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#Blessed. #Grateful. These popular hashtags run across social media and we may even use these phrases ourselves in our day-to-day lives. But did you know that when you practice an attitude of gratitude you’re giving yourself a boost of well being too?
Expressing gratitude with words or actions can feel great both for the person giving and receiving thanks. As we all prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s an opportune time to explore the meaning of gratitude, creative ways to give thanks, and share the benefits of this rich emotion.
“Gratitude is a multi-layered, complex concept with multiple definitions. It can be regarded at many levels of analysis ranging from momentary affect to long-term dispositions as a general state of thankfulness and/or appreciation, and as the recognition and appreciation of an altruistic gift (Emmons, 2004).” – Dr. Robert A. Emmons.
Gratitude plays an essential role in fostering our mental health, feelings of social connection, and overall well-being as individuals within a greater society.
There are several ways to say “thank you” but it’s suggested we begin with our own daily gratitude practice. This doesn’t need to be complicated or take long. Here are some of our favorite ways to create a daily gratitude practice:
It’s simple. Five minutes a day can help you shift the focus to what you have instead of to what you don’t.
Send a thank you note, mail, or text to someone who helped you. Small acts of kindness go a long way.
Make a habit of saying thank you at the end of each meal. Pausing to be grateful for all of the labor and love that went into the food we eat can lead to more appreciation throughout the day.
Make a habit of saying thank you both at the start and end of your day. Book ending the day with gratitude is a way to get off to a positive start and close the day, no matter how tough, with a feeling of optimism.
A Gratitude Exchange allows you to double the benefit and increase connection to someone you care for by practicing this simple exercise where you each acknowledge and thank each other.
Maybe you’re someone who says thank you all the time but struggles to hear it? Are you more of a giver than receiver? Do you deflect when someone offers words of appreciation? If taking a compliment doesn’t come easily then accepting a word or act of gratitude might not feel so easy either.
Here are some ways you can practice receiving thanks in order to experience its range of benefits:
When someone thanks you and extends their appreciation, don’t minimize or dismiss their appreciation by saying, “it was no big deal,” or by saying nothing at all!
Place your hand on your heart when someone thanks you. This can help you stay in your body and receive the message.
Allow others to thank you. Stay present and remind yourself that they will benefit too.
Gratitude can help us see the glass as half full rather than half empty. Practicing gratitude can help us refrain from negativity, judgment and catastrophizing. It can help boost our confidence and self-esteem and cultivate more satisfaction even when we’ve had a bad day. But did you know that there are emotional, social and professional benefits to showing gratitude regularly? There are even significant physical and mental health benefits too.
Besides benefiting the giver and the recipient, acts of gratitude can even benefit the observer too. When someone witnesses an act of gratitude, studies show that person feels more connection towards both of them.
Whether you say it, show it, or share it in your own unique way, owning your attitude of gratitude can help you enjoy the many benefits of this fulfilling emotion. Starting right now. What are you grateful for?
Are you searching for unique holiday gifts that also share the benefits of CBD?
Check out our 2023 holiday gift guide below to find the best CBD Gift Sets for everyone on your list.
All Black Dahlia Gift Sets offer a premium value of 25% off the regular price, ship for free and include complimentary festive wrapping.
Have a holly, jolly, lolly!
Our brand-new Jollypops CBD Gift Set is a great and affordable gift for a friend, family member or colleague who needs some cheer.
They’ll enjoy three feel-good Christmas flavors; classic Eggnog, sweet Candy Cane and warming Gingerbread.
Includes nine CBD Holiday Lollipops total (three of each flavor) so there will be plenty of joy to share all around.
What could be more fun than a Candy Cane – but with CBD?
Our brand-new Candy Cane Crunch CBD Gift Set is the perfect gift for that person who always brings something unexpected to the party.
They’ll never offer a traditional after-dinner mint again when they can offer guests an original CBD Candy Cane or a CBD Peppermint Crunch Bonbon instead.
Available for a limited-time only, this gift set includes three CBD Candy Canes and a box of CBD Peppermint Crunch Chocolate Bonbons.
