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CBD oil has become one of the most popular natural remedies for anxiety relief. But what is CBD oil? How does it work? And why is it so effective for so many people?

In this article, we'll answer all of those questions and more. We'll also give you some tips on how to choose the best CBD oil for anxiety relief.

What Is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is short for cannabidiol oil. It's a natural compound found in the cannabis plant. Cannabis is the Latin name for marijuana.

Marijuana contains over 400 different chemicals, including CBD. However, CBD oil only contains trace amounts of THC, the chemical that makes you high. That means you won't get high from using CBD oil.

CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant and then adding it to a carrier oil, such as MCT oil or hemp seed oil. It's also available in different forms, including tinctures, capsules, edibles, and topical creams.

How Does CBD Oil Work?

CBD oil works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a network of cannabinoid receptors found throughout the body.

The ECS plays an important role in regulating many functions, including sleep, appetite, pain, and inflammation.

CBD oil binds to cannabinoid receptors in the ECS and modulates their activity. This helps to reduce anxiety and improve mood.

Why Is CBD Oil So Effective for Anxiety?

CBD oil is so effective for anxiety because it helps to restore balance in the body. When we're anxious, our bodies are in a state of imbalance. This can be caused by stress, lack of sleep, and poor diet.

CBD oil helps to correct this imbalance by interacting with the ECS. It helps to reduce anxiety and improve mood. In fact, studies have shown that CBD oil is just as effective as anti-anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines.

But unlike anti-anxiety medications, CBD oil is non-addictive and has no harmful side effects. That's why it's becoming increasingly popular as an alternative treatment for anxiety.

How to Choose the Best CBD Oil for Anxiety Relief

If you're looking for the best CBD oil for anxiety relief, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

First, make sure you choose a high-quality CBD oil. Look for one that's been third-party tested and made from organic, American-grown hemp.

Second, make sure you choose an oil that's high in CBD and low in THC. A ratio of 2:1 or 3:1 is ideal.

Third, start with a low dose and increase gradually until you find what works for you. Most people find relief with a daily dose of 25-50 mg of CBD.

And finally, make sure you give the oil time to work. CBD oil is not a quick fix. It can take several weeks to see the full effects.

What Studies Had to Say About CBD Oil

CBD oil has been shown, in a limited number of studies, to be effective in the treatment of anxiety.

A study published in 2015 in the journal Neurotherapeutics found that CBD oil was effective in treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

GAD is a type of anxiety disorder that is characterized by excessive worry and stress. People with GAD often have difficulty sleeping and concentrating.

The study found that CBD oil was able to reduce anxiety and improve sleep in patients with GAD.

A similar study published in 2016 in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that CBD oil was effective in treating social anxiety disorder (SAD).

SAD is a type of anxiety disorder that is characterized by fear and avoidance of social situations. People with SAD often have difficulty talking to people, going to work, or even leaving the house.

The study found that CBD oil was able to reduce anxiety and improve mood in patients with SAD.

CBD oil is also being studied for its potential to treat other anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

So far, the research is promising. However, more studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of CBD oil for these conditions.

If you're looking for an effective treatment for anxiety, CBD oil may be worth a try. Just make sure to choose a high-quality product from a reputable source.

Alternate ways to incorporate CBD into your daily life

There are a plethora of ways to incorporate CBD into your daily life to take advantage of its many beneficial antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties.

From oils to cream, balms, and soaps, CBD oil works wonders on the body when applied topically to alleviate common inflammotory skin conditions like eczema and to ease muscle tension and soreness.

For instance, just like traditional bath soaps, CBD soap effectively cleanses the skin, helping to remove dirt, oil, and impurities. The added CBD content can offer an extra layer of care for your skin.

The craze for cannabis-extracted health products has grown exponentially over the years. Much of the popularity of such products is due to their therapeutic properties. For example, CBD or cannabidiol is the second most prevalent compound in the cannabis plant. The growing efficacy, accessibility, and demand for cannabis products have made it a billion-dollar industry. 

CBD is said to have excellent medicinal properties, and it is mainly used in managing chronic pain and inflammation. CBD is even well accepted as a complementary medication in many conditions. Nowadays, people are using CBD capsules to relieve arthritis pain. 

Though there has not been much research regarding CBD and arthritis, available research points positively. So, let's see if CBD could help in inhibiting arthritis symptoms. But before we do that, let's dive into some information about what arthritis is exactly. 

CBD Capsules And Arthritis 

Arthritis is mainly described as the swelling and tenderness of joints. The symptoms of arthritis include pain and stiffness in joints, inflammation, and redness that worsens with age. Typically, arthritis affects the older population, but it could also be due to genetics or injury. The common kinds of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Can CBD Help With Arthritis? 

The use of CBD to treat chronic pain conditions has increased over the years. Reputed organizations such as the Arthritis Foundation have even released CBD guidelines for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Studies suggest CBD can help in reducing inflammation as well as in lowering the pain caused by arthritis. 

According to a 2006 controlled clinical trial on patients with rheumatoid arthritis, researchers found that patients' conditions improved after taking Sativex, a CBD-based medication. After 5 weeks of use, researchers concluded that Sativex improved pain conditions and helped lower inflammation. Moreover, the patients could also sleep peacefully due to less pain. 

