In partnership with OTO Wellbeing
CBD is growing in popularity in the wellness world. Over a short period of time it has undergone a radical image transformation, from the controversial new kid on the block to the luxury self care must-have that everyone is talking about. It got us thinking - what exactly is CBD?
We were recently invited to enjoy the new OTO Wellness Sleep Experience at St Pierre Park Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort. It's an overnight wellness break that includes a luxury CBD sleep spa treatment and an introduction to a range of CBD wellness products. We met with experts from OTO Wellbeing and with their help we were able to do a deep dive into the properties and the benefits of CBD and explore how it can be used in the wellness sector.
We asked all the questions. Here’s what we found out.
Image credit: OTO
CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is an extract of the cannabis plant and represents just one of 150+ naturally occurring Phytocannabinoids found in all cannabis plant strains. But it's equally important to know what it is not. It's not addictive and it doesn’t have the properties that get you high. That’s because CBD does not contain the intoxicating and psychoactive components that are naturally found in the cannabis plant. THC, the psychoactive part of cannabis, is not present in CBD products.
The World Health Organisation has declared that ‘there is no evidence of… public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.’ CBD products which meet certain pre-defined specifications are legal in Guernsey It is widely available and approved in other areas of the world, most famously in a growing number of states in the US & Canada.
There is a growing body of scientific studies that supports the benefits of CBD within the wellness world. Research suggests it can be used to support a good night’s sleep, helping with both falling asleep and staying asleep. Trials are also exploring claims that CBD can reduce anxiety and it has been shown to have effective anti-inflammatory properties.
Image credit: OTO
Incorporating quality CBD products into your skincare regime is an easy way absorb CBD and the benefits it can offer. The endocannabinoid receptors in your skin are primed to absorb it, elevating your daily self care routine with an extra layer of wellbeing.
Helen Cain, Global Director of Spa at OTO Wellbeing explained the skincare benefits to us:
‘CBD supports the healthy rejuvenation of your skin. It’s a naturally nourishing oil that hydrates your skin, leaving it feeling soft after use. It also helps to balance and control oil production on your skin and it acts as an antioxidant, helping protect against daily damage from free radicals.’
OTO has designed its CBD products to work with your natural circadian rhythm, supporting your needs and moods throughout the day. Helen shared how this works:
‘Everything at OTO is designed around three key moments. Our Focus Pillar is designed to bring clarity and calm in the morning, Amplify supports you to remain present and connected in social moments & Balance helps you to relax and unwind from the stresses of the day.’
So really, it depends which specific results you are hoping to achieve by using CBD. Different products can be used throughout the day, targeting your specific needs. For example, if you're looking to benefit from the sleep enhancing properties, use sleep drops at night.
CBD can be found in many different forms. Some of the most popular CBD products in the wellness industry include CBD infused oils, balms, serums and creams for the skin. Drops, often placed directly under the tongue, offer a more direct mechanism for delivering CBD directly into the body. Botanical blends infused with CBD are also becoming more popular in drinks, from morning smoothies to evening no/lo’s and cocktails.
Like many new things, there is currently limited scientific research on the effects of CBD during pregnancy, so it is not recommended that you use CBD products if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Image credit: OTO
Well, we're glad you asked! Our co-founders Stefanie and Tracey were recently gifted an overnight stay at St Pierre Park Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort for a luxury OTO Wellness Sleep Experience. It included a luxury CBD sleep spa treatment, along with many other CBD products and features. The highlight was a specially tailored massage, using expertly applied CBD oils and elements of a sound bath designed for deep relaxation. You can find out all about the experience here.
The OTO Wellness Sleep Experience at St Pierre Park Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort was gifted, but the opinions expressed in this feature are all ours. It’s a luxury experience that we would happily recommend. If you’re tempted to try it, you’ll find all the details here.
Disclaimer: For the purpose of this article, we are considering the benefits of CBD solely in the wellness sector, and we are not in a position to make or support any medical claims around the benefits of CBD.