Do you have a friend, sibling or colleague who’s a candle connoisseur?
Then they’ll love our Peace & Love CBD Gift Set.
Includes Alchemy: PAX and Alchemy: AMARE, two of our favorite artisanal and aromatherapeutic CBD-infused candles from our Alchemy CBD candle collection.
Need the perfect gift for a host or homebody?
Try Black Dahlia’s CBD COMFORT & JOY GIFT SET so everyone can enjoy a cozy night in.
Includes a box of our Dark Chocolate S’Mores CBD Bonbons, three CBD Eggnog Lollipops (3) and an
Alchemy: FELICITAS CBD-infused candle.
Our Gelées for the Holidaze CBD Gift Set is a great gift for a stressed-out friend or family member.
With velvety flavor pairings imagined by chefs, our sophisticated CBD gummies are guaranteed to satisfy the pickiest palates – and help them relax.
Shop our classic Chocolate Obsessed CBD Gift Set for anyone who likes their chocolate fix with a dose of CBD.
Includes three boxes of our handcrafted Dark Chocolate CBD Bonbons including Grand Cru, Sea Salt Caramel & Peppermint Crunch.
Don’t let holiday shopping stress you out or get you down.
Brighten someone’s spirits when you shop and save our handcrafted Gift Sets now.
What’s a low-risk, addiction-free solution for pain? CBD! Whether it’s ingested or applied, CBD might be the right remedy for you whether you experience the occasional achy muscle or suffer from chronic inflammation.
While CBD is often associated with other great benefits including stress-relief, focus and sleep-support, CBD is also a powerful analgesic, or pain killer, but without negative or harmful side effects.
CBD is a naturally-occurring phytocannabinoid derived from the hardworking hemp plant. Unlike THC, CBD won’t impair your functioning or get you high but can influence the body to work better by using its endocannabinoid system (ECS) more effectively.
There is growing evidence from human studies to support the benefits of CBD for pain, but it’s limited due to restrictions on the use of and research on cannabis. As cannabis is becoming legalized in various regions, however, research is gaining momentum and showing surprising, and promising results.
The ECS is an ancient system that evolved over 500 million years ago. Wired throughout the human body it’s designed to help maintain homeostasis, a balance that helps regulate everything from our appetite to our mood to the way we experience pain.
In fairly recent times, scientists discovered that the human body has cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoids. THC and CBD are phytocannabinoids chemically similar to the natural endocannabinoids produced by the human body.
Our natural endocannabinoids work on demand, meaning that when our body senses inflammation, or pain, it will release endocannabinoids that bind to cannabinoid receptors. CBD itself does not bind to receptors but activates other parts of the cannabinoid system.
In fact, CBD exerts a wide array of effects on the body’s central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as the immune system. It works in partnership with our endocannabinoid system in order to act as an analgesic, or pain reliever.
CBD can help both acute and chronic pain including:
Arthritis and joint pain: Some people with arthritis who’ve tried CBD have reported noticeable pain relief, sleep improvement and anxiety reduction.
Migraines: CBD might help decrease neck pain, soreness, nausea and vomiting — all common symptoms associated with migraines.
Menstrual cramps: CBD may alleviate menstrual cramp pain and could be a great alternative to popping OTC pills.
Back and Muscle Pain: CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and can help ease swelling and pain. It’s a great recovery tool for post-workout muscle fatigue.
Topical, sublingual and edible forms of CBD may all work for you. It’s a personal preference and may require a little experimentation before you discover what method of CBD works best for your pain. Topical creams may work more immediately but could require multiple applications. Oftentimes, there are other substances such as camphor that are added to increase the efficacy, and this might turn you off if you’re sensitive to strong smells.
Edibles, on the other hand, take longer to feel the effects (30 min-2 hours) since your body has to digest and absorb the CBD. Unlike our sugar-free confections, edibles typically contain additives and have a strong hemp taste that’s masked with lots of sugar.
The CBD product you choose will also determine when and how often you take it. Consuming too many edibles at once, or in the morning, may make you too drowsy but frequently reapplying a topical may provide all-day relief without making you tired at all.
