Why CBD for Winter? We believe CBD can aid wellbeing at any time of year, but we wanted to share some ways CBD could help you through the cold winter season. Although the days get lighter day by day as we get into February, we’ll certainly be feeling the impact of the cold and grey quite strongly in the midst of the winter system.
CBD has an array of benefits that support the body, especially when faced with the adverse seasonal impacts of winter time.
If you do not already have CBD in your wellbeing regime, we hope this article gives you a little more detail on the benefits of taking CBD for Winter ailments. Winter can bring on challenges for our bodies to face like colds & flu’s, joint pain, dry skin and the dreaded ‘winter blues’.
CBD is a cannabinoid that works with the body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS) to support overall physical and mental wellbeing, which can become depleted and out of balance during the tough winter months.
CBD for Winter Colds & Flu
During the colder months, our immune systems can become depleted as they have to work way harder than any other time of year due to colds & flu being most prolific during the winter season. CBD can help boost the immune system, alongside regular movement, good sleep, good quality supplements and a well based whole foods diet.
Receptors for cannabinoids (in the ECS) can be found not only in our nervous system, but also our gut, skin, and immune system (to name but a few).
CBD can aid the immune system by supporting the activity of white blood cells (called Natural Killer cells) which are said to help protect the body against disease and kill virally infected cells.
CBD also helps to inhibit the reuptake of the neurotransmitter adenosine, which increases the adenosine levels in the brain and reduces inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation and swelling is the immune system’s response to prevent toxicity from spreading through the body. CBD is known to have anti-inflammatory effects on the body, thereby supporting the immune system to fend off the impacts of colds and flus.
CBD for Winter Joint and Muscle Pain
During the colder months our joints can flare up in pain due to restricted blood flow and colder temperatures making joint fluid thicken, leading to discomfort and stiffness.
The change in atmospheric pressure during winter can also cause muscles, tendons and surrounding tissues to expand or become inflamed. Research on CBD has found it to be beneficial for joint pain due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. According to the Arthritis Foundation, there is anecdotal evidence to suggest that some people with arthritis who use CBD report noticeable pain relief, improved sleep, and reduced anxiety.
CBD for Winter Skin
During the colder months our skin can feel inflamed, dry, flakey and undernourished. CBD, whether applied topically or taken sublingually, can support overall homeostasis of the skin to improve its look, feel and texture. When our skin gets dry it can become itchy, flaky and irritated. Applying Organic CBD Coconut Oil to your skin, can both soothe and nourish topically and on a deeper level, through CBD absorption into the bloodstream, can help reduce inflammation.
In the northern hemisphere we tend to heat our homes and offices during the winter months, which can also dry out and irritate the skin, especially our hands and faces.
Applied topically, CBD penetrates dermal and subdermal layers of the skin and connect to CBD2 receptors (found in the skin) and impact overall homeostasis of the skin in the following ways
- CBD has anti-inflammatory effects by modulating cytokines and immune response, which in turn can help reduce redness, irritation and itching.
- CBD may help balance sebum production, potentially benefiting dry or flaky skin.
- CBD supports the skin’s barrier function by enhancing lipid production, forming a healthy barrier to reduce water loss and protect against external stressors like the cold
At Hempen we have developed a beautiful Organic CBD Face Serum, blended Rosehip and Frankincense Essential oils, which provides deep nourishment for the face and neck. These regenerative and soothing compounds support the skin’s natural health, making it a great product to add into your skincare regime at any time of year, but definitely most nourishing and regenerative during the colder months when our skin needs more help.
Interested in reading more about the benefits of CBD for your skin? Explore our CBD For Skin Care HEMPEN ORGANIC blog.
CBD for Winter Blues & Low Mood
In the Northern Hemisphere we have a lower level of exposure to sunlight during the winter months, making us all deficient in Vitamin D, which can have a direct impact on our mood. There is actually a condition known as Seasonal Affected Disorder, (SAD) which is said to impact 3-5% of the UK population during the winter months.
Hormones such as serotonin and dopamine are said to be key to regulating mood. CBD has been shown to boost production of both serotonin and dopamine, resulting in improved symptoms associated with anxiety, depression and seasonal affected disorder.
CBD supports the body to reach homeostasis (any self-regulating process by which biological systems tend to maintain stability while adjusting to optimal conditions for survival) or what we may refer to as physical and mental balance.
CBD is known to help relax the mind and body, improving both mood and the quality of sleep (which we all know impacts our mood too!) and thus supporting the body to combat depression, anxiety and low mood, anxiety and depression.
Try our Organic Cold Pressed CBD for Winter mood boosting and to blow those blues away.
CBD for Winter
CBD can be used all year round to support a myriad of functions within the body, as it is known to have many therapeutic properties. In the colder months our energy, wellbeing, over health and physical states can be impacted by the weather, lack of sunlight (vitamin D) and more, so including CBD in your winter regime could really help when your body is up against it.
The body’s endocannabinoid system is a wonder to behold and using CBD for Winter ailments like pain, inflammation, dry or irritated skin, low mood, anxiety and depression could help boost your overall wellbeing by supporting the body to reach homeostasis, making you feel better …. and that’s what we all want, right? To feel balanced, healthy, supported and taken care of!
