What is Delta-8 THC?
To better understand Delta-8 THC, it helps to cover some basics about THC and cannabis.
Cannabis plants come chock full of different cannabinoids. These are naturally-occuring chemical compounds that bind with receptors throughout your body. They can offer a wide range of mental, emotional, and physical effects; indeed, the healing and therapeutic properties marijuana or CBD products offer can be attributed to cannabinoids.
One of the most common cannabinoids is what's known as Delta-9 THC. Simply put, this is the part of marijuana that gets you "high." It's worth noting that Delta-9 THC remains illegal in many states, except for in the most minute doses, and is still illegal at the federal level. CBD products are made with trace amounts of THC, ensuring that consumers can enjoy positive health effects in a perfectly legal way, without the risk of getting high.
On a chemical level, Delta-8 THC is not too different from Delta-9 THC; the distinction comes down to just a few molecules. But those molecules make a big practical impact: Delta-8 THC will give you a buzz, but the psychoactive effects are considerably milder than with Delta-9 THC.
More specifically, many cannabis enthusiasts report that Delta-8 THC helps them feel good but also leaves them relatively clear-headed; and, it doesn't produce the anxiety or jitteriness that often characterize a Delta-9 THC high.
Additionally, because of the way the law is written regarding Delta-9 THC, some CBD companies now sell Delta-8 THC products in places where traditional cannabis is still illegal.
What's the Difference Between Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC?
Here are the primary differences to note between Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC:
- Delta-9 THC is the primary psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana. In other words, it's the part that gets you high.
- Though some states have found workarounds, Delta-9 THC is still illegal under federal law.
- Delta-8 THC is also found in the cannabis plant, though it's not quite as powerful or as well-known.
- Delta-8 THC is milder in its psychoactive effects. And, it's not technically illegal under current law.
These are just a few of the key distinctions to keep in mind. Delta-8 THC is popular among consumers who want a smoother high, and don't want to violate federal law.
Is Delta-8 THC Legal?
We noted that Delta-8 THC is not technically illegal. Here, we need to get into some of the nuanced legal considerations that surround this substance.
First of all, there are plenty of cannabis companies that actively promote Delta-8 THC as a legal way to get high. Again, that's technically true, but is still a point of debate for some.
For one thing, it's not explicitly listed as an illegal substance. While federal laws, and some state laws, specifically ban Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC is never mentioned. More to the point, though, many proponents will cite the 2018 Farm Bill. This law legalized several industrial hemp products on a national level, including CBD.
The Farm Bill also includes some fairly nuanced positions regarding THC. In summary, the law says that hemp and cannabis-derived products are legal so long as they contain less than 0.3 percent Delta-9 THC.
With that said, some lawyers contend that Delta-8's heyday may soon come to an end. That's because the Farm Bill clears it only so long as it's derived directly from hemp; most of the Delta-8 THC products sold today aren't made from hemp, but rather from synthetically-altered CBD.
Some of these issues are a little fuzzy, and the legal future of Delta-8 THC remains a little uncertain. For now, though, many experts would argue that it is legal to purchase.
What Kinds of Delta-8 THC Products Are Available?
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
If you're looking to try Delta-8 THC products, you'll certainly find plenty of different products. Dispensaries and legal cannabis stores currently have a trove of products that use this cannabinoid. Some examples include:
- Vape cartridges, tinctures, and capsules.
- Beverages made with Delta-8 THC, including some seltzers.
- Edibles, including Delta-8 THC gummy bears, chocolate bars, and more.
The cannabis industry has really been running with Delta-8 THC, finding creative ways to bring it to market. And chances are, even more products will be springing up in the weeks and months to come.
It's very important to note that you should only purchase Delta-8 THC products from reputable brands and established cannabis retailers. We do not recommend purchasing any products that contain Delta-8 THC from gas stations or vape shops. If you are looking for a reputable place to explore these products, here are a few brands that we trust and recommend:
NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum Delta 8 THC Oil
nuleafnaturals.com
NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum Delta 8 THC Oil is made from organic hemp and organic virgin hemp seed extract. It's available in a 150 mg bottle and a 450 mg bottle, which both provide 15 mg of Delta 8 THC per serving. This formula is also available in a soft gel.
Botany Farms Delta-10 THC Vape Cartridge
botanyfarms.com
The Botany Farms Delta-10 THC Vape Cartridge actually contains both Delta-10 and Delta-8 THC.This is designed to provide the desired effects of Delta-8 THC but without the drowsiness. They also offer a vape cartridge with a 1:1 concentration of Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC. Note that while vape products can be used to aid in smoking cessation, we do not recommend vaping or smoking because of the negative health effects they can cause.
What are the Pros and Cons of Delta-8 THC?
As you consider whether Delta-8 THC is worth your time, it may be helpful to weigh the pros against the cons.
Pros
Let's start with some of the positives:
- Delta-8 THC does have psychoactive effects, but it's a milder effect than with traditional Delta-9 THC.
- Delta-8 THC is currently legal and widely accessible in multiple states.
- There are a wide number of products that use Delta-8 THC.
Cons
Now, a few of the downsides.
- Delta-8 THC isn't quite as commonplace as other cannabis products, including CBD, and some of the options on the market are expensive.
- While this substance is technically legal, there are plenty of uncertainties over its legal future. It's something you want to keep in mind.
- As a relatively new product, Delta-8 THC products are not regulated by the FDA and there is not independent testing in place to verify that it is safe or pure.
As with any cannabis product, Delta-8 THC has its pros and cons. As you seek the cannabis product that's best for you, it's largely a matter of personal preference.
Also note that smoking, vaping, or otherwise imbibing any kind of cannabis-related product can carry some medical risks and negative health consequences. If you have any specific concerns, we recommend consulting with your doctor before you try any Delta-8 THC product.
Josh Hurst is a journalist, critic, and essayist. He lives in Knoxville, TN, with his wife and three sons. He covers natural health, nutrition, supplements, and clean energy. His writing has appeared in Health, Shape, and Remedy Review.
What are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are solid mass made up of tiny crystals. One or more stones may occur at the same time in the kidney or ureters. The stone formations can consist of calcium oxalate, phosphates, or cystine. Stone formation occurs when urine is high in certain crystal-forming substances. The stones have to travel through the urinary tract to leave the body, which is known as eliminating kidney stones, something that can be utterly painful.
Deposits made of calcium are the most common ones, and they can be formed by combining with phosphate or carbonate. But there are also calcium oxalate stones, which involve a nutrient present in certain foods like spinach and vitamin C supplements. These can be recurrent in people suffering from small intestine diseases, increasing the risk of kidney stones.
The crystals can turn into stones over weeks or even months, so you may not have symptoms until the stones move down the tubes called ureters, through which urine empties into your bladder. This is why it is possible to have kidney stones without you noticing any discomfort at the beginning.
However, the main symptom is intense pain that begins and disappears suddenly. This acute pain can be around the abdominal area or a side of the back, and sometimes it spreads to the groin area. Some more advanced symptoms include an abnormal color of urine or blood in the secretion, shivering, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
Kidney Stone Treatments
Before trying any home remedies, it is necessary to speak with a doctor, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or you are taking prescription medication.
Kidney stones that cause serious problems can be treated with a technique called "extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy," which is a technique that can break up these stones from outside the body, allowing them to pass out through the urethra more easily. However, occasionally, surgery may be necessary.
For those who can spontaneously pass a stone, the conventional treatments are pain relievers and drinking lots of fluids. But if you already know that you frequently suffer from "silent" stones or those that do not cause symptoms, they can be mainly treated with preventive dietary measures alone. These methods include increasing fluids, modifying your diet, and taking medications or supplements that alter urine chemistry.
