Understanding Cannabis

The use of CBD with PTSD is fairly new in terms of research. However, the usage of cannabis as a medical treatment began back in the 19th century.

And now, decades later, its potential holds promise. To understand how CBD can help, it helps to have a clear picture of the plant’s makeup.

Cannabis (also known as hemp and marijuana) refers to the plant itself. Within cannabis, there are 113 types of cannabinoids, the most well-known being THC and CBD.

THC is the compound in marijuana that produces psychedelic effects. It also can help control nausea and vomiting, giving it a place in the discussion of AIDS treatment.

CBD doesn’t create any type of psychedelic effect, nor does CBN or CGB. CBD binds very weakly to certain receptors. That binding allows it to produce health benefits without creating the high that utilizing cannabis in its full form would create.

Let’s Talk Endocannabinoids Details

CBD may help PTSD by impacting the level of stress and anxiety experienced by your endocannabinoid system (ECS). If you’ve never heard of the endocannabinoid system, don’t worry. Up until thirty years ago, neither had most scientists.

Think about how it feels to step into your house after a long day. You know where everything is, you know what to expect. You’ve left the uncertainty of the world around you and are back in a predictable place.

You’re home.

Homeostasis is like that. Your cells, organ, and tissue all strive to exist in the status quo, and when they’re thrown off, they fight to return to neutrality.

Your endogenous cannabinoid system is part of what helps your body remain in homeostasis. This complex and still not totally understood system plays a lot of big roles. It assists with cell communication, appetite, immune response, memory, mood, and more.

Research on THC and how it impacts the body prompted the discovery of the ECS. Along with that came the knowledge that it’s comprised of three parts: Cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoid molecules, and metabolic enzymes.

Your endocannabinoid system uses natural cannabinoids to maintain homeostasis. Well, CBD interacts with your ECS the same way.

Just in case you’re not sick of acronyms yet, here’s one more:

TL;DR: Your endocannabinoid system is part of your body that keeps everything running as smooth as possible. One of the components of your ECS is cannabinoids.

If your body is struggling to utilize cannabinoid receptors, your ECS can get funky. If your ECS gets funky, you’re no longer in homeostasis. And no one really wants to leave their home(ostasis) for long.

How Is PTSD Defined?

When a traumatic event occurs, the risk of PTSD is present. A medical professional diagnosing post-traumatic stress disorder will look for a handful of criteria.

Re-Experiencing Symptoms

This is the first identification tool. In a PTSD sufferer, the trauma isn’t actually occurring again. But, a trigger or situation exists that tells you to panic. Re-experiencing symptom of the initial trauma often involves physical symptoms as well as emotional.

Avoidance Symptoms

After experiencing the initial trauma which caused PTSD, you may make adjustments to your daily life to remove the perceived risk. For example, if you were assaulted while leaving your office, you may avoid that office.

Reactivity and Arousal

When trying to be present in your everyday life, you may feel highly alert or on edge. This often comes with jumpiness, mood swings, and insomnia.

Cognition and Mood Symptoms

If you’ve been diagnosed with PTSD, cognition can be difficult to maintain.  Often, PTSD symptoms will include memory lapses of either the first incident or re-experiences.

It can also be difficult to maintain a stable mood and focus, depending on the severity of symptoms. Remember, only a medical doctor with mental illness experience is qualified to give a PTSD diagnosis.

How Do PTSD and Your ECS Relate?

If you suffer from PTSD, the reality of a future encounter with a trigger is inevitable. When enduring a PTSD attack, your body isn’t experiencing one singular symptom.

Typically, a panic attack is present within a PTSD attack.

Those reactions that occur with a PTSD attack force your body out of homeostasis, which leaves your ECS desperately attempting to compensate.

CBD may act as the bridge your endogenous cannabinoid system needs to return itself to the status quo.

In fact, The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine published a study on the “effect of oral CBD administration on symptoms of PTSD in a series of 11 adult patients at an outpatient psychiatry clinic.”

That study resulted in the findings that 91% of participants “experienced a decrease in PTSD symptom severity.” Several patients also experience relief from frequent nightmares.

So how exactly is CBD creating this possible impact, and why? Frontier in Neuroscience posed the possible connection between CBD and PTSD.

Within their abstract, they discuss the concept of CBD having the ability to disassociate feelings with memories. With that disassociation of a painful or adverse memory, the fear will also diminish.

That indicates the possibility of CBD potentially being one of the ways to help PTSD symptom management.

CBD and Serotonin 

CBD not only communicates with your endocannabinoid system. It can also work with your serotonin receptors. In fact, the transmission of CBD is thought to occur utilizing those receptors.

Seratonin is impacted by pain, anxiety, and other mood disorders. If you’re suffering from PTSD, there’s a strong probability your serotonin levels are also suffering.

CBD may mimic an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) by creating balanced levels.

It’s important to remember that research can be slow-moving processes. Research regarding cannabis and PTSD requires specific circumstances that are hard to create.

If you choose to utilize CBD as a management tool, it’s important to remember that research is not conclusive. This is not an FDA-approved treatment.

Dosage and Delivery

There are numerous different ways to take CBD. Your preferred delivery method could be based on personal taste or ease of use.

If you’re electing to use CBD for PTSD, explore all the options to see what feels most fitting. Some users are more comfortable with daily doses, while others will use it during a PTSD episode to try and gain control.

How and when you choose to utilize your CBD can play a factor in the most appropriate type. Explore the different delivery methods to see which is right for you.

When starting your CBD oil, start small. For example, you may begin with 2.5mg per KG (roughly 2.2 lbs) of body weight twice daily. Research the products you intend to use and reach out to the distribution for advice if you’re unsure.

The Power in CBD and PTSD Treatment

From fear to mood swings, to insomnia, PTSD comes with many challenges. Whether you’ve tried what feels like everything, or just beginning your journey, CBD for PTSD could help be the answer you need.

Be your own advocate. Research the quality of your future products, ask questions, and incorporate activities in your life that will foster relaxation, like meditation.

