There is a whole lot of misinformation or general lack of knowledge surrounding the use of cannabidiol (CBD), even though it’s now available from most high-street health stores in the UK.
CBD is one kind of the many cannabinoid compounds which can be found in the cannabis plant. It’s a naturally occurring substance which can be extracted and mixed with a carrier oil – usually hemp seed or coconut – to create a CBD oil.
And unlike the most well-known cannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabidiol (THC), CBD is not psychoactive, meaning that it won’t make you ‘high’ – the sensation most commonly associated with cannabis.
There are, however, many reported medicinal benefits associated with CBD use.
Some effects of CBD have been linked to adenosine, which helps our circadian rhythm (our body’s natural sleep and wake cycle), and serotonin levels, which influence our stress and mood. It is taken by those who suffer from sleeplessness or anxiety.
But it is increasingly being used to help with post-workout recovery due to its ability to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.
And this is especially important at this time of year, with so many more people forging ahead with their new 2019 fitness goals – getting injured in the process.
People often jump right into new fitness regimes in January but push themselves too hard too soon. Their bodies just aren’t used to the pressure, and a knock picked up before the temperature starts to rise can derail the rest of the year.
You can avoid this by training smarter and focusing on more low-impact sports, but an alternative remedy includes the use of CBD oil. Many athletes have recently begun using a whole host of muscle-soothing creams infused with CBD to help them recover. But there are countless other ways to get CBD into your body.
The compound can be made into edibles such as gummies and brownies or smoked with a vape. Putting a few drops of concentrated CBD oil on to the tongue is the most fast-acting option but, when it comes to post-workout recovery, body creams and oils are best.
Rub a cream like those from Ambience CBD into your sore muscles and let it work its magic. It will even help relieve pain from a bad back and has far fewer side effects than most pain reducing drugs.
Another thing to consider is the varying cannabinoid profiles active in each of the product ranges. Sometimes people will get on better with one product over another, and this is not always just about the CBD content.
Other cannabinoids such as CBDa, CBG, and CBC can play a role in how products support or maintain health.
Basically, it helps to shop around. So start with a brand like Ambience, and if that doesn’t work, try another.
Simon Manthorpe, CEO of Eos Scientific, says: “Even though research into the benefits of CBD have been incredibly varied, one of the more widely accepted uses is to treat chronic pain.
“It’s anti-inflammatory properties, along with the capacity to reduce pain and redness and soothe and relax muscles means that topical products that contain CBD could be used for workout-related injuries.”
The research is still in its early stages at this point. However, the initial results suggest the many uses of CBD will continue to surprise users as it enters the mainstream.