A 2008 review study found that CBD can reduce pain and improve sleeping conditions without adverse side effects. In addition, a 2011 study on rats found that it helped reduce pain associated with inflammation in rats by affecting the pain receptors. Similarly, a 2016 study involving CBD gel and rats found that the gel can reduce swelling and joint pain without side effects. A 2017 study also claims it to be a safe and useful treatment plan for joint pains due to osteoarthritis. 

Even the National Centres for Complementary and Integrative Health says that CBD could be moderately helpful in managing chronic pain conditions. Another 2020 review reported that it could help manage chronic pain, improve sleep, and lower inflammation. However, according to the researchers, these effects are specific to certain conditions. 

Apart from this scientific evidence, much anecdotal evidence suggests using CBD may help with the symptoms of arthritis. For example, a 2019 national survey of the Arthritis Foundation involving 2,600 people found that 79% were using or have used CBD for arthritis.

Takeaways

As more studies and evidence mounts as to CBD’s effectiveness to treat pain and inflammation, more and more people are beginning to take the opportunity to try it for themselves and seek relief. The great news is that people are finding positive results, and it is helping them achieve a more natural approach to treating their health conditions such as arthritis. With so many CBD products now available on the market, you can be sure that you will find a use for this amazing natural substance that nature has provided for us.

CBD flower comes from the industrial hemp plant. It in the very material from which CBD oil and other corresponding products are extracted. Upon separation from the plant, this dried CBD hemp flower bud holds the biggest cannabinoid profile. As a result, you get a hemp flower that’s completely non-psychoactive; meaning you won’t get mild-altering high from its consumption. You can smoke, cook with, consume and do so much more with this herbal offering.

CBD flower is a highly versatile part of the cannabis plant packed with all the essential nutrients including aromatic molecules, therapeutic cannabidiol, terpenes, fatty acids, minerals, proteins, and many other amazing cannabinoids that offer a whole wide range of medicinal benefits.

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CBD flower buds are supposed to carry 14-20% CBD (Cannabidiol) with almost negligible THC content (carrying as little as 0.3% Delta-9 THC). The fact that it carries such little traces of THC ensures that the user doesn’t get high from its consumption. Since it has a good CBD profile, the very cannabinoid that offers it’s medicinal value is used for fighting inflammation, managing chronic pain, regulating blood pressure as well as managing diabetes and several other chronic ailments. Check out this clinical study performed to establish the relationship between cannabidiol and its potential to cure several mood disorders.

Health Benefits of CBD Hemp Flower

Just like CBD oil, CBD hemp flower bud is supposed to offer several therapeutic effects. Many clinical studies back those claims up. Hemp flower is typically used for alleviating conditions like chronic pain, sleep disorders, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, depression, and even diabetes. While most of these benefits have been shared as anecdotes by users around the globe, many controlled clinical studies performed on animals also confirm the following benefits of CBD hemp flower:

• Anti inflammatory properties that can manage chronic pain

• Potential for neuro-protective properties

• Anxiolytic effects that can help with stress and anxiety

These are just a handful of benefits that people have experienced by smoking CBD flower. However, it’s important to mention that smoking hemp flowers may not be the healthiest way to go about it. Anything other than oxygen is not the best thing for your lungs. While many use it for the mild euphoria and achieve feel-good effects, it’s important to remember that a trade of positive and negative effects may be happening at the same.

In terms of effects, people who prefer CBD buds over oils feel that the effects last longer and are more noticeable. That’s because CO2 extraction processes through which CBD oil is obtained, ends up stripping away many of the natural cannabinoid profiles, thus making the effects more subtle compared to the effects of hemp flower.

The real implication/usage of CBD hemp flower comes from an agricultural prospect where farmers cultivate and process it to extract CBD oil or make salves and isolates.

Is CBD Hemp Flower Legal?

CBD flower that comes from hemp is totally legal in the USA. However, the only requirement is that it must contain less than 0.3% THC by drug weight. In fact the 2018 Farm Bill has legalized production of hemp for commercial purpose. It’s completely legal to grow hemp as an agricultural crop which automatically makes CBD hemp flowers legal too. Many cannabis plants other than hemp (such as marijuana strains) may also yield flower/bud that may be rich in CBD and low in THC levels. But, it’s not necessary that those would be federally legal since they don’t originate from hemp.

Economic Potential for Farmers

Up until now, cultivation, distribution and sale of hemp and hemp products remained a huge challenge in the US market. That’s why there’s still a narrow market for farmers and consumers who like to use hemp flower directly. However, thanks to the recent 2018 Farm Bill that has legalized hemp farming for commercial purpose, things are starting to look up.

The market for hemp and hemp production is beginning to pick-up the pace, but it’s still relatively in the initial phases. Therefore, it may offer lucrative opportunities coupled with favorable conditions for farmers who want to grow and sell hemp, and hemp-derived products.

In case you are contemplating investing in hemp farming either as a farmer, distributor of hemp and hemp extracts (including CBD flower, isolates, oil, etc.) or someone who wants to offer land for hemp production; now would be a good time to make the most of it. CBD has huge number of health benefits.

Final Thoughts

Hemp is definitely emerging as a promising crop both in terms of a lucrative farming option as well as for the therapeutic potential it carries. Hemp flower is just one of the ways in which the country can put this beneficial herb to some excellent use. Although we are a long way away from exploring the cannabis plant to its true potential, we are on to a good start.

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Disclosure: The content in this article is from a trusted Hello Lovely Living contributor.