Research revolving around ways to treat PTSD is a moving target. Though some people may experience relief utilizing certain tools, others may not. And as with any disorder, there are varying levels of severity.

You don’t have to turn to harsh medications as an attempt at managing PTSD. Whether you’re dealing with depression, insomnia, or any other number of mood disorders, CDB could be the help you need to manage your symptoms.

The post Can CBD Help with PTSD Symptoms? appeared first on Your CBD Store / Ripon Naturals.

Working a high-pressure job, and maintaining a full schedule can make meditation difficult, but sometimes, having a bit of extra help can signal the body and mind to relax and enjoy this practice.

CBD, or cannabidiol, has been reported to induce relaxation of the mind and body, and when taken as part of a meditation routine, it may help to influence the calm, relaxed state of mind needed for this practice.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the benefits and challenges of meditation, and how CBD may help or enhance your experience.

Benefits of Meditation

There are many reported benefits of meditation, and the good news is that you don’t have to devote a lot of time every day to experience them. More than that, there are so many methods you can try, so you can experiment with different techniques until you find the one that suits you best.

Here are a few of our favorites:

• A greater sense of relaxation throughout the day: Even though you might devote 10 minutes to your practice, with time, you may feel more at ease throughout the rest of your waking hours.
• Reduction of stress and anxiety: Clearing your mind can reduce the “mind clutter” and pave the way for more mindful problem-solving and clarity. Additionally, it slows your breathing and heart rate, relaxes your muscles, and reduces cortisol levels.
• Increased mindfulness: When your body and mind slow down, you have a greater feeling of control over your thoughts and reactions that aren’t present under times of stress. Mindfulness can help flip the switch from “reaction” to “action,” providing more control over your state of mind.
• Higher levels of creativity: Creative blocks can be overcome with a meditation practice. A study conducted on undergraduate students found that 20-minute sessions made a positive difference in creative thinking in as few as five days.
• Increased immunity: Stress, anxiety, and lack of sleep can greatly impact the immune system, putting you at higher risk for illness and infection. Meditation is so effective that nearly 80% of US medical schools use it as part of their patient education, research, and treatments.

Challenges of Meditation

Starting a meditation practice is empowering and can have a positive effect on your life, but facing a few challenges at first is common. With some practice and perseverance, like most new skills, meditation can be mastered.

Below are some of the most common challenges that come with starting a meditation practice, as well as some of the ways you can mitigate them:

Physical pain and discomfort: Settling into a relaxed state when you’re in pain can be so difficult. You may have to start with shorter sessions, or use props such as a bolster or meditation pillow. With time, meditating can help to reduce inflammation and pain, and increase pain tolerance.

You’re trying too hard: It’s no secret we live in a stressed-out society where we strive for perfection and overachieve when it comes to just about everything. This type of mindset can get in the way of surrendering to relaxation, so ease up and start small before working your way up to hour-long sessions or difficult techniques.

You’re too stressed and busy: Those who are too stressed out and busy, ironically, are those who probably need meditation most. But they’re also the people who likely have the most difficulty settling into a routine. If this sounds like you, reaffirm to yourself that you have earned this time for wellness—schedule it, and make it a priority.

You’re easily distracted: Distractions can feel even more intrusive when your goal is to clear your mind and focus on breathing. Turn off notifications, wear headphones, and gently guide yourself back to your practice when your mind wanders. A little meandering is completely normal, and soon, you will find that recentering your mind is quite easy.

You have no idea how to meditate: Even the pros started out as newbies at one point! One of the best ways to get started is to use a guided meditation. Check out YouTube, Spotify, or the apps on your phone—there is a technique for everyone, and with some experimentation, you’ll find your groove soon enough.

Most importantly, give yourself some grace. That’s what this is all about, after all.  

How CBD Works

Now that we’ve covered the basics of starting a meditation practice, we’re going to take a look at CBD and how it may complement your routine.

CBD is a phytocannabinoid that can be derived from the hemp or marijuana plant. In the United States, CBD that is extracted from the hemp plant and that contains less than 0.3% THC is considered federally legal (be sure to check with your state and local laws, which can vary).

CBD interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates homeostasis. This means that when you experience pain, illness, or injury, your body produces natural endocannabinoids that bind to receptors that release hormones and other molecules to heal and regulate other processes. Phytocannabinoids such as CBD can also work with these receptors, but they don’t produce a high feeling like THC.

Some of the reported benefits of CBD may include:

• An improved sense of calmness
• Getting a better night’s sleep
• Higher levels of creativity
• Reduction of inflammation
• Improved focus and concentration

Important to note is that CBD is not yet regulated by the FDA, so definitive claims cannot be made regarding its efficacy. However, its clinical field of study is growing, which we find very exciting.

How to Use CBD with Meditation

As you can already see, using CBD as a part of your meditation routine may be a helpful addition to your practice. Here, we’ll provide some recommendations on how you can integrate these two self-care methods.

• Start small: Start with a small dose, and as you observe how your body reacts, you can titrate your doses up until you’ve achieved the desired effect. Be patient, and be sure to speak with your medical provider if you’re taking any other medications or supplements to avoid interactions.
• Consistency is key: Numerous factors come into play when considering the type of CBD you use and how quickly it will work. Taking it every day can help with consistency. That said, if you prefer to use it just for meditating, taking it 30-60 minutes before your session is ideal.
• Apply it topically: CBD absorbs through the skin relatively quickly, so you can apply it directly to the desired areas. Some products contain essential oils, which can add some aromatherapy to your session. Breathe deeply and slowly to take it all in!
• Use a tincture, gummy, or softgel: Oral CBD products are incredibly popular, and you can try a few different kinds to see which you like best. Tinctures should be held under the tongue for a few minutes for quicker absorption. Gummies and softgels take a bit longer to absorb because they have to progress through the digestive tract.

Final Thoughts

Starting a meditation practice can be beneficial to your overall health and wellbeing, and we hope this information has helped you to get a good start on your new routine. CBD may play a role in your routine, and potentially help calm your mind and body to prepare for your practice.

