What is CBD and why do people associate it with calmness and relaxation? We spoke to premium CBD beauty company Apothem Labs to get the download.
Founders Tony and Amelia are friends with a shared belief in the restorative and therapeutic power of the hemp plant and other plant-based remedies. After realising back in 2018 that the European CBD market was saturated with sub-standard products with little or no trace of how the product was produced, where the ingredients were sourced from and how the hemp plant was cultivated the pair decided they would create their own. Read on to find out more about their journey and how CBD could help you to cultivate your own health and wellbeing by reducing stress.
• Why did you start Apothem?
In 2018 Tony & I began researching the benefits of CBD and cannabis for a family member. We were surprised to find a long list of therapeutic benefits that could come from just one plant, and we quickly became obsessed.
Given that we were looking for CBD a family member, we wanted to make sure it was clean and free from anything nasty or illegal, which at the time, was a lot harder than you’d think. So, we were inspired to start APOTHEM, which would have a focus on quality, and having a clean, transparent supply chain.
Knowing we wanted to be creative with our formulas, and craft truly effective products, we began to explore the use of other botanicals. It was then that we realised we could harness the power of other plants, well-used throughout history for their therapeutic powers, alongside our CBD. After a long journey of exploring and learning, we launched in 2019 into Harvey Nichols.
• What is CBD and why would you use it?
CBD is a naturally occurring chemical, called a cannabinoid, found in the cannabis plant. There are at least 130 of these cannabinoids that have so far been discovered, and they work by interacting with our body’s own endocannabinoid system, which helps to restore balance and promote wellbeing.
Millions of people now use CBD worldwide, for a number of therapeutic reasons. A principal reason is for stress and anxiety. A recent clinical trial showed that 79% of participants felt their anxiety had decreased after using CBD for a month, and their cortisol levels had reduced – cortisol being the hormone responsible for stress.
Many people use CBD to bring about the feeling of calm and serenity, as well as for a more restorative night’s sleep. It is also often used in muscle rubs and balms, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties which some people report to help with relief.
We always say using CBD consistently is better for efficacy. It has a cumulative effect and so it’s important not to expect your life to be changed after taking it once. However, there are many reports of people feeling an instant effect, but we are all different, and react in different ways.
It’s also worth bearing in mind other lifestyle factors which may play a part, for example, if you are looking to use CBD for sleep but don’t have good overall sleep hygiene alongside, then you may find you don’t get what you are looking for. It’s best when used as part of wider approach to wellness.
• What is the endocannabinoid system?
The endocannabinoid system is a vast network of neurotransmitters and receptors that spreads all over the body. They are found everywhere from our brain, our gut, our skin to our immune cells, liver, and heart. Their role is to maintain homeostasis within the body – essentially insuring everything is kept in balance. So, if something isn’t quite right, for example if there’s a spike in a certain hormone, the endocannabinoid system understands and will try to regulate this and bring us back.
It's pretty incredible that this was only discovered in the 1990s, meaning there’s still so much more research to be done. But what we know for now, is that it’s one of the largest systems we have in the body, alongside the central nervous system and skeletal system, and it plays a crucial role in keeping us in check. We also know that mothers produce a certain cannabinoid in their breast milk, called anandamide – otherwise known as ‘the bliss molecule’ – which is responsible for the sleepy, slumberous, blissed out baby post-feeding!
CBD, which is a phytocannabinoid, meaning it’s a cannabinoid produced by a plant (rather than one we produce inside our bodies), works in a similar way to endocannabinoids and binds to the receptors within us. Which is why so many people take CBD to naturally regulate what’s going on inside.
• How would CBD fit in to someone’s self-care routine?
Thanks to its versatility, CBD can be used in a wide array of products, meaning it fits in to your lifestyle however you need it to. We use CBD across our range of drops, skin, and body care, alongside other carefully selected botanicals. Our drops are designed to be used daily just like a multivitamin. You can add our DAY or DEFENCE drops into a breakfast juice or smoothie thanks to its mild flavour, or just take as part of your supplement routine. LIGHTS OUT is a calming evening tonic that we recommend taking as part of your night-time routine or before an evening yin yoga class.
Our body and skin care products are great when used alongside exercising, or self-massage. RECHARGE is a cooling cream gel that soothes weary muscles, with magnesium and arnica. SCULPT is an indulgent body oil great when paired with body-brushing to illuminate the skin, UNPLUG are the dreamiest of bath salts to help in washing away a stressful day, and our MULTI balm is perfect for any dry or red areas that need some calming or moisture.
That’s why we love CBD, because it seamlessly fits in to wherever you need it in your life; whether that’s to relax, to give back to your body, or to boost.
• What is your self-care routine? How does CBD fit into that?
Self-care for me begins with recognising when I’m tired and uptight, and even just being aware of that can be a catalyst for making a change in my daily routine, so maybe I’d have a bath and read a book instead of watching something. Those little acts to me are a powerful way of caring for yourself.
Also, being preventative. So, taking supplements (Vitamin D and Zinc!) as well as our DEFENCE drops every day to minimise the likelihood of feeling under the weather. Having boundaries and saying no to things that may add to my stress or tiredness.
In terms of actually treating myself and having time for myself, I love using the CENTRED. scalp treatment and massager – especially when I’m having a long bath with UNPLUG bath salts!
Thank you for reading. If you have any questions you can email us at hello@wearecentred.com
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