A few of my favorite products for personal use.
There is a LOT of hype about CBD (cannabidiol). I would just like to address some CBD basics as this is a product that I utilize in my practice and for my own health.
CBD is a phytonutrient (a compound derived from a plant). It comes from the hemp plant. Hemp and marijuana are different but closely related plants. This distinction is made because hemp has very little THC while marijuana contains far more. THC is the psychoactive compound or the ingredient that produces a “high.”
The recent increase in CBD use is mostly due to products made from hemp and therefore containing very little or no THC. These products are legal in all 50 states and can be purchased directly by consumers. Licensing, medicinal use and/or decriminalization of marijuana does not affect the availability of CBD or hemp products.
There are several great companies out there making high-quality CBD products and, of course, also companies using cheaper products or cheaper manufacturing techniques. I do not seek to endorse a single company but rather to educate consumers about the differences in quality. The two things I look for when choosing hemp or CBD products are 1: where did it come from? 2: how was it processed?
I often look for products that contain “certified European hemp” because Europe has a longer regulatory history with the plant. This means they have greater regulatory processes in place to prevent contamination from pesticides and other chemicals. There are good hemp products from plants grown in the US but our regulations are not as well-defined so it is harder to know exactly what you are getting. You can look for “certified organic” hemp or a company that utilizes organic farming practices.
How the CBD is extracted from the plant is incredibly important as well. In order to get the active ingredients out of plants, there are several common methods. The cheaper method uses chemical solvents like hexanes which may leave residual amounts of those harsh chemicals in the final product. I always look for “Co2 extraction” as this is the cleanest possible method.
CBD can be used for many common conditions. Difficulty sleeping, anxiety, muscle or joint pain and menstrual pain are the most frequently cited uses for CBD or hemp oil.
CBD/hemp oil can be dosed in a liquid/oil format, gummies or topically as a cream or salve. Pictured above are three products that I keep around for my personal use – Calm gummies, Recovery gummies and a topical salve for muscle/joint stiffness and pain. There are sleep gummies that are also great for occasional difficulty sleeping. If you are experiencing a health challenge or have more questions about CBD, it is best to work with an experienced and qualified healthcare provider.
If you are ready to start or revitalize your health journey, you are in the right spot! Check out my website or bio to get in touch. I offer 15-minute complimentary consultation calls to answer your initial questions. Convenient telehealth appointments are available from the comfort of your own home.
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