Remember that with any new lifestyle change that patience and grace are crucial to your success. There are times that you’ll feel frustrated (yes, even with meditation), but stuck with it, and it will become easier over time.

In the comments, we’d love to know if you use CBD as part of your meditation regimen, and what has worked for you!

The post CBD and Your Meditation Routine appeared first on Your CBD Store / Ripon Naturals.

Companies worldwide are now downsizing and putting offices up for sale, making way for a new era in our workplace culture. At least 70 percent of large companies have reported that they plan to require workers to work from home permanently or for the foreseeable future.

Meanwhile, parents have had to maintain a full-time work schedule from home, look after their children when daycares closed, and homeschool their children because of school closures. Nearly 10 million mothers in the United States reported feeling burned out, and 2 million women left the workforce altogether.

Learning how to manage stress, anxiety, and burnout are of critical importance now. The World Health Organization reported that since the beginning of COVID-19, anxiety has moved up to the #1 disease in the world, surpassing depression.

In this article, we’re going to look at some of the ways that prolonged stress and anxiety can affect your health, as well as ways that you can help to manage.

The Symptoms of Stress and Anxiety

Imagine you’re walking down the street, and you see a bear 20 feet in front of you. This is a very unexpected sight, and you know that bears, while pretty adorable for the most part, are also very dangerous.

Immediately, your heart pumps faster, and your body releases the stress hormone cortisol. This hormone breaks down fat and converts it to blood sugar, which will provide you with the short-term burst of fuel you need to fight or flee.

Your pupils dilate, your breathing quickens, and your muscles tremble in anticipation. Blood moves away from the surface of the skin and increases in your brain, legs, and arms. Chemicals are produced that increase clotting, just in case you sustain an injury.

This. Is. It.

Then, just as you’re ready to make the most important decision of your life, the bear decides he’s just as scared as you are, and he turns tail and runs down an alley. Whew. The threat is gone, and in the next 30-60 minutes, your body resumes its usual operating function (aka homeostasis).

When Chronic Stress Leads to Burnout

But what would happen if there were bears everywhere, 24/7, and you lived in a constant state of fight-or-flight? Taking into consideration all the physiological processes that occur in imminent danger, it’s a very physically and mentally exhausting way to live.

Yet, so many of us do live like this every single day. This is precisely what a state of constant stress does to the body. This defense mechanism that was meant to protect us in moments of extreme danger has become a standard way for us to live day in and day out.

Over time, these acute symptoms turn into chronic stress. Your entire body feels exhausted all the time. You might suffer from chronic headaches, can’t sleep, and feel cranky. Aches and pains show up for no explainable reason, and your chest feels so tight that breathing can feel challenging.

You likely have a hard time concentrating, feel like your thoughts are all over the place, and maybe you’re overeating. And speaking of your digestive system, it’s likely you have chronic heartburn, indigestion, diarrhea, or constipation.

Not to mention the fact that you’re getting sick all the time, have zero interest in those around you, and likely have a feeling of indifference. If you’ve got anxiety as well, your mind is probably flooded with worry, even when it isn’t about anything you can pinpoint. It just is.

When constant stress and anxiety have consumed your energy entirely, that’s when burnout sets in. It’s a feeling of utter depletion, and it allows for pessimism and cynicism to take over. Doing even the smallest things requires so much effort, leading to reduced productivity everywhere in your life.

More people than ever are reporting burnout post-COVID, and with so many working remotely, having access to leadership and other resources is more complicated than ever.

Taking charge of your mental and physical health through all of this is so important. It can absolutely be done, and if you make your self-care a priority, you can potentially reverse your feelings of stress and burnout and feel healthier and more productive.

We’ll cover some of the best methods of overcoming stress below!

Check in with Yourself Regularly

To start, check in with yourself every day. You might rate how you feel overall on a scale of 1-5, for example. Is there anything you can pinpoint that made you feel better or not-so-great? Write it down. Keep a stress journal, which can help you identify these patterns over time.

Every morning, set an intention for the day. This can be as simple as one word, such as joy, productivity, love, or calm. It might help write it on a Post-It and sticking it where you’ll see it throughout the day. If you’ve got little ones at home, get the kids on board with the word of the day, too! You can all check in with each other at the end of the day to see how you did.

Most importantly, be honest with yourself. Acknowledge that there are days you won’t feel very pumped for working from home, and that’s okay. And also be sure to celebrate your wins.

Set Boundaries

Working from home tends to make boundaries blur, not only with coworkers, but with family and friends.

Your leadership may expect you to be available outside of regular working hours or work more hours because of a reduced workforce. The people you work with are likely also suffering some form of stress, anxiety, or burnout, and may not have the same professional “filters” as they did before.

Friends and family who haven’t worked from home may not understand that you don’t have unlimited free time, and could call unexpectedly or want to take you out for a long lunch. Your partner may want you to take care of household chores because you’re right there.

These intrusions can lead you to feel even more stretched thin, but setting boundaries is the key to healthy relationships. When your office hours are done for the day, shut off your computer, turn off notifications, and use those hours to refresh. Communicate to coworkers that you will reply to any emails or calls the following business day.

Let friends and family know that you would like to spend time with them, but you do have to work during certain hours. And let your significant other know that while you are working from home, they need to treat it no differently than if you were commuting to an office.

Give Yourself (and Others) Grace

All of this is so new to us, so naturally, it will take some getting used to. Don’t expect perfection or maximum efficiency when it comes to your work schedule, your kids’ schoolwork, or in any other area of your life.

When your kiddo has a meltdown over something that would naturally have come easy to her, give the two of you a timeout away from the situation to process those intense feelings. Take a break together to have a snack, walk the dog, and refresh so you can come back with renewed hope. Giving and receiving care can go such a long way.

You and your coworkers are in entirely new territory, and balls will be dropped. You may feel upset at first, which is natural. But before reacting, give yourself a few seconds to breathe and process what has happened. Be active, and work toward a solution rather than becoming stuck in negative emotions.

