Here’s the Tea: CBD Gummies or Tincture Infused Tea Recipes to Try
Posted on August 14, 2019 1 Comment
This article was originally published on SundayScaries.
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, and you want to explore novel ways to consume CBD, then you are not alone. Every day sees new companies and products popping up in the CBD world, and as new ideas are developed regarding the ways in which the all-natural supplement can be consumed, new trends are emerging.
2019 has seen a range of businesses popping up left, right, and center—from spas specializing in deep tissue massage using CBD oil to cafes offering CBD smoothies and CBD-infused coffee. You will most likely find it somewhere nearby.
CBD gummies are definitely a trend across the United States, but due to their ever-increasing popularity, it can be a struggle to find dispensaries in your area that have good quality gummies in stock. In light of this, many people are now getting out their baking equipment and looking for recipes that allow them to make their own gummies from the comfort of their own home and experiment with a wide range of different flavors and textures.
CBD Gummy Recipe to Try
You don’t have to be a master chef to make these CBD gummies. You just need to mix all the ingredients together, stir, and pour into a silicone mold for them to set. The hardest part of the whole process is measuring out how much CBD you want each gummy to contain, which isn’t exactly a deal-breaker.
Tip: If you work out that you want 10mg of tincture in each gummy, look at how many gummies the mixture makes in total and multiply by that amount.
You can also add the CBD oil into each little mold after you have poured the rest of the ingredients, though this does require a bit more skill and dexterity!
You will need:
- Flavored gelatin
- CBD oil
- Silicon mold
Step by step:
- Follow the instructions on the gelatin packet. Remove the dissolved mixture from the heat and either add in the desired amount of CBD oil at this point and pour into a mold to set, or add it in when you have poured the mixture into each mold individually.
- After around 30 minutes, put the molds in the fridge and in a few hours your gummies will be ready to eat! Yes, it really is that simple.
CBD Infused Tea Recipes
If CBD gummies aren’t your thing, or you simply cannot be bothered to make a mess in the kitchen, then rest assured you can still enjoy all the benefits of CBD in a simple tea form. Certain herbs and spices complement CBD better than others, so for the following recipe we will be focusing on particular types of tea.
The first thing to do is to have your end goal clear in your mind. Do you want to make a CBD tea that will help you to relax and drift off to sleep at the end of a long day? Or do you want something more energy-enhancing, like green tea CBD mixture, to start the day alert and focused? Once you have selected your tea of choice, either loose-leaf or in a tea bag, you have already made a good start.
What you will need:
- Tea of choice (we will be using matcha green tea gunpowder)
- Milk of preference (coconut milk works great!)
- Good quality full-spectrum CBD tincture
- Your favorite teacup!
Step by step:
- Boil around half a cup of water and pour over your tea bag or loose-leaf tea of choice. Stir and leave to infuse for a few minutes
- The next step is to add your milk product of choice—remember that oil and water don’t mix, so adding a fatty component into the mix is essential for the CBD oil to absorb properly
- Add your desired dose of high-quality CBD tincture, stir, and leave for a couple of minutes. Enjoy
Making your own CBD tea at home really couldn’t be much simpler, and it also is quick and convenient to prepare. There is another option, which is to buy pre-made CBD infused tea bags (or loose-leaf tea).
In this instance, you will get better results if you place the teabag in the cup and first cover with warm milk of choice. After you have allowed the CBD oil to fully absorb into the warm milk for around 10 minutes, top up with hot water and enjoy!
Top Tip
Try to use hot water as opposed to freshly boiled water, as you will avoid a burnt taste that can be especially prominent when using gunpowder teas or loose leaf. And of course, don’t forget the strainer!
Why Coconut Milk?
The reason we chose coconut milk for this homemade CBD brew recipe is that it increases the bioavailability of the cannabinoids. This is why many CBD tinctures and balms use coconut oil as a carrier oil—it helps the cannabinoids pass into the bloodstream quicker.
The Takeaway
CBD teas and homemade gummies can be a tastier way for you to take your CBD tincture, and many people prefer these methods over taking the oil sublingually. While you might notice a faint earthy taste, it will be nothing compared to ingesting CBD oil neat.
Do Puppies Grow Out of Separation Anxiety?
Posted on August 8, 2019 Leave a Comment
This article by Jennifer was originally published on FOMO Bones.
Dog separation anxiety, especially in puppies, is a common problem that affects thousands of dog owners across the world and, if left untreated, it can become quite serious. Although we have not been able to pinpoint an exact root cause of separation anxiety, we are aware that it is usually because animals are not created to be alone. Dogs, in particular, are pack animals, so when we take a pup away from the rest of its litter, this is when we start witnessing the symptoms of loneliness. Sometimes, the symptoms can be limited to just a bit of initial barking and crying when we leave, but more often than not separation anxiety will produce destructive behaviors like chewing and biting.
It is important to recognize puppy separation anxiety, and that he is not acting out on purpose to upset you. They are more prone to experiencing separation anxiety due to their need for more human interaction and attention. They also haven’t developed the skills that older dogs have, so your puppy probably doesn’t realize that you will be coming back.
Thankfully, there is a whole range of tools and techniques that you can use to get your puppy’s separation anxiety under control, and this is what will set them up for good behavior and habits for the rest of their lives.
Only Leave Your Puppy Alone When it is Appropriate
Puppies simply can’t be left on their own for long periods of time. It is likely that you are still potty training your puppy if he is young, so you will need to make sure that you are taking him out frequently enough to get a good routine down. During puppyhood, dogs will absorb everything they notice going on around him and a lonely, bored puppy can result in an insecure and unhappy adult dog. If you work full time and you have recently added a puppy into the mix, then you may want to consider paying a dog sitter or friend to come over every few hours to check on them.