Natural Remedies for Kidney Stones
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Water
Make sure you are constantly hydrated. Drink enough liquid to generate at least 2.5 liters of urine daily. If you do not drink enough, the chances of developing deposits are more significant, and, therefore, the formation of stones will increase. If you avoid products from the processed food industry, you will already reduce sodium consumption, which is responsible for increasing urinary calcium excretion and present in high quantities in almost every preservative additive. Drinks such as sodas are a big facilitator for the formation of stones. This is why water—at least 6 to 8 glasses of water per day—is the number one aid in both preventing and expelling kidney stones.
Chanca Piedra
This amazing herb, native to South America, is one of the best natural remedies for kidney stones. It is rich in minerals that cleanse and detoxify the body, and it has been used for decades by the ancestral healers of Peru with wonderful results and a very low incidence of side effects. It is also used for the treatment of cystitis and urethritis resulting from the presence of calculi in either the kidney or bladder.
If you buy a Chanca Piedra product and aren't sure of its source, it's likely that it's not as potent as it could be. It's essential to choose reputable supplements to really take advantage of all the benefits and to be sure of its safety. Disolvatol is a supplement that uses 99.8% purity grade Chanca Piedra, making it an all-natural, safe, and effective herbal supplement designed to support kidney health.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains citric acid, which can help dissolve calcium deposits. Two tablespoons of pure apple cider vinegar mixed with 8 ounces (0.24L) of water can reduce the symptoms of kidney stones and prevent their development. This mixture should be drunk several times a day and can be most effective when consumed before meals.
Lemon Juice
Citric acid consumption increases diuresis, and this benefits renal filtration. Therefore, juices that contain citric acid, such as lemon juice, have a diuretic effect and can help us for two reasons. The first is that they leave less calcium available in the urine, and the second is that 60% of the patients with kidney stones have a low level of citrate in the urine, which is responsible for preventing crystals from forming.
Basil
Basil contains compounds known to help stabilize uric acid levels, and since it contains acetic acid, it helps to dissolve existing stones too. By simply drinking one teaspoon of basil extract or pure juice a day for two weeks, you can pass your stones safely and naturally without surgery or drugs. Also, it can help prevent and treat possible future kidney stones.
Pomegranate Juice
Buying whole pomegranates and eating their seeds, or squeezing them for juice, is the easiest way to get the health benefits of this fruit. Pomegranate juice also contains compounds that decrease urine acidity, making it difficult to form stones. The astringent and antioxidant properties of pomegranates are believed to reduce the chances of developing kidney stones and facilitate their elimination.
Olive Oil
Olive is the fruit of one of the most ancient trees on earth. Its cultivation goes back at least eight thousand years. It is a natural remedy for kidney stones. Because olive oil contains a high amount of monounsaturated fats, it is an excellent alternative to facilitate the removal of kidney stones by lubricating the urinary tract.
A 5-ounce (0.15L) glass first thing in the morning and another in the late afternoon, ideally at the same time as other herbal or home remedies, can reduce pain and discomfort.
Kidney Beans
These small red beans provide a robust and nutty flavor and are a natural remedy against forming kidney stones. Kidney beans are rich in nutrients that can affect the uric acid cycle, preventing calcium oxalate crystals.
Dandelion roots
Dandelion root and honey blend have been used as folk remedies for kidney stones for more than 100 years. It contains compounds that increase the production of bile and urine, which helps eliminate waste from the body. It is recommended to take 3 to 4 cups daily in the form of tea or juice.
Horsetail
Horsetail is one of the most prevalent kidney stone natural home remedies used by holistic practitioners for years due to its apparent ability to increase urine flow. The standard dose of horsetail is 1 g in capsule or tea form up to three times daily.
How to Prevent Kidney Stones
Among the most common causes of kidney stones is a diet too rich in foods such as animal protein, bacon, dried legumes (peas, chickpeas, etc.), chocolate, cocoa, coffee, products with excess phosphorus or calcium.
Also, vitamin deficiency (in particular vitamins A), the acidity of the urine, or inflammation of the pelvis can play a role in kidney stones. Considering this, the primary tool to prevent kidney stones is to follow a healthy lifestyle, especially a diet based on vegetables, and abundant fruits, especially pears and grapefruit. Avoid eating foods that are high in oxalate, salt, and animal proteins, as well as eggs, strong cheeses, and alcohol.
When to Consult With a Doctor
Kidney stones are most common in men between the ages of 40 and 60. In many cases they can cause severe pain in the back, lower abdomen, or the side below the ribs. If not treated quickly, they can damage your kidneys, and they can even lead to a kidney infection, urinary tract infection, or complete kidney failure if they are left too long. It's a good idea to see a healthcare professional long before any of these complications arise.
If you have already been diagnosed with a blockage due to a stone, its expulsion should be confirmed either by trapping it in a filter during urination or with a follow-up X-ray under the supervision of a qualified doctor. Some cases could even require immediate surgery. Remember, having no pain does not in any way confirm or guarantee that the stone has already passed.
Warning signs that should be evaluated by a doctor include persistent lower abdominal or lower back pain lasting more than four weeks, fever, chills, or vomiting.
Prevent the Formation of Kidney Stones Naturally
We can use natural aids in the form of supplements, herbs, or specific foods to help decrease kidney stones and improve urine diuresis. The best way to deal with kidney stones is to prevent them in the first place with naturally available nutrients and supplements. Knowing how to take advantage of the magical tools that Mother Nature puts at our disposal can make a tremendous difference in our well-being and lifestyle.
Sarita Vanegas is a writer based in Medellín, Columbia, where she covers environmentally-friendly products, natural health, and plant-based remedies. A former Baselang teacher, she is also passionate about learning languages and exploring other cultures.
Eye-Catching Designs Made from Recycled Plastic Bottles
The company sells a range of eco-friendly items like leggings, rash guards, and board shorts that are made using recycled post-consumer plastic bottles. There are currently 16 causes represented by distinct marine-life patterns, from whale shark research and invasive lionfish removal to sockeye salmon monitoring and abalone restoration.
One such organization is Get Inspired, a nonprofit that specializes in ocean restoration and environmental education. Get Inspired founder, marine biologist Nancy Caruso, says supporting on-the-ground efforts is one thing that sets Waterlust apart, like their apparel line that supports Get Inspired abalone restoration programs.
"All of us [conservation partners] are doing something," Caruso said. "We're not putting up exhibits and talking about it — although that is important — we're in the field."
Waterlust not only helps its conservation partners financially so they can continue their important work. It also helps them get the word out about what they're doing, whether that's through social media spotlights, photo and video projects, or the informative note card that comes with each piece of apparel.
"They're doing their part for sure, pushing the information out across all of their channels, and I think that's what makes them so interesting," Caruso said.
And then there are the clothes, which speak for themselves.
Advocate Apparel to Start Conversations About Conservation
Waterlust's concept of "advocate apparel" encourages people to see getting dressed every day as an opportunity to not only express their individuality and style, but also to advance the conversation around marine science. By infusing science into clothing, people can visually represent species and ecosystems in need of advocacy — something that, more often than not, leads to a teaching moment.
"When people wear Waterlust gear, it's just a matter of time before somebody asks them about the bright, funky designs," said Waterlust's CEO, Patrick Rynne. "That moment is incredibly special, because it creates an intimate opportunity for the wearer to share what they've learned with another."
The idea for the company came to Rynne when he was a Ph.D. student in marine science.
"I was surrounded by incredible people that were discovering fascinating things but noticed that often their work wasn't reaching the general public in creative and engaging ways," he said. "That seemed like a missed opportunity with big implications."
Waterlust initially focused on conventional media, like film and photography, to promote ocean science, but the team quickly realized engagement on social media didn't translate to action or even knowledge sharing offscreen.
Rynne also saw the "in one ear, out the other" issue in the classroom — if students didn't repeatedly engage with the topics they learned, they'd quickly forget them.
"We decided that if we truly wanted to achieve our goal of bringing science into people's lives and have it stick, it would need to be through a process that is frequently repeated, fun, and functional," Rynne said. "That's when we thought about clothing."
Support Marine Research and Sustainability in Style
To date, Waterlust has sold tens of thousands of pieces of apparel in over 100 countries, and the interactions its products have sparked have had clear implications for furthering science communication.