Falling into pessimism is very easy for all of us right now, and while we don’t have to force ourselves to be positive, we can find a happy medium in being realistic.

Create New, Realistic Routines for Everyone

There are routines and schedules in your life that are absolute: your work hours, kids’ school hours, and so on. Stick to these to maintain a sense of normalcy, and create your schedule around these absolutes. As tempting as it may be, don’t allow your bedtimes to change. Staying up all night, sleeping in, and falling into other bad habits can be detrimental to the process.

If you recognize that you’re having a hard time falling asleep at night, create a routine around it. Eat dinner, take your vitamins, spend time with family, and then set a time where everyone has to begin their sleep hygiene. You might find that you enjoy a warm mug of chamomile tea with a few drops of CBD oil, for example. Turn off screens, put on bedclothes, and settle into bed.

Place the same importance on the times everyone wakes up, eats lunch, and takes care of other daily living activities. These rituals help to ensure that you’re taking the best care of your body possible.

Finally, schedule time for fun, relaxation, and other activities that you enjoy. These are usually the easiest things to take off your schedule when you’re feeling high levels of stress. But they’re more important now than ever, so honor this time and make it a priority.

Create Designated Work and School Spaces

When we thought working from home was only going to last a few weeks or months, we turned our bedrooms, closets, and dining room tables into home offices. These blurred lines were okay at the time, but as more permanence settles into these situations, more boundaries need to be set.

Your bedroom is a place to sleep. Your kitchen is a place to eat. Your living room is a place to relax. And most importantly, your office or school space are places to work and learn. When you’re working in your bedroom all day, it’s no longer a place to sleep—it’s become a place of productivity.

Not everyone has a home that’s set up for separate workspaces, so creativity is essential! Find a spot in your home that is quiet, and that allows for deep work. If a distinct location isn’t possible, create cues that signal working/schooling time vs. home time. This could include completely turning off computers, changing clothes, and other prompts.

Take Care of Your Body

Stress, anxiety, and burnout are so detrimental to your mental and physical health, so you will need to put in extra effort to care for yourself. These issues make us more likely to eat poor diets, drink too much alcohol, and take activity off the schedule altogether.

Above, we talked about scheduling time for fun and relaxation. Likewise, you will also need to put in the same type of effort to nurture your health. Nobody expects you to become an elite athlete, but taking even a 15-minute walk every day, and making an effort to stand at least once per hour can go a long way.

Instead of alcohol, try substituting with a non-alcoholic CBD cocktail or drinking sugar-free flavored sparkling waters. You may not be able to eat a super healthy meal every meal of the day, but you can start by eating one every night at dinner with the entire family.

It’s all about the baby steps. Don’t make changes too hard on yourself all at once, or you won’t be as likely to succeed. Lead by example, and your family members will be much more likely to follow suit.

Find Ways to Fill Your Well

Earlier, we discussed how burnout can lead to feelings of depletion. It would be overly simplistic to create a comparison to filling your car’s gas tank. But burnout is much more severe than an empty tank of gas, and more on par with never changing your vehicle’s oil.

You can probably chug along for thousands of miles before problems begin to pop up, and some of them are easy to ignore at first. If you’re like a lot of us, you might turn up your radio to ignore it, but eventually, your engine is going to have a blowout.

What could have been an easy, routine tune-up is now a costly issue that isn’t reversible in any way. You might have to rebuild your engine completely. Or worse, you will probably have to replace it.

The only major difference in this engine-burnout comparison is that you can’t replace yourself.

This is why you need to keep filling your well (aka change your oil). What brings you joy? What lights you up? What makes you feel fulfilled? Make a list of at least 50 things that can help you to refill your gas tank. Try reading, having a fun conversation with your family, crafting, or learning a new skill.

Final Thoughts

So much has changed in our lives, but living in a state of action can help us move out of a place of feeling stuck, overwhelmed, stressed out, anxious, and burned out. When you choose to be mindful about your health, the boundaries you maintain, and building a happy and healthy relationship with yourself and those around you, you’re so much better equipped to handle these changing times.

Remember that you’re doing the best you can under unprecedented circumstances, and give yourself and others grace when the going gets tough. Be realistic with expectations, which can help maintain the balance between optimism and pessimism.

Schedule time for happiness, self-care, and building relationships with your friends and family. And don’t forget to maintain your health on a regular basis!

At Ripon Naturals, we’re proud to offer an excellent selection of high-quality, third-party lab-tested CBD, CBN, and CBG products. Whether you’re interested in tinctures, edibles, topicals, or even a relaxing CBD bath bomb, we’ve got you covered!

The post Managing Anxiety and Stress When You’re Working from Home appeared first on Your CBD Store / Ripon Naturals.

Cannabidiol (CBD) has become more mainstream in the world of cocktails and other beverages, even making its way into restaurants and coffeeshops across the country. It’s becoming even more sought-after because of it may induce relaxation without the less appealing effects of alcohol (more on that later!).

In this article, we’re going to share some of the science behind CBD’s calming effects, as well as share some of our favorite non-alcoholic CBD drink recipes.

Using CBD as an Alternative to Alcohol

Maybe you’re looking for an alternative to alcohol, or you’re here because you’re excited about the potential health benefits of CBD. Let’s look at how alcohol and CBD can affect the body.

Alcohol absorbs very quickly into the bloodstream, and can produce an almost immediate effect. Everybody metabolizes alcohol a bit differently, but after one drink, its effects can peak in 60-90 minutes. Drinking more than one serving an hour can lead to intoxication, and potentially dehydration…or the dreaded hangover.

CBD can be a great substitute for alcohol because it may reduce anxiety, but it doesn’t lead to impairment and can’t cause a hangover. It may lead to drowsiness for some people, so we recommend starting with smaller doses and seeing how you tolerate it before increasing the amount you take.

If you do decide to add CBD to an alcoholic drink, proceed with caution. When mixed, alcohol and CBD can amplify one another, and can make you feel even more sedated.

