CBD for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Please, no- it can’t be time to wake up already. But, it’s still dark!

Undoubtedly, the slippers will have chilled in the night, the raincoat still yet to dry after yesterday’s downpour. Sure, this may be a whole new way of looking at ‘rinse and repeat’ though it’s not one I wish to grow accustomed to. Fortunately, CBD is here to help; I can use CBD for Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Scorpio season came and went, accompanied by it’s trusty companion, SAD, spelled out as Seasonal Affective Disorder. Unfortunately, the two go hand in hand with the fiery, warming, passionate November characters readily succumbing to the daily sucker punches that come along with the all-too drastic change in season. But unlike November rain, Seasonal Affective Disorder persists for months on end and it certainly doesn’t discriminate against those born under any of the astrological signs. January is upon us, having been ushered in by radical weather, shifting regulations and mood varieties all too common this time of the year.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), oh a name so apropos. This type of depression and anxiety is linked to the onset and cessation of the seasons. Seasonal Affective Disorder typically begins in the fall and lasts throughout the winter, causing one to lose energy, to feel depressed, angry and unmotivated. The ever-insidious SAD has no known cause, though heavyweight black clouds and atmospheric rivers may certainly lend some clues. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) has been linked to a chemical change in the brain that occurs when there is less sunlight and shorter days, and to melatonin levels; a sleep-related hormone. So get comfortable. Discover the many benefits of CBD. Take a moment to pause, to light up a luxuriously calming Cumbustio Lavender and Hemp Candle. It is time we embrace how to use CBD to cast our SAD aside.

1 Cumbustio Lavender and Hemp Candle

• Relaxing and earthy fragrance
• Calming smells to bring sweet dreams and to help you drift off to sleep
• 10% proceeds go to initiatives on mental health

Cons:

• Currently limited in fragrance options

Highlights:

• 10% proceeds go to initiatives on mental health
• Combustio is conscious of their ecological footprint

CBD for seasonal affective disorder as a preventative method

For those who live north of the 49th, CBD natural health products such as preventatives, fast acting or ritualistic remedies are gaining traction as go-tos for the battle against Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD is said to affect 3% of Canadians at some point in their lives. Upwards of 15% will suffer from a milder form of SAD, leaving them with slight depression, but still able to go about their daily routines. People suffering from SAD account for 10% of depression cases across the country. People who live in more northern regions—as opposed to those who live closer to the equator—are more likely to suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), as a result of absorbing less daylight.

Do CBD edibles help with anxiety from seasonal affective disorder?

Consider treating SAD with a ‘harm reduction’ approach by adding CBD edibles into your wellness and anti-anxiety agenda. In 2011, a study researched CBD’s effects on people with SAD. Participants were given an oral dose of 400 milligrams (mg) of CBD or a placebo. Those who received CBD experienced overall reduced anxiety levels. Add a little fun into how you do this, by opting for daily-use CBD gummies. You’ll feel like you’re having both a remedy and a reward, with an added touch of nostalgia for those Flintstone vitamins of the early aughts. Topping our list of CBD gummies are the Yummy Gummy Lemonade CBD Gummies. Exclusive to Birch +Fog, these Lemonade CBD Gummies, a CBD natural health product, will give you that sweet and citrusy zing of flavor, delivered to you vegan, gluten free, and GMO free. Premium CBD Isolate is used as the primary ingredient here, to ensure these tasty, calming treats are also free from the tingle inducing THC.

2 Lemonade CBD Gummies

Pros:

• Variety of flavors to choose from
  2 convenient dose options (100mg and 200mg)
• Gluten Free and non-GMO

Cons:

• Available as CBD isolate

Highlights:

• Delicious and unique flavors

What are CBD teas used for?

Choosing a CBD product that can be used as a preventative, will enable maximum benefits of CBD, distributed across a longer term. CBD teas are an excellent, and relaxing way to consume CBD whether in full-spectrum or isolate form. CBD teas are used to promote better sleep, to reduce anxiety and to reduce the symptoms of depression.  CBD teas are great to have in the cupboard to treat the symptoms of SAD, if not only during, but before and after the dark and dreary winter months.

We are huge fans of CBD infused beverages such as the Mota Temple CBD Infused Tea, a soothing blend that is a no-brainer to have within reach, for when you need a respite from daily aches and stress. Peppermint, lemongrass, ginger, and CBD unite, providing flavor and aromatics, engineered by nature herself- CBD to relieve pain and inflammation. It doesn't matter if you're feeling nauseous, restless, or anxious; this organic blend is sure to put your mind and soul at ease. Relax with a warming cup of CBD tea, comfort anytime, anywhere.

If you are looking to add a little laughter into the mix, or to significantly elevate your spirits, look for a CBD:THC 1:1 blend. Mota Temple THC Infused Tea features aromatic blends and flavors from around the world with 120 MG THC and 20 MG CBD that will allow you to reach that optimal calm state with minimal psychotropic sensations. Plus, who doesn’t love having a warm cup to cradle on a dark and dreary day? These CBD beverages are suitable for use for CBD pain relief and as a CBD sleep aid.