For Caruso alone, it's led to opportunities to share her abalone restoration methods with communities far and wide.
"It moves my small little world of what I'm doing here in Orange County, California, across the entire globe," she said. "That's one of the beautiful things about our partnership."
Check out all of the different eco-conscious apparel options available from Waterlust to help promote ocean conservation.
Melissa Smith is an avid writer, scuba diver, backpacker, and all-around outdoor enthusiast. She graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in journalism and sustainable studies. Before joining EcoWatch, Melissa worked as the managing editor of Scuba Diving magazine and the communications manager of The Ocean Agency, a non-profit that's featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary Chasing Coral.
Our Picks for the Top Vitamin Packs
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
- Best Natural Supplements - Vital Plan
- Best for Heart and Brain Health - CocoaVia
- Best Vitamin Tinctures - Global Healing
- Best Supplement Bundles - Sunwarrior
- Best Sustainable Sourcing - LYFE Fuel
- Most Customizable - Rootine
- Best Gummies - VitaFive
- Easiest At-Home Test - Baze
- Widest Variety - Nurish by Nature Made
- Most Personalized - Vitl
- Best Selection - Care/of
- Most Eco-Friendly - Persona
How We Chose the Best Vitamin Pack Subscriptions
There are a number of factors to consider when committing to a vitamin pack subscription. Here are a few that we prioritize in making our list.
- Personalization: Some of the subscription services include a laboratory test that analyzes the levels of enzymes in the blood, thus allowing a more accurate and successful mix of vitamins to help you achieve your goals. Others let you shop by specific health needs with pre-built packages.
- Options: Vitamins and supplements can aid in filling gaps of what you need but aren't getting from your diet. Everyone's needs are different, whether you're a pregnant woman, an older adult, or have medical afflictions such as immune or vitamin-deficiency issues. So having a wide variety of products to choose from can make the difference between a vitamin pack supplier being a go-to, or a hard pass.
- Ingredients: Vitamins and supplements come from raw materials, and it's important to know how they source those ingredients. With that information in mind, you need to look for a company that does not include fillers, additives, or preservatives in products.
- Testing: Daily vitamin packs have to be tested for strength and composition to ensure purity, efficacy, and bioavailability of ingredients. Expertise can not be improvised, and some brands even run several tests on their products before making them available.
- Sustainability: If it's helping you, it should help the planet in the process. Suppliers that work with vegan, natural, organic, and even reusable packaging are a win-win on this matter. Since you will be getting their product delivered regularly, it is an important consideration. We also looked for companies committed to higher standards in their sourcing and manufacturing practices.
- Cost: Depending on the number of recommended supplements, costs might vary from as low as $1 or less per day (in products with small batches) to up to $6 or $7 per day. Keep in mind that access to personalized knowledge centers can be included in some of the plans, and you will receive nutrition and wellness insights and dietary assessments.
The Best Vitamin Pack Subscription Services
Vital Plan
Vital Plan was founded in North Carolina by Dr. Bill Rawls after he sought a more natural and holistic treatment for his chronic pain. An expert in modern herbology, Dr. Rawls formulated botanical herbal therapies that use high-quality, hand picked ingredients that are backed by clinical research and tested by third-party labs. Vital Plan is also a certified B corp, an Environmental Working Group supporter, and a Pledge 1% member.
Why buy: Vital Plan lets you shop by specific health concerns or categories, like immune or joint health, for a physician-formulated herbal supplement kit that can naturally support your body.
CocoaVia
CocoaVia focuses on delivering the naturally-occurring health benefits found in the cocoa bean. They use a process that unlocks the cocoa flavanols found in the plant, which is the ingredient that makes dark chocolate good for you. CocoaVia offers subscriptions for their Heart & Brain Capsules, designed to boost both cardiovascular and cognitive functions, and their Memory+ Capsules that are clinically proven to boost memory and brain function.
Why buy: CocoaVia offers powerful cocoa extract supplements that can help improve your heart and brain health. Receive a discount on your order when you subscribe for one, three, or six month supplies.
Global Healing
Global Healing offers organic and plant-derived supplements for a range of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and enzymes. You can shop by individual vitamins, like B12 or Zinc, or you can purchase bundles based on your desired health benefit, like immune system support or digestion. Most all of their products are USDA organic, and their supplements come in both vitamin tinctures and capsules.
Why buy: Global Healing has 20 years of experience in creating natural health supplements. They offer a wide variety of options so you can achieve your desired health benefit. Plus, save on each order when you subscribe.
LYFE Fuel
Not only does LYFE Fuel provide small-batch organic and non-GMO plant-based nutritional supplements, they do it with a focus on sustainable sourcing and packaging, carbon offsetting, and social impact. You can purchase their 21-day Transformation Program, or you can buy the supplements individually. The products are derived from whole foods instead of synthetic to give you clean, plant-based nutrition.
Why buy: We love that LYFE Fuel focuses on both natural and plant-based nutrition as well as sustainability. Their Omega-3 supplement is derived from algae instead of fish oil as a more sustainable alternative.
Sunwarrior
Sunwarrior provides plant-based proteins and nutrient-dense superfood supplements. Their products include protein powders, vitamin tinctures, capsules, and probiotics. You can purchase individual supplements or shop by specific health benefit bundles and save up to 30%. Sunwarrior has bundles available for goals like cellular health and immune shield to joint health and digestion.
Why buy: Sunwarrior offers big savings when you subscribe for specific supplements or when you purchase a health bundle. They make it easy to add plant-based nutrition to your routine.
Rootine
Rootine takes vitamin customization to the next level. Like most websites in the vitamin subscription game, you apply by completing a lifestyle quiz. It then takes DNA information and a blood analysis into account to provide the best vitamin mix for you. A Rootine subscription is $70 a month, regardless of what's in your pack.
Why buy: All vitamin and mineral supplements in the program are made from 100% vegetarian-friendly ingredients, and are as personalized as they can get.
VitaFive
VitaFive pre-made gummy pouches give you the option to choose from a vitamins to support a broad spectrum of health benefits or to boost a specific aspect of your health. There are nine to choose from, including vitamin D3, vitamin C, a multivitamin, biotin, apple cider vinegar, melatonin, omega 3, probiotics, and elderberry for immunity.
Why buy: VitaFive makes it easy to take your vitamins with tasty vitamin gummies and vegetarian-friendly ingredients.
Baze
With Baze you'll receive a blood nutrient testing kit in your mailbox. This will help identify your levels of 11 essential nutrients to customize your vitamin pack. Baze has also created a nutritional guide that educates consumers on how to boost their supplements with the right foods. Baze supplements are all made in the USA and tested according to the FDA's Current Good Manufacturing Process standards.
Why buy: Baze customizes your vitamin pack subscription through a blood nutrient test to provide you with an optimal mix of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.
Nurish by Nature Made
The Nurish quiz evaluates your health needs based on your age, sex, weight, height, activity level, dietary habits, sleep quality, and sleep patterns. Once you get your recommendations, you can customize your 30-day supply of vitamin supplements and adjust as needed. It also offers products specifically for men's health, prenatal and postnatal vitamins, brain health, and diabetes.
Why buy: This is a vitamin pack subscription from a trusted brand with over 50 years of experience in nutrition. Shipping is free on orders over $20.
Vitl
Vitl offers a number of options to help personalize your vitamin pack: you can take advantage of an online consultation; you can go further by taking a blood test for vitamin levels; or you can go so far as to take a DNA test. Vitl also allows you to shop for supplements by health goals and general multivitamins.
Why buy: Vitl allows you to check and monitor your vitamin and cholesterol levels through at-home blood tests to help you stay on top of your nutrition and health.
Care/of
Care/of offers a wide variety of vitamins, powders, and quick sticks for on-the-go nutrition. The brand recently switched to fully compostable, plant-based packaging. They are also known for being transparent about their sourcing from around the world and maintaining close relationships with their ingredient suppliers. You can get personalized recommendations or shop by a number of different health categories.