In 2015, the cannabis market was valued at $90 million. According to Grand View Research Inc, that number will jump to $22 billion within the next year - and a staggering $146.6 billion by 2025. A combination of widespread legalization, significant investment and increased research has resulted in a complete shift in the way consumers look at cannabis.

It’s safe to say that CBD is indeed much more than just another trend. But what does this mean for you? Is there some kind of untapped potential that’s worth making a business venture out of, or is it too late? Let’s take a look at the future of the CBD industry and what has made it such a compelling product.

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Vast Potential

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As you may already know, cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is one of the most well-documented compounds of hemp, which is a type of cannabis plant. It is free from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is what the media and general public usually associate with cannabis due to its psychoactive properties.

A legal limit of 0.3% THC content applies to CBD products in the United States, but most of them contain none at all. As more and more consumers learn this fact, the stigma around cannabis continues to dwindle.

This, combined with an increase in the publication of scientific research around its health benefits, is putting CBD under a positive new light in the eyes of the general public. Its ability to treat an ever-growing list of conditions makes it a compelling health supplement for many people.

This goes a long way in speaking for its potential, as there’s a clear demand for cannabis products. While there are many entrepreneurs who have already capitalized on this, the cannabis industry is far from oversaturated.

Health Benefits

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To better understand why the demand for CBD products is something that will continue to increase, let’s run through some of its better-known and more well-researched health benefits. Keep in mind that we’re far from done when it comes to researching its effects on the human body, so there’s still much to be unraveled.

So far, we know that CBD oil is capable of reducing our risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, bone disease and much more. Its anti-inflammatory properties help protect our skin and reduce signs of aging, in addition to treating acne. This alone means there’s a significant potential for CBD in the skincare industry.

Another major concern that general consumers have today is stress and anxiety. Popular treatments usually involve the use of pharmaceutical drugs with undesirable side-effects. Numerous studies have shown that CBD oil is highly capable of treating anxiety and stress, but without all the negative side-effects.

There’s also depression, something that over 16 million Americans suffer from. Unsurprisingly, we’ve found that CBD oil positively affects our serotonin levels, thus making it capable of reducing depression and other mood disorders. This list can quite frankly go on forever, as CBD oil is also capable of treating sleep disorders and chronic pain, among others issues.

Cashing in

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This exhaustive list of health benefits means there are countless people who can benefit from CBD, which is great news for someone who wants to cash in on this industry while it’s still in its relative infancy. If you’re interested, be sure to check out this post on becoming a CBD oil distributor, which explains in further detail what you can expect.

It should be very clear at this point that now is the best time to enter the CBD industry. With enough persistence and a bit of creativity, you can easily become a key player in helping the world enjoy the benefits of cannabis products.

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Disclosure: The content in this article is from a trusted Hello Lovely Living contributor.

Anxiety is one of those words that I feel like I am not allowed to use unless I’m “officially” diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, but I don’t believe that I should ever feel forced to place myself into a box - ever.  I know my body, and I know what I feel, so I can say that I do experience anxiety on varying levels. I have anxiety - not because a doctor told me, but because I live in this body and know what I feel. I’m not saying that I always have anxiety, but I do experience it more often at this particular time in my life, which is why it has come to my attention and why I am addressing it and giving it light.

In this article, I’ll just be sharing little pieces of what I’ve been going through for the past year and a half. This is my experience, and I know myself well enough to say that I, at times, have no idea why or how I’m feeling the way I do. I am just trying to understand myself more, and I always listen to my body and what it is trying to tell me, so this is serious business to me. Obviously, there is something wrong, so I am learning how to respond to things in a positive way so that it gets better instead of worse.

To give you some context, I experienced some very life-altering events in 2017, and I have basically been in fight-or-flight mode since. Side note: I just realized through writing that statement that I can say that I’ve felt like I’ve been in fight-or-flight mode for a great part of my life. I’ve always been anxious about the potential of fight-or-flight, so it is in my nature to want to go, go, go or anticipate that needing to happen at any given time. Wow - did I just have a revelation just now. I think I just did.

When you are placed in survival mode, I guess your body just kicks into overdrive and you have no choice but to replace fear with action. That has basically been my life this past year and a half. There is literally no time to cry or to be weak, but the truth is, I pride myself in how soft I can become, so this takes a lot out of me. I guess this is why the anxiousness has been more apparent. There is literally no moment for me to let my guard down, so I am constantly in an anxious state.

Imagine a car that is in 3rd gear when it only needs to be in 1st. Well, if you’ve ever driven stick, you’d know that this puts extreme pressure on the engine, and it does not feel good at all. It is actually scary. You must quickly switch back to 1st gear for all to be good and for your engine not to explode! That is literally how I feel. My body is in a constant state of overdrive, and it gets draining. I DO feel like I need to explode sometimes. It is a feeling that you can do everything in the world to try to settle and put yourself at ease, but you just can’t.

Now that I am more in tune with my body relating to anxiety, I can pinpoint when I am experiencing it. I feel like I need to do something immediately. I get antsy and restless. When I start to notice it, I truly do not know what to do with myself. I try and try to fill the space with activity or lack of, but it just does not make it any better. I can’t breathe well. I can’t think logically. I can’t seem to calm myself. I can’t sleep at night. All I can think about is what I need to do - next.