When dosing with CBD, consider several factors including your weight, lifestyle, and tolerance for cannabis. Start small, see how you feel – and what you like! – then eventually up your daily dosage.
“It’s best to start small and gradually increase your dose up to a level that gives you the desired effect,” says Cheryl Bugailiskis, M.D. a cannabis specialist at Heally, a telehealth platform for alternative medicine.
Whether you’ve just eaten, slept, or are stressed out also can affect how your body responds to taking CBD. While current science doesn’t explicitly say not to mix alcohol with CBD, it’s probably a good idea to avoid this combo as you might get too sedated!
Still unsure how CBD can work for you? Get a recommendation on mydosage.com or consult your trusted physician. If you have more questions about the many benefits of CBD, click here to learn more.
Palo Santo. Also known as Wood of the Saints and Holy Wood. It seems like everyone is using it but do they know why, where it comes from or how to use it respectfully?
Palo Santo is a sacred tree native to Central and South America that’s been used in sacred Indigenous medicinal and spiritual rituals for centuries. In recent years, Palo Santo has entered the Western zeitgeist, becoming part of the lives of people in and outside the wellness community. Although the wood itself is what’s probably popped up most on your feed, Palo Santo also can be found in incense, brewed into a tea, or found in essential oil.
Read on to discover more about “bursera graveolens” and its potential benefits for you.
Palo Santo has a penetrating woodsy scent, slightly sweet, citrusy, and intense. Some say it reminds them of black licorice. It’s an enchanting, aromatic scent that is certainly unforgettable and distinct.
Palo Santo belongs to the same Burseraceae family that frankincense and myrrh trees are also part of with hints of pine, lemon and mint. It’s one of the most aromatic and rarefied woods in the world.
Smudging is one of the most well-known Palo Santo traditions that dates back to ancient times. It’s a ritual still practiced today by Peru’s revered shamans, or “curanderos,” in order to energetically clear and cleanse a person, space or object.
Curanderos believe burning the sacred wood will drive away dark energies while also inviting positivity and healing into a body or space. Palo Santo was and continues to be used by Indigenous shamans in order to assist the dying as they transition into the afterlife.
Healers and shamans of South America believe that Palo Santo itself possesses a strong spirit that must be acknowledged, and treated with respect. They believe the spirit continues to live in the wood long after the tree has fallen, and when treated properly, will assist in restoring your physical and energetic well being.
This is one of the reasons that properly harvested Palo Santo trees are never cut down, and the wood and essential oils can only be extracted no earlier than three years after the natural death of the tree.
While smudging with Palo Santo is a closed practice, traditionally done by Indigenous shamans, “cleansing” a space is something everyone can attempt to do on their own. If you do attempt this yourself, it’s important to understand the cultural origins of the ritual.
You can respectfully attempt to cleanse a space with Palo Santo by setting a good and pure intention. Invoking the spirit of the plant, offering gratitude, and reciting a blessing as you cleanse is also highly recommended.
Some suggest cleansing a home with Palo Santo in a specific order. If you want to energetically cleanse a house make sure to start at the front door first and move on to other rooms one by one. Corners are believed to hold the highest level of negative energy so it’s recommended to pay special attention to them. Open all the doors and drawers too.
In addition to being used to cleanse energy, Palo Santo has other lesser known and surprising benefits for you.
Palo Santo oil can be directly applied to skin in order to help alleviate pain, and inflammation. A 2017 NIH study attributes this to limonene, which is found in Palo Santo oil and was discovered to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Palo Santo is used to repel mosquitoes and flies. Limonene is also a substance with insecticide properties and is frequently used in natural insect repellants.
Palo Santo was traditionally used by healers as a remedy for common colds, headaches, and stress. While clinical studies on the wood’s medicinal effects are limited, it is rich in antioxidants which aid in recovery.
Palo Santo essential oil is considered a high-vibrational oil with profound healing and grounding potential. Generally associated with the Root chakra, it amplifies our sense of connection, courage, and grounding to the planet. It’s a key ingredient in our Alchemy: Inspiratio CBD-infused candle because smelling the oil can elicit a sense of peacefulness, clarity and calm.
