by Molly Black, EAT STRETCH NAP™ Contributor // Founder of Wellness by Molly

Do you keep hearing about CBD but you’re not sure what it really is or how to use it? You might already know that it’s great for relieving stress, anxiety, and pain while also helping you simply chill out [of course we love that ;)]. Read on for more about the product taking over the health + wellness industry and how it can benefit you!

What is CBD?

According to Project CBD, "Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound found in the resinous flower of cannabis, a plant with a rich history as a medicine going back thousands of years” AKA it’s totally natural, safe, and can be a great complement to a healthy lifestyle!

CBD has been used for years to alleviate physical pain and there is a ton of research on how to use it. The best thing to do before trying it is to talk to a professional to learn more about CBD and how to tailor it to your specific needs. Chances are, if you’re here, you’re seeking CBD out to help you r e l a x a little deeper :)

Where can you buy it?

You can buy CBD anywhere from grocery stores to online. I typically buy mine from a local CBD store or online from AUR Body. Talk to a professional to find out what dose and what type works best for your body and lifestyle. Most CBD and health food stores have someone on staff that can talk you through the products and their benefits.

How CBD has helped me

I started taking CBD two years ago when I noticed my anxiety was becoming more difficult to manage and I was in the thick of my seasonal depression. After a yoga class, I went to a CBD store and talked with a knowledgeable professional about which brands and products to use to help me sleep and ease my anxiety. He recommended I use a tincture that was 100mg and take it every day - I can increase or lower my dose as desired. I was so excited. I ran home and tried the strawberry flavored goo. It was delicious and worked almost instantly. My racing mind was finally calm. I slept through the night, and woke up feeling energized! This was an amazing new feeling for me and I continued using it in the morning with my other vitamins. I’ve tried other products such as chocolates, gummies, vaporizing and have experimented putting the oil in my tea, coffee, and smoothies. They all work great! I noticed my anxiety is much more manageable, I sleep through the night, feel well rested when I wake up and focused during the day.

My Regular Routine

In the morning, I put a few drops of an oil or tincture into my morning beverage (tea, lemon water, or coffee). At night, I either vaporize while I’m reading before bed or I take the oil/tincture sublingually. If I have any back pain I use a body balm infused with CBD on my back and put some on my temples to relax.

For anyone experiencing anxiety or trouble sleeping, CBD may be a huge help! You can do your own research online, talk with a professional, or go to your local health food store. There are many different kinds and ways to try CBD. Enjoy!