Why buy: All products are tested a minimum of three times for quality, and we love Care/of's mobile app and compostable vitamin pack film.
Persona
This company offers a questionnaire about your dietary requirements and medical conditions to work out the supplements you should be taking. Persona partners with Vitamin Angels to provide two malnourished children with a year's vitamin A supply for each order made. Persona is also committed to sustainability with recyclable and biodegradable packaging sourced from local, sustainable suppliers.
Why buy: Persona offers nearly 100 products, and their supplements are non-GMO and adhere to current FDA regulations. Plus, they take sustainability seriously.
What are Vitamin Packs?
The actual effectiveness of traditional multivitamins has been questioned in recent years. This is due to findings about low absorption rates of certain supplements, mislabeled amounts or ingredients that can be found in each pill, and doubts about whether many of these vitamins are necessary in the first place depending on your diet.
Looking to solve this problem and help restore faith in the vitamin industry, many companies have proposed the alternative of more customized vitamin packs and vitamin bundles. These are designed to create a culture of personalized care and well-being for its consumers. The idea is basically that you receive a "prescription" of dietary supplements and vitamins delivered directly to your door, usually on a monthly basis, to address your individual needs.
Among the benefits and novelties of this service, there are plenty of options for different types of health goals, nutrition needs, and budgets. The vitamin package subscription is normally curated based on a questionnaire that the company asks you to fill out, with items about your lifestyle, medical conditions, preexisting condition, or simply the area of your health that you would like to improve. Others go further and customize your vitamin supplement routine using a blood test or DNA test. With this information, they create an individual profile and vitamin pack for you.
What are the Benefits of a Vitamin Pack Subscription?
These services provide customized nutrients in convenient packs for daily health and wellness improvement. Not only can they give you more targeted dietary recommendations, they can help you identify any deficiencies that you can correct with a supplement to optimize your health. Not to mention that they offer the convenience of delivering your personalized supplement packs directly to you. And with a subscription, you'll never run out of your daily vitamins.
Should You Take Vitamin Supplements?
Whether you're looking for a complete vitamin recommendation, like prenatal vitamins, to control allergies by caring for your immune health, to lose weight, or trying to correct for a vitamin deficiency, there's a vitamin subscription for you. There are daily vitamin packs that can boost every type of person and every type of health goal. And with a personalized vitamin pack, you can get a curated supply of supplements that will best work with your body's needs.
What are Some of the Most Common Vitamin Supplements?
If you don't know where to start, here are some of the most crucial vitamins the body needs to function:
Vitamin D: Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in a number of bodily functions, and can help improve a range of ailments and conditions, including poor bone health, type 1 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and hypertension.
Magnesium: Magnesium is important for muscle and nerve functioning, and it has been recently touted for its ability to reduce the frequency and symptoms of migraine, headaches, as well as improving sleep.
Fish Oil: This supplement contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help In everything from cardiovascular health and brain functioning to arthritis and inflammation.
Vitamin C: Researchers have found that vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, which can lower the risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease, age-related macular degeneration. It also plays an important role in the immune system.
Vitamin packs are doubtless the next generation of vitamin supplements. This service helps health-conscious consumers take the randomness out of their daily dietary supplements by aligning science, data, and technology to deliver personalized nutrition safely and conveniently.
Sarita Vanegas is a writer based in Medellín, Columbia, where she covers environmentally-friendly products, natural health, and plant-based remedies. A former Baselang teacher, she is also passionate about learning languages and exploring other cultures.
What is CBD Flower?
CBD flower is taken directly from industrial hemp plants without the need for extensive extraction processes. These flower buds contain the same beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes found within CBD oil, but tend to elicit a stronger entourage effect.
Hemp flower is different than many other CBD products since it is trimmed from the stalks of hemp without any additional manufacturing or purification needed, which keeps all of the naturally occurring cannabinoids in tact.
What is the Best CBD Flower to Buy Online?
Compared to CBD oil, there are many more challenges facing the selling and distribution of hemp flower across the United States. For this reason, there's a more narrow market for people that prefer to smoke hemp flower. This also means there are less suppliers to meet demand.
With that being said, we've found the best company that sells hemp flower.
Botany Farms CBD Flower
Botany Farms is our choice for the best hemp flower company because they pride themselves on offering organic, hand-crafted CBD and CBG flower products. They work with select farmers in the U.S. who raise certified-organic hemp that is free from heavy metals, pesticides, and fungicides. Each of their cannabis flower strains is made in small batches that are hang dried and hand trimmed. Botany Farms also uses independent third-party lab testing to ensure each batch's quality and contents.
The Best Botany Farms CBD Flower Products
The products featured here have been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the link included, we may earn commission.
- Best for Sleep - Bubba Kush
- Best for Focus - Hawaiian Haze
- Best for Calm - Sour Space Candy
- Best for Energy - Sour Lifter
- Best for Relaxation - Cherry Blossom
Bubba Kush
botanyfarms.com
This indica strain contains dark chocolate and coffee notes with an earthy taste. It provides calm for both the body and mind and is best for relaxing at the end of the day or in the evening.
Percentage Levels: CBD ~ 15.1%
Hawaiian Haze
botanyfarms.com
Hawaiian Haze is a sativa that provides stress relief while leaving you clear and focused. It offers a strong floral scent with notes of pineapple and berries, and is great for daytime use.
Percentage Levels: CBD ~ 13.3%
Sour Space Candy
botanyfarms.com
A CBD-heavy hybrid strain, Sour Space Candy contains a fruity and sour flavor profile, with dense orange, purple, and green hues. It can produce a relaxing calm, great for stress-relief or unwinding after work.
Percentage Levels: CBD ~ 16.4%
Sour Lifter
botanyfarms.com
With notes of grapes and lemons, this sativa offers a large dose of CBD and provides energy and focus. It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee in the morning to start the day.
Percentage Levels: CBD ~ 17.3%
Cherry Blossom
An indica with notes of dark cherries, florals, citrus, and pine, Cherry Blossom has a rich taste that can help you calm your mind and relax before bed in the evenings.
Percentage Levels: CBD ~ 11%
Hemp Flower for Sale Online: What to Look For
The CBD market can be a confusing and vastly unregulated place. When shopping online, look for lab tested CBD flower. Accredited lab tests help ensure a high quality cannabis flower by verifying the CBD vs THC content, terpene profile, and testing for the presence of any pesticides, heavy metals, and other environmental contaminants.
Can CBD flower get you high?
Industrial hemp strains have naturally low THC levels. This means that their flowers also contain minimal amounts of THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis plants). These plants produce CBD rich buds that will not create any mind altering effects like those commonly associated with a THC high.
Is CBD flower legal?
Hemp derived CBD flower is legal in the U.S. as long as it contains less than 0.3 percent of THC by dry weight. The 2018 Farm Bill recently legalized hemp federally as an agricultural crop, therefor making hemp flowers legal as well. Other cannabis plants may produce buds with high CBD and low THC concentrations, but these are not considered federally legal since they originate from marijuana cannabis strains.
How do you use CBD flower?
Smoking hemp is the preferred method of use for CBD flowers, especially for the converted user looking to gain relaxation without the high. Many people opt for pre-rolled joints or CBD cigarettes made from hemp flower, but others prefer to buy the buds and smoke them on their own terms.
While this isn't necessarily the healthiest habit, it may be a better option for individuals who are looking for an alternative to nicotine cigarettes or psychoactive marijuana. Additionally, CBD flower has not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. It's not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
CBD Hemp Flower Benefits
Much like CBD oil, hemp flower is believed to have many beneficial effects that can be used to alleviate issues like chronic pain, anxiety, sleep troubles, and more. While most of this is based off of anecdotal evidence, some scientific studies have shown the benefits of CBD, including:
- Anti-inflammatory properties that work to mitigate pain
- Anxiolytic effects help reduce anxiety and stress
- Potential neuroprotective properties
These wellness advantages appeal to many people, but it's important to note that smoking CBD flower is not the healthiest way to benefit from CBD. Inhaling anything other than oxygen into your lungs can be harmful. So for people that choose to smoke hemp, there is typically a trade off between the relieving effects they may experience versus the internal effects they do not see.