Consider Crate Training
Crate training is recommended by dog behaviorists, as it one of the most effective ways of tacking separation anxiety in dogs. Contrary to popular belief, crate training is not just a matter of shutting your dog into a cage. If you follow the correct methods when introducing your dog to his crate, he will start seeing it as his safe place where he can go to feel comforted and secure.
Try CBD Treats
Not only will he benefit from the soothing therapeutic benefits of these all-natural treats, but he will also learn to form a positive association with being left alone. Many people prefer using CBD treats over any other treatment, especially when their dog is demonstrating severe symptoms of anxiety. You can help alleviate some of the terror that a small dog feels by having a special treat they get only before you leave. This can help them get something great out of your leaving and helps make the process a little less stressful.
Ease Your Puppy into a Routine
Just before leaving, pick up your keys and put your shoes on. Start by stepping out the door and then come back almost immediately (if they are being quiet) and reward them with a treat. You can gradually extend the length of time you leave your dog and always remember that you should never reward negative behavior (like barking, whining, etc.) or your dog will learn that that will get them attention. Stay away for a little longer each time you go out and before too long, your pup will get used to it and even learn to accept it.
Will My Pup Grow Out of Separation Anxiety?
Sadly, if you don’t act to correct the symptoms of separation anxiety early on, it tends to get worse. Puppies will not just miraculously grow out of separation anxiety as they get older because it has little to do with their age. If a puppy is left on its own from day one and never learns to feel safe about being alone, then they will never be able to have a positive association with you going out.
Many rescue dogs have extreme separation anxiety, due to the abandonment they have previously experienced. As our dogs are not able to speak to us and tell us what they need and how they feel, we need to step up and be responsible dog parents and do our best to ensure that we raise a well-balanced and confident dog. Due to their tiny size, puppies can’t do that much damage even if they try… but imagine what they could do once they are fully grown and suffering from a harsher degree of anxiety. Suddenly we are dealing with a whole different ball game!
Can I Give My Dog Anxiety Medicine?
If your dog is demonstrating severe anxiety, which could include destructive behavior, being too anxious, house soiling, or never being calm, even if you just walk out of the room for a minute, then a trip to the vet or animal behaviorist is always a good idea. Many people, however, prefer not to give their dog any kind of chemical medications and instead would rather take a natural approach. Not only is it better for your pet in the long run, but it can also be less expensive. For example, giving your dog a totally organic CBD treat will not only bring his anxiety levels right down, but the treats also offer a whole load of other benefits, like improved health, shinier coats, and pain relief. We always recommend taking a natural approach where possible, and many vets now advocate and even promote the use of CBD to help separation anxiety in dogs.
Whichever approach you decide to take, if your dog has separation anxiety, always remember that consistency is key, and you won’t see a sudden improvement overnight. Stick with whichever training method you decide on and give your pet the chance to be the best dog they can possibly be.
Author bio: Jennifer is the voice behind the FOMO Bones blog. She’s pretty sure she was a Great Dane in her past life, but her team at FOMO pegs her as more of a Labrador. Regardless of her breed, she’s a dog enthusiast with 15 years’ experience training dogs and owner.
3 Benefits of Practicing Meditation with CBD
Posted on August 6, 2019 Leave a Comment
This article was originally published on SundayScaries.
Meditation has long been practiced within the Buddhist religion as a means for heightened awareness. In society today, you may think of people who practice meditation as being hippies or activists of some kind. The truth is meditation has amazing qualities for anyone who can set aside time for the practice. This includes those needing relief from everyday stressors or those who seek mental clarity.
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, has been introduced within the past few years as another route to achieving calmness. It has been gaining in popularity within the yoga and meditation communities. There are many people who practice meditation who also incorporate CBD into their routine for heightened benefits. Unlike the THC also found in the cannabis sativa plant, CBD will not get you high.
Below are three of the top 3 benefits for practicing meditation with CBD. If you seek to find mental clarity, self-awareness, and/or relief from symptoms of anxiety or stress, then this could be an interesting endeavor for you to try.
Stress Relief and Reduced Anxiety
As humans in the 21st century, we are constantly busy. Our world today paints the picture of perfect living as one that has us working in high-paying jobs, living in huge houses, and driving high-end cars. Plus, we’re inundated with media on all our different screens, from our phones and laptops to TVs. This sort of materialistic driven living can produce a lot of stressors. We all want to be successful and have nice things, but at what cost to our own happiness?
Monday morning rolls around and we find ourselves dreading work. We make memes about it and post them to our social media accounts, just so everyone knows we dislike our job. But, we still do it. What choice do we have? If we want to live a good life attaining success and acquiring material items, sometimes the job becomes a necessary evil and a source of anxiousness. However, with products like Sunday Scaries CBD Gummies, you can overcome that dreadful anxiety.
Stress and anxiety can develop into physical symptoms throughout our body. For this reason, many people have turned to those Buddhist rooted traditions like meditation. According to some physicians, CBD can promote physical and mental relaxation and reduce levels of anxiety.
CBD for anxiety, along with guided meditation, can increase the level of relaxation for both your mind and body. It has been shown to provide mental clarity, help develop different moods, and prevent the brain from reacting to certain chemicals that cause the body to feel pain. This can be extremely helpful if you are seeking to reduce stress and anxiety, and effectively gain more mindfulness within your daily life.
Improved Mental Clarity
Some people experience brain fog or a cloudy feeling in their mind at times. This can be due to high levels of anxiety and stress interrupting proper mental functions. This is when it can be useful to meditate or practice yoga. To get the most out of these practices and truly reduce stress levels, you can incorporate CBD to your routine. Researchers have proven that products that contain CBD with very low levels of THC can and do help with mental clarity and relaxation.