When I first started dealing with these symptoms, I just turned to drinking in the evening to put myself at ease, but then I noticed that it became a cycle whereas I would get anxious the next time around simply by thinking about alcohol. I was pairing my anxiety with alcohol, so it kind of became a trigger for it in my mind. So weird to say that, but that’s what I think happened.

I decided that I wasn’t going to continue that cycle, so I tried not to turn to alcohol when I would feel anxiety. I started to do such things as diffusing lavender before bed, which helped tremendously. Drinking tea is another thing that has always calmed me. I also began to drink less coffee and lessen any caffeine intake and try to sleep at an earlier hour or at least try to do so more nights during the week.

When I identified the triggers, I was able to limit feelings of anxiety a lot. I also turned to CBD oil, a natural treatment and prevention for anxiety. After my 4-part series on CBD oil, I learned so many positive uses for CBD oil, so I made the choice to take that next step. I knew about the benefits of CBD oil for anxiety, so I chose not to sit on that knowledge. I wanted to experience it for myself.

Thanks to my BFF, I got a special Christmas gift because I had told her that I had wanted to try it out. Since we are literally the epitome of #SAME #BFFGOALS, we both had been looking into it prior to us even mentioning it to each other, so it was so nice to have someone to talk to about it. She was able to encourage me based on her experience, and since it was all positive, I felt that much more at ease.

I decided to go with a 1:1 tincture in a peppermint flavor, which is basically an even ratio of CBD oil to THC liquid drops placed under the tongue for maximum absorption. I wasn’t sure what it would taste like, but it tasted so good. I actually love the taste. It did take a while to kick in, but after an hour or so, and I was able to experience the benefits thereafter for about 4-6 hours. I have found it to be very calming, and it definitely helps me to sleep well. I literally sleep like a baby and actually get drowsy, which is a feeling I so miss!

The reason why I chose a 1:1 tincture was because I did want to go with something that would immediately provide relief when I am experiencing anxiety and give me that euphoric feeling as well. I do want to try a straight up CBD oil blend next, so that is what I will likely purchase online or at a local dispensary. I’d like to buy CBD gummies as well because they are a convenient way to take it. The reason why I’d like to try 100% CBD oil is because the THC content is not always necessary, even at a 1:1 ratio. I would rather have both on hand so that I could take the 100% CBD oil without having to experience any psychoactive effects. It is definitely a choice that is totally mine to make, and with so many options available, I feel free to find what works best for me.

One thing that I noticed after taking CBD oil, and it’s only been a month, is that my anxiety is less frequent. I have not really had extreme episodes that lasted for days since taking it. I think I’ve taken my CBD drops a total of four times, but I already have been seeing a huge difference in how much anxiety I experience. I am less worried, more at ease, and generally eager about my days and less anxious about the the day-to-day stresses.

As of now, I do plan to continue this method of anxiety prevention and treatment. It’s a natural alternative that is proving to be promising, so I am very happy about it so far. As you may or may not know, I am a huge proponent of going the natural route. I am also an advocate of awareness and being in control of your health, which is why I decided to share my story. If you are curious about CBD oil, I highly suggest you check out my 4-part series on CBD oil and learn more about it. I also recommend you research everything for yourself first, find the answers to all of your questions, and look for the best products and dispensaries.

Things are rapidly changing for the cannabis industry, and it is not like it was nor are people naive to its health benefits. People are educating themselves, building awareness, and breaking stereotypes. I am a firm believer in education and taking it upon yourself to not be influenced by external sources, but by taking on an introspective reasoning and finding the truth for yourself. A few years ago, I would not have said that I would be exploring this industry, but that is what growth is about. It is there for you to attain if you leave room for your ideas to be challenged and for your perspectives to mature so that you can become your best self. I am not the same person I was yesterday, and I am proud of that.

That is it for now! I hope you enjoyed that little glimpse into a bit of a more personal side to my life. It is not easy to share my struggles, but if I can help someone, then it is all worth being vulnerable. I hope you find some useful information in this article. If you should have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below, or simply email or DM me on social media.

how do you cope with anxiety?

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This series started out with me being curious - and rightfully so! With so many talks about the benefits surrounding CBD oil, I just had to learn about it and share those findings with you all. I’m all for discovering new things, which includes things that will improve my quality of life and wellbeing. In my search for truth, I learned a ton of things that really opened my eyes to a whole new world - literally. In the final part of this series, I will be sharing a few of my final thoughts about CBD oil.

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what i learned

my main takeaways about cbd oil

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Prior to doing this series, I was very curious about CBD oil. Simply put, I did not know that there was so much to learn about the topic and that I was highly under-informed to say the least. Here is a list of things that I learned that made a huge impact on how I viewed the CBD oil industry as a whole:

CBD oil has an outrageous amount of health benefits

In part 1-3 of this series, I talked about the many benefits of CBD oil and Hemp Seed Oil. Of those benefits, the main ones that caught my attention and that I believe would particularly benefit me are in treating the following:

• migraines

• insomnia

• nausea (caused by migraines)

• acne

• stress

• anxiety

cbd oil is legal and safe

Anyone can buy CBD oil online, and it is legal and regulated across the 50 states. The World Health Organization concluded that it is not harmful in 2017.

CBD oil will not get you high

Little did I know that CBD oil actually had a purpose - and it was not to get high. If you read Part 1 in this series, I explained that CBD oil contains less than 0.3% of THC, which is essentially 0% in terms of it ever having the ability to produce a high whatsoever.

