If you’re new to CBD, you may be wondering- what exactly does CBD feel like? And is there a difference between say a CBD oil versus a CBD gummy, or are the effects the same?
And while no two supplements are equal, we’ve compiled a list of 5 household items that you could likely find in your kitchen that mimic the feeling of CBD.
1. Chamomile (relaxation)
If you’re curious about how CBD helps your body get ready for sleep, chamomile tea may be a good indicator of a similar feeling and effect.
Chamomile comes from the daisy family. Chamomile flowers are commonly dried or extracted into oils and then used in cosmetics, aromatherapy, or as supplements. While there are many different uses for the dried flowers, dried chamomile is most normally brewed into herbal tea.
Chamomile tea has been used for centuries to help people relax and fall asleep. Its calming properties are commonly attributed to an antioxidant called apigenin found in the plant. Apigenin binds with receptors in the brain that make us sleepy. For this reason, people often drink chamomile before bed as it is widely regarded as a mild tranquilizer and sleep-inducer.
In fact, about a million cups are consumed every day because of the flower’s calming effects.
Similarly, CBD is often used as a sleep aid. When taken in higher doses, CBD interacts with GABA receptors which calm the nervous system. GABA is what enables the body and mind to relax, fall asleep, and stay asleep. Ultimately, GABA’s role is to calm the brain down to prepare for sleep. So, when CBD interacts with these receptors, it helps to calm the brain and nervous system as well.
2. Turmeric (anti-inflammatory)
Turmeric has shown up in many health supplements lately. From turmeric lattes to smoothies and supplements, turmeric is being thrown into almost everything for its anti-inflammatory claims. However, turmeric has been long regarded in India for its medicinal properties.
While the spice is widely known for many positive effects on the brain and body, it is particularly notable for its anti-inflammatory properties. Many of these benefits coming from its main active ingredient: curcumin.
Curcumin is known for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Inflammation is common in many healthy individuals and is the body's process of fighting against things that harm it. For example, inflammation can arise from overworking the joints or muscles in healthy individuals, when it is not connected to a larger inflammatory condition. In this way, inflammation is natural and a part of the body’s natural immune process.
So where does CBD come into the equation?
Similar to how turmeric works as an anti-inflammatory for healthy individuals, so too does CBD. CBD can help to soothe aches and pains of joints and muscles caused by this everyday inflammation. By binding with receptors responsible for pain relief, CBD can support healthy mind and body function.
3. Green Tea (focus/energy)
If you’ve ever gone overboard with coffee, you likely know about green tea. Unlike coffee, which contains triple the amount of caffeine per cup, a cup of green tea contains about 29 mg of caffeine. It’s the perfect lift for someone who needs a little energy boost.
Green tea, as with any other caffeinated drink, gives users a mild increase in focus and energy. Unlike coffee, which is often denounced for negative effects like jitters and upset stomach, green tea is a much milder caffeinated option.
And while we love a good CBD and coffee combination, drinking green tea provides a gentler uplifting effect.
In terms of comparison, CBD has a very similar increase in focus and energy as when having a glass of green tea. And just like green tea, CBD provides an ideal mindset for sustained focus and concentration.
By calming down the nervous system and binding with serotonin receptors, CBD promotes an overall sense of calm while simultaneously supporting normal mood fluctuations. Relaxed mind and body + good mood = great environment for focus and concentration on whatever life throws at you.
4. Ice + heat (muscle and joint pain)
It is no secret that ice and heat work wonders on sore muscles, joints and swelling. That’s because ice causes the vessels to narrow and heat causes the vessels to dilate. This combination acts as a pumping mechanism to the inflammation and essentially pushes it away from the injured area.
Ice helps reduce swelling which ultimately decreases pain. Heat, on the other hand, helps soothe stiff joints and relax muscles.
So, what if there was a product that combined the benefits of both ice and heat into one? CBD topicals do just that.
CBD is believed to affect the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating functions of the brain, hormones, and stress response, to name a few. Needless to say, it is pretty important in the overall health of your body.
Because CBD influences this powerhouse system in the body, it may also influence how we experience pain. Now, what we mean by that is that CBD binds to several receptors that can help relax and soothe muscles and joints. By binding to these various receptors, CBD can provide that pain relief from everyday stress on the body.
Plus, if you opt for a CBD topical that has other botanicals —like Wintergreen Oil, Camphor Bark Oil, or Menthol—which mimic this heat then cooling effect, you have an all in one ice pack and heating pad!
5. Ibuprofen (pain relief)
If you’re the type of person who pops a few ibuprofen when sore muscles get the best of you or you feel a headache coming on, this one’s for you.
Ibuprofen is an over the counter anti-inflammatory drug that works by blocking the body’s production of certain substances that cause inflammation, or in other words, reducing hormones that cause pain and swelling. Ibuprofen can be used to treat pain caused by many conditions and has become increasingly popular since becoming an over-the-counter pain reliever in the late 1960s.
As discussed earlier, inflammation is the process of your body’s white cells protecting you from infection and outside invaders. This common pain reliever targets commonly inflamed parts of the body from the bloodstream, therefore reducing pain.
Lucky for you, CBD does virtually the same thing! Taking CBD oil sublingually allows for the plant to absorb into your bloodstream quickly (within 10 minutes to an hour). After it is absorbed, CBD can support relaxation and pain relief by binding with receptors responsible for various functions in the body.
Tinctures not your thing? Try a topical CBD product for localized pain relief wherever you need it.
Afterall, the endocannabinoid system, which CBD is widely believed to effect, is responsible for returning the body to homeostasis. And who doesn’t want that?
Putting it all together
Now what is the bonus of using CBD over any of these other great remedies? CBD combines all of the effects into one. So you get the relaxation of chamomile, focus of green tea, muscle soothing of ice and heat, anti-inflammation of turmeric, and pain relief of over-the-counter medications.
So whether you’re sore from a workout, have achy joints, are stressed from the day, or simply want to feel great, adding CBD to your wellness routine can have super solid impacts.