Meditation has already shown to produce many health benefits. It can promote overall happiness that can lead to a reduction of stress and anxiety. This is why many yoga studios across the country are taking the opportunity to use CBD in coordination with their practice. If one of these is already known to give us more mental clarity and heightened happiness, then both combined should amplify the results. However, some yoga class attendees aren’t so sure. The main reason being that most CBD products do take time to metabolize. This would mean that to have an optimal experience in using both, it would be better to take some form of CBD daily and within certain time frames. Taking right before a yoga class may not get you the results you are looking for.
Advancement in Mental Health Practices
Scientists have been researching the various effects that CBD has on mental health and have begun using CBD when applicable. This emergence of practical everyday use of CBD has led many people with mental health disorders to try various forms of the product. Along with therapy and guided meditations for those dealing with social anxiety and mood disorders, relief has been found without continued use of prescription medications in some patients.
The government has been pressured for years when it comes to legalizing CBD. Sixteen states have legalized or decriminalized possession of CBD with little to no THC largely thanks to medical professionals who are studying the benefits of CBD and its growing number of applications.
Growing Benefits
As society moves forward on the road to enlightenment, the use of multiple practices to help relieve symptoms like stress and anxiety is growing rapidly. Meditation has long been used as a foundation for bringing a person back to a tranquil state of mind. The continued research and use of CBD products coupled with this practice will be the advancement needed for many people to reach their overall health goals.
How to Make CBD Gummies at Home
Posted on July 26, 2019 Leave a Comment
This article was originally published on SundayScaries.
One of the best ways to relieve anxiety and pain is to take CBD. One of the ways to consume a dose of CBD is by eating CBD gummies. You can buy CBD gummies online or in some stores, but it’s much easier to make them yourself.
Why Should You Make Your Own CBD Gummies?
There are many great reasons for making your own CBD gummies rather than buying them—it’s a heck of a lot cheaper to make them yourself, for example. If you take CBD gummies every day, it saves you a lot of time to make them at home, and it doesn’t even take very long. The overall process is only about 25 minutes. You should only have to make a batch once a month.
Steps to Make the Best CBD Gummies
Step 1: Check Legality in Your State
Making and selling CBD gummies isn’t legal in every state. Don’t assume that these laws are just for CBD gummies that contain marijuana; it applies to ones made from hemp too. You should check online what the laws are in your state before starting, just in case. It’s always best to check if you aren’t 100% certain.
Try looking at these articles we found that might help you obtain information on your state’s laws on CBD:
- 17 States with Laws Specifically about Legal Cannabidiol (CBD)
- Marijuana, Hemp, CBD Oil: What’s Legal and Where
Step 2: Gather Your Materials and Ingredients
This recipe for CBD gummies is sort of a general set of instructions for any type of flavored gummies you want to make. Feel free to change or multiply the ingredient amounts to your preference or increase/decrease the amount of CBD tincture added to alter the resulting potency of each gummy.
If you follow these instructions, you should come out with about 50 gummies that have around 5mg of CBD in each gummy. Of course, there’s no way to get precisely 5mg in each since the CBD is added before the mixture gets poured into the mold, but it should be close to 5, as long as you mix it well.
Materials and Ingredients Needed:
- Silicone molds in the shape of your choosing. The yield of 50 gummies applies for gummy bear shaped molds
- Condiment bottle (any squeeze bottle will do)
- 1 pot (the kind of pot that goes on the stove, not the kind that you smoke)
- Small funnel, to fit inside the opening on the squeeze bottle
- 1 oz CBD tincture of your choice
- 3 tbsp honey
- ½ c coconut water
- 1 c flavored juice. You can also combine tea with a fruit juice for a more exciting flavor.
- 2 tbsp gelatin
- ⅛ tsp Himalayan pink salt (for added health benefits)
Step 3: Make the Gummy Mixture
Making the gummies is pretty simple as long as you follow the steps. If you decide to make a little extra than what this recipe calls for, make sure you stir it longer to ensure consistency.
- Add your coconut water to the pot, turn on your stove to medium-high heat and bring it to a boil
- Now add the salt, fruit juice (or another flavoring), and honey
- Give it a quick stir and then reduce the heat and let simmer until the honey dissolves completely and all ingredients in the pot are combined well. You might want to occasionally stir it so that the honey doesn’t burn at the bottom
- Add the gelatin
- Stir vigorously for 5 minutes
- Add your CBD tincture, mix well, and then follow the next steps for pouring the mixture into the gummy bear mold.
Step 4: Pour Gummies into the Mold
No matter what shape of gummy you choose, use a silicone mold. Otherwise, the gummies will come apart when you’re trying to pry them free from whatever type of mold you chose to buy instead of silicone. You can still eat them that way; they just won’t be as impressive looking.
The first thing you need to do is turn the stove off, so you don’t catch your house on fire. Next, get out the funnel and squeeze bottle. Put them together, in the way that you assume. The next action is to pour the mixture from the pot, through the funnel, and into the squeeze bottle, being careful not to spill any. Any loss of the gummy mixture will cause some gummies to be less potent. Squeeze it into the molds and make them as full as you can.
Step 5: Refrigerate then Enjoy
Place the filled mold in the fridge and wait at least 20-30 minutes.
While you’re waiting, you can use the rest of your CBD tincture to make some other cool products, like a calming shampoo, pain-relief cream, lip balm, lotion, or hard candies. There’s a lot of great ideas on Pinterest and CBD websites. You can get creative with it and try new ideas as well. Anything that contains CBD is going to sell quickly due to the current fad surrounding CBD products.
Try Before Sharing
Once your gummies are finished solidifying, you can eat one right away. If we were you, we would eat one first and see how it makes us feel before eating another and definitely before giving them to other people. This is where state law is a big deal.
If CBD gummies are illegal in your state, you can get in a lot of trouble if you get caught giving homemade gummies out to other people. But, if it’s legal, then enjoy yourself and try taking 1 or 2 every morning to keep you calm all day and to reduce stress.
You can always buy CBD candy or take a CBD shot for the lazy days!