A Few Tips for Using CBD in Drinks

Before you start mixing CBD in your drinks, there are a few things to keep in mind so you can have the best possible experience.

CBD is oil-based, so when you’re mixing it with a water-soluble drink, you might notice that it floats to the top. You can shake or stir it to mix it in, but you might notice that it can cling to ice cubes and your glass. Adjusting the dose to include a few more drops can make up for any “lost” in the process.

Pay attention to the dose on the bottle when determining how much to use. Some tinctures have as much as 2,000-3,000mg of CBD in each bottle, and only a few drops are needed. Because of that, we note in each recipe to use your desired amount of CBD to avoid being wasteful.

Since everyone is affected by CBD differently, take it slowly at first. Some users may feel its effects within 15-20 minutes, and others may take an hour or more.

On that note, some people may take it every day for a week or more before they begin to feel its effects, where others might feel it right away. If you don’t feel the desired effects the first time you use it, keep in mind that it could take some time and consistency.

Most of the time, you won’t be able to taste the flavoring in your CBD tincture when it’s mixed with your drink. But that doesn’t mean you can’t harmonize your flavors and try different combinations!

You can multiply the recipes to make enough for a crowd, but don’t add the tincture directly to the pitcher. Instead, mix the drinks as usual, then add the tincture to individual glasses to ensure consistency for each serving.

Without further ado, here are the recipes.

Cranberry CBD Mule

Our cranberry CBD mule recipe is the perfect winter holiday drink. You can make individual servings, or you can mix up a pitcher to share. We love using frozen cranberries to keep the drink cold without watering it down as much as ice does.

½ cup ginger beer
½ cup cranberry juice
1 Tbs. lime juice
1 lime wedge
¼ cup frozen cranberries
CBD
Ice

Add ice or a combination of ice and frozen cranberries to a copper mug. Next, pour in the ginger beer, cranberry juice, lime juice, and desired amount of CBD. Stir well, until all ingredients are mixed.

Put the lime wedge on the rim of the mug, and add the frozen cranberries to the glass for a garnish. If you’d like a little extra pizzazz, you can add a sprig of fresh rosemary as well.

Hot Apple & CBD Cider

Nothing warms up a cold winter night quite like hot cider, and this one is no exception. We love the combination of spices, apple, and orange, with just the right touch of sweetness.

1 ½ cup apple cider
¼ cup orange juice
1 Tbs maple syrup
2 cinnamon sticks
CBD
Orange and apple slices to garnish

In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the apple cider, orange juice, maple syrup, and 1 cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Remove the used cinnamon stick and discard. Pour the cider mixture a mug, then add the remaining cinnamon stick, CBD, and orange and apple slices to garnish. Enjoy!

CBD Hot Chocolate

Who doesn’t love a rich, flavorful hot chocolate? This recipe is a from-scratch recipe, but if you want something a bit quicker, you can always use a pre-made hot chocolate.

1 cup milk (can use coconut or almond milk)
1-2 cinnamon sticks
½ tsp nutmeg
¼ cup dark chocolate chips
1 Tbs unsweetened cocoa powder
CBD
Garnishes: candy canes, marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, toffee bits, caramel sauce, whipped cream

In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the milk, cinnamon sticks, and nutmeg. Slowly bring to a low boil, then remove from the heat. Add the chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and CBD, mixing until well blended and the chips are melted completely. Remove the cinnamon sticks.

Pour it into a mug, and add your garnishes. We love candy, marshmallows, and caramel sauce, but there are so many amazing combinations to try!

CBD Sangria

This is a fantastic recipe for entertaining, and great for any occasion year-round. While we recommend citrus and apple in the recipe, you can also try pears, grapes, and other fruits. Have fun with it!

1 red apple
1 navel orange (blood oranges are fantastic in the fall and winter)
1 lime
1 lemon
¼ cup of pomegranate juice
1 cup of orange juice
3 cups of white grape juice
2 cups sparkling water
Ice

Cut the fruits into very thin slices. After the fruit is sliced, you can cut them into quarters or sixths to better fit into your glassware. Next, add the fruit slices, juices, and sparkling water to a pitcher, and top it off with a bit of ice.

For each serving, fill the glass halfway with ice, then add the sangria, fruit, and desired amount of CBD. Stir and enjoy!

CBD Mojito

We just love the combination of mint and lime in this modified mojito recipe, and it’s so quick and easy to make. You can use simple syrup or agave syrup.

1 cup seltzer (lime is preferred, but lemon or grapefruit are also good)
2-3 sprigs of fresh mint
1 fresh lime
1 Tbs of simple syrup or agave
CBD
Ice

In a cocktail mixer, add the mint and simple syrup, and muddle well. Cut the lime in half, and squeeze the juice from half the lime into the mixer—reserve the remainder to garnish. Cover the cocktail mixer with a pint glass, then shake for 20-30 seconds, until well mixed.

Fill a tall glass with ice, and strain the mixture over the ice cubes about ¾ full. Top it off with seltzer and stir in the desired amount of CBD. Slice the remaining lime into wedges and add to the glass to garnish, as well as a sprig of the fresh mint.

CBD Arnold Palmer

The Arnold Palmer is a classic, and we especially love it made from scratch with Earl Grey tea. The citrus and bergamot add an incredible flavor to this recipe!

1 teabag of Earl Grey tea
¼ cup of simple syrup
1 cup of lemonade
1 lemon, sliced
CBD
Ice

Brew a cup of Earl Grey tea. Fill a tall glass with ice and add the tea, simple syrup, lemonade, and CBD. Add a few slices of the lemons to garnish.

Final Thoughts

These are just a few of our favorite CBD cocktail recipes, and we know you’ll enjoy them as much as we do!

Have you tried CBD-infused cocktails? We’d love to hear some of your favorite ideas—be sure to share them in the comments.

And to find just the right tinctures to add to your recipes, check out our online CBD store. Our oils come in numerous strengths and flavors, and we offer broad- and full-spectrum formulas, as well as USDA-certified organic CBD. Shop online now!

