Our Favorite CBD Product + Why

As a Massage Therapist, my goal is to help my clients feel better. I have tried various CBD companies to figure out which product works best for my practice and my clients. My clients come to me curious about self-care rituals they can implement on their non-massage days, too. Although it is very different to have your body massaged by someone else (or a professional), self-massage with CBD can help in between your visits with your therapist or to better manage pain and stress each day.

The brand I now use during my massage practice is the Tanasi Brand. Specifically, the salve that they make. Their products do contain small traces of THC, but that is because studies have shown CBD is best effective with this part of the plant included. Their company has teamed up with MTSU to run studies on CBD extraction and production to deliver this impressive product.

CBD is everywhere nowadays and it can be difficult to weed through all the products out there (no pun intended). How do you know which product is doing what it says it is? "CBD aids in the relief of inflammation and reduces arthritis pain." "CBD helps relieve anxious tendencies, depression, and insomnia." "CBD helps get rid of nausea, foggy brain, and is helpful during your time of the month." Yes. Good CBD can do all of those magical things!

WHAT IS IT EXACTLY?

CBD (cannabidiol) is the second most active ingredient in the cannabis plant. It is the ingredient that has been shown to help decrease inflammation that comes from stress. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most active ingredient and is what we associate the "high" feeling with. CBD will not get you high (sorry!).

HOW TO USE IT:

I use CBD in my personal life more now that I've found a product that actually helps. My hands and wrists are occasionally sore because of what I do for work and I've found that once the salve soaks in, my inflammation significantly reduces. My palm was bruising on one hand because of how overworked the muscles were, and not even 24 hours later the black and blue coloring went away.

If you work at a computer (most of us do these days) or in any line of work where you use your hands, wrists, or arms (hairdressers, construction workers, home improvement, health care, child care, making food, fitness instructors, graphic design, social media management, etc.) and experience pain from overuse or arthritis, the Tanasi CBD Salve or Lotion is perfect to rub into those places.

CBD AND ATHLETIC RECOVERY:

After long runs, I use the salve around my knees and ankles, since these joints are enduring impact. I feel less soreness during my recovery, which I feel stems from the use of this product.

If you play tennis, golf, or participate in any physical activity that requires lifting, swinging, pushing, throwing, or the use of your upper body, this salve or lotion could be rubbed on to help keep inflammation down so you feel less sore. Rubbing CBD around joints or places muscle attaches to bone is key.

CBD AND ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, NAUSEA, AND AS A SLEEPING AID:

I started experimenting with ingesting CBD to help me stay calm and focused while I'm doing work on the computer, or when my brain won't shut off as I'm trying to fall asleep and have also seen incredible improvements!

Tanasi makes a water-soluble CBD product you can add to anything you drink. I add it to my morning coffee so I can sip in peace while checking emails. It really does keep me focused and calm. I tend to experience a little anxiety when I'm feeling overwhelmed, especially when attempting to multi-task, and have experienced less anxiety since I've started using this product consistently in the A.M.

If you encounter any depression, including seasonal, taking CBD regularly may help balance the ups and downs your mind and body are experiencing.

You could try their CBD capsules, which are great to take before you go to bed if you are someone who struggles with falling asleep and/or staying asleep. They also make an oil tincture you could drop under your tongue that could be integrated throughout the day or before bed if you prefer not to take capsules.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I TAKE?

Tanasi includes the recommended amounts with their packaging. Each CBD product they offer could be taken in different doses.

Salves + lotions: Rub on as much as you feel is needed. Try and fingernail-sized amount around each are you are experiencing discomfort. Find salves here and lotions here! The Muscle rub stick is one of their newer products, which is a larger, swipe-on version of the salve.

Water-soluble concentrate: 4-6 drops in your beverage. I take about 5 drops of their 480mg concentrate in my coffee, tea, or water each morning. (I'm 125 - 130lbs, so you could adjust the amount based on your weight.) Find it here!

Oil tincture: 5-10 drops to start, or one pipette amount. Their product does have an earthy taste to it because it is made naturally and is potent (which means you're getting the good stuff.) Here!

Capsules: 1-2 capsules an hour - 30 minutes before bedtime. My partner takes these because he has trouble sleeping and it helps him get a restful night. Find it here!

You could try starting with 5-10mg per day and increase by 5-10mg until you feel relief or try 2-6 milligrams of CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight. Of course, our bodies have varying tolerance levels, so you may have to experiment with what amount works best for you.