5 Common Sudden Strange Dog Behavior Symptoms (and What to Do)
Posted on July 25, 2019 Leave a Comment
This article by Jennifer was originally published on FOMO Bones.
When we think of dogs, we tend to imagine a happy, goofy companion that loves to play and, most of all, loves to sit right by our side. A running joke in the dog-parent community is the fact that our pooches absolutely lack personal space and it is usually impossible to even go to the bathroom in peace. What most people don’t realize is that our canine companions can experience emotional issues like stress, anxiety, and depression. What’s more, because the powers that be failed to give dogs the ability to talk, the only way they can get our attention to alert us that something is wrong is by acting out in some very strange ways.
Why Do Dogs Start Behaving Strangely Overnight?
More often than not, if your dog’s behavior is normal and he is otherwise in good health, a sudden change in behavior could indicate that your pup is experiencing stress and/or anxiety. And here’s the thing about anxiety—we can’t control it most of the time and we have no idea where it comes from. The same is true for our dogs when they start feeling anxious as a result of being left on their own for extended periods of time or due to a lack of exercise or a change in environment. So, it’s not that they have suddenly become anxious or unwell; it’s more that their symptoms have become severe enough for them to seek help by getting our attention, or they could also be self-soothing by using bizarre behavior as a coping mechanism.
If you notice any of the following strange behaviors in your dog, then they are sending you a signal that something is awry, and you should take action right away to stop the problem worsening.
Your Dog Seems to Be Unable to Focus
If your seemingly intelligent dog starts randomly distracting himself and is unable to focus on one task (like a game of fetch) he could be trying to release pent-up stress. A common displacement behavior is pacing and obsessively sniffing the ground, or compulsively licking paws. If you notice that your dog is suddenly acting out in this way, then it is likely he is suffering from a bout of anxiety. At this stage, you should make a mental note of any poignant changes that have taken place regarding your dog’s routine or living environment and try to restore normality as best as possible.
Obsessive Compulsive Behavior
Sometimes a pet will obsessively scratch himself or pace around as he is struggling to deal with anxiety. This is often the result of an impending event, such as fireworks or you leaving for a trip (trust me, they just know). The problem is this kind of behavior can end up being quite harmful to your dog, especially if they are scratching themselves raw.
They Suddenly Forget Where to Go Potty
A common sign of stress or anxiety in dogs is peeing in the house in a particular spot even though they are completely housebroken. This is a major warning sign that something isn’t right and if you notice that your dog pees in the same place every time you leave them alone, it is a clear indication of separation anxiety. Please note: this is not the same as incontinence. If your dog isn’t capable of controlling their bladder at all, then you need to visit your vet ASAP as it could be the start of a serious disease.
Clingy Behavior
Some dogs need their own space while others love to cuddle close to you at all times. This is one of their lovable traits, as we rely on our dogs for reassurance and affection as much as they do us. But, if your dog has suddenly become super clingy and whiney when he can’t hop onto your lap, then this indicates a problem that needs to be addressed. Pandering to a dog’s negative behavior is only going to reinforce and worsen the issue, not improve it.
Aggression
If your otherwise docile pet suddenly becomes aggressive this could be an indication that he is in pain. Your first step should be to take him to the vet to rule out any serious injuries. If the behavior continues, but your dog isn’t sick, it is likely that the aggression is fear-based and could stem from anxiety.
There are many other strange behaviors that can indicate stress or anxiety, but the above are not as common as others and therefore are easily missed.
How to Overcome These Issues
Now that you understand where your dog’s bizarre behaviors are potentially coming from, it’s time to decide what steps you are going to take to correct the problem. It is worth noting that a combination of tactics to alleviate stress and anxiety work better than using a single method.
CBD Oil
CBD oil is an excellent natural remedy that has powerful healing properties when it comes to treating issues like pain or anxiety. There is already a substantial amount of evidence that shows it can alleviate a range of negative symptoms. Thanks to medical research and CBD oil’s increasing popularity as an alternative medicine, we can only expect more positive news regarding its therapeutic potential in the coming years.
Many dog owners are now choosing to treat anxiety in dogs with CBD oil as it is entirely plant-based and offers a wealth of benefits including anti-inflammatory properties. Many mainstream veterinarians are now advocating the use of CBD to treat a range of canine ailments, primarily anxiety.
Crate Training
If your dog has suddenly started chewing or destroying things around the house, then you could consider crate training. When done properly, it offers your dog a safe haven where they can go to seek respite from their stress. It will also stop them from engaging in destructive behavior that could harm them.
Behavioral Training
If you feel that your dog’s anxiety or strange behavior is getting out of control, it might be time to consult a behavioral therapist. Dogs are pack animals and they need to see you as their pack leader in order to listen and obey you when you tell them to stop baring their teeth or chewing up your favorite pair of shoes.
As always, before you take matters into your own hands, always try to seek professional advice on what you can do to eliminate your dog’s negative behavior.
Author bio: Jennifer is the voice behind the FOMO Bones blog. She’s pretty sure she was a Great Dane in her past life, but her team at FOMO pegs her as more of a Labrador. Regardless of her breed, she’s a dog enthusiast with 15 years’ experience training dogs and owner.
A Step-by-step Guide on How to Make CBD Tincture
Posted on July 15, 2019 Leave a Comment
This article was originally published on SundayScaries.
Research has shown that CBD oils have been used in more recent years to help people and animals with a plethora of mental and physical illnesses. Hemp oil differs from CBD oil in that it contains no cannabinoids. Hemp oil and CBD oil are derived from the hemp plant, but they come from different parts of the plant.
If you’ve ever bought a bottle of CBD oil tincture, you know how expensive it can be. To lower costs, we wanted to share with you a couple of ways you could make your own. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make CBD tincture!
Is it Legal?