CBD oil is made from industrial hemp and not marijuana

Hemp and marijuana are essentially variants of the same plant, cannabis sativa, but they have very different purposes and composition. CBD oil is produced from industrial hemp, which has high levels of CBD. In contrast, marijuana is primarily produced for its high levels of THC content. An easy way to look at it is hemp = CBD and marijuana = THC

CBD oil has many uses and comes in different products

There are so many ways to take advantage of the benefits of CBD oil. It can be vaped, applied topically through various skincare products, taken orally using MedsBiotech CBD oil in the form of CBD capsules, various edibles such as gummies, chocolate, cake pops, dabs, drops, and drinks. I’m sure there is more out there too! CBD oil has many benefits, but specifically, CBD for anxiety is one of its common uses.

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the conclusion

Will I be trying CBD Oil and other hemp products?

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I wouldn’t have imagined that I would ever venture into this category of products or even consider using them. The truth is, I was not educated about the properties, uses, and benefits of hemp products, so I really was naive in my thoughts about them. It took me so long to look into it, but here we are, and I learned so much. I can honestly say that my views have expanded and yes, I definitely would like to try hemp products in the near future. Here is a list of hemp products that I would like to venture into trying and experiencing the benefits for myself:

• Flavored CBD vape oil

• Hemp Skincare

• Edibles (gummies)

• Hemp seeds

As a huge supporter of going the natural route in terms of treating illness and health concerns, I believe that CBD oil and hemp products are just as good as any other natural products on the market. All natural products have their specific uses and benefits, so why not explore and enjoy them if you choose? It feels so good to know what you’re putting in your body, and it is even more fulfilling when you are choosing products in a conscious way. When you know what specific products do for your body, you can listen to your body and determine what is best for you at that particular time.

As always, treating the underlying cause of the issue is even more important, in my opinion. Symptoms are usually a result of a deeper-rooted issue, so try to listen to your body and identify what it is trying to tell you. When the body responds in illness, your body is saying, hey, pay attention to me! I believe that the body has the ability to heal itself with the proper care that we give it. Of course, natural products will always be the better option when dealing with health concerns that traditionally require over-the-counter or prescription medications.

Many people are recognizing that there are so many natural alternatives available, which is amazing because people are becoming more educated about their options. I remember when I first started learning about natural remedies and natural products - I felt like an alien venturing into some far off land because it was a new concept that I had to prove to people. At the time, I was living on Guam and found myself dealing with many health problems. I decided to take control of my health by doing research on natural ways to heal my body. That was the start of my whole wellness journey, which is an endless pursuit because I’m always learning something new, and there’s always room for growth. I am glad that I added all of this information to my “farmacy” as I like to call it. Nature is so abundant and amazing, and I believe that so many answers to our problems can be found in it.

Thank you for tuning into this series, and if you have not already, make sure to go back and read Parts 1-4. This will seriously expose you to some new ideas about a wonderful plant that has so many amazing benefits. I learned so much from this series, and I hope you did to. Are there any other questions that you’d like answered? Comment them below, and I will do my best to answer them. I’d also love to hear about your thoughts about the different CBD and hemp options that I shared, and if you’ve had any experience using them, please share that too.

are you interested in trying hemp products?

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Disclosure: This post is purely from my personal findings and for informational purposes only, not to be construed as medical advice. Please seek medical advice from a licensed health practitioner. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Please see my privacy policy for a complete disclosure.

When I found out that pets can also benefit from CBD oil, I was shook. I mean, learning about CBD oil to begin with has been an eye-opener. It’s been a while since I had a pet, but I’ve always loved animals and had a special love for dogs and birds. I have so many great memories growing up with a Boston Bull Terrier as our family dog. To this day, they are my breed of choice simply because they remind me of my childhood and are just the most amazing dogs I know. In Part 3 of this series, I will be focusing on our furry friends and how CBD oil can benefit them.

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separation anxiety in dogs

is it that serious?

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If you are a dog owner, you know that the separation anxiety in dogs is real. I remember coming home to my dog, Ginny, and she would always welcome us with a catastrophic scene to enjoy. She would tear up the bathroom and leave it covered with slobber and drool. I’m not sure how such a tiny dog could do that, but she did, haha! Each time we were away from her, I’m sure she was a huge ball of stress. I would always feel so bad when we would come home to her seeing that she was stressed, yet excited at the same time. She would do this classic ballerina twirl that I will never forget, which showed how excited and anxious she was for us to be home. She did not like to be alone at all.

The severity of separation anxiety in dogs will vary with each pet, and the symptoms of that anxiety will also vary. Some dogs are extremely attached to their owners, so being away from them causes certain destructive and unhealthy behaviors that I will discuss next. It can become a serious issue if the pet is in constant distress each time they are separated from their owner. If the underlying cause of the symptoms can be treated and would promote a healthier environment for both the owner and dog, then that will improve the quality of life for both. Not only is stress not good for pets and humans, but it can affect that special bond as well.

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Symptoms caused by separation anxiety in dogs

How can I tell if my dog suffers from separation anxiety?

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Knowing the signs and symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs is important in deciding if your dog needs treatment. If there is a way that we can help our furry pals and in a natural way, why not, right? There are a few things to look out for when identifying if your dog is behaving in a way that is not normal and apart from them just knowing what the rules are or being a normal fun-loving dog.