Understanding CBD Flower Measurements
Although hemp and marijuana vary in their cannabinoid composition, their flowers are weighed in the same manner. Using the metric system, CBD hemp flowers are weighed from grams to ounces, and are often broken up even further into eighths, quarters, and half ounces.
There are 28 grams in one ounce, and 1 gram will likely be able to make two or three joints filled with hemp bud.
CBD flowers taken from industrial hemp plants are legal to sell in most states, and these products must comply with the laws set forth by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on marketing and advertising. A supplier must deliver their products as described, including the weight of an item, when you are buying from them. If this isn't done, the FTC will likely take action against the company supplying the product. So you should receive the amount of hemp flower you purchase, but it never hurts to check.
Smoking Hemp Flower vs. Taking CBD Oil
When you inhale smoke from hemp flowers, the CBD will take effect almost immediately as your lungs absorb the cannabinoids and transfer them into the bloodstream. This effect likely won't last as long as ingesting CBD oil, which prolongs the on-set and steady absorption of CBD.
Smoking hemp flower looks and may even smell similar to marijuana, so be wary of this fact if you live in a state where recreational marijuana use is illegal. Hemp flower is legal, but it may cause confusion and unwanted attention, which should be taken into consideration.
Additionally, smoking is not good for your health — even if CBD flower may alleviate other issues like anxiety or pain. For this reason, we recommend exercising caution if you do decide to smoke hemp flower. Weigh the pros and cons, and consider other application methods when it comes to CBD.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Melena Gurganus is passionate about health and wellness and her writing aims to help others find products they can trust. Her work has been featured in publications such as Health, Shape, Huffington Post, Cannabis Business Times, and Bustle.
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More and more people are looking to boost their health with CBD oil. The rise in CBD's popularity shows that many people are experiencing positive outcomes through the regular use of CBD to help control and improve difficult health issues.
Since there are a great deal of brands out on the market today, it can get confusing trying to figure out which brand is best and which oil strength will work best for you and your needs. Keep in mind that even though it might feel exciting to have a host of brands to choose from, not all brands are created equal.
Our guide to the strongest CBD oils will help to point you in the right direction so that you can choose the best, most potent oil for your needs. We will also educate you about the best CBD oils along the way, while also discussing how we chose our top three brands and why we named FAB CBD Oil our top pick.
The Strongest CBD Oils
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission.
- Most Effective - FAB CBD Oil
- Best for Pain Relief - Spruce CBD Oil
- Best Value - CBDistillery Full Spectrum Tincture
- Best Organic - Cornbread Hemp Distilled CBD Oil
How We Selected Our Top Brands
The influx of CBD brands out on the market can be both a good and a bad thing. While it's great to have many options to choose from, it's frustrating to not know exactly which brand is the best in terms of quality, strength, and overall reputation. It's tempting to buy products from the first brand you come upon online. However, in doing so, you might be purchasing products that are unclean, ineffective, and just simply not the best for you.
When it comes to choosing a CBD oil brand, you need to take the time and put in the research to ensure that you are getting the strongest, and best quality product you can purchase.
We've put the time and effort into selecting the top brands that we feel have the strongest CBD oil, the best reputation, and the cleanest, most effective products. But before we were able to choose our top brands, we set up strict guidelines to follow. Next, we used our guidelines to break our list down until we were left with the top brands.
When it came to selecting our top strongest CBD oils, we looked at six key categories:
- Value - product pricing
- Strength - oil strength and purity
- Source - where the brand sources its hemp from
- Flavor - oil flavors and the ingredients used in the oil
- Transparency - if a third-party lab was used to test the products and if those results are easy for customers to find
- Customer experience - verified customer reviews
Based on these factors, see which brands made our list of strongest CBD oils.
FAB CBD Oil — Most Effective
Why buy — FAB is our number one pick simply because the brand offers some of the strongest, cleanest, and best CBD products out on the market today. Moreover, its customer services and transparency are second-to-none. The prices are affordable and the products are excellent overall.
FAB believes in being transparent, crafting the highest quality products, and having a strong customer service department to make sure all of its customers' needs and questions are met and answered. The brand does not use any pesticides, herbicides, or chemicals when it comes to cultivating hemp and creating products. All of FAB's organic hemp is grown and harvested in Colorado. The brand is involved in every step of its creation process from seed to sale.
All of FAB's products are crafted from the purest, cleanest extracts possible. FAB's full-spectrum CBD oil comes in a variety of flavors and strengths. The brand offers mint, citrus, vanilla, natural, and berry oils in strengths of 300mg, 600mg, 1200mg, and 2400mg. Every one of FAB's products is tested by ProVerde Labs, an independent third-party laboratory.
- Value — Every one of FAB's products fall into the range of what you would expect to pay for a top quality CBD product. Remember, if a product is extremely cheap, then you need to look deeper into how it was made. FAB's products are absolutely priced accordingly and are of the best quality.
- Strength — FAB has some of the best, strongest, and most effective full-spectrum oils on the market today. Their oil is available in 300mg, 1200mg, and 2400mg potencies.
- Source of hemp — FAB sources all of its organic hemp from Colorado. The hemp is free from herbicides, pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and other dangerous substances. All of the hemp is grown using state-of-the-art growing and cloning technology and machinery.
- Flavors — Mint, Citrus, Vanilla, Natural, and Berry
- Transparency — Every one of FAB's products is tested by ProVerde Labs, an independent third-party laboratory.
- Customer experience — The brand has a strong reputation among both customers and industry experts for having top-quality products that are highly effective and potent.
Spruce CBD - Best for Pain Relief
Why buy — While Spruce oils are expensive, we do feel that the brand does everything possible to ensure that its oils are high-quality, extremely potent, and 100 percent all-natural. The founder of Spruce got his start in the supplement space and is deeply involved in customer service and feedback, making it a wellness brand we trust.
The high potency CBD oil from Spruce CBD is a popular product among customers, and for good reason. This organic and all-natural CBD oil has no added flavor to allow for their strongest CBD concentration in a 30mL bottle. You can choose between an organic hemp seed carrier oil, best for pain, or an MCT oil option. The products are organic and non-GMO, and do not contain any additives or preservatives. The brand has a strong following online, especially in the arthritis community due to the strength and quality of their CBD oils for pain relief.
- Value — As far as pricing goes, Spruce is more expensive than other oils. The prices vary depending on the strength of the oil that you choose. The brand does, however, offer a subscribe and save option.
- Strength — Spruce's Extra Strength Full Spectrum CBD Oil contains 2,400mg of lab grade CBD oil.
- Source of hemp — Kentucky and North Carolina
- Flavors — None
- Transparency — Third-party lab tested with easily accessible test results found on their site for each batch.
- Customer experience — Just read the comments on the brand website or watch the plethora of testimonial videos, these strong CBD oils have built a following for a reason.
CBDistillery Full Spectrum Tincture - Best Value
Why buy — CBDistillery is a reputable brand that works hard to create quality, potent, and affordable products. The brand has a broad product line that includes oils, gummies, and topicals. All products are made in America. CBDistillery does offer coupon codes.
CBDistillery sells a line of carefully crafted CBD hemp oils. With quality CBD oils starting at $20, CBDistillery offers good products at a great price. This affordability and their extremely potent CBD oils (like the 2500mg option) have made CBDistillery one of the fastest growing companies in the hemp space. Their Colorado-grown product line is comprehensive, including various oil concentrations, salves, edibles, and suppositories.
- Value — The brand offers customers premium products at affordable prices.
- Strength — The oils come in a variety of strengths, including 500mg, 1000mg, and 2500mg, which is the strongest concentration found on our list.