Unfortunately, not everyone will be able to make their own CBD tincture. You do need to live in a state where cannabis is legal, as these methods require you to use the cannabis plant in the recipe. President Trump passed a farm bill in December of 2018 that you can take a look at to help you understand how CBD is legal and the future of cannabis in the United States.
CBD is legal in most states, and doctors may even suggest it to their patients as a natural medicine route for alleviating things like pain or anxiety. Check to see if your state has legalized CBD and cannabis use before getting started with the recipes.
What Strains to Use
There are plenty of different strains available, and they’re good for different things. Consider what you’ll be using the tincture for before choosing a strain. Pay attention to the THC to CBD ratio when looking for a strain to use for a CBD tincture. If you don’t want to feel any euphoric effects, opt for one with little to no THC.
- If you struggle with headaches, anxiety, or inflammation, you’d do best to use a strain of ACDC.
- Targeting stress and anxiety is what a Harlequin strain will do. It’s known for calming people down, but it’s good to keep in mind that even though it has a high CBD content, it also has a high THC content.
- If you want something that won’t give you the effects of feeling high, consider a strain of Charlotte’s Web. It’s one of the most popular strains in the world and is great if you struggle with eating disorders.
- Harle-Tsu is the best fit for people looking for pain relief. It’s known for having a high CBD amount while having less than one percent of THC. In addition to helping with pain, this strain also helps with inflammation. Due to its low THC content, this strain is also good for those that don’t want the effects of feeling inebriated.
Two Methods of Making CBD Tincture
The two methods we’ll be covering today are the oil method and the ethanol method. Please follow these directions as closely as possible to get the best homemade CBD tincture.
Ethanol Method
Some people will call this the alcohol method because it uses ethanol. Just about anyone can use this method, and it’s great if you’ve never made CBD oil before. You don’t need any special equipment or set of skills to make CBD oil this way.
The two main reasons you want to use alcohol is because it won’t leave a gross smell or taste in the final product. Follow the directions below to make CBD oil this way!
What you’ll need:
- Hemp
- Ceramic bowl
- Alcohol
- Stove
- Wooden spoon
- Straining bag/sieve
- Double boiler
- Container for the CBD tincture
Instructions:
- Get your preferred strain of hemp and place it in a ceramic bowl
- Pour in the alcohol until the hemp is covered
- Stir continuously for around six minutes
- Take your spoon to remove the resin
- Use your sieve or straining bag as a filter, squeezing as much out as you can
- Repeat step five until you think all of the oil is out
- Take the oil extract and pour it into your double boiler
- Put the double boiler on the stove until you begin to see bubbles
- Keep doing this until all of the alcohol has evaporated
- With a low flame, allow it to simmer for around half an hour
- Mix the substance in your double boiler
- Once it’s cooled, transfer into an appropriate container with a proper seal
Oil Method
Before you start with the oil method, you’ll need to choose a carrier oil that you prefer. There are benefits from different oils like sunflower oil, coconut oil, and more. The oil method is much more time consuming, but many people prefer it over the alcohol method. Choose which oil you like best and follow the directions below for your own homemade CBD oil!
What you’ll need:
- Carrier oil
- Hemp
- Oven
- Jar
- A pan
- Stove
- Water
- Towel
- Thermometer
- Cheesecloth
- Container for CBD oil
Instructions:
- Using your choice of cannabis, place the buds in the oven at 220 degrees for an hour and a half
- Once cooled, use a grinder to grind up the buds and separate the stems
- Take your jar and mix in the ground up hemp with the carrier oil you chose
- Make sure the oil covers the hemp completely
- The amount of oil you use depends on how potent you’d like the final product to be—more oil will make it less potent and vice versa
- Put water in a pan and place on the stove
- Place the jar with the mixture inside the pan until the water begins to boil
- Make sure the jar has a lid to keep the contents secure
- Take the jar off the heat and place it on a towel
- Take the temperature of the oil, making sure it’s reached at least 200 degrees
- Place it back in the pan and continue letting it “cook” for a few hours on a low heat
- Check occasionally to make sure the water hasn’t evaporated
- After three hours, turn the stove off and allow the mixture to sit for an additional three hours while the CBD continues to extract from the cannabis
- Repeat steps 11-13 again and then leave the oil overnight
- The next day, take a cheesecloth to strain the extract into a proper container and store with a tight lid
Final Words
If after reading this you’re feeling a bit intimidated, that’s normal. If it all seems too much, you can always buy a bottle of CBD oil online. Your finished oil can now be ingested in several ways. The most popular ways are orally, topically, or with a vape pen. Following either set of directions above exactly will get you a much more cost-efficient bottle of CBD oil to help you with pain, anxiety, stress, or whatever ailments you choose to use it for! Good luck!
What Are the Rules about CBD and Alcohol?
Posted on July 9, 2019 Leave a Comment
This article by Madeleine Taylor was originally published on SundayScaries.
Most medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter, come with warnings about mixing with alcohol. This is because both alcohol and medicines alter a person’s brain chemistry and if drugs are mixed with alcohol, it can have an unpredictable effect on the brain and body. The wrong mix of medication and alcohol can be fatal.
The awareness of the dangers of mixing medication and alcohol has led many people to ask if it’s safe to mix CBD and alcohol. The truth is, mixing hemp or CBD oil and alcohol can actually prove helpful for some people in an indirect manner. What’s more, using CBD oil can help a person curb their craving for alcohol, making it an effective treatment for alcoholism for some people.
CBD and Alcohol
Though more research is needed, like with cannabis, there is some evidence that using CBD and then drinking can result in a lower blood alcohol content. This means you can drink the same amount of alcohol as usual but suffer less of a toxic effect on the body. Some believe CBD reduces the risk for alcohol poisoning—though nobody would suggest you take CBD and then binge drink just for the sake of testing the theory.
One study showed that transdermal CBD patches applied to rodents significantly reduced the brain damage associated with drinking too much alcohol. It could be that CBD protects the brain from the dangers of alcohol, which means it could be safer to enjoy an alcoholic beverage without concern for the long-term effects.
