What CBD is Good For and How You Can Use It

Everyone’s talking about CBD, but what is it, how do you use it, why would you use it? That’s what we’re covering today.

CBD comes from the hemp plant. Unlike it’s marijuana cousin, it has no psychoactive effect (which means it cannot get you high). CBD can be very effective for a multitude of things.

The most important part to know is where your CBD is coming from. Hemp plants are sometimes used to remove toxins from the soil, so it’s imperative that your CBD comes from an organic or clean source! There are so many benefits from CBD, here are the best ways to get those benefits:

TOPICALLY OR APPLIED TO THE SKIN. Creams and gels are highly effective for localized pain relief. CBD can also help with and/or relieve, sore muscles, bruises, aches and pains, even sunburn and some rashes. Some creams have menthol in them which help deliver the pain relief more efficiently, some have none for more sensitive skin areas. Not only will the CBD help relieve the pain, but it will help control local inflammation in order to help with and expedite the healing process. It is truly a ‘win win’; topically applied products do not circulate to your whole system, they stay where you put them. In conclusion, topical CBD can be a very effective method of pain relief.

INTERNALLY. Taking CBD internally has so many benefits! It mainly works by reducing inflammation in the body. It also has a calming effect on the tissues and functions of the body. There are so many disorders that cause inflammation that can be helped with internal CBD such as hard workout, sleep problems, anxiety, some seizures, and acne. CBD can also aid in relieving some symptoms and pains included with heart disease, diabetes, cancer prevention, even cancer symptoms and digestive disorders. The most common delivery system is liquid drops under your tongue, most taste pretty good and are easy to use. There is also a transdermal delivery method which is a cream and this is optimized to allow entry into your circulatory system. The optimal dosage is meant to be used every day in order to maintain a low level in the body at all times. Less is more with CBD, and because CBD is not psychoactive, you will likely not “feel” anything except better when using it.

There are some cautions to be observed with CBD usage. If you take medications, you will need to speak to your doctor about interaction warnings with your specific medication. If your medication comes with a grapefruit warning, do not take CBD and consult your physician. Otherwise, CBD is safe for you and even your pets with recommended dosages.

Additionally, all products sold in the US must have 3% or less of THC and have no psychoactive component. Many products have 0%. If you are tested for marijuana either from your job or because you compete athletically, there are many 0% options you have at your disposal. A good company will have 3rd party test results available to you so you can be sure you are compliant.

For additional questions, please email me at Alicia@SportsPerformancePT.com and I can answer those to the best of my ability.

As always, we hope this helps! If you have any questions or if you would like to read about certain topics, feel free to send us an email at TeamSP@SportsPerformancePT.com.

-Alicia