3 Temple CBD Infused Tea

Pros:

• All natural healing ingredients
• Available in CBD  or 1:1 CBD: THC blends
• Organic

Cons:

• Dosing may vary depending on steep time

Highlights:

• A natural remedy for nausea, sleeplessness and seasonal shift related anxiety

CBD Preventatives Shake Up Mental Health Care

CBD products come in many shapes and sizes, with various delivery mechanisms and purposes, ranging from daily use, to fast acting CBD nanotechnology. SAD symptoms are sure to be alleviated when using CBD products in conjunction with conventional treatment. The psychoactive substance, tetrahydrocannabinol, may cause adverse reactions in some patients (THC). Thus, when using hemp-derived cannabidiol for the first few times, or when you have a make-or-break meeting in the morning, it is recommended to opt for products with low to no THC, such as CBD isolates. Unlike THC, these isolates should not produce a euphoric high and will leave you feeling less anxious, and still with mental clarity. If you are looking to up your appetite however, trace amounts of THC will help to revitalize your taste buds (and drive for salted snacks), and may more quickly bring a smile back to your beautiful face.

Many affected by SAD will suffer from a loss of energy and motivation. CBD capsules used as a preventative, slower acting remedy, are most conveniently consumed in the form of a daily-dose cannabinoid-infused gel-cap. It is believed that the endocannabinoid system supports a wide range of biochemical functions and as a result of regular use, many people report the benefits of CBD in terms of their overall health, including internal homeostasis and a marked return to consistently higher levels of energy.

Daily use CBD capsules are easy to swallow, and to digest. They are a perfect addition to any balanced breakfast. All in the bottle -  Birch + Fog Energize Capsules. Stay focused on your craft and crush your goals each and every day. These easy to consume gel-caps are a long-lasting way to get the benefits of CBD without having to deal with the hassle of dosing oils, adding convenience to those already in the habit of taking daily supplements. As they are broken down through your digestive system, they may take time for the effects to take hold, but once in your system, they may last longer. Hence why these are great for use as a preventative.

4 ENERGIZE CBD Capsules

Pros:

• Upgraded, premium product ingredients
• Available in THC free options (CBD isolate tinctures)
• High quality full spectrum CBD
• Easy to use, daily dose capsules

Cons:

• Free shipping only available for orders greater than $ 125

Highlights:

• Product subscription program offers available discount of up to 30%
• Products clearly labelled based on the ailment they are to address (daytime, nighttime, sleep, relief, calm, natural, energize). Find the ones most suitable for your needs.

What are CBD tinctures used for?

If you are new to experimenting with CBD products as preventatives, try adding a few drops of a CBD tincture to your breakfast smoothie - a sure fire way to chase those clouds away. CBD tinctures are created for a variety of different applications, including CBD as a digestive aid, for CBD pain relief, or as CBD for sleep. Tinctures often come in easy to use dropper bottles, with a formula that can be added to beverages or to food directly.

There is a lot of love shared for the Birch + Fog Full Spectrum Daytime CBD Tincture. This signature formulation is designed for consistent, daily use and can be consumed much in the same way that you would ingest your daily supplements. Explore the dosing options until you find the right balance for you. These tinctures are readily available in a convenient range of 500mg, 1000mg or 1500mg dropper bottles.

5 Full Spectrum CBD Tincture | Day time

Pros:

• Range of dosing options (500mg, 1000mg, 1500mg dropper bottles)
• Premium quality full spectrum CBD
• Easily added to food or beverages, or taken sublingually

Cons:

• Not included in the subscription plans
• No range of flavor profiles

Highlights:

• Organic
• Fast- acting

Full-spectrum CBD is made up of hundreds of different phytochemicals like cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds. The full-spectrum CBD oil in Birch + Fog CBD tinctures is minimally refined, leaving most of the cannabinoids and terpenes intact. Together these provide you with a plethora of the benefits of CBD including: boosting the immune system, fighting inflammation, regeneration of the nervous system, preventing anxiety, aiding in depression and reducing headaches and migraines. Consume daily. Slow and steady wins the race. Arm yourself with one of the best CBD products and remedies currently on the market, for the annual, recurring battle against SAD.

Takeaway

An excellent remedy for anxiety and depression, CBD is also wondrous for treating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). New research continues to shed (phototherapeutic) light on the many benefits of CBD. Seasonal Affective Disorder is, sadly, here to stay, at least for a few more months, until it returns on queue next fall. SAD symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, appetite loss, and sleep disturbances are known to be alleviated with CBD preventatives, such as daily use CBD tinctures or CBD capsules, which take action over time with regular use.

An added bonus- serotonin production is also improved by this all natural, attention grabbing supplement, one which has been shown to have a significant effect on low moods - a symptom all too common to those who suffer from SAD. Let Birch + Fog be your resource for all things CBD. We’re here to hold your hand through these dark, puddle-riddled months, by offering only the best in hand-selected cannabis products, and by continuing to share our knowledge on the benefits of CBD and just how CBD will help to brighten your SAD days.

Did you know? We have a whole category for anxiety. Click here to shop it all.