Keep in mind, this doesn’t mean you won’t get drunk, nor does it make it safe to drink and then operate a vehicle, or to drink in large quantities. However, there is evidence that CBD, which comes from the cannabis plant, enhances function after drinking and slows a person’s response time to alcohol. CBD also balances out the reaction to alcohol from a reward standpoint. This means it could prevent someone from developing an addiction to alcohol because they do not experience that exciting rush from drinking.
There is also some evidence that the positive effects of mixing, say, a tincture that contains high CBD and alcohol could extend beyond the brain into other parts of the body. One study showed that CBD protected the livers of mice from exposure to alcohol.
The positive effects—or reduction of negative effects—when mixing alcohol and CBD has led to some savvy bartenders creating CBD-infused cocktails. Though this is illegal in many areas and has yet to catch on so far in any widespread manner, it’s likely that, as more people discover the benefits of CBD oil and other CBD products, more and more businesses will use it to enhance and market their products.
Using CBD to Treat Alcoholism
Perhaps the most notable link between CBD and alcohol is the potential for the compound to help those with an addiction to alcohol. This is the case whether a person has developed full-blown alcoholism, or they just tend to overdrink but haven’t yet made it to the point of having an addiction. Essentially, CBD can help a person have a healthier relationship with alcohol.
One of the biggest challenges alcoholics face is their withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking. They not only give up the rush alcohol produces in their body, but their body will respond in negative ways. For instance, many people who are heavy drinkers and stop find they develop a tremor. Alcoholics going through withdrawal also tend to experience a general sense of nervousness, insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, nausea, and irritability.
CBD has been shown to ease these symptoms in a variety of situations and could be an effective tool for helping a person kick their addiction to alcohol long-term. Not to mention the cost considerations for treating alcoholism. Many people would benefit from spending time in a long-term care facility to help them deal with their addiction, but these places are often cost-prohibitive. CBD is an affordable option for people who want to break their addiction to alcohol but don’t have the money to invest in an inpatient program.
CBD helps people who are struggling with alcohol and makes it easier to overcome their addiction by supplementing what the body can no longer do properly because of the damage from long-term over-drinking. It also substitutes the feelings produced by drinking. CBD acts as a natural “replenishment” of the body’s depleted supply of endocannabinoids, which are erased over the course of alcohol abuse. It can also reduce cravings for alcohol as a person goes through detox.
CBD can be helpful for getting a person through withdraw and then for helping them avoid the temptation to drink once they’ve kicked their drinking habit.
Unfortunately, the stigma that still surrounds CBD has kept it out of the hands of many people suffering from alcoholism. Too many people assume that using CBD to treat alcoholism is just trading “one drug for another.” Others falsely believe that CBD is even more dangerous than alcohol or that it will produce psychoactive effects and not allow a person to recover from alcoholism in their normal functioning state.
The truth is CBD is not psychoactive. There are a number of misunderstandings and myths out there about CBD and too many people link it to marijuana and THC because it is derived from a similar source. CBD does not get you high or stoned. It does not interfere negatively with your body’s natural ability to perform and, as a matter of fact, many people find it has a positive effect on their performance. People who are not struggling with alcoholism use CBD to help them focus, feel more relaxed, and to meet the demands of everyday life in their optimal condition.
If you are struggling to overcome alcoholism or you’re wondering if CBD can help you approach alcohol consumption in a healthier manner, it might be time to give it a try.
Eight Signs of a Stressed-out Dog
Posted on July 8, 2019 Leave a Comment
This article by Jennifer is originally published at FOMO Bones.
After a hard day’s work, you may sometimes look at your pooch and wish you had it as easy as they did. After all, they get three (free) square meals a day, a comfy bed, ZERO bills and plenty of belly scratches. Ahhh, that’s the life, right?
And yet our dogs can suffer severely with stress and anxiety—so much so that if left untreated, it can lead to serious behavioral issues and persistent psychological problems.
At FOMO, we’re all for happy wagging tails. So here we present the top eight signs of a dog in distress (with some pointers along the way as to what you could and should do about it.
- Barely poops or, alternatively, gets all blocked op
Diarrhea and constipation can go hand-in-hand with anxiety. Like their owners, dogs have millions of receptors within their gastrointestinal tract. When a dog is stressed, these receptors react to the physiological response to fear by either speeding up or slowing down their digestive tract.
Im-paw-tant pointer: With this indicator, it’s worth understanding that diarrhea or constipation is usually more likely to be linked with illness or food intolerance—so any persistent stomach upsets should warrant an urgent trip to the vet (when we say persistent, we’re talking for more than 48 hours or so). This is especially true if you spot blood in their vomit or stools.
- “Favorite dog treat? No thank you” —Your dog’s appetite dramatically decreases
This one can be a big red flag. After all, what dog would willingly turn their CBD dog treats or food down? In the most basic sense, a loss in appetite in dogs can be compared to how a human loses weight during stressful times of their life. If this has happened with your dog, think about whether there have been any new stressors recently—such as moving home, a new baby, or a change in routine. You should also think about giving your vet a call—just to ensure there’s no underlying illness that could explain their dip in appetite.
- “Just leave me alone!” —Your dog isolates himself
It’s pretty natural for any dog to want to spend time alone occasionally. However, when this becomes more regular with your pup removing himself from human or canine company for hours on end, it could be an indicator that they are anxious or sick. To rule out illness, it may be worthwhile to check in with your veterinarian.
- Your dog destroys… EVERYTHING
In more boisterous breeds, dogs routinely attempt to calm their nerves themselves by chowing down on furniture, shoes, toys, and even by biting or licking their own body! If you spot these signs, consider the immediate circumstances leading up to this behavior: Had they been left alone for a long time? Has an unfamiliar guest popped round?