- Source of hemp — CBDistillery sources all of its organic hemp from Colorado. The hemp is regularly tested for the presence of microbes, solvents, heavy metals, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers.
- Flavors — None
- Transparency — All CBDistillery products are tested by independent third-party labs with results available online.
- Customer experience — CBDistillery has a strong reputation among customers for crafting high-quality products that are both strong and effective. According to verified customer reviews, the brand's products are effective and clean.
Cornbread Hemp Distilled CBD Oil
Why buy — Cornbread Hemp CBD oils are all USDA-certified organic. They use a distillation process designed to preserve as many of the beneficial phytonutrients and minor cannabinoids as possible. This CBD oil is vegan, non-GMO, and ideal for daytime use.
Cornbread Hemp's Distilled CBD oil comes in several different strengths, the most potent offers 50 mg of full spectrum CBD per serving. Their specific processing methods are meant to retain as many plant compounds as possible from their Kentucky-grown industrial hemp to provide enhanced relief through CBD's entourage effect. While it's not the strongest CBD oil available, we do like that it's USDA organic and uses USDA organic MCT coconut oil. Cornbread Hemp also offers a Whole Flower CBD oil that is great for nighttime use.
- Value — Very reasonably priced with the option to save with a monthly subscription.
- Strength — The oils come in a variety of strengths, including 375mg, 750mg, and1500 mg
- Source of hemp — Kentucky
- Flavors — A mild flavor with notes of pepper.
- Transparency — All Cornbread Hemp products are third-party lab tested with results available online.
- Customer experience — Cornbread Hemp offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee on their products, and they ship CBD oil orders in 24 hours. Customers note that their CBD oils are noticeably smooth and effective.
How To Know If You're Selecting The Most Potent Oil
There are several key factors to take into consideration when choosing the strongest CBD oil. One of the first things to look at is the concentration of CBD within the product. Next, take a look at the milligrams of CBD that are in a single serving. The best quality products clearly have all the facts and information laid out on their labels. In reading the labels, you should be able to tell exactly how much CBD you are getting per serving. How much CBD you need to be taking depends on how your body reacts to the product over time.
CBD strength per serving will appear smaller when compared to the listing of CBD for the whole bottle. In looking for the strongest CBD oil, look to the serving size listed on the bottle. The total amount of CBD in a bottle will do very little to tell you how strong the product is overall. For example, 2400mg of CBD oil in a 30ml bottle is a lot stronger than 5000mg of CBD oil in a 60ml bottle.
How Much CBD Oil Is Enough?
Everyone's body is different, so what works well for one person might not work for another. Smaller individuals might need less CBD than larger individuals based on body size and overall mass. Along with body size, the reason you are taking CBD is another consideration in purchasing strong CBD oil.
Likewise, if you are new to CBD or are not taking for pain, consider purchasing CBD oil in strengths of 300mg, 500mg, or 750mg. Conversely, if you have been taking CBD for quite some time or are trying to alleviate chronic or severe pain, then you might consider purchasing oils of higher potencies such as 600mg, 1200mg, or 2400mg strengths.
Whatever oil strength you choose, you should first start low and go slow when it comes to dosing. For example, begin by taking 5mg of CBD once a day for one week. If you are not feeling any relief from your pain, then go ahead and take 5mg twice a day. Continue increasing the dosage slowly until you are achieving the desired effects. Always check in with yourself to see how you are feeling along the way. This will help you to determine if you should increase the dosage at all. As with any other medication or holistic supplement, your body will need adequate time to get used to a new CBD dosage.
To use a real life example: when you receive your bottle of CBD, begin by taking ½ a dropper of FAB CBD's full spectrum oil once a day for one week. This will equal about 5mg of CBD. After one week has passed, increase the dose to ½ a dropper two times a day for a week. This will now equal about 10mg of CBD a day. While you are going through this, do a body check-in to see how you are feeling and what your pain levels are, if you have any. This will be the best way to determine whether or not you should increase your dose of CBD.
Should You Take The Strongest Potency CBD Oil?
As with any natural supplement, there are a list of pros and cons that come along with CBD. Each one of these should be taken with the utmost consideration before purchasing an oil of a higher strength. In taking the strongest CBD oils, here are the benefits vs the drawbacks:
Benefits:
- You need less of the oil to have an impact
- Stronger potencies have a better impact on severe symptoms as well as larger people
- Since you will need to take less of the oil, stronger doses are more affordable in the long-run
- Stronger oils work better in tackling sleep issues and decreasing pain
Drawbacks:
- Stronger oils may not be for everyone, as they can cause some mild side effects including dry mouth, lowered blood pressure, and lightheadedness/dizziness
- It may be difficult to find the right dosage for you with stronger oils
- Stronger oils can have a sedating effect
The Science on CBD Oil
CBD oil is created when cannabidiol, or CBD, is infused into a fat-based carrier oil such as hempseed oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, or olive oil. Carrier oils are usually medium-chain triglycerides that are easily digested by the body. The very basic oils will only have CBD and the carrier oil, however, some can also contain other compounds such as tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, flavonoids, phytonutrients, and terpenes. Some brands will also infuse various natural flavors or essential oils into the final products.
CBD oil can vary in color, flavor, and consistency depending on its makeup. Likewise, the strength also depends on the oil's formulation. CBD oils can be isolates, broad spectrum, or full spectrum. In CBD isolates, only pure CBD is used. These oils are usually 99 percent pure. CBD isolates are typically made solely from the hemp plant.
Broad spectrum and full spectrum oils, on the other hand, are typically sourced from the cannabis plant and have had minimal processing and purification. These oils have a large amount of cannabinoids, terpenes, nutrients, vitamins, and phytonutrients. The difference between the two is that broad spectrum CBD products contain zero THC.
Along with CBD, one of the main compounds in full spectrum oils is THC. In large amounts, THC causes feelings of euphoria. However, legally, all CBD crafted and sold within the United States must contain less than 0.3% THC. When CBD and THC are combined, an entourage effect occurs. In the entourage effect, the compounds work together to dampen each other's negative side effects while amplifying each other's best qualities. For example, too much THC can cause feelings of nausea or dizziness. However, when THC is combined with CBD, the THC enables those with sleep issues to finally get some rest, and helps those with extreme nausea, due to cancer treatment, finally get some much-needed nourishment by increasing appetite. Put simply, the cannabinoids bind with cell receptors in the human endocannabinoid system to create therapeutic effects.
How To Choose The Best Strength
While it may be easy to read the label on the CBD bottle and take the strength listed at face value, this is not the case when determining the strength of each dose. Strength equates to potency. In a 30ml bottle of CBD oil, you could have 3,000mg of CBD or 6,000mg of CBD depending on which you purchase. The stronger bottle will have 6,000mg of CBD per bottle, as you would have to take twice as much of the 3,000mg CBD to equal just one dose of the 6,000mg bottle.
Quality CBD brands test the potency during every stage of oil production. They test hemp plants, then they test the initial crude oil, and they also continually test the oil during every stage of the distillation process. The reason that there is so much testing done to the product is because reputable brands need to ensure that the oils they are creating are of the best quality, consistency, and that their products are falling within the legal guidelines.
Reputable brands, like the ones we've profiled above, bring in independent laboratories to test the overall oil strength by analyzing for 14 minor and major cannabinoids including CBD, THC, CBN, and CBG. Their results show the overall percentages of these compounds that are in the oil. All reputable brands will then make those results easily available on their website or within the product packaging.
Why Strength Matters
The strength of an oil does matter. The more potent a CBD oil is, the stronger effects it will create. To that end, full spectrum oils are the best oils to go with because CBD isolates do not have all of the other vitamins, terpenes, compounds, and phytonutrients that full spectrum oils have. So, not only will you be getting all the positive effects that a strong oil has to offer, you'll also be able to receive the vast therapeutic benefits that the many compounds, terpenes, and phytonutrients bring to the table.
When it comes to receiving the therapeutic benefits of a strong, full spectrum oil, experts advise to hold the oil under your tongue for a few minutes (up to four minutes) in order for the oil to enter into your bloodstream. Otherwise, if you swallow the oil right away, the oil will be quickly broken down by the body's digestive system.