The post CBD Drink Recipes appeared first on Your CBD Store / Ripon Naturals.

In recent years, cannabis products have been sought out as a way to combat the symptoms of PMS. Although CBD is not an FDA-approved treatment for this condition, we’re going to explore some of the most common symptoms, as well as research that has been published surrounding these conditions and the use of CBD.

How CBD Works

First and foremost, understanding how CBD works in the body will help create a greater understanding of how it could alleviate your symptoms.

Your body has what’s called an endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is what regulates homeostasis. When you experience pain, nausea, or change in mood, the ECS produces endocannabinoids that interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body. These endocannabinoids bind with these receptors to regulate your body’s processes, and once everything is back to normal, enzymes are produced that consume the endocannabinoids.

Cannabis is a phytocannabinoid that works in much the same way as your body’s endocannabinoids. While the mechanisms may be a bit different, they interact either directly or indirectly with the ECS to create similar results.

People have used cannabis for many centuries, but it’s only been in the past century that cannabidiol (CBD) has become popular. Unlike another popular cannabinoid, THC, CBD does not produce a high, and it is federally legal (be sure to check your local laws regarding the use of CBD, because that can vary).

CBD is available in numerous forms, including tinctures, creams, gummies, candy, and even bath bombs. Users can explore so many ways to use it, until they find just the right formula for their needs. Starting with a lower dose and titrating up is usually recommended so that users can find the sweet spot.

But CBD isn’t a singular chemical—it comes with a host of other beneficial cannabinoids, including CBG, CBN, and CBC. Additionally, cannabis, like so many other plants, contains terpenes that may provide further benefit. When CBD is combined with other cannabinoids and terpenes, it produces the entourage effect, which means the result is greater than each compound taken individually.

To determine the cannabinoid and terpene composition of the CBD product you’re using, take a look at the third-party lab testing for each product you’re considering. Once you do some research regarding these compounds, you’ll have a much better appreciation for how the product may work!

Symptoms of PMS

The effects of PMS can range from mildly irritating to being so severe they disrupt life at home and work. Signs of PMS can begin as early as two weeks before menstruation begins, and typically subside by the last day.

More than 150 symptoms have been associated with this condition, and they can vary from person to person, and even month to month. They can worsen with life changes, higher stress levels, and other factors.

To better understand how cannabis may help with PMS, let’s take a look at the most common symptoms:

• Cramps
• Breast tenderness
• Acne
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Inability to concentrate
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bloating
• Changes in libido
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Cravings
• Weight gain
• Joint or muscle pain

Some of these conditions can be controlled with exercise, diet, and over-the-counter medications, which we’ll describe further below.

Few studies have been conducted on the connection between PMS and CBD, but quite a few have been done in regard to some of the individual symptoms. Here, we’ll look at some of the promising research that has been done so that you can decide if trying cannabidiol for PMS is right for you.

CBD and Mood Changes

Many women experience changes of temperament because of PMS. Some can experience mood swings, and report heightened emotions such as feeling anxious, tense, irritated, or angry. On the other hand, decreased interest, sadness, depression, or a flat affect can occur.

PMS causes changes in estrogen and progesterone levels, which can cause, in essence, a hormonal rollercoaster. These hormones directly interact with the neurotransmitters in your brain—serotonin and dopamine—that regulate your moods, causing up-and-down emotions in the weeks leading up to your period.

Anxiety is a fairly common effect of PMS, and can manifest as worry, tension, nervousness, and panic. Women can feel on edge, and even paranoid or angry. In a study conducted by Neurotherapeutics in 2015, researchers found that CBD can reduce feelings of anxiousness, panic, and stress.

Depression, feeling down, and having a flat affect can also occur, causing lack of motivation and sadness. In a study conducted by Frontiers in Immunology in 2018, researchers found that subjects who took CBD daily for two weeks reported reduced anxiety and depression.

Pain, Inflammation, and CBD

Cramps are one of the most common ways pain manifests in women during the premenstrual and menstrual phases. However, other forms of pain can result from inflammation of the joints, hormonal headaches, breast tenderness, and muscle tension.

CBD has been studied extensively for pain and inflammation, although not directly for its efficacy in relieving the symptoms of PMS. It is not currently an FDA-approved treatment for pain—however, many studies point to how it can work as an analgesic for other conditions.

In a study performed by the publication Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, researchers found that CBD in the drug Sativex “was crucial to attain significant pain relief” in cancer patients, and that it enhanced the pain-reducing effects of THC. And a study conducted by the journal Pain found that CBD “reduced the firing rate of 5-HT neurons” and reduced anxiety-like behavior, while showing therapeutic potential for reducing pain, nausea, and anxiety.

More research on humans is needed to definitively determine how effective CBD can be for pain, and with the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized industrial hemp, more studies are on the horizon.

Insomnia

Pain and anxiety from PMS can affect sleep and cause insomnia, which can exacerbate negative mood effects. Women can already experience fatigue from PMS because of lower levels of serotonin, estrogen, and progesterone right before menstruation begins, and some experience lower iron levels as well.

Lack of sleep can lead to lost productivity, lowered immune function, and an increased risk of accidents, among other issues, so getting enough sleep is especially important to wellness during this time. Combined with activities that promote relaxation and sleep, CBD may be helpful in helping women fall asleep and stay asleep.

CBD has been linked to calming the central nervous system, and Psychology Today has touted it for its sedative effects. Another cannabinoid similar to CBD called CBN may create sleepiness to aid in a longer, more restful sleep.

CBD to Reduce Nausea

Nausea and vomiting are caused by the hormone prostaglandin, which can also cause diarrhea and headaches in the week or two leading up to menstruation. Painful cramps in the abdomen, pelvis, legs, and back can also contribute to feeling nauseous.

Vomiting is one of the more serious symptoms of PMS, as it can lead to dehydration and unwanted weight loss. If any of these issues occur, contact your medical provider as soon as possible.

