CBD, or cannabidiol, is available as a supplement and comes from the same cannabis plant as the stuff you would smoke, but contains only trace amounts (less than 0.3 percent1) of THC—the chemical component that has psychoactive effects. CBD contains cannabinoids, which are the naturally occurring chemicals within the hemp plant that support the bodies normal inflammatory processes.* “Clinical reports showing its safety and tolerability allow us to move forward with confidence,” says Anjali Dsouza, M.D., of the District Center for Integrative Medicine. “We have long known that, in certain circumstances, cannabinoids like CBD can help achieve and support a stable balance in our bodies, also known as homeostasis.”* CBD hemp oil is legal in all 50 states and is commonly sold in a concentrated tincture with oil and occasionally some extra flavoring. That month my cramps were significantly less intense (which I’m sure is due to several factors), but I decided to take a dose of the oil instead of two Advil and see what happened. It took away my cramps within 30 minutes, the same as a typical over-the-counter pain pill.* I would say I was surprised, but I was genuinely hoping it would work and was overjoyed when it did. The idea of having a natural product I can take to help manage pain is huge. I’ve tried heating pads, essential oils, and calming teas, but this is something that really, tangibly helps and lets me go about my day without pain. Whoa. I’m not usually a nervous flier, but on a recent trip I had received a couple of important emails right before boarding the plane, which sent my mind spiraling. Plus I had a middle seat, which is stressful for someone who drinks as much water as I do. So I took a couple of tinctures’ worth of my CBD oil and after a little while, I felt more relaxed and was able to chill out with a good book for the rest of the flight.* Vanderveldt is a former food editor at mindbodygreen and has previously worked for Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Australian Home Beautiful.
