My Thoughts on Everything CBD: What Has Worked

I've been a CBD fan since before it became a fad. I'm the sort of person whose eyes light up whenever a new product pops up with this wonderful ingredient. However, as with anything that becomes popular, not all of it is as good as it sounds. CBD can help with some endometriosis symptoms, but others, not so much.

What is CBD?

CBD is one of many compounds found in the cannabis plant. Until recently, THC was the best-known compound in cannabis, able to create mind-altering “highs”. CBD, however, is not a psychoactive, although researchers believe it may produce significant changes in the body.¹

There is growing evidence that it is beneficial for people living with chronic pain. According to a 2018 study, some reasons for using CBD oil include: chronic pain, arthritis or joint pain, anxiety and depression, sleep disorder, migraines, and more.¹

It is worth nothing that the legality of any product containing CBD is different in every country, and in the US, it varies from state to state.

Is CBD as great as they say?

Yes and no. In my experience, CBD can be beneficial for a series of things, like curving anxiety. I've been taking CBD oil to deal with my raising levels of stress right before bedtime, and it does help. However, there are products out there claiming to be the bee's knees. The bad news is that not all of them work. The good news, is that I tried some of them, so you don't have to.

CBD tampons

While I scrolled through Facebook one afternoon, I noticed an ad for CBD-infused tampons. I chose a brand that claims to be plastic-free, including the applicator. I  liked that they came with a subscription plan that was easy to cancel if they didn't work out. The idea of having tampons delivered regularly saved me from having to worry about rushing out to buy any whenever I had my period.

Did they work?

Sadly, these tampons lacked absorbency. I had to change them hourly to prevent stained clothes.

With regards to their alleged pain-killing properties, I wore a CBD tampon before a flare-up and, the tampon did not help my pain levels. If anything, it made them worse, since my insides tense up so much, that even extracting a tampon produces discomfort.

CBD-infused ointments

I love beauty products, and as of late, CBD has found a home in this department. While I haven't tried any of the cosmetics infused with CBD, I have experimented with some body creams. Sadly, these didn't help my pain levels as much as my trusty TENS unit does.

I did enjoy the relaxing qualities of one of these ointments, but that could simply be down to the gentle massage one has to do when applying the cream to our abdomen.

CBD oil

The downside to this type of product is that because it is CBD oil and little else, it can taste incredibly bitter. Additionally, the good stuff is quite pricey. However, it is worth spending extra cash when it comes to CBD oil. The higher the price, the better its quality; This means that it will have not been diluted with added oils that only diminish its strength.

Once I was able to figure out the right concentration for me, CBD oil is the single CBD product I repeatedly buy. It helps me, as mentioned above, with my anxiety levels. I also find it very effective at lessening my migraines. And, quite importantly, it also takes the edge of my bad period pain.

I take a few drops of the oil under my tongue, or mix them with hot chocolate.

I believe CBD is here to stay

While I may have dubbed CBD a fad at the start of this post, it seems like it's the kind of substance that will stick around. I, for one, am happy it has become so easy to access for many of us. As an endometriosis patient, I am exhausted of collecting medication that doesn't seem to be that effective when managing my symptoms. CBD oil makes my existence during the bad days, a tad easier.