Is It Safe To Take Strong CBD Oil?
This is a common question asked by many who are new to the world of CBD. Regardless of the strength, CBD oil is very safe. In fact, there are very few minor side effects associated with it. To date, a great number of studies have been done on CBD proving it's safety and efficacy.
Some of the most common side effects associated with CBD are:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Changes in weight
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Changes in appetite
When you take into consideration the many dangerous side effects associated with prescription medications, CBD is a very safe alternative. Therefore, it's no surprise that more people are turning to more potent options of CBD to help with tough health issues.
Final Thoughts On The Strongest CBD Oils
There are many different strengths of CBD oil available. And while there are benefits to using CBD oil regardless of the potency, stronger oils are recommended for larger individuals or for people who are trying to get a handle on difficult health conditions such as sleep issues, severe arthritis pain, Crohn's Disease, osteoarthritis, cancer-related nausea, and others.
In selecting a strong oil, you first need to do the research so that you can make sure you are buying a high quality product from a reputable brand. When you find a brand you like, go ahead and look into the brand's hemp sources, oil strengths and purities, verified customer reviews, transparency, and whether or not the brand used a third-party lab to test its products and if those results were made readily available for customers to find.
Less oil needs to be consumed when stronger oils are used. In order to receive the most benefits from the dose, it's advised to hold the oil under your tongue for about four minutes so that it can be properly absorbed into the bloodstream. Simply swallowing the oil means that the digestive system will break it down faster than you can obtain any benefits.
When it comes to selecting a brand to go with, keep in mind that not every brand is created equal. While it's great to have so many options to choose from, you really need to put the work in to make sure you are purchasing the best possible product from the best possible brand.
If you're becoming frustrated or overwhelmed in your research, feel free to use our article as a guide.
Our Choice for Strongest CBD Oils
We've chosen FAB as our number one choice in our strongest CBD oils guide because FAB has a stellar reputation for putting out the best, most potent, cleanest CBD oils on the market today. The brand is also extremely transparent in the way that it operates and in the overall production process of its products. FAB also uses an independent third-party lab, ProVerde Laboratories, to regularly test all of its products. Those results are then made easy for customers to find on FAB's website.
By law, all of the best CBD oils that are sold and purchased within the United States must contain less than 0.3% THC in them. Oils that have over that amount clearly are not following the mandatory legal guidelines. Another fact to keep in mind is that while strong oils are great, the type of oil matters too. CBD isolates, while fantastic in their own way, do not contain any of the vitamins, cannabinoid compounds, terpenes, and phytonutrients that broad spectrum or full-spectrum oils do. The combination of strength and what the oil consists of is what determines its effectiveness and therapeutic value.
In selecting a strength, remember that a 3,000mg oil will be less strong than a 6,000mg oil if they are both sold in a 30ml bottle. However, if you have 2,400mg of CBD in a 30ml bottle and 5,000mg in an 80ml bottle, then the smaller, 30ml bottle with 2,400mg of CBD will be more potent. When selecting a product, you will absolutely need to take your time and choose wisely.
Lastly, if you have any questions or concerns surrounding CBD, potential side effects, strengths, etc., then please do not hesitate to reach out to your primary care physician or specialist to set up an appointment to discuss things more at length.
CBD oil can be a great addition to any natural healthcare routine. Just make sure you are putting in the time and effort to find the product and the brand that is best suited to your own unique needs, condition, and lifestyle.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are potent, highly concentrated extracts from plants. Many of them have been used for centuries with the primary objective of promoting wellness and wellbeing. Aside from that, they are also an excellent way to connect with an ancient and profound part of nature.
Essential oils provide a natural alternative to chemical products made with synthetic components, which can often be unsafe or untrustworthy. For many people, this makes plant therapy a better option for body care, or home use. Common uses of essential oils include aromatherapy, taking care of your skin, easing muscle pain, or merely cleaning and perfuming your home.
The Best Essential Oils
You may not know it yet, but essential oils can be used to enhance many day-to-day activities. You can find countless synergistic practices for the best essential oils to use in your daily routine. Let's take a look at our favorite essential oils and what makes them so great.
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Peppermint
cliganic.com
Peppermint essential oil is extracted from the plant before it actually blooms, which is why it is much more concentrated than other essential oils. Its main ingredient is menthol and is trendy in cosmetics since it brings significant benefits to the skin, hair, and of course, your general well-being.
Eucalyptus
svanaturals.com
Eucalyptus essential oil has a fresh, camphoric aroma and a low tone of sweet wood; its infusions and the inhalation of its vapors are used against catarrhal processes. It has stimulating, clearing, and antiviral effects. It is also a great expectorant and nasal decongestant.
Chamomile
auracacia.com
Chamomile contains mainly anti-inflammatory properties, but it is also an effective antipruritic, making it an excellent anti-itch medication. Roman chamomile is also known for its mental benefits, including potential relief from stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
Tea Tree
planttherapy.com
Tea tree oil comes from steaming the leaves of the Australian tea tree. It is useful in strengthening the immune response against influenza epidemics and in disinfecting the skin in case of wounds.
Geranium
planttherapy.com
Geranium is an essential oil used to treat acne, sore throat, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Distilled from the leaves of the Geranium plant found in places like Egypt and Madagascar, you'll be able to identify it by its distinctive pink color and herbaceous scent.
Frankincense
cliganic.com
Frankincense is called The King of the essential oils because of its many different benefits, including skincare treatments, the strength of cellular health, immunity, and inflammatory response. The particular aroma of this oil gives an atmosphere of relaxation, peace, and satisfaction, which explains why some of the most ancient civilizations used it for their rituals and ceremonies.
Jojoba
cliganic.com
Jojoba oil is great for hair, skin, and nails, and helps balance oily and acne-prone skin, making it one of the most popular ingredients of moisturizers throughout the last decade. It can also be used to help hydrate your hair or as a massage oil.
Ylang ylang
planttherapy.com
Ylang ylang is the most efficient essential oil extracted from the Cananga tree (Cananga odorata), found in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Australia. It is known as a great promoter of skin and hair care, with uses that range from sun protection to soften the skin. Due to its ability to create calm atmospheres, this oil is used in anxiety and depression treatments, and is also an excellent natural insect repellent.
Bergamot
gyalabs.com
Bergamot, which comes from the bergamot orange citrus plant, is used for its aroma and flavor in some perfumes. This essential oil is known for having benefits in skincare treatments, offering cleaning and purifying effects, as well as its calming benefits.
Clary Sage
healingsolutions.com
Clary sage is recognized for its properties that promote female health during the menstrual cycle, relieving abdominal pain and contributing to a healthy nervous system. Similar to lavender, Clary Sage can help with rest and relaxation as well.
Lavender
gyalabs.com
Lavender essential oil is made from distilling the fresh flowers of several species of lavender. Its appearance varies between being colorless, yellow, or somewhere on a yellowish-green spectrum. It has a pleasant aroma but a bitter taste. Its relaxing, uplifting, and revitalizing effects can help improve your mood.
Patchouli
nowfoods.com
Patchouli, an aromatic oil obtained from a Southeast Asian shrub, is used in perfumery, insecticides, and medicine. From mouthwashes to soaps, it is highly appreciated for its scent and is known as a grounding and calming aroma.
What to Look for in the Best Essential Oils
Getting started in the world of essential oils can be overwhelming due to the amount of information, uses, interpretations, and varieties that are available. That is why having concise information on what to look for in your oils will always result in a better experience.
Three factors you should always consider when looking for essential oils are the quality, the price, and the bottle.
Quality
The best aromatherapy oils must be 100% pure and organic with a scent that properly corresponds to the part of the plant from which it was extracted. If that is not the case, you may have reason to suspect that the oil is a sham that contains additives or fillers. One important factor in quality is the extraction method. Look for products that are USDA-certified organic whenever possible to be sure that the plants and flowers used are free from pesticides.