Instinctively, you will know if your dog’s behavior is in response to the distress of being apart from you or if he or she is just acting out normal pup behavior. The difference will be if you notice things in excess such as barking and howling that shows aggression or irritation in response to different stimuli. Hyperactivity may be a cause for concern too, especially if it results in aggressive behaviors. Here is a quick list of symptoms that can be used to identify separation anxiety in dogs:

• Excessive soiling, salivation, drooling, or panting

• Restlessness and intense pacing back and forth

• Excessively scratching themselves or walls and doors

• Digging behavior or attempting escape from room or crate

• Vomiting

• Hyperactivity or panicked behaviors

• Aggression toward animals or people

• Whining, crying, shaking, tail tucked, or trembling

• Following you around the house and not wanting to leave your side

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general symptoms of anxiety in dogs

what are other behaviors that i should look out for?

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There are other forms of anxiety that dogs may display and affect their ability to respond to their environment in a healthy way. Did you know that dogs can also suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? Rescue dogs can exhibit symptoms of separation anxiety due to their previous negative experiences, which can impact them severely. Dogs can also develop obsessive  traits that cause them to fixate on a particular stimulus making them exhibit hyperactive behaviors every time they are exposed to it. Here is another list of common symptoms of anxiety in dogs:

• Barking at cars, people, or other animals

• Anxiousness when riding in cars or during travel

• Anxiousness when being exposed to new people or places

• Fearfulness caused by PTSD

• Anxiousness in response to fireworks or storms

• Sensitivity to common noises

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cbd oil treatment for anxiety in dogs

how can i treat my dog that suffers from anxiety?

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Dogs have similar natural cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system as humans, which is involves the physiological processes such as appetite, pain sensation, mood, and memory. This means that they have a similar response to such products as CBD oil, which is an effective treatment for anxiety in humans. What is CBD oil? If you have not read Part 1 of this series yet, I highly encourage you to read that first as it will explain what CBD oil is, it’s benefits, and other common questions in greater detail.

To sum it up, CBD oil is made from the hemp plant and contains high levels of CBD, a cannabinoid that essentially works with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for various chemical processes within the body. CBD oil is an effective treatment for dogs that suffer from separation anxiety and other forms of anxiety due to it's calming and anti-anxiety effects. CBD oil works by enhancing the body’s natural ability to stabilize mood by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system to calm and soothe anxiety. CBD oil can correct many of the behaviors that dogs exhibit in response to stress or anxiety.

CBD for dogs is available in drop form and can be added to their food, treats, or water 1-2 times a day depending on their condition. I know I only covered dogs in this article, but CBD for pets is also available, which means your cats can enjoy the benefits of CBD oil too. Just make sure that you check the label to ensure that it is specific to the animal that you are purchasing it for since they may be made for either dogs or cats and not both. You can also buy CBD oil for pets in the form of treats, and they come in various flavors that they will love.

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thoughts

does cbd oil for dogs work and is it effective?

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If you do an online search for testimonials of CBD oil being used for dogs exhibiting anxiety, there are a lot of positive responses out there. It was interesting reading some of the testimonials and how people have had much success with treating their dogs with CBD oil. I really did not know how popular it was until now, but from what I can tell you, it is a very effective treatment that dog owners are currently raving about. So, would I use CBD oil if I had a dog that suffered from anxiety? In Part 4 of this series, I am spilling all of my final thoughts and many takeaways. I will also be answering the question of whether or not I will be trying out CBD oil products for myself. Stay tuned for Part 4, which is the last in this series.

does your dog suffer from anxiety and what are his/her symptoms?

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Disclosure: This post is purely from my personal findings and for informational purposes only, not to be construed as medical advice. Please seek medical advice from a licensed health practitioner. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Please see my privacy policy for a complete disclosure.

In Part 1 of this series, I talked about CBD oil and answered the main questions that I was curious about. In Part 2, I will be talking about hemp seed oil. Many people think that hemp and CBD oil are the same thing - is this true? I will be breaking everything down for you. I am excited about this topic because skincare is one of my most loved things to learn about and to practice. I am always wanting to learn and share more about natural skincare products, so let’s get into it!

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Hemp seed oil vs CBD oil

What’s the difference?

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Is there a difference between hemp seed oil and CBD oil? The answer is yes! It’s easy to get confused about the many terms that are circulating around when referring to cannabis in general. It’s also common to assume that since it comes from the same plant, it’s the same thing. However, that is not true. As I showed you in Part 1 of this series - What Is CBD Oil? Is CBD The Same As THC? + Other Questions Answered - there are many important distinctions that need to be made.

When referring to hemp seed oil, many confuse it as being one and the same with CBD oil, and phrases such as hemp oil and cannabis oil also add to the confusion. Both hemp seed oil and CBD oil are extracted from industrial hemp, but in different ways. Hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant, and CBD oil is extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks (whole plant). Both hemp seed oil and CBD oil contain trace amounts of THC, which I explained is the effect of using industrial hemp to produce these oils instead of cannabis. Unlike cannabis, hemp contains trace amounts of THC. Compared with CBD oil which contains up to 15% of CBD, hemp seed oil does not contain CBD.

Hemp seed oil contains high levels of fatty acids such as omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) are found in a ratio of 3:1, which is believed to be the optimal ratio. Hemp seed oil also contains high levels of vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant. It can contain up to 100-150g of vitamin E per 100g of hemp seed oil. It is also the only edible oil that contains greater than 80% of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which makes it a very nutritious and beneficial oil when used in both oral and topical applications.

