If you've perhaps walked into a local grocery store recently, you may have noticed a new product popping up on the shelves in the health section: CBD. Cannabidiol (or CBD) products are becoming more and more popular every day, but what even is CBD and why should you care about it?
CBD can come in a lot of different forms from oils and tinctures to gummies and drinks to topicals like balms and lotions. With so many types to choose from, how is it possible to choose what will work best for you?
There's a lot to navigate in the world of CBD products. Here, we'll help break down exactly what CBD is and how finding the right CBD balm can actually make a difference in your life. Read on to discover more!
How is CBD Extracted?
Cannabidiol (or CBD) is a type of chemical compound that is found in hemp or cannabis. This can be scary to some people because of the association people have with other cannabis products. CBD is actually not the same as the psychoactive compound, tetrahydrocannabinol (or THC) also naturally found in cannabis.
CBD can be extracted through a number of different processes. There are two main processes for extracting CBD. These include the Carbon dioxide (or CO2) extraction process and the solvent extraction method. The CO2 method is generally considered the "cleaner" of the two but it is also more difficult.
CBD has a slightly different chemical structure from THC which means you won't experience a high from CBD products. Even when a CBD product has a very low concentration of THC in it, you won't likely experience any of those psychoactive effects.
Types of CBD Products
While there is still plenty of research to be done, CBD has generally been proven to be safe and beneficial to most patients. CBD products can come in a number of different forms. The main three forms of CBD you will see include CBD isolate, full-spectrum, and broad-spectrum.
Each of these forms tells you how much CBD is actually in the product. CBD isolate is purely a CBD compound, whereas full-spectrum will contain all other cannabinoids found in the plant (including THC). Broad-spectrum, on the other hand, contains everything except THC.
CBD can also be delivered through many different forms, from oils and tinctures to gummies to drinks to topicals like balms and lotions. Every form of CBD has a different concentration and different potential benefits. Here, we'll specifically discuss topical forms of CBD like our balms and lotions and how they can help you on the inside and out.
CBD Balms: What's In It?
CBD balms and other topical CBD products contain more than just pure CBD. At ShiKai, our topical products are also full of other botanical ingredients, like avocado oil, shea butter, and essential oils. The edition of these ingredients means you're not only getting the great benefits of CBD, but also skin-boosting benefits. Our real, naturally sourced ingredients have even more benefits.
Depending on what you're looking to get out of your CBD balm, it's a good idea to pay close attention to the ingredients. For example, if you're looking for extra relaxing effects, our CBD Salve has essential oils like Eucalyptus, Clary Sage, and Lavender for added aromatherapy benefits.
If you're looking for something particularly soothing, our Double Strength CBD Balm with Menthol also can help soothe tired and sore muscles. This is absolutely great after a workout or after a particularly long day. Balms also provide a hands-free application. This allows you to apply even on hard-to-reach areas without getting your hands dirty.
As with any product, it's also a good idea to check the ingredients list for any potential allergens or other irritants before you use it. Many of our products are not only gluten and soy-free but also free from parabens, phthalates, and sodium lauryl sulfate (or SLS).
Consider the Benefits
As previously stated, much research still needs to be done on proving the full benefits of CBD and topical CBD products specifically. However, studies have shown that CBD may be effective at improving anti-inflammatory effects. These anti-inflammatory effects may help to reduce pain and promote recovery.
A2017 study also found that CBD produced an anxiolytic-like effect on its participants. This means that CBD may have a relaxing effect on its patients, allowing a much-needed respite for stressed or anxious individuals.
Because CBD products are becoming increasingly popular and consumers are increasingly curious about the compound, researchers are constantly doing more work to discover more potential benefits. This is especially beneficial for older adults experiencing limited mobility and inflammation.
Hopefully, as CBD research continues to grow, we can learn more about the potential benefits of CBD. This will make it more accessible and more effective for all types of people.
Finding the CBD Balm for You
Hopefully, now you have a better understanding of how CBD works and how it can help you find a better, healthier lifestyle. While CBD may not fix all medical problems, even using a topical CBD product like the kinds we carry at ShiKai can make a major difference in your life.
CBD is not a one-size-fits-all for every patient. If you're curious about trying a CBD balm, it never hurts to experiment with a product or two to find what works for you!
Contact us at ShiKai today to learn more about our CBD products and discover how we can improve your lifestyle today!