Picture this: you’re just getting home after a long day at work. You’ve been on your feet or hunched over a computer all day — your feet sore, your back aching, your mind feeling fuzzy from the emotional stress and mental exhaustion that can build throughout the day.
To top it all off, the sun has already set (we love you, winter, but when it comes to our vitamin-D-craving brains, not so much), depleting your energy and draining your mood and motivation. And you’re expected to do it all again tomorrow.
If this scene feels all too familiar, you aren’t alone. These cold winter days are full of stressors that can affect our mood and biological functions. So, what are we to do?
A soothing CBD bath could be just the activity to get your blood pumping, your muscles relaxing, and your feel-good brain chemicals flowing so you can feel refreshed and rejuvenated to take on whatever tomorrow brings.
What Is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is the most abundant chemical compound in the hemp plant. As a plant-based phytocannabinoid, CBD is found naturally in all cannabis plants. It’s the most active compound in the federally legal hemp plant, harvested for its many wellness benefits worldwide for centuries.
While several societal factors have led the US to have a bit of a rocky history with hemp and cannabis and their most well-known phytocannabinoids (namely CBD and THC), we are excited to see a shift towards legalization as the nourishing plant parts can support our bodies in a plethora of ways.
CBD is gaining traction, as it is non-intoxicating and won’t cause a high. This is because CBD works with the body’s endocannabinoid system (the ECS) to support and prolong the effects of our naturally produced endocannabinoids, acting as a plant-based boost to an intricate system the body already has in place.
In this role, CBD can aid in maintaining homeostasis throughout the body by helping support sleep, mood, stress levels, body tension and discomfort, and more.
How Does CBD Work?
CBD works within the body by partnering with the ECS. Our endocannabinoid system serves as a complex messaging network that sends chemical signals — our endocannabinoids — throughout the body to promote homeostasis.
Endocannabinoids such as the bliss-promoting anandamide are produced in the brain as needed in response to irregularities or shifts away from the normal range of a biological function sensed within the body. For instance, an above-average release of stress hormones, pain signals, or an extreme mood dip may trigger endocannabinoid production.
Once endocannabinoids are released, they can bind with cannabinoid receptors (CB receptors) found on the surface of cells all throughout the brain and nervous system. These CB receptors exist in our muscles and organs, and we even have a mighty collection of them within the vagina.
When endocannabinoids bond with CB receptors in the brain or body, they can trigger certain biological functions to promote internal balance. This can include soothing muscle tension and soreness, calming the mind, or encouraging normal sleep cycles.
We gotta say — our bodies can be so freaking cool. So, where does CBD come into play?
Since our endocannabinoids are fragile, short-lived molecules, they are easily broken down into their original form by enzymes after a short time. But, as chemically similar phytocannabinoids, CBD can work within the ECS, too.
Rather than bind directly with cannabinoid receptors in the brain (as THC can), CBD’s unique molecular structure is believed to help block enzymes from breaking down our endocannabinoids as quickly, allowing these mighty molecules to provide added relief.
CBD can serve as a behind-the-scenes supporter to enhance the benefits our endocannabinoids already provide, making the perfect addition to the type of ultra-luxurious and relaxing bath time you may be craving.
What Are the Benefits of Using CBD Bath Salts?
We are big fans here at Foria of exploring the wellness benefits of CBD in a whole wealth of ways, from deepening sexual pleasure with CBD arousal oil or Intimacy Melts to tending to localized discomfort with topical CBD to promoting full-body relaxation with a CBD wellness tonic. But there are a few unique benefits to steeping in a CBD bath-salt-infused tub.
Intentional “You” Time
When you’re under pressure or being pulled in all directions between work and relationships, carving out time to focus on yourself can be an amazing reprieve — but also hard to find time for.
But with a bath, setting aside time for self-care doesn’t need to be a lengthy process or an expensive affair. Light some candles, fill your tub with warm water and CBD bath salts, sink in, and let the all-encompassing warmth do the rest.
As your body absorbs the CBD and you breathe in the calming scent of lavender, you can let your mind wander, focus on deep breathing exercises or mindful meditation, play a relaxing playlist, read a book, or even get a little frisky with your favorite waterproof vibrator — whatever floats your boat and feels freeing or relaxing to you. Let the hot water boost your blood flow, and the CBD support your ECS to provide the ultimate de-stressing atmosphere.
Soothe Physical Tension
As you let the calming atmosphere of a warm soak clear your mind and promote a deeper connection with yourself, CBD-infused bath waters can also ease discomfort and soothe physical tension.
When the CBD from bath salts is absorbed through the skin, it can meet with nearby cannabinoid receptors in our skin to provide soothing nourishment and promote full-body relaxation that relieves sore and tired muscles.
Our Relief Bath Salts CBD bath salts also contain mineral-rich Epsom salts, Kava root, and ginger for added support. The magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen found in Epsom salt may help soothe muscle tension throughout the body as you soak.
Even warm water can help calm stress and ease discomfort by activating the parasympathetic nervous system and encouraging blood flow that can carry more oxygen to the muscles. So if your muscles feel the effects of emotional stress on your body as tension, a CBD bath can relieve both fronts.
Calm Your Mind
Feelings of stress that build up during difficult times in our lives or due to the common stressors we experience throughout the day can truly take a toll on our bodies and minds alike. When the stress level cortisol is released in response to external stressors, it can affect our mood, focus, and sleep schedule, increasing muscle tension and discomfort.
But, when we step into a CBD bath, the warm water and soothing phytocannabinoids can work in tandem to calm stress levels, support serotonin production (which can increase feelings of pleasure), and encourage the type of rest we need to function properly.
CBD may work with serotonin receptors to boost mood and has also been found to support a good night’s sleep. Similarly, the warm temperature of the bath waters of the bath may also prime your brain for relaxation by supporting the natural release of serotonin and melatonin, helping you rinse off a bad day and shift the mind into sleep mode for a better night of ZZZs.
Here at Foria, our Wellness CBD Bath Salts are formulated to provide as much feel-good relaxation into your bath as possible. Along with Epsom salt and CBD, they contain lavender for added aromatherapy.
When we breathe in this floral scent, it can trigger the olfactory nerves responsible for our sense of smell, impacting the brain's emotional center in ways that can promote sleep and calm down stress levels. Just keep breathing, and let the good times flow.
The Bottom Line
A CBD bath can help you reach full-body relaxation that supports your mood, encourages a good night’s sleep, and soothes tension. So go ahead and get that bath water running if you’re feeling out of touch with yourself or need grounding.
With calming CBD bath salts, all you need to do is lay back and let the warm waters and nourishing plant compounds work their magic. You deserve it.
Sources:
Is lavender an anxiolytic drug? A systematic review of randomised clinical trials | ScienceDirect
Effect of cannabidiol on plasma prolactin, growth hormone and cortisol in human volunteers | PMC
Magnesium in Prevention and Therapy | PMC
Saunas could heal your mood and your heart | New Scientist
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