To understand the purpose of CBD oil, make sure to check out Part 1 of this series where I dive more in depth into its uses and benefits.

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hemp seed oil for skin

What are the benefits of hemp seed oil?

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Since hemp seed oil is so rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, Linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3), and Vitamin E, and other beneficial nutrients, it makes it a perfect candidate for skincare products. Here is a list of hemp skincare benefits:

• Hemp seed oil is an effective hydrator meaning it actually puts moisture into the skin as opposed to just laying on the surface of the skin and only keeping moisture in like typical moisturizers do

• Hemp seed oil is non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores. The fats or lipids in the oil are similar to that found in the skin, so it regulates the skin’s oil production

• Hemp seed oil increases the elasticity of the skin by locking moisture into the skin, so it can also be used in the prevention and treatment of stretch marks

• Hemp seed oil is an effective anti-aging treatment due to its high antioxidant protection, which fights free radicals that can damage skin cells

• Hemp seed oil is a skin plumper, so it fills skin with moisture and stimulates the natural production of collagen, which prevents fine lines and wrinkles

• Hemp seed oil regenerates the hydrolipidic layer of the skin by preventing it from dehydrating and providing a natural skin barrier that protects it from irritants and environmental stresses

• Vitamin E protects protects against oxidative damage and provides a protective shield for the skin in the form of antioxidants

• In addition to the nutritional makeup mentioned previously, hemp seed oil also contains vitamin a, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium, and phosphorus, which when taken as a dietary supplement, nourishes the body from the inside out providing antioxidant, hormone regulating, and anti-inflammatory properties

• Hemp seed oil is an effective acne prevention and control method due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which alleviates redness. Its fatty acid content makes it a perfect oil for preventing dry skin without clogging pores

• Due it its gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content, which is an anti-inflammatory, hemp seed oil is also an effective treatment for healing the skin and treating other skin inflammatory conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis

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hemp skincare products

what products are available?

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When looking for hemp skincare products, look for products that contain non-GMO, organic hemp seed oil and that are eco-farmed following ecologically friendly processes. Also make sure that the company is committed to ensuring the best extraction process to retain all of the beneficial molecules of the plant and that there are no synthetics contained in the product.

You can find various hemp skincare products available such as hemp lotions, hemp creams, hemp scrubs, hemp masks, hemp body butters, hemp serums and hemp moisturizers, hemp body sprays, hemp fragrances, and even oral supplements. Each will serve a particular purpose so that you can enjoy the benefits of hemp seed oil in various skincare applications.

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thoughts

will i be using hemp seed oil for skincare?

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I am amazed about the many benefits of hemp seed oil for the skin, and I feel like I have been missing out, but is it too good to be true? Will I be trying out skincare products that contain organic hemp seed oil? We shall find out in Part 4 of this series! I am also curious about eating hemp seeds now, because if applying it to the skin is good, imagine what it can do from the inside out? I have heard that it contains loads of protein - and we can’t forget about those good omega fats that it contains. Those do wonders for the body. I have seen it in stores and heard about many people using hemp seeds in smoothies and as a topping for fruit bowls and things like that, but I have never tried it out. I heard it has a nutty flavor, which is maybe the reason I am thinking about trying it out. My research continues in this series, so I still have some things to learn. I hope you are following along because in Part 3, I will be talking about CBD oil and its use in treating dogs that suffer from separation anxiety. Follow along for more!

are you also shook about the many skincare benefits of hemp seed oil?

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Disclosure: This post is purely from my personal findings and for informational purposes only, not to be construed as medical advice. Please seek medical advice from a licensed health practitioner. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Please see my privacy policy for a complete disclosure.

I am back with a wellness topic because it is my goal to get back to one of my passions, which is learning and sharing about natural and holistic forms of self-care. I will be doing a 4-part series on CBD oil where I explore its many uses, benefits, and forms it is available in. I find it fascinating how there are still so many natural products out there to learn about. CBD oil is a product that still has many misconceptions surrounding it due to its relationship with cannabis. It is an emerging product that many people still do not completely understand, including myself - until now.

My curiosity about CBD oil came to be because I noticed that it is becoming more commonly used and available in many different forms and is a part of an industry that is growing exponentially. I had no prior knowledge about CBD oil other than knowing that it had a direct relationship with cannabis, so I had many questions and pre-existing views on the topic that required me to become more educated about it.

So, here we are. I am going to break it all down and answer all of the questions that I was curious about. I will demystify what there is to know about CBD oil and its various products. I hope that you learn something new from this series! At the end of this 4-part series, I will share my final thoughts and share whether or not I will be trying out hemp products for myself!

one |

what does CBD stand for? what is cbd oil?

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CBD stands for cannabidiol and is a cannabinoid that is naturally produced by the hemp and cannabis plant. It comprises of up to 40% of the hemp plant. CBD oil is made from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of industrial hemp. Think of cannabidiol as the short, tiny, hair-like structures that grow on the plant and cannabinoids as the chemicals that are unique to it. There are 480 natural components found within the cannabis sativa plant, 66 of which have been classified as cannabinoids. These chemicals react with specific receptors located in the central nervous system of the user.

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two |

is CBD the same as THC? Is CBD oil legal?

