CBD. It’s having its moment right now, and if my gut feeling is right, it’s only going to become MORE popular as research is showing that it truly is a wonder compound! Especially as the tide is changing regarding views of cannabis across the country.

Believe it or not, I had a conversation an investor in January 2016 about the possibility of founding a CBD-based wellness business. I had also been connecting family, friends, and even clients with extremely high-quality, organically grown & produced, non-psychoactive CBD tincture to address chronic pain without the harmful side effects of more traditional (NSAID, narcotic, and opioid) painkillers. Each and every person who tried became an immediate fan, finding relief where they had not been able to for extended periods of time.

While my own idea didn’t gain traction, I am THRILLED that the efficacy of this miracle cannabinoid has found its way to the mainstream. Life is about to get vastly better for a whole lot of people!

What are the benefits of CBD?

Studied benefits of cannabidiol (the long name for CBD) include:

Pain relief
Anti-inflammatory properties
Treatment of anxiety, depression, and PTSD
Help with insomnia
Treatment of cancer-related symptoms, including stopping tumor growth as well as helping with chemotherapy side effects
Skin improvement/rejuvenation
Amelioration of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases and Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Beneficial effect on high blood pressure
Reduction of psychotic episodes in schizophrenia and other mental disorders
Substance abuse treatment
Diabetes prevention

AND THE LIST GOES ON. Seriously.

Should YOU try it?

If you have been following me for any length of time, you already know that I put the safe (and delicious!) pursuit of health through nutrition, mindfulness, and holistic approaches above all others. And I say YES. Whether you’re seeking relief from sore muscles after a bike ride, help falling asleep, or simply a new warrior to seek and destroy free radicals bouncing around your body, CBD is a jack of all trades that has you covered.

When you DO decide to take the plunge, my one major recommendation is to consider the source. Stick to organic here, whether your CBD product of choice is cannabis or hemp-based, and find a reliable supplier. I personally procure my CBD products (and I partake daily for both the health benefits AND as a way to help me get to sleep – insomniac here!) from HelloMD, which is the leading digital platform for the cannabis industry AND the largest online community of health and wellness cannabis consumers. The products they have are all extremely high quality and reliable in their efficacy.

If you use this link or the referral code “mindbodyketo20” when joining the HelloMD community to shop, you can get a $20 credit to your first purchase. California residents are able to purchase cannabis-based products, but HelloMD ships absolutely amazing hemp-based products nationwide!

A Few of My Favorite Products

(names all linked)

Select CBD Focus Vape Pen

Honestly, this has become part of my morning routine with my coffee. Hemp-based, it is 100% non-psychoactive with zero THC, alllllll CBD. It is infused with peppermint essential oil and gives a lovely boost to my energy, focus, and clarity! Definitely helps me turn my “To Do” List into an “All Done” List.

Wildflower CBD+ Capsules

Over the last few months, I have really upped my exercise regime to include super cardio conditioning via Muay Thai (Thai boxing) and weightlifting. The healthier and stronger we can make our bodies NOW, the more capacity we will have to move freely and enjoy life more later. Of course, this has resulted in strength and cardio gains, but also some sore muscles! Like, A LOT OF THEM. That was adding to a bit of difficulty falling asleep AND waking up not-creaky. I started taking these 10-mg hemp-derived CBD capsules 30 minutes before bedtime and that all changed. Body relaxation for a deep sleep as well as a ready-to-go following morning.

Pure Ratios CBD Hemp Topical Salve

As a chef, I usually have my head angled over a cutting board or stove while working, often resulting in postural strain (and pain) that I’m sure is just as ubiquitous in computer-heavy jobs. Taking care to mind my posture when I’m not cooking and practicing a regular stretching routine, sometimes there is still lingering soreness. I have found this balm to be FANTASTIC at relaxing that! Its combination of arnica and CBD are ultra anti-inflammatory, perfect for aches and mild burns/abrasions. The essential oils included make it smell SUPER delicious with zero “weediness”!