Tap into Palo Santo’s uplifting properties in order to raise your vibration before meditation or an important task. By keeping both your energy and the energies around you rooted, you can establish a deeper connection to your authentic inner self, and the earth.
Dahlias are our forever flower, a source of inspiration for their striking beauty, variety, and resilience. While the colorful flowers have long been associated with loyalty, affection, and everlasting love, recent data suggests they may even have the power to heal too – specifically for people with diabetes.
Chances are you probably know someone with diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when your blood sugar (glucose) is too high and your body is unable to produce or use insulin, a hormone that allows the body to convert glucose (sugar) into energy. When you have chronically high blood sugar you can’t metabolize food normally. While glucose is precious fuel for all the cells in your body when it’s flowing at normal levels, it can behave like a slow-acting poison when it’s not.
Unfortunately, 11.3% of the American population has diabetes. A whopping 86% of Americans are pre-diabetic. Most of these people have Type 2 Diabetes – a condition which primarily results from being very overweight, sedentary and chronically stressed. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to heart attacks, blindness, strokes and a laundry list of other debilitating symptoms.
An extraordinary new study points to the ability of a specific Dahlia petal extract to improve blood sugar regulation in people with prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Led by Neuroendocrinologist Dr. Alexander Tups of the Centre for Neuroendocrinology at the University of Otago in New Zealand, the study determined that Dahlia petals possess a trio of molecules that can help inhibit brain inflammation and support normal blood sugar levels.
When the team began their research eight years ago in 2015, they established that a dietary flavinoid called butein could improve blood sugar levels in people who struggle with blood sugar level control while also reducing brain inflammation. Brain inflammation is one of the main aspects of Type 2 Diabetes caused by consuming an unhealthy Western diet loaded with the usual high-fat, highly-processed suspects.
Dr. Tups said that the realization that dahlias might provide the butein for which his team had been searching was random – or perhaps serendipitous – when over coffee with a colleague he learned that dahlias contain this essential molecule.
“This was the start of a fantastic journey.” said Dr. Tups. “International dahlia experts were growing dahlias in the far South of New Zealand, and were happy to supply the flowers.”
The team then formulated an extract containing butein and tested it successfully on mice. A collaboration with a team of plant chemistry experts next identified the other two molecules that could enhance butein’s effect. The researchers determined in a preclinical setting that all three molecules used together optimized the blood sugar-lowering effect.
“We then found that the dahlia plant is a cultivable source of this molecule and that it contains two additional plant molecules that enhanced the effect of the original one. This specifically blocked brain inflammation and improved blood sugar regulation in preclinical trials,” Associate Professor Tups says.
The team has patented the Dahlia extract and with the help of Otago Innovation Limited (OIL), incorporated the flower extraction into a pill called Dahlia4. The drug has not yet been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
“The product provides a unique blend of nutritional compounds to support normal blood sugar and insulin levels. The trials showed that this will be useful for those diagnosed with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes to help stop the progression of the condition,” said Dr. Graham Strong, who led the OIL team.
Dr. Tups thinks dahlia molecules may have the potential to heal more than high blood sugar. “Since it showed promise in helping to improve brain function, we are now conducting a clinical trial in people with chronic fatigue syndrome or long COVID syndrome,” he said.
The use of plants for therapeutic purposes can be traced back to the Neanderthal period. Data collected over the years has indicated that about 50% of drugs available in the last several decades had a natural origin – suggesting there is an entire universe of plants that humans have yet to discover that can heal modern ailments and disease.
The latest dahlia findings further show that continued bold innovations in science are unlocking and confirming the medicinal power of botanicals — proving nature really does have the power to heal.
When the Pandemic finally ended it was clear we all needed a vacay. Or three! One of life’s greatest privileges is to freely travel to new places, explore different cultures, and literally wake up to a different view. But getting from point A to B can be stressful which is where CBD remedies can help.
CBD can be a great go-to in order to stave off jet lag, calm nerves if you’re an anxious flier, and help soothe achy joints after a long ride or flight. But if you’re crossing state or international lines can you travel with CBD?