Much of the evidence that CBD can help nausea is related to cancer and chemotherapy research. However, these studies demonstrate the mechanisms that can help alleviate these symptoms for those who are suffering from other conditions.

This study by the British Journal of Pharmacology concluded that both preclinical and human studies show great promise regarding the use of cannabis to combat nausea. And while CBD doesn’t cause the munchies like THC can, it can alleviate loss of appetite.

CBD and Hormonal Acne

Acne is caused by a drop in hormones that stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, which is the oil the skin produces. When too much oil is produced, pores can become clogged and breakouts occur. Hormones can also cause inflammation and bacteria production.

In the past, we’ve looked at the ways that CBD may help improve acne and skin conditions by reducing inflammation and hydrating the skin (yes, even oily skin needs good hydration). Using skincare products that contain CBD, or using a tincture can be helpful in spot treating the skin. Additionally, taking CBD orally can enhance the efficacy of the topical products.

Finally, acne scarring can occur over the years, and CBD is linked to possibly reducing inflammation and redness in scar tissues as well.

Other Ways to Relieve PMS Symptoms

CBD on its own isn’t likely to be enough to completely resolve PMS symptoms. This requires an integrative approach that promotes a healthier lifestyle, especially if menstrual issues are pervasive and severe.

These are just a few of the ways that you can control your symptoms:

• Drinking enough water on a daily basis (take your weight in pounds, divide by 2, and the answer is the number in ounces of water to drink daily. So 180 lbs / 2 = 90 oz of water).
• Get enough sleep so that your body can rest, recharge, and heal every night.
• Avoid salt, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine around your period because they can exacerbate PMS.
• Eat more leafy greens, ginger, protein-rich foods, flaxseed, and yogurt.
• Increase your physical activity. Even a quick walk every day can boost your mood to counteract the drop in serotonin.
• Actively work on reducing stress on a daily basis with activities such a deep breathing, exercise, massage, CBT, or yoga.
• Talk to your doctor about the severity of your symptoms if they’re unable to be controlled. She can further suggest ways to enhance your monthly routine.
• Applying heat to your abdomen and low back can help to reduce the pain from cramping.

When you practice a wellness-rich lifestyle every day, the acute symptoms can be much easier to manage when they occur.

Final Thoughts

Using CBD for PMS shows promise, and we look forward to exploring more studies on the topic in the future.

When considering a cannabis product, we always recommend using one that is tested by an ISO-certified lab (we use Green Labs), and that has gone through extensive quality control from farm to harvest to product. Until the FDA approves CBD, this type of testing ensures quality and safety, as well as integrity regarding the product you’re using.

We advise starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it as you need to. While CBD is well tolerated by many, some find that it can cause a bit of tiredness at first, so exercise caution.

Finally, if you are taking other prescription medications, we recommend reaching out to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to discuss how it may interact with prescriptions or supplements you’re using.

Ripon Naturals proudly carries the SunMed brand of CBD, including tinctures, edibles, skincare products, and so much more. Our Maxine & Morgan Flow capsules are specially formulated for women, by women to provide natural support. Check out our store today!

The post CBD for PMS: How It May Help with Cramps and Other Symptoms appeared first on Your CBD Store / Ripon Naturals.

With 1 in 3 adults reporting that they don’t get the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep each night, it’s no wonder that there are so many products on the market that help people sleep. Insomnia has been linked to numerous chronic health conditions, including heart attack, COPD, stroke, cancer, depression, and coronary heart disease. Not getting enough sleep can contribute to accidents and affect work quality, causing an estimated $63.2 billion in lost productivity annually.

As you can see, this is a pretty serious issue, and one that needs more attention. In this article, we’re going to take a look at insomnia and other sleep issues, as well as some of the causes of insomnia, common treatments, and how CBD may help.

Causes of Insomnia

Let’s start by looking into the causes of insomnia. From time to time, we all experience a night where sleep is elusive. However, insomnia can become a longer-term issue that’s caused by underlying health conditions.

Here are some of the most common reasons for sleeplessness:

• Pain
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Hormones
• Changing time zones or Daylight Savings
• Overeating in the evening
• Poor daytime habits
• Too much caffeine
• Medications
• Medical conditions
• Alcohol consumption

Short-term insomnia can last a few days or weeks, but chronic insomnia lasts for a month or longer. Experiencing issues for longer than a month should warrant a consultation with a medical professional to evaluate any underlying conditions that could be causing it.

Symptoms of Insomnia

As surprising as it may seem, some people don’t realize they’re experiencing sleeplessness at first. They may feel a bit sluggish during the day or notice a few minor symptoms that seem innocuous. However, over time, this prolonged lack of sleep can interfere with their ability to work, operate a vehicle, or interact socially.

Sometimes, the symptoms can have minor effects, but others can affect your home and work lives, too. These are some of the minor indications of a sleep disorder:

• Unable to fall asleep or stay asleep
• Sluggishness during the day
• Waking up tired
• Difficulty paying attention
• Irritability
• Making mistakes at work or school
• Issues with memory
• Clumsiness

Over time, sleep disruption can result in more serious health conditions, so getting it under control should be a priority. Some of these issues can include:

• Weight gain
• Diabetes
• Accidents
• High blood pressure
• Anxiety or depression
• Job loss
• Sleep apnea
• Chronic pain
• Cancer

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, an evaluation by a healthcare professional can determine if insomnia is the cause, and what treatments can be helpful.

Common Remedies for Sleep Disorders

Getting to the root cause of insomnia can help determine the best course of action. While taking a sleep aid can help, treating the cause of the sleep disruption can help to keep it away for the long term. For example, if pain is the cause, then treating the problem with an effective pain management regimen could help resolve insomnia.

While medical interventions could be the right course of action, other integrative activities may also help. Before seeking any holistic, alternative, or integrative therapies, first check with your healthcare provider to make sure they don’t interrupt or conflict with other treatments.