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Like CBD, THC is a cannabinoid. They both have the exact same molecular structure, but their atoms are arranged differently, which causes your body to respond differently to each. Despite their similarities, CBD and THC don’t have the same psychoactive effects. Essentially, you will not get “high” off of CBD oil because it is a non-psychoactive compound. It can even decrease the psychoactive effects of THC.

Another thing worth noting is that CBD oil is made from industrial hemp, not to be confused with cannabis otherwise known as marijuana. Hemp and marijuana come from the same plant family, cannabis sativa, but are not the same and have very specific differences. Industrial hemp has a negligible THC content of 0.3% compared with marijuana, which has anywhere from 5-20% or 20-30% in premium batches. For this very reason, industrial hemp is used to produce CBD oil due to its high CBD content and next to nothing THC content. It is also why CBD oil is legal. Industrial hemp is heavily regulated and does not contain psychoactive properties like marijuana does.

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three |

Is CBD oil addictive?  is cbd oil safe?

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To put it plain and simple, no, CBD oil is not addictive, and neither is it dangerous. This comes from a 27-page report by the World Health Organization (WHO) which studied many aspects of CBD, including its potential for abuse and addictiveness.

“An orally administered dose of 600mg of CBD did not differ from placebo on the scales of the Addiction Research Centre Inventory,” it continued, “a 16 item Visual Analogue Mood Scale, subjective level of intoxication or psychotic symptoms.”

In conclusion, there were no negative findings on CBD use in the report, which I will touch on later.

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four |

What are CBD oil benefits?

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CBD oil continues to increase in popularity due to its numerous health benefits. Here is a list of CBD oil benefits that are emerging:

• Natural chronic pain relief and anti-inflammatory treatment

• Migraine relief

• Aids smokers in curbing nicotine cravings and smoking less

• Substance abuse treatment

  • Prevents or reduces withdrawal symptoms in those suffering from substance abuse

• Effective treatment for epilepsy according to 2017 World Health Organization (WHO) study

  • Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) involving different kinds of seizures

  • Dravet syndrome (DS), a rare genetic condition that causes frequent, fever-related seizures in the first year of life

• May provide treatment for other neurological complications linked to epilepsy such as neurodegeneration, neuronal injury, and psychiatric diseases

  • Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease by slowing its progression and aiding with and preventing cognitive decline

• Antipsychotic treatment for psychosis or mental disorders such as schizophrenia

• Alleviates cancer-related symptoms caused by chemotherapy

  • Nausea and vomiting relief

• Cancer-fighting properties

  • Suppresses growth of cancer cells

  • Anti-tumor effects by preventing the spread of cancer

• Reduces anxiety-related conditions - post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Treatment for depression through antidepressant-like effects and ability to influence serotonin responses

• Treatment for insomnia

• Eases inflammation and slows down or prevents the development of Type 1 Diabetes

• Eases inflammation and reduces sebum production that causes acne

• Heart-health benefits

  • Reduces high blood pressure

  • Stress-reducing properties

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five |

How To Use CBD oil and cbd Vape Oil and Who sells CBD oil near me?

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CBD comes in a variety of products, but the ones I will be discussing in part 1 of this series are CBD oil and CBD vape oil. CBD oils can be used as CBD oral drops (CBD tincture), in vape liquid or topically to name a few. CBD oil comes in all kinds of flavors - peach, watermelon, strawberry, and berry cotton candy among others. You can purchase travel-sized CBD-droppers for an on-the-go daily single usage, and CBD oral drops can simply be placed under the tongue for absorption. CBD vape oil consists of various vapor liquids that can be vaped via vape pens, e-cigarettes or vaporizers. CBD vape oils also come in a variety of flavors. Vaping pens contain flavored e-liquid that comes charged up and ready to go, which is a convenient and disposable option.

In my opinion, the easiest way to find out who sells CBD oil is to do an online search so you are able to price check and have access to a greater variety of products at competitive prices. There are many CBD oil companies out there, but I highly encourage you to do your research first about the quality of the product that you are purchasing. I highly recommend checking out Diamond CBD because I found their products to be non-GMO, organically grown and made in the US, and produced with federally-legal CBD. They use a supercritical CO2 extraction method to obtain CBD oil, which is the highest standard in the industry, and their processes ensure the quality and efficacy of the product. They also have a large selection of other CBD products such as edibles, drinks, dabs, creams, and pet-friendly options as well that may be of interest to you.

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thoughts |

will i be using CBD oil?

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I have to say, I learned so much about this topic, and it actually opened up my eyes to a topic that I had misconceptions about. All I can say is that there is always something new to learn. Now, the question is, will I be trying out CBD oil for myself? The answer is you’ll have to wait until Part 4 of this series to find out! I am still curious to see what else I will learn about CBD oil. I believe that if it is natural and can improve my quality of life, why not learn about it? If I happen to benefit from my findings, then that’s a win for me - I discovered something new and another natural option in my self-care journey. If that should lead me to using or not using the product, at least I educated myself about it first and know all of the ins and outs of it. I encourage you to do the same!

If you’d like to learn even more about CBD oil, specifically the difference between CBD and THC, check out the I'm CBD, I'm THC campaign. I thought it was so funny and think you’d enjoy it. Also, go to Part 2 of this series where I’ll be talking about hemp seed oil for skincare.

Do you have any questions about CBD oil?

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Disclosure: This post is purely from my personal findings and for informational purposes only, not to be construed as medical advice. Please seek medical advice from a licensed health practitioner. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Please see my privacy policy for a complete disclosure.