AM to PM CBD: 10 innovative cannabidiol-infused products to know
CBD is EVERYWHERE. When it hit the BALANCE radar last year we thought it could be another wellbeingy fad — alongside the likes of camel milk and vaginal steaming— but it’s still unarguably around and launching in all different forms for all different uses.
Cannabidiol oil a.k.a CBD, which is found in plants, affects the endocannabinoid system and helps to regulate sleep, pain, anxiety, diabetes and immunity, as well as acne, tired skin and signs of ageing.
Though every brand, whether CBD-centric or offering it alongside other products, aims to clarify it will not get you high — usually in a mildly patronisingly colloquial tone (…babes).
Not just in tincture form anymore, its benefits are branching far and wide. Here are the forms you need to know, from stress relief to skincare…
For: Post-coffee jitters
Try: CBD Oil in Peppermint or Original, £20, Minor Figures
How: A few drops under the tongue or in coffee
Perks: Price, flavour — particularly the minty version — and a good starting point concentrate (2.5%)
For: A silky smooth complexion
Try: Miracle Drops CBD, £22, Disciple
How: A few drops applied directly to the skin
Perks: Developed by a pharma-psychologist, Disciple’s CBD boasts impressive credentials and effects to both the complexion and state of mind
For: Period stresses and strains
Try: Anti-Teardrops 1% CBD, £27, OHNE
How: Onto the abdomen, back or uterus to combat those pesky pains, in a bath for relaxation or — curveball — directly onto a tampon (but not into your coffee as it contains essential oils)
Perks: Not just a freaking cool idea, combining ‘Mother Earth and Mother Nature’, OHNE’s Anti-Teardrops have had rave reviews
For: The morning after the night before
Try: CBD Syrup 400mg, £45, The London Botanists
How: Created from a blend of ingredients with a sweeter, lighter taste, CBD Syrup is perfect for adding to food or drink. The ‘Morning After Smoothie‘ is also a delicious take on avoiding ‘the fear’ the morning after a heavy night.
Perks: With notes of citrus and honey and a dash of curcurmin, this is perfect for those who struggle with the normal, earthy CBD taste.
For: General calming (like improving sleep, anxiety, pain and immune system responses)
Try: CBD Oil, £59, The Organic Pharmacy
How: 2-5 drops under the tongue and held for 60 seconds, twice daily
Perks: Bit pricier, but 10%
For: Achy feet after silly shoes (See: post-wedding)
Try: CannabiGold Classic 5% CBD Oil, £29.90, Bionativa
How: Apply directly to the affected area
Perks: The anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing qualities have been noticed by celebrities, who have been applying it to feet after awards ceremonies
For: On-the-go zen
Try: CBD Roller Ball, £27.99, London Graces
How: Use the handy roller applicator to improve everything from tired eyes to stress levels
Perks: Mega convenient offering from a brand with six years in the biz (…which is a lot for CBD companies, of which most have launched in the last twelve months)
For: Lazy all-round relaxation
Try: CBD Bath Bombs, £21.99, KLORIS
How: Pop in the bath and soak for at least twenty minutes to get max benefits from the 25mg of CBD, as well as the skin-beneficial formula of salts, clays, butters, oils and waxes.
Perks: The ultimate chiller way to experience the effects of CBD (and the box is pretty too, making it a good gift for an open-minded pal)
For: An ultra-calming coffee
Try: Rokit CBD Coffee Pods 11.99
How: Nespresso compatible, simply pop one of these into your Nespresso machine, turn on, and it’s done.
Perks: Rokit uses high-quality full spectrum water soluble CBD to ensure the CBD does indeed end up in your coffee.
For: Office-related back pain
Try: CBD Massage Oil, £59.99, Somnio
How: Massage onto the bothersome muscles or add a little to a bath and soak
Perks: With ginger, Frankincense and lavender, the formula is truly a muscle and mood relaxing wonder — and a good first-time formula
Generally, CBD isn’t safe to use if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding