With the weather cooling and the holiday season rapidly approaching, there is no time like the present to reflect on the things in life that we are grateful for. Time spent bonding with family and friends, a cozy home, and delicious scents wafting through the house are all things we can look forward to with Thanksgiving on the way. It is also important to remember to prioritize your health and find ways to balance the demands of the season with your own well-being this time of the year. Full Spectrum CBD can be a powerful tool to help keep you at your best during the holidays.
Why Include CBD at the Thanksgiving Dinner Table?
Cannabidiol, or more commonly known as CBD, is the compound derived from hemp plants that has been shown to have multiple positive effects on the human body without producing psychoactive effects or any “high”. Preliminary scientific studies have shown it to be helpful in treating a myriad of ailments like digestive disorders, pain from inflammation, insomnia, and anxiety. Users report that CBD helps them feel more at-ease and less anxious. Users also report that the anti-inflammatory effects can also help quell stomach symptoms and aid digestion by assisting the gut in reaching an equilibrium.
Introducing Family to the Benefits of CBD
Before you add CBD to any communal meal, it is of course very important to get consent from everyone sharing the meal beforehand. This can be a great opportunity to introduce family members to the benefits of CBD for their overall health and wellness, especially if they have never tried it before. Chances are that someone new to CBD at the table suffers from some type of chronic pain, digestive problem, or high stress and anxiety. If they are open minded, this may be a golden opportunity to introduce a new natural remedy that may benefit their everyday lives. And of course, reminding them that CBD does not create a psychoactive high can help ease any worries about trying it for the first time.
One thing to keep in mind is that the effective serving size for CBD can range drastically. Although 20mg of CBD is reported to be the “sweet-spot” for many CBD users, some people prefer either more or less than that to manage their symptoms and improve mood. One method is to start with a small serving of just a few drops from a dropper (5-10mg) , and then increase the serving size after two hours if the desired effects are not achieved.
Practical Ways to Incorporate CBD into Thanksgiving
CBD is most commonly used in a tincture form composed of full-spectrum hemp extract and flavorless MCT (coconut) oil, which can be easily incorporated into food and drink when desired. This makes it an ideal accompaniment to your Thanksgiving feast, where some CBD can help ensure the relaxation and uplifted spirits of those partaking in the meal while even aiding in digestion.
Here are some easy ways to add a few droppers of Full-Spectrum CBD Oil into your Thanksgiving meal in a way that will provide even distribution while also preserving the classic flavors of the dishes:
- Mashed Potatoes – Stir CBD oil into the butter before mixing the potatoes. A little goes a long way since the fats from butter can increase absorption.
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Pumpkin Pie – Add CBD oil directly to the pie filling before baking. The pumkin flavor is strong enough to mask the natural herbal taste.
- Roasted Vegetables – Drizzle CBD oil over roasted vegetables like carrots, brussels sprouts, or squash just before serving. Super veggies!
Not interested in changing your family recipe by adding CBD? Understandable! A full spectrum gummy is a delicious way to incorporate CBD into your Thanksgiving, while still leaving plenty of room for all of your favorites.
CBG For Digestion Relief After A Big Meal
CBG (cannabigerol), the sister cannabinoid to CBD, is a similar compound from hemp plants that is showing promising health benefits. CBG has been shown to especially target inflammation in the digestive tract. And whereas CBD tends to be more relaxing, CBG can help increase focus and energy.
A tincture with CBG alone, or a combination of CBD and CBG, could aid digestion by encouraging motility in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially helping food move along more smoothly. The ability to reduce inflammation may help ease any discomfort after having a large rich meal. And the boost in alertness from CBG can counteract the sleepiness induced by a large Turkey dinner, helping you to keep socializing well after the plates are in the sink.
Managing Holiday Stress with CBD
Despite the joys of the holidays, they can also bring some stress-inducing factors. Managing your time when you have an increase in commitments can be tiring. Dealing with work, holiday planning, gift shopping, and extra meal preparation can make you feel like you don't have much time for self-care and relaxation. Plus, having to travel during the holidays is universally stressful, and no one enjoys crowded airports or unpredictable weather.
Enjoying a 20mg CBD gummy before running errands, at the airport (yes they are travel friendly!), or at the end of the evening when you're ready to relax can be a game-changer. Finding ways to pamper your own physical and emotional health during this stressful time is essential to being recharged and at full-capacity to deal with whatever comes your way.
Conclusion
CBD is a powerful natural tool to help you manage the stress of the holidays, while also increasing the joy and connection at the dinner table. Whether it’s sharing the benefits with your loved ones or simply making self-care a priority, incorporating CBD into your Thanksgiving can help make the holiday more enjoyable. Here’s to a holiday season filled with warmth, wellness, and gratitude!
References:
1) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5922297/
2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7385425/
3) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10101654/