These are some of the ways you can promote relaxation and prepare yourself for sleep:

• Yoga or deep stretching
• Meditation
• Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)
• Practicing good sleep hygiene
• Reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption
• Putting away screens at least an hour before bedtime
• Deep breathing techniques
• Phone apps for sleep

Experimenting with different activities can help you figure out just the right regimen. Be patient and give this time to work, and if something isn’t working after a few weeks, try another technique. Everybody is different, and you may find that a combination of these activities is exactly what you need!

Does CBD Help Insomnia?

If you’re reading this article, you’re likely already exploring the various ways that CBD could help your wellness overall. And you’re possibly wondering how and if it can help you sleep better. Let’s look at some ways that CBD and its sister cannabinoid CBN could be beneficial.

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, has been studied for its calming effects, but is sought after partly because it doesn’t produce a psychoactive “high” as THC does. Clinical evidence has pointed to its value in helping epilepsy and mental health conditions. Additionally, researchers have studied it for its ability to calm the central nervous system (CNS).

In a study that evaluated people who suffer from insomnia and anxiety, patients reported that they found relief for anxiety after taking CBD over time. Sleep scores improved by a smaller degree. If stress is the root cause of insomnia, then improving the anxiety could possibly help sleep.

This study used 25mg/d capsules, which were administered depending on the patients’ complaints. If anxiety was the main cause of sleeplessness, then doses were given in the morning, and sometimes in the evening after dinner. If insomnia was the primary concern, then doses were given only in the evenings.

What is CBN?

CBN, or cannabinol, is another type of cannabinoid. CBN is also non-psychoactive and is extracted from older cannabis. Many CBD products on the market have trace amounts of CBN in them, but some products isolate the CBN during the extraction process to create products with higher levels of CBN.

In a study published by the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Ecology (FASEB) that compared it to NSAIDs for its use as an anti-inflammatory, CBN was found to reduce collagen-induced arthritis. If pain and inflammation are the root cause of insomnia, CBN may, over time, help to mitigate pain-induced sleep disruptions.

Psychology Today has touted CBN as a “powerful sedative” and says that it may prolong sleep time. It is a known CNS depressant. Research linking CBN to sleep improvement is relatively new, but we anticipate that after the Farm Bill of 2018 legalized industrial hemp, we could see more on the horizon.

CBD, the ECS, and Sleep

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) that regulates homeostasis in your body also plays an essential role in the quality of sleep you get. It regulates your sleep cycles, wakefulness, and even your dreams. Additionally, it oversees your stress levels, emotions, and pain, all of which can affect your sleep.

Your body produces cannabinoids naturally that bind with receptors in your body to regulate specific functions. However, phytocannabinoids such as CBD, CBN, and CBG can also interact with these receptors. These compounds can modulate your ECS to produce the hormones that promote sleep, as well as adjust neurotransmission rates and create a calming effect.

Best Forms of CBD for Sleep

Many forms of cannabidiol exist, but one size does not fit all. Here, we’ll look at some of the most popular forms of CBD products on the market, as well as the best products to use for those sleepless nights.

Forms of CBD:

• Tinctures and oils
• Softgels and capsules
• Topical creams, lotions, and salves
• Vape
• Edibles, gummies, and candies

There is truly something for every preference, right down to the dosage, flavor, and form you prefer. That said, some forms of CBD work differently than others.

For example, taking an edible such as a gummy will take longer to start working in the system, but it will last longer than vaping or smoking. And conversely, vaping will take effect within minutes, but its effects will not last as long as an edible form.

CBD oil, however, should be held under the tongue (sublingually) for a few minutes before swallowing. This allows for quicker absorption into the bloodstream and a higher bioavailability because it doesn’t have to pass through the digestive system first. When taken sublingually, CBD oil can take effect in 5-20 minutes, compared to oral consumption, taking anywhere between half an hour to two hours.

Finally, topical creams and lotions allow for cannabinoids to absorb through the skin’s surface, which will enable them to interact with cannabinoid receptors. This can be a good option for those who experience inflammation and need an onsite application. However, when applied topically, the peak effect happens around 90 minutes after application.

When it comes to sleep, how you take CBD could be influenced by some key factors. If achy joints cause sleep disruption, applying a topical could be the way to go. If stress and anxiety are the issue, you may decide to opt for drops. Or, if you’re waking up too early in the morning and desire a longer-lasting effect, the capsule or gummy could be most helpful.

This information is meant to inform and not to replace any advice given by your medical doctor. Our goal is to provide you with enough information to have an informed conversation with your medical provider or pharmacist, who can guide your healthcare.

Terpenes and Insomnia

Terpenes are found on plants and can influence how cannabis works in the body. While CBD has its own qualities, the terpenes work in concert with cannabinoids to produce the entourage effect. This means that the effects of the cannabinoids and the terpenes together create a more amplified result than just taking one or the other.

When considering CBD or CBN products to help you sleep, you might also consider the terpenes in the product. To determine which terpenes are in your product, take a look at the third-party lab testing, which will list the amounts as well. Side note: avoid cannabis products that don’t have this independent testing—they may not contain quality ingredients or even the amount of advertised CBD in them.

Here are some of the recommended terpenes that may help you sleep better:

• Caryophyllene: may produce calming effects, as well as help with pain and insomnia. Known for its relaxing and analgesic properties, and can bind with your body’s cannabinoid receptors.
• Linalool: could help to calm the body and create a drowsy effect. Potentially promotes the production of adenosine, and hormone that is responsible for inducing sleep.
• Myrcene: a commonly found terpene found in the cannabis plant known for its possible sedating effects.
• Nerolidol: known for its sedating effects, this terpene may also reduce inflammation and promote deeper sleep.
• Terpinolene: can induce sleepiness and sedative effects and may interact directly with your body’s CNS.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to using CBD for sleep, the full effects can take time to achieve. We recommend starting with a lower dose, then working up incrementally until the maximum effect is achieved. If you wake up feeling groggy, you might give it a few days or weeks to see if your body adjusts.

We are looking forward to seeing more research emerge in this field in the months and years to come!

The post Does CBD Help with Insomnia? appeared first on Your CBD Store / Ripon Naturals.