We’re constantly bombarded with the benefits of CBD, and how it’s the secret to improving our health and longevity. Now, while the use of CBD takes many forms, surprisingly, I’ve never actually tried CBD oil. Yes, I happily enjoyed a CBD-infused medical massage, but I’ve never actually had CBD in my body. Thankfully, a South African-based CBD company not only helped me see its benefits.
But first, what is CBD?
CBD is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD does not have any psychoactive effects. Rather, it promotes significant health benefits, which is why it’s featured in a number of products. These products range from skincare and fitness to pain management and anxiety relief.
With so many benefits attached to the CBD, it would make sense if you wanted to test it out. However, with so many products on the market, just where would you start?
My journey with CBD Oil
Goodleaf is a South African company that’s focused on promoting wellness and creating the next generation of health rituals, engineered by nature to restore balance. A premium CBD brand, Goodleaf’s mission is to introduce you to safe CBD products that are free of THC and that can help you improve your quality of life.
Goodleaf/Instagram
This past April, Goodleaf launched its monthly subscription service, Good Habits. The subscription service features a customisable selection of premium Goodleaf CBD products that are suited to address whichever needs you may have. If that’s not enough, the subscription also comes with a good habits challenge that encourages you to adopt a different health habit each month with the assistance of Challenge cards. A new one is included in every box and its commands range from encouraging you to drink more water to asking you to get more sleep.
So, how did CBD affect me?
1. I slept better
I’m not the best sleeper. Scratch that. I’m not the best rester. What does that mean? Well, while I do get my eight hours of sleep every night, I can’t exactly say that these are quality hours.
Oftentimes, I wake up more tired than I was the night before. As such, I was looking forward to seeing how the CBD was going to improve my sleep patterns – especially since research has shown that CBD is an effective sleep aid.
Goodleaf CBD Oil Drops
I began taking 20 drops of my daily CBD Oil Drops (making sure not to exceed the recommended daily dosage of 20 mg CBD) before I went to bed. Per the instructions, I placed the dropper under my tongue as this is the fastest way for your body to absorb CBD, and I was soon off to bed.
The next day, I woke up feeling quite refreshed and even chuckled at the extremely vivid dream I had the night before (featuring a very handsome Sebastian Stan). Over the next week, I repeated my nighttime routine and the result was the same – I woke up feeling rested, and my dreams were constantly vivid.
So how do I know this was because of CBD?
Well, I forgot to take CBD for one night. The next day, I woke up feeling more tired than I had in weeks (I also didn’t have memorable dreams). As such, CBD oil has now become a part of my nighttime routine and my sleep hygiene has never been better. If you’re struggling with getting sleep, but you’re not ready to use CBD, then here’s how you can use your gut to help you sleep better.
2. I was less anxious
I’ve dealt with anxiety for a while – and this was before a global pandemic completely changed our way of life. As such, you can only imagine how my anxiety levels have fluctuated in the past year. Now while I’ve gotten used to dealing with anxiety in my life, that doesn’t necessarily mean that I always want to be in a constant state of dread.
As such, I was quite relieved to notice how it had eased some of the tension I usually feel. In fact, it left me feeling calmer than I usually am.
Goodleaf Water-Soluble CBD Powder Sachets.
3. I improved my fitness game
I’ll admit it – I wasn’t the most active person during the lockdown. While I did start off following online classes, it wasn’t long before I gave up. Nonetheless, I promised myself to be more active this year, and CBD has definitely helped with that resolution.
Not only did I find myself more energized during my workouts, but I also noticed that, as the days went by, my muscles weren’t as sore after the workouts. I thought I may have been imagining this, but a 2020 study did find that cannabis extracts can alleviate post-workout aches and pains.
What’s the verdict?
I’m definitely a believer in the power of CBD. The mere fact that it helped me get better sleep won me over. After all, we all know the benefits that come with getting enough quality sleep. Coupled with the fact that I’ve managed my anxiety levels and that I’m on top of my fitness game, CBD is definitely the tool for longevity.
If you’re interested in subscribing to Goodleaf’s subscription service, click here.
References
Hatchett A, Armstrong K, Hughes B, Parr B. (2020). The influence cannabidiol on delayed onset of muscle soreness. Int J Phys Educ Sport Heal. 7(2):89-94.
Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. The Permanente journal, 23, 18–041. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/18-041