- Yawning—Yup, it’s not just a sign of tiredness
It might seem odd, but yawning can be a symptom of stress. When a dog feels anxious, their body enters flight or fight mode.
Their heart rate increases, they breathe more quickly, and their muscles tighten. To assist these processes, your pup’s body needs more oxygen, which is gained by taking deep, protracted breathes in the form of yawning.
A stressed yawn is typically observed alongside other behaviors, such as isolation and…
- Pinned ears and panting
Some dogs seem to look worried—a key indicator of which can be pinned ears, where their ears pull back and sit flusher to their head. They may also pant in reaction to fear, anxiety, or stress.
A warning sign to look out for in a stressed, panting dog is when they suddenly close their mouth; this could be a signal that they’re reaching peak stress, and preparing to bite.
- “Pass me the brush!” —Your pup sheds his hair
Ever noticed how much fur your dog leaves behind at the vet? You may have thought that you didn’t notice just how much they shred until you were under the bright vet lights. But actually, shedding hair is a reaction to anxiety. This can be as immediate as being in the vet’s waiting room, or it could be more gradual in response to a big life event, such as moving, adopting another pet, or a family member moving out.
- Licking (and licking and licking!) their nose and lips.
Dogs are forever attempting to communicate using body language, it’s just that most humans aren’t clued up as to what action holds what meaning.
In the case of a dog who excessively licks their nose and lips, they are showing you that they’re feeling a bit uneasy.
So, those are the signs of a stressed-out pup. You could probably do with something to ease his frayed nerves. Which, luckily enough, is right about where FOMO Bones’s rather special bones step in. All-natural FOMO Bones are packed with anxiety-eradicating CBD, which eases canine anxiety and relaxes your furry friend.
Author bio: Jennifer is the voice behind the FOMO Bones blog. She’s pretty sure she was a Great Dane in her past life, but her team at FOMO pegs her as more of a Labrador. Regardless of her breed, she’s a dog enthusiast with 15 years’ experience training dogs and owner.
How Can CBD Help Senior Citizens?
Posted on June 28, 2019 Leave a Comment
This article by Madeleine Taylor was originally published on SundayScaries.
Cannabis-based products like medical marijuana have been getting more and more attention since Canada legalized marijuana in October 2018 year. While the healing drug from the cannabis plant is already legal in countries like Uruguay, Canada’s decision to make marijuana legal has pushed the healing capabilities of the herb into the limelight like never before.
Not a day goes by where we don’t see one of our friends share a post on social media about the therapeutic effects of CBD oil in particular, and we are often hearing of legitimate testimonials from people who have treated or helped treat their ailments and even terminal illnesses via ingesting cannabis-based products.
Ways CBD Can Help Senior Citizens
CBD oil has received a lot of attention this year, due to its efficacy at relieving ailments like chronic pain, arthritis, and even dementia in elderly people, and in this article we will be looking at exactly how CBD can help our loved ones during the later stages of life.
Combats Pain and Reduces Inflammation
As we get older, we start to notice aches and pains in our joints more frequently. And while many of us find the stiffness tolerable to a degree, when we reach a certain age, it can become debilitating and unbearable and many often turn to prescription drugs. A long time ago, CBD was found to provide long-term relief for pains that arise as a result of:
- Arthritis
- Neuropathy
- Crohn‘s disease
- Cancer
- ALS
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Post-traumatic stress
- Huntington’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
Many more ailments frequently cause pain in individuals of all ages, but especially the elderly. Thanks to the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory benefits of cannabidiol oil, more doctors are prescribing nature’s powerful healing potion to senior patients as they feel it is a better alternative to dishing out traditional painkillers that can cause damage to other organs if used for too long.
With more publicity surrounding the use of CBD-based products to naturally combat the uncomfortable symptoms of aging, it quickly became the multi-purpose medicine of choice in states where it is permitted for medicinal purposes.
CBD Heals Your Aching Bones
When taken in the correct manner, cannabis can help damaged joints. One of the most common symptoms of aging is the reduction in bone density, which is accompanied by the tendency to be prone to Osteoporosis. This degenerative condition makes the elderly highly susceptible to fractures, especially women over the age of 50 who have been through the menopause. CBD can be used as a preventative measure and also in a curative sense when it comes to dealing with bone-related issues in seniors.
Research has revealed that CBD is capable of halting bone degeneration in its tracks and even reversing existing damage. It triggers the regeneration of healthy bone tissue, as well as growth. The result of taking regular doses of CBS is one that senior citizens very much need—increased bone density and stronger bones. It also has the added benefit of relieving pain caused by the inflammation of joints and surrounding muscles.
It Enhances Quality of Sleep
It comes without much surprise that many senior citizens have difficulty sleeping. They struggle to fall asleep, they can’t stay asleep for a long time, and they also usually struggle to maintain healthy sleep patterns. Not only can this lead to increased fatigue and irritability during the day, but inconsistent sleep in old age can also encourage degenerative diseases like dementia, glaucoma, and Alzheimer’s.
Fortunately, the benefits of CBD when it comes to sleep are countless. First of all, contrary to traditional prescription sleep meds, CBD enhances alertness throughout the day. However, it works much better as a sleeping aid when it is taken in the morning as opposed to right before bed. It cures insomnia by promoting lengthier, more consistent sleep patterns and also allows sufferers to overcome symptoms like anxiety, stress, and irritability that often accompany a lack of sleep. CBD is also a much safer alternative to pharmaceutical sleep aids, as there are no negative side effects associated with it whatsoever. For those of us who have elderly loved ones, this is possibly the most important advantage of the tincture.
What Are the Safest Ways for Senior Citizens to Take CBD?
Smoking marijuana strains rich in CBD is not recommendable for the elderly, as high quantities of THC will also be ingested. That means that grandpa will be walking around in a complete daze most of the time, possibly as high as a kite. The safest and most effective methods of experiencing all of the healing benefits that cannabis has to offer, especially among senior citizens, is to consume CBD infused edibles such as under-the-tongue tinctures, and, of course, CBD oil.
