Currently, in the UK, there are an estimated 1.3 million CBD users with a total of 6 million using CBD products in the last year. Most commonly bought as oil, Cannabidiol Oil is an extract from a Hemp or Marijuana plant which in the UK, can only be legally purchased if it’s from the hemp plant.

One of the biggest questions asked by first time CBD users is whether it will get you high. The answer is no, the THC from these plants is what provides the high you feel from smoking a joint, not the CBD.

Medical experts have suggested that CBD oil provides many health benefits such as, improving sleep, reducing anxiety, reducing inflammation, and pain relief. Some professionals have noted how CBD can change the way your brain receptors respond to serotonin, the chemical linked to mental health. One study in the US found that a 600mg dose of CBD helped people who suffer from social anxiety give a speech. CBD has also been found to help with pain relief, particularly after cancer treatments such as chemotherapy.

CBD can be taken or applied in many different ways. Most popular products incorporate CBD into oils or gels that can be applied to the skin. Other ways include, taken orally through capsules or as a liquid that is sprayed into the mouth. A typical dose of CBD is between 20-50mg so for some products you may need to weaken it or possibly add more, always check the product details.

CBD affects each person differently so it is important to note that if used regularly, there can be side effects. People have noted feelings of dizziness, hallucinations, low blood pressure, and withdrawal symptoms however not enough research has currently been undertaken to suggest these are common side effects for a high proportion of users.

Check out our top picks for the best CBD products:

Hop & Hemp

This one is number one purely for creativity. The guys over at Hop & Hemp have created the first-ever non-alcoholic CBD beer. Each bottle has 8mg of CBD in so there’s room for a few after a long day. They currently have an IPA and lager, but with big retailers set to stock them in the coming months, we’re sure they’ve got a few more flavours up their sleeves.

Shop at Hop & Hemp here

Apothem Labs

Another UK based brand, these guys have stuck to the more traditional route of oils with a blend of CBD and botanicals. This brand is more on the pricey side but you do get value for money with each product containing at least 1500mg of CBD. Not only do they oils, but they also stock bath salts and creams, so there’s something for everyone.

Shop for Apothem Labs here

Pollen CBD

Already a firm favourite with many CBD users, Pollen CBD is a side project from the creators of alcoholic gummy makers Smith & Sinclair. The guys now also making vegan CBD gummy sweets and drink drops that incorporate fruit extracts to ensure they taste delicious.

Shop their range here

Yuyo Botanics

Founded in Tennessee by two women, these guys are really stepping up their game with their turmeric salve which is ideal for aches and pains at the end of the day. Their CBD salve contains turmeric, cayenne, menthol, and aloe vera so its packed full of goodness.

Shop here

Words by Grace Dembowicz

Graphics by Katie Janes

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The post The Best CBD Products for Anxiety and Depression appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Feeling anxious, stressed or just all-round low? ASMR is here for you.Let’s not lie, the internet is a weird place and over the years we’ve witnessed some downright bizarre phenomenon’s. Remember the cinnamon challenge? Or the 100 layers of make up test? Well, we’ve got another for you, but this time there might actually be some real-life benefits…say hello to ASMR.

What is ASMR? Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is the tingling sensations in the crown of the head in response to audio-visual triggers such as tapping, whispering and hand movements. Essentially, those weird and wonderful sounds that make our bodies shiver in pleasure, and now, people are turning to YouTubers who make these intricate noises into a microphone to experience this sensation. Intrigued? Us too.Why is ASMR so popular?In a world of confusion and chaos, ASMR is helping thousands calm their anxiety, nerves and worries. It’s also allowing us to indulge in our guilty pleasures of listening to crinkling wrapping paper, stirring a bowl of soup and the sound of scissors cutting into paper. According to research, the reason why ASMR is such a hit is that the host is assuming the role of a loving parent by caring for you in soothing tones and performing gentle and comforting actions. Basically in the absence of your mum stroking your hair at night whilst you cry into a tub of ice cream, you can log onto YouTube and experience the same levels of comfort through ASMR, (ice cream still included). Does it really help with mental health?Physiotherapist Nicola Vanlint has previously explained how ASMR has in the past helped treat anxiety: “I tell clients that if they can activate one of their five senses when anxious, this can facilitate the nervous system to calm and distract the brain from unwanted thoughts. I believe ASMR works under the same principle, using sound to overcome insomnia by calming the brain and body, so this would also be a helpful technique to use for anxiety.”

New to ASMR? Here are some accounts to check out:

1). The Gentle Whisperer (1.8 million subscribers)After realizing ASMR helped Maria with her own depression, in 2011 she set up her account ‘The Gentle Whisperer’ where she uses sounds such as whispering, stroking and crinkling paper to help soothe and calm her viewers.

2). ASMR PPOMO (1.93 million subscribers)A Korean ASMRtist who started out in 2013, PPOMO creates ASMR videos in a bd to help herself and others will insomnia. Perfect for just before you head off to bed.

3). Gibi ASMR (2.26 million subscribers)Her soft tones and calming presence has allowed Gibi to become of the most successful ASMRtists, expect lots of whispering from this one.

4). ASMR Darling (2.42 million subscribers) Created back in 2014, ASMR Darling is known for her ear-to-ear whispering to give that authentic ASMR experience.

Words by Grace Dembowicz

Graphics by Katie Janes

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The post What Is ASMR and How Do These ‘Ear-Gasms’ Help With Your Anxiety? appeared first on Voir Fashion.