The extraction method is the process used in order to achieve the separation of aromatic compounds from the physical plant. These processes largely determine the quality standard of the final product. Find an oil extracted by the following organic methods to guarantee that toxic solvents sometimes used for such separation are not in your essential oil.
The first is cold-pressed extraction. This is the more popular option for essential citrus oils, and works by exposing the skin of the fruit or pericarp to mechanical pressure.
Steam distillation, which works by subjecting bits of plant matter to a stream of water vapor, is the other preferred extraction method. The essence is condensed in this process and then collected by separating it from the water. While there are other methods to distill essential oils, these are the best to guarantee quality.
Pricing
Next up is the question of pricing. While we can be wary of the "higher price, higher quality" theory in some products, you shouldn't look to skimp on essential oils. Prices can also vary widely between different types of oils. It is rare to walk into a shop and find all of the essential oil extractions are priced the same. If the oils are truly 100% natural, they shouldn't share the same price since not all plants are equally as accessible.
Costs can vary depending on the raw material used, transportation costs, and special storage requirements, making the final value vary a lot. For example, the number of roses required to extract an ounce of oil is quite high, unlike lavender which is much more accessible. This is why the price of these two oils will be very different if it is a 100% original extraction. You can find many popular essential oil brands like doTerra, Plant Therapy, Aura Cacia, and Vitruvi on Amazon that offer pure essential oils. Always be sure to check for the signs of quality when purchasing.
Bottle
Finally, the essential oil bottle should always be made of glass and carry a dark tint. Look for a blue, amber, or dark brown tonality. This is crucial because most essential oils are very volatile and evaporate quickly in contact with the light. Remember, plastic is the bigger enemy here. If quality matters to you, essential oils should be bottled and stored with the same care as you would expect with an expensive bottle of wine.
How Does Aromatherapy Work?
A Persian doctor, Avicenna, wrote extensively on health and wellness and is known as the father of aromatherapy. Still, it was actually René-Maurice Gattefosse (chemist and perfumer) who coined the term. This ancient practice is widely used around the world because its effects are rapid and widely recognized. For many people, tapping into the power of the mind, and calming the soul, is seen as a more desirable solution to their ailments than daunting prescriptions.
One interesting explanation for why aromatherapy may work for many people is that the part of the brain that associates odors is the same part of the brain that deals with memory. Stimulating this part of the brain generates a response in the body naturally. The smell is undoubtedly one of the most primitive senses since it allows messages to be sent through the nervous system to the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls emotions.
What are the Benefits of Essential Oils?
Inhaling or applying essential oils activates the hypothalamus, which is the brain area in charge of sending messages to other parts of the body. Benefits mentioned by consumers include promoting sensations of clear breathing, providing digestive well-being, boosting the immune system, creating a relaxing environment for rest, as well as contributing to a multitude of skin, hair, and teeth benefits.
Even though they are very rare, the few adverse side effects reported are mucous, skin, and eye irritations. Most of the cases recorded are due to inadequate storage conditions.
What is the Best Way to Use Essential Oils?
There are two main ways to best access the benefits of essential oils: aromatic application and topical application.
Aromatic Application
The first option involves the smelling or inhalation of your essential oil's aroma through direct inhalation, diffusion, or evaporation. The last two are typically done through diffusers, humidifiers, or using essential oil burners. Essential oil diffusers are an easy and generally inexpensive way to enjoy your essential oil through a device that disperses essential oils into the air through evaporation, or steam. Ease of use, stream intensity, water capacity, and appearance are items to look for when buying one.
Using a diffuser is as simple as choosing the place where you will enjoy your aromatherapy session. It is important to be aware of any allergies or medical conditions of other people who may be around, and if there are children, pets, or pregnant women. Then fill the water tank of the diffuser with clean water at room temperature and add a few drops of the oil. The regular capacity of diffusers is 100ml and it is advisable to use 4 to 6 drops of your essential oil. This quantity varies depending on the taste of the person, the size of the room as well as its temperature.
Topical Application
Applying essential oils on the skin, or topical application, is another way to use them. But for this method, it is important to know which dilutions and carrier oils to use, so you don't accidentally irritate the skin. The most common way to massage the oil onto the body is with a lotion, cream, roll-on, or carrier oil like coconut oil. This way the aromatic molecules are able to penetrate the skin.
In body massages the oil can be rubbed on pressure points such as your temples, wrists, forehead, or even feet. Again, being mindful of the dilution rate is key. Fifteen drops per one ounce of base oil are the standard for an adult, giving a 2.5% dilution rate. Warm compresses on the forehead and neck with a few drops are also recommended or applying approximately 2 -12 drops of essential oil to a bath, including the dispersing agent.
And remember, any questions or concerns you have about the composition, use, or effects of the oils as a treatment for any condition or simply their use for fun should be consulted with a certified doctor.
Discover the Benefits of the Best Essential Oils
Our ancestors used the natural world to take care of themselves and their families. As long as they're created in an environmentally sustainable fashion, essential oils and essential oil blends can continue to serve us today by promoting mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
Sarita Vanegas is a writer based in Medellín, Columbia, where she covers environmentally-friendly products, natural health, and plant-based remedies. A former Baselang teacher, she is also passionate about learning languages and exploring other cultures.
It can start with a barely noticeable change to your breathing. Perhaps a little lightheadedness, too. Your eyes start to moisten and your skin tingles. Soon, your synapses will trigger behaviors you cannot control. And there it is – you've sneezed.
When you sneeze, at speeds approaching 160km/h, your mouth and nose expel air, mucus, and germs as far as eight meters away.
During allergy season, some unfortunate souls spend a disproportionate part of their time experiencing some or all of the above. In the US alone, more than 50 million people are allergy sufferers.
Now scientists say climate change could be causing allergy season to start earlier and last longer.
More Pollen for Longer
A team of researchers from institutions across the US has reviewed data relating to pollen trends from 1990 to 2018. The conclusions they came to were that pollen is present in the air 20 days sooner than it used to be and at significantly higher concentrations – as much as 21% up.
Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of the Sciences (PNAS), the report's authors write: "Airborne pollen has major respiratory health impacts and anthropogenic climate change may increase pollen concentrations and extend pollen seasons."
Tracking pollen across the US: Warm colors indicate increasing annual pollen integrals. PNAS / William R. L. Anderegg et al
Furthermore, their results strongly suggest that "human-caused climate change has already worsened North American pollen seasons." The situation is only likely to get worse, they believe, which could have serious consequences for some people's respiratory health.
Increasing Air Quality Pressures
Researchers are also studying how air quality, more broadly, can affect and be impacted by climate change.
Changes in the climate can affect local air quality, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. These impacts include atmospheric warming's potential to increase ground-level ozone, which can be harmful to health. Experts are also investigating the influence of climate change on fine particulate matter and other air pollutants.
How clean is the air in your country? Visual Capitalist
Historically, burning fossil fuels has been one of the main contributors to the problem of poor air quality. More than 8 million people around the world die each year as a result of breathing poor-quality air, according to research from Harvard University, University College London, the University of Birmingham and the University of Leicester. Mostly, that means air containing dangerous particles from coal, petrol and diesel. Among the causes of death are heart disease, lung cancer, and strokes.
"Allergies and asthma are responsible for substantial morbidity burdens and associated medical costs in the US," the report in PNAS goes on to say.
By connecting the challenges of poor air quality, respiratory health and climate change, the study indicates the potential for serious, ongoing public health crises and warns the situation could worsen as average global temperatures continue to climb.
Doing Something About It
Climate change and the efforts to prevent it remains a major global challenge and as the World Economic Forum's latest Global Risks Report highlights, failure to do so presents a serious threat.
But, from global action, like the Paris Agreement or the Misson Possible Partnership, to more targeted initiatives, like the 1t.org (trillion trees) United States Chapter, businesses, governments and civil society are working together to bring about rapid change.
Reposted with permission from World Economic Forum.
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