CBD and Aromatherapy Combined
CBD and aromatherapy are both gaining popularity in the wellness sphere. It is believed that our busy, stress-filled modern lives have led us to turn to these natural remedies to assist our general well-being.
While they each have advantages on their own, combining CBD and essential oils can successfully enhance their properties to help you fully realize and reap the benefits of both. Certain combinations, such as CBD and lavender oil, are believed to be especially effective. This article explains what CBD and aromatherapy are, the advantages of both individually, and considers why they could be used together to help optimize our health and well-being.
What Is CBD?
CBD—also known as cannabidiol—is one of at least 113 chemical compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD is often taken as a natural supplement in various forms. It is believed to provide a myriad of general wellness benefits and can aid in the symptom relief of many common ailments. CBD is also found within the Hemp plant, and that is a common source of commercially available CBD.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive compound derived from this cannabis plant. Still, despite originating from the same plant as CBD, there are many differences to be aware of between the two. CBD is not psychoactive in the same way as THC and cannot get you "high." However, THC does produce this effect, and it is for this reason that it is the most famous compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant.
You may be surprised to learn that CBD was first discovered in the 1940s; this is especially shocking because of the lack of research and popularity surrounding it until recently. Its true potential is only just beginning to be realized as more time is dedicated to studying this unique cannabinoid. Differences are finally being substantiated between CBD and THC, allowing CBD to shed the stigma historically associated with cannabis use.
The realization of CBD's potential benefits has informed its destigmatization across many countries globally, and the differences between CBD and THC are clearer by the day. Consequently, there is an expanding range of readily available CBD products on the market. Some of these products include CBD edibles, cosmetics, tinctures, and even CBD aromatherapy!
Potential Benefits of CBD
Many experts believe that CBD can have a range of positive effects on its user, although it is essential to note that research into CBD is still in its infancy. Let's take a look at a few argued benefits of CBD:
May Decrease Symptoms of Stress
One of the more discussed advantages of CBD is its potential to help with symptoms of stress. While there is a shortage of research conducted into CBD, studies undertaken so far suggest real promise.
May Assist with Discomforts
It is believed that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body. The ECS is a complex cell-signaling system responsible for regulating various vital functions and processes.
May Reduce Frequency of Epileptic Seizures
Perhaps the most debated advantage of CBD is its potential to reduce the frequency of epileptic seizures. In 2018, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved its first CBD-containing drug to address seizures in specific forms of epilepsy. This is the only prescriptive medicine that the FDA has approved containing CBD, meaning that the FDA believes this product to be effective and safe for its intended use. This approval was a massive step forward for CBD as it demonstrated that it can have positive health benefits and is not to be dismissed.
What Is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the use of authentic essential oils that derive from aromatic plants. It is sometimes called essential oil therapy, and it is intended to use aromatic essential oils to enhance wellness. This is done to restore or enhance beauty, and general well-being.
Humans have used aromatherapy for thousands of years. Aromatic plant components found in balms, oils, and resins were incorporated by ancient cultures in India, China, and Egypt. They were used for religious and wellness reasons and were believed to have psychological and physical properties.
The actual term "aromatherapy" was coined by René-Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist and perfumer, in a book he authored on the subject published in 1937. This may have been inspired by his previous discovery of the potential of lavender. The book itself details the use of essential oils for various situations.
Aromatherapy works through the sense of smell and skin absorption with products such as diffusers, inhalers, bathing salts, body lotions, and clay masks that all incorporate essential oils. There are dozens of essential oils available such as lemongrass, ginger, eucalyptus, rose, and ylang-ylang.
Potential Benefits of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has a range of potential benefits. It is said to:
- Alleviate some forms of discomfort
A study into the effectiveness of aromatherapy in reducing discomfort concludes that it could successfully treat discomfort when combined with conventional treatments.
- Reduce stress
A 2009 study regarding the effects of aromatherapy on stress in adolescents also proved promising. It explains that aroma inhalation, in particular, could be an effective stress management method.
As you can see, many of the claimed benefits of CBD are similar to those attributed to aromatherapy. While it is clear that they have similarities, such as their purported benefits and their derivation from plants, it is important to note the differences between the two. Let's take a look at what sets them apart.
The Difference Between CBD and Essential Oils
CBD oil and essential oils have distinct differences, such as how they are made and used. The main difference to note, however, is how CBD interacts with the body.
Unlike CBD, essential oils cannot be consumed, for the most part, and this is how CBD's benefits are truly demonstrated. When taken routinely, CBD may help to minimize any discomfort, boost general energy and improve overall wellness.
Because CBD oils work differently from essential oils, there are different benefits that someone may be seeking that one oil presents over the other. While CBD oil works within the body to regulate and support the body's well-being, essential oils primarily work through smell. Your preferred option will be determined by what potential effects you are looking to benefit from.
Unfortunately, CBD and essential oils both suffer from a lack of research, so it is hard to pin down their full potential. For essential oils, this is most likely because aromatherapy is fairly limited in terms of what it can do for a person. With CBD, it is primarily because of the controversy surrounding it due to its historical association with THC.
Benefits of CBD and Essential Oils Together
While CBD and essential oils do have their differences, they also have their similarities. Both derive from plants and may provide relief for everyday stressors and discomfort while enhancing our general well-being. On their own, CBD and essential oils are both powerhouses. However, experts are beginning to realize that if CBD oils are combined with specific essential oils, more positive effects can be obtained. This combination may enhance each component's positive effects.
As there is a paucity of research on each of CBD and aromatherapy, you will not be shocked to learn that studies of the two combined are even more scarce. However, in one study that considered CBD and essential oil's effects on the brain, a lot of promise was displayed.
Some well-known combinations of CBD and essential oils are intended to target specific needs such as relaxation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is CBD?
CBD is also known as cannabidiol and is one of at least 113 compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. It is a popular, natural supplement that many believe could help relieve the symptoms of many varying ailments as well as enhance your existing lifestyle.
Is CBD legal?
CBD is legal in the US. But the law states that CBD oil must meet specific criteria to be legal for human consumption. Therefore it is important to buy CBD from trusted websites to ensure that it is safe. To be legal in the US, CBD oil cannot contain more than 0.3% THC.
What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing modality that uses aromatic materials, including essential oils to improve psychological and physical well-being.
How does aromatherapy work?
Aromatherapy works by stimulating smell receptors in the nose, sending messages to the limbic system—the part of the brain that controls emotions—through the nervous system.
What happens when CBD is combined with essential oils?
CBD oil works within the body to regulate and support the body's wellness, while essential oils primarily work through smell. Both CBD and essential oils are attributed to have numerous potential benefits when used separately. However, relief is amplified when combining particular essential oils with CBD oil, and the benefits reaped are maximized.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.