Read on for things to consider before you go.
The good news is that, yes, you can travel with CBD within the USA, but it might be tricky. According to the TSA, you can carry CBD products with less than 0.3% THC, and they must be hemp-derived. You can put them either in your carry-on bag or checked bags. We recommend taking a screenshot directly from TSA’s site in case you encounter an agent who might not be up-to-date on the rules.
Unless you are taking the prescription drug Epidiolex, the answer is no. Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill , CBD products containing no more than 0.3% THC can be sold over-the-counter without a prescription and are 100% federally legal.
Despite CBD being 100% federally legal, regulations vary from one state to another. While most states in the US allow the sale and use of hemp-derived CBD and hemp oils – in fact, many states even legalized other cannabis products, including edible cannabis, medical marijuana, recreational marijuana, and more – not every state is hemp friendly. So, if you’re traveling within the US, be current on state laws concerning CBD and THC to ensure you don’t accidentally do something illegal.
As of 2023, CBD products are fully legal for recreational and medical purposes in the following states:
In these states, CBD products can be sold without restrictions, regardless of their THC amount.
Every country has its own regulations for CBD products and may require you to travel with a doctor’s note. It’s generally discouraged to carry CBD flower and resin, as they can be easily confused with illegal substances and lead to an unpleasant security check. Remember what happened to Brittney Griner? Not the vacation vibe anyone wants.
South Africa is the only country in Africa where CBD products are legal. In fact, most African countries ban CBD products altogether and have harsh fines or penalties for CBD.
CBD is widely legalized in both Australia and Canada. The legal THC concentration, however, may vary in comparison with the USA.
It’s a legal mix. Therefore, make sure both your origin and destination country allow you to transport CBD. Furthermore, if you wish to travel with CBD within Europe legally you must also carry a tax receipt and a certificate proving the hemp’s origin.
Some countries that have legalized CBD products include:
DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH BEFORE YOU FLY
All in all, traveling with CBD requires research. Keep in mind that CBD may be legal for consumption and purchase in some countries but not for “importation.” If you don’t get a clear answer from a reputable source (for ex. an official government site or agency) then it’s best to exercise caution and leave the CBD goodies at home. But if you get a clear greenlight, wheels up and CBD away!
*Disclaimer: Please treat this blog as a helpful guide based on the current regulations as we understand them. Please note that we are not providing legal advice.
Do you have a biological sibling? While you and your brother or sister might come from the same set of parents you are both distinct – and different– individuals. This might be a helpful way to think about the difference between CBD and THC. Both cannabinoids may come from the same plant, cannabis sativa, but are not at all the same.
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is the second most prevalent chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. It’s extracted from the hemp plant and has been used medicinally, industrially and recreationally for thousands of years. It is non-psychoactive, meaning, it won’t alter your mind or get you high.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the main chemical compound found in cannabis. It too has been used for thousands of years for healing purposes. In 2019, archeologists in Beijing confirmed that mourners burned cannabis for its intoxicating fumes on a remote mountain plateau in Central Asia some 2500 years ago. Unlike CBD, THC is psychoactive meaning it will produce mind-altering effects.
THC and CBD both affect the endocannabinoid system, a system that plays an important role in maintaining homeostasis, or a state of balance among all essential body systems. Researchers are still working to understand the ins and outs of this complex system, but they do know that it is associated with processes including memory, appetite, sleep, mood, and fertility.
While THC and CBD share similarities, there are key differences in how they will make you feel and what they are typically recommended for.
CBD is often used to alleviate symptoms associated with:
THC, which may be prescribed as medical marijuana, may be helpful for conditions including:
Both CBD and THC can both be very beneficial for pain relief. Because THC has psychoactive effects, it may produce more immediate pain relief but can also impair thinking and judgment. CBD can help reduce inflammation, which is useful for long-term effectiveness, and won’t disrupt mental functioning. Some evidence, however, suggests that taking both CBD and THC may provide the greatest pain relief when dosed correctly..
