBD could help with these issues. Many people massage CBD topicals onto their joints or take an extra dosage when they’re struggling with mood swings.

Additionally, CBD could help with bone density, according to some research. This is helpful, because bone density tends to decrease with age and especially after menopause. And, while it hasn’t been studied in detail, many women claim that CBD soothes hot flashes.

Another common symptom of menopause is insomnia. CBD has been associated with better sleep. One 2017 review noted that CBD could help soothe insomnia, REM sleep disorders, and daytime sleepiness. More recently, a 2019 study found CBD to be helpful for participants who had anxiety and insomnia.

Plenty of perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal women use CBD to manage their symptoms naturally. Speak to your doctor if you’re interested in using CBD for menopause.

Is CBD safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Unfortunately, we don’t know. CBD hasn’t been tested on pregnant women, which means that we don’t know if it’s safe. No studies suggest that it is dangerous, but it’s strongly advised that you err on the side of caution. Rather avoid CBD if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

How to use CBD for women’s health

Most experts suggest taking a consistent dose of CBD every day  will yield the best results. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before using any new health product, especially if you’re currently taking medications. Chat with a CBD-friendly doctor in your area if you’d like to use it for health reasons.

CBD has a range of potential benefits for women, from soothing menstrual cramps to helping with the symptoms of menopause. Many women benefit from using CBD in their daily routines. If you’d like to purchase high-quality CBD products, shop our range here.

SOURCES

Angum, F. et al. (2020). The Prevalence of Autoimmune Disorders in Women: A Narrative Review. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.8094
Babson KA, et al. (2017). Cannabis, cannabinoids, and sleep: A review of the literature. DOI: 10.1007/s11920-017-0775-9
Bitencourt RM, et al. (2018). Cannabidiol as a therapeutic alternative for post-traumatic stress disorder: From bench research to confirmation in human trials. DOI:
10.3389/fnins.2018.00502
Blessing EM, et al. (2015). Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. DOI: 10.1007/2Fs13311-015-0387-1
Crippa JAS, et al. (2010). Neural basis of anxiolytic effects of CBD in generalized social anxiety disorder: A preliminary report. DOI:
10.1177/0269881110379283
Elms L, et al. (2019). Cannabidiol in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: A case series. DOI:
10.1089/acm.2018.0437
Nagarkatti, P. et al. (2009). Cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs. DOI: 10.4155/fmc.09.93
Iffland K, et al. (2017). An update on safety and side effects of cannabidiol: A review of clinical data and relevant animal studies. DOI:
10.1089/can.2016.0034
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*This article is for education only and is not to be taken as medical advice nor is it meant to treat, diagnose or cure any medical condition,.

The CBD Trifecta

CBD + Coffee + Cacao

The depression and anxiety lowering trifecta! Good health is important for being resilient to the stresses of life. Eat organic and stay away from toxins especially in the home. Things like cleaning supplies and laundry detergent can be loaded with xeno-estrogens that can affect hormone and mood balance. CBD and high quality coffee and chocolate on the regular are a huge positive mood boost. All three of these super foods are high in anti-oxidants that protect your cells, brain and skin. Chocolate contains it’s own cannabinoid, anandamide, this works along with CBD to rewire the brain to feel good. Real chocolate contains magnesium as well, which is calming and great for sleep and sore muscles. Coffee is just neurotropic magic. If you are feeling a little down, give yourself a gift every day. A little CBD, chocolate and coffee party.

How To Find Your Perfect Dose

CBD tincture

Did you know CBD doesn’t have an official serving size? That’s because we all have our own unique bio individuality and needs. Some folks can feel CBD working from the smallest dose, while some need 300mg to feel a difference. If you’re wondering where to start, we recommend our 300 or 600 size. A 1mL dropper has 10mg of CBD per serving. Start with 1mL per day and see if you notice any benefits. From there add another serving until you see changes in mood, sleep, mobility, etc. Can you overdose? Not really, but if you feel excessive dry mouth, sleepiness (during the day), or low blood pressure/heart rate then reduce your dosage. Using it daily and consistently will yield much better results over using it only as needed. You may find you need less over time as your cells become saturated with cannabinoids. CBD acts on 60 different molecular pathways so consistent use may give us an edge in overall heath and feeling of wellbeing and balance.

CBD and Terpenes for COVID Inflammation

CBD and terpenes for COVID

Well this is cool, from Forbes Magazine,  an article on the benefits of CBD and terpenes in treating COVID-19. Part of what makes full spectrum CBD great is all the terpenes, but did you know we have always added some extra terpenes to our formulas? This gives our CBD the maximum “cascade effect”. All the terpenes enhance the CBD and Vice versa, then we add things like CO2 extracted turmeric and it’s just a powerhouse of wellbeing that, in our opinion,  exceeds most CBD on the market.