Everything you Need to Know About CBD Patches I absolutely love discovering new health and well-being products that hit the market, especially those that are designed to help us live a comfortable life. Throughout our day-to-day lives we acquire a large amount of stress not only on our mental health, but our physical one too. From staring at computer screens to cramming productive tasks into a single day (they’re just not long enough, are they?!) we develop all sorts of things as a result of our ever-demanding lives. Aside from aches and pains, we are prone to fatigue, tiredness and burnout. Even after enough a good night’s sleep, sometimes it’s hard to shake off that groggy feeling which is why I love finding a product that aim to support a more peaceful lifestyle. Cannabis patches are another innovative CBD product that can help support you with a wide range of things. I've started using them instead of the pain patches I used to use, and I've put together some helpful hints and tips to make your life a lot easier when deciding on investing on CBD patches. What are CBD patches and what are they used for? We often find ourselves reaching for a quick fix when we're struggling. Most of the time it’s easy to have a hot bath or boil the kettle and fill up a hot water bottle. But what if there was something that produces a slow release of CBD oil into the skin whilst you're busy doing as much (or as little) as you like? First of all, I should probably explain what CBD is... CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is the active compound found in the cannabis plant. Most products that include CBD have been extracted from hemp, which is a variety of cannabis. Not to be confused with the renowned “high” that cannabis can produce, CBD extracts only contain traces of up to 0.2% THC, which is the compound that gets you high. CBD does not produce an intoxicating effect, instead it has been claimed to help support the body when it comes to pain or relaxation as a natural supplement. CBD can be used as a supporting tool by interacting with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system (ECS). CBD patches delivery a continual dose of CBD through the skin which is often referred to as the ‘transdermal route’. They can be placed on your skin and left in place for up to 24 hours where a slow release of CBD is transmitted through the skin. CBD patches can be used in the shower and can also be used in conjunction with CBD balms and oils. For someone like me, having a busy lifestyle with so many things to think about (skincare, make-up, vitamins…you get my drift!), having a patch in place for 24 hours is a much more convenient way for me to experience all the benefits of CBD without having to worry about applying balms, lotions or oils. How to use a CBD patch If you’re looking for an easy way to get a dose of CBD when you're busy living your life, patches are a good choice as they can target problematic areas of the body. These discreet patches work in a more targeted way than orally consumed CBD. CBD that is taken orally has to be metabolized first before it starts to circulate through your bloodstream. CBD patches cut out the middle man and gets straight to work, eliminating the first step when taken by mouth. With a steady but effective dose of CBD, you can target areas of your body that you think need the most attention. These patches may cover a small area, but they sure know how to perform! A common ailment that a lot of people suffer with is neck or back pain. A CBD patch will be a lot more effective if you have a specific area that needs attention as you can target the area by applying the patch where you want. Our skin is very clever and can also absorb substances such as CBD via the patch. Our skin is porous which is why the dermal method works well when you want some intensive support. Placing a patch on the back of my shoulder, underneath my clothes, has worked wonders for my frozen shoulder and I didn't have to use my usual heat pad. Being super active I had recently twisted my arm which hugely affected my shoulder. Placing a CBD patch on the affected area has helped no end, and I have also been able to get a solid night’s sleep without any interruptions. My mood has also improved as I'm a lot less of a grump in the mornings! After applying the CBD patch, your body heat activates the patch and causes it to release a small but continuous amount of CBD through your skin for up to 24 hours and into your system. What are the benefits? I should note that CBD patches, oils or serums will not get you high but they have been known to aid people in many different ways. It’s important to know that everyone is different. This means CBD works differently for all of us, so it’s always a good idea to do your research before committing to a product to make sure CBD patches are for you. CBD patches are discreet and convenient, and are easier to use than an oil. They are also a lot safer than some of the pain relief patches I've used before, as there's no known side effects from using them every day. Like any supplement though, if your on meds or have a health condition you'll want to check with your doctor first that its right for you. There are no spills, overuse or waste as the patch will diffuse the CBD slowly underneath a contained patch of skin. You do not have to worry about administering ointments or gels, instead you are safe in the knowledge that your patch will last up to 24 hours whilst working its magic in the meantime! Worth it? I think so! There is no denying that CBD products are here to stay and as time goes on, more and more innovative ideas will hit the market. For me, CBD patches are the most convenient and effective way for me to take CBD. They can be applied to a venous part of your body such as the top of your arm, inside of your wrist or on your ankle. The good thing about dermal absorption is that it bypasses your lungs, liver and stomach which are places that filter or breaks down cannabinoids. This means that by using CBD patches, you are absorbing so much more CBD into your system and all of its benefits! So, are they worth it? 100% absolutely! Thank me later…