CBD and THC both are generally safe when used at recommended dosages. However, that does not necessarily mean that you won’t experience potentially unwanted effects including changes in mood and appetite, drowsiness, dizziness, feelings of anxiety and other mood changes.
It is also important to consider the potential, or your personal propensity for dependence and addiction when taking products containing CBD and THC. Because CBD does not possess intoxicating properties, it does not have the potential to cause addiction. THC, on the other hand, attaches to the endocannabinoid receptors that are linked to the brain’s reward system. This can produce feelings of pleasure and euphoria, as well as create the potential for dependence and addiction.
Moreover, regular THC usage can have several detrimental short-term and long-term effects, including impaired short-term memory, altered judgment, and impaired coordination. The National Institute on Drug Abuse also notes that THC alters how the hippocampus and orbitofrontal cortex function. These areas of the brain are important in the formation of new memories and the ability to shift attention from one thing to the next. This not only affects a person’s ability to learn and form new memories, but it also makes it difficult for people to perform difficult tasks.
The best strain of cannabis for you will depend on the effects you are trying to achieve, and the availability of these products in your state based on their legal status. If you are trying to reduce stress or sleep better, for example, CBD may provide benefits without the negative side effects associated with THC.
It’s important also to consider the possible side effects and interactions with other drugs you take and consult your doctor before using either if you have any questions. Whether you’re trying CBD or THC for the first time, it’s always best to start “low and slow” and take it from there!
Ready to try CBD? Click here to explore our CBD Collection.
Can’t sleep? You’re not alone. Struggling to fall asleep – or stay asleep – affects 50-70 million Americans each year. The CDC even named insufficient sleep a “public health problem” given the link to chronic health conditions, accidents, and injuries. Women experience insomnia a whopping 40% more often than men and people with insomnia are 5X more likely to suffer from depression.
Getting enough sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s something we all need in order to lead healthy lives. Read on to discover what might be keeping you awake, how you can improve your sleep “hygiene,” and why CBD might be your best insomnia solution.
There are several reasons why you’re not catching zs, some avoidable and others maybe not so much. Stress, caffeine, excess sugar and alcohol all can disrupt our circadian rhythms, our 24 hour sleep-wake pattern. Hormones, sensitivity to light – blue light in particular – noise, travel, and an irregular schedule all can contribute to insomnia. Having to care for pets or tiny humans who wake up in the middle of the night also can disrupt sleep.
Other habits that lead to insomnia include not sticking to a regular sleep schedule, watching screens too close to bedtime (but who doesn’t do this?), or not having a comfortable and quiet sleeping space. Not being able to fall or stay asleep is very normal, especially given the demands of modern life, but what if it’s occurring on a regular basis?
While CBD can’t eliminate the life stressors that might be contributing to your insomnia, the good news is it can help get your sleep back on track. CBD may indirectly help you sleep by alleviating other conditions, said Ryan Vandrey, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and principal investigator at the university’s Cannabis Science Laboratory.
For example, if pain is keeping you awake at night and CBD helps lessen your discomfort, you may be able to sleep better. Similarly, if you can’t sleep because you’re anxious, “CBD may reduce anxiety,” which, in turn, may help you sleep.x
It’s typically recommended to take CBD 30-60 minutes before going to bed. This will provide your body enough time to absorb your dose. Consuming edibles or an elixir are the best options, although applying a CBD topical to alleviate pain can help you sleep better too.
It’s best to start with a smaller dose at first, around 25mg, and if you are tolerating that dose well then you eventually can ingest somewhere between 25-75 mg in order to achieve best results.
In addition to trying CBD for insomnia, one of these relaxation techniques might calm your body, quiet your mind, and help you settle gently into sleep.
Counting slow, deep breaths in a 4-4-4-4 ratio can calm you. This box breathing method, also known as pranayamic breathing, is believed to help reduce stress in the nervous system and prepare the brain for sleep.
An intentional mental scan from head to toe, this type of meditation is easy to practice and can help you fall asleep.
Whether it’s mindfulness or meditation, a white noise noise machine or CBD, it’s important to try new things to discover what works for you. Consistency and compassion for yourself are key too as you learn, or re-learn, how to improve your sleep.