Final Thoughts
The benefits of choosing CBD products include no addictive properties and common withdrawal symptoms. Second, and perhaps most importantly, there are no side effects associated with CBD and a recent study revealed that in order to reach toxicity, one would have to consume over four pounds of marijuana in one day. CBD is paving the way for the world to focus on entirely natural treatments becoming commonplace in traditional medicine and with so many success stories emerging every day, the future is looking incredibly bright for cannabis-based products.
Severe Separation Anxiety in Dogs: When Is It Time to See the Vet?
Posted on June 27, 2019 Leave a Comment
This article by Jennifer was originally published on FOMO Bones.
If your dog has started acting out or is visibly stressed out when you leave him alone, then you are more than likely dealing with one of the most common issues when it comes to having a dog: separation anxiety! It is essentially defined as a problematic type of behavior that is accompanied by symptoms such as whining, pooping, excessive barking, scratching the walls and doors, chewing things up, or other destructive behavior. In more severe cases, separation anxiety could cause your dog to try and escape through the room they are in at any cost! Even crate training may not always work.
If you are among the thousands of devoted pet parents who have to deal with the negative effects of your dog’s separation anxiety, then you will be pleased to hear there are several highly effective remedies you can try at home to soothe your pup.
Why Do Dogs Get Separation Anxiety?
What the majority of pet owners don’t realize is that separation anxiety in dogs, especially when left for longer periods, is often encouraged by overly adoring dog owners. Because we love our four-legged friends so much, it is just too tempting not to make a huge fuss and smother them with kisses and cuddles when we get home after being at work all day. And while we think that this will give them the reassurance they need to know that we will always come back after a few hours, dogs do not have the ability to rationalize as humans do. Every time your dog experiences the anxiety of being away from you and you reward this stress with attention on returning home, you are provoking him to continue acting out. Also, dogs are pack animals and they see us as their pack leader which they want to be with 24/7, so leaving them in a crate while you go to work for short periods may have a serious effect on the pet.
The root cause of separation anxiety in dogs can’t be pinned on one general factor. Some experts indicate that a lack of exercise and overall boredom can cause our dogs to become more stressed, while many others believe that some breeds have an inherently nervous disposition compared to others. Regardless of the cause of the separation anxiety, it is something that needs to be dealt with sooner rather than later with behavior modification.
How to Overcome Separation Anxiety in Dogs
A change in routine including mental stimulation is thought to be one of the factors that contribute most to your pet experiencing an onset of separation anxiety. In order to start minimizing these bouts of stress, you have to establish a balanced sense of confidence, patience, and obedience in your dog. This happens by ensuring you take a consistent approach to never rewarding negative behavior. For example, if every time you leave, and you hear your dog whining and go back to comfort him, it is going to teach him that by barking and whining more, he is going to get you back quicker. Any kind of discipline and training involves patience and consistency and the same is true of helping your hound to feel better about being left home alone.
There is also a range of entirely natural and healing products you can use as tools to accompany your chosen “training” regime, such as CBD dog treats. These organic treats are infused with just the right dose of CBD oil to ease your dog’s anxiety and many dog owners who found that nothing seemed to work with regards to their dog’s separation anxiety are having excellent results. Not only will the CBD dog treats calm your dog down, but they also work to cure ailments like arthritis, epilepsy, and pain.
When Is It Time to See the Vet?
Separation anxiety in dogs is a common issue that almost every pet will experience to some degree, thus it is usually normal. However, there are some warning signs that indicate you might need to go and see the vet or veterinary behaviorist. These include…
Aggressive Behavior
If you notice that your dog is demonstrating aggressive or possessive behavior all of a sudden, then it could be he is experiencing severe separation anxiety. Many dogs try to overcome their feelings of being left alone by clinging to our sides during the time we are with them. In theory, there is nothing wrong with this, but if your dog starts guarding you and showing aggressive behavior or similar problem behaviors to others wanting to get close to you, then you need to see the vet as soon as possible in order to rule out any underlying illness. Your vet should also be able to recommend an animal behaviorist who can help you get your dog’s attitude in check.
Extreme Panic Attacks
Most people think that panic attacks only happen to humans who are under extreme amounts of pressure. Unfortunately, that is simply not the case, and our dogs can experience panic attacks that can cause them to act out through pooping and even eating parts of the furniture, shoes, etc. If your dog’s anxiety seems to be through the roof, then you should consult your vet about what you can do. Many vets will promote natural remedies, so be sure to ask if they think CBD treats could be a feasible option for your pup.
Obsessive Eating
A couple of years ago, my own dog went through such a bad case of separation anxiety he ate part of the curtain. I came home to find him choking and rushed him to the vet. Fortunately, she told me that he wasn’t choking—he was having an anxiety attack. Because dogs don’t understand what anxiety is, when they feel overcome with a negative sensation, they will often take comfort in trying to eat the proverbial lump in their throat away. Some dogs will obsessively eat shoes, cushion stuffing, and toys, while others will literally try and chew their way through doors. Aside from the cost of having to replace and repair everything, if your dog ingests plastic or wood it could cause them major stomach problems.
The above points are just a few examples of when it could be time to see a vet to get further advice on how to deal with separation anxiety in dogs. As a rule of thumb, you as a devoted dog owner will sense in your gut when something is wrong, so it’s always better to get a professional second opinion from a reputable vet to help you treat your dog’s anxiety properly.
Author bio: Jennifer is the voice behind the FOMO Bones blog. She’s pretty sure she was a Great Dane in her past life, but her team at FOMO pegs her as more of a Labrador. Regardless of her breed, she’s a dog enthusiast with 15 years’ experience training dogs and owner.
RJ Plant
