CBD: A Natural Way to Handle Anxiety, Inflammation, and Sleep Issues

Jen Heller | Wellness Educator, Infrared Sauna Expert, Home Health Consultant

Waking up each day can feel tough when it brings the same discomfort that never ends. Inflammation keeps your body stiff. Anxiety keeps your thoughts spinning. And no matter how much you sleep, it’s never enough.

You’ve tried everything—medications, treatments, even those fad wellness trends. Yet nothing seems to get to the root of your health struggles. The weight of anger, tiredness, and hopelessness are things you know all too well.

Could there be a natural way to help your body heal? Something that didn’t have harsh side effects or add more stress to your already busy life?

“Literally overnight, I went from a normal, healthy kid to dealing with these very intense, debilitating neurological symptoms. My parents took me to doctor after doctor, and I had been on more than 40 prescription medications by the time I was 15 years old.”

Ethan Pompeo

Let’s talk about my friend Ethan Pompeo.

At the age of 13, he was stifled with PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections), an autoimmune disorder that attacked his brain and nervous system. He faced constant pain, inflammation, uncontrollable tics, and mental fog that seemed impossible to overcome.

After years of searching for a solution, he discovered CBD oil, which then played a major role in his healing process.

Today, Ethan is the proud owner of Green Valley Nutrition, a company that produces CBD oil products. His journey has changed him from being a patient to a passionate supporter of natural health.

“I bottled up all these emotions and feelings, which only contributed to my stress. It only made things worse for me, and a big turning point was when I realized I didn’t have to do this.”

Ethan Pompeo

Understanding the Healing Potential of CBD

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant. It offers many benefits without the high associated with THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol).

THC is a psychoactive component that can alter your mind and perception. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce any mind-altering effects. It’s a safe option for those seeking natural support in managing their symptoms.

While THC can be illegal in some places, CBD is legal in most. It is derived from hemp which makes it widely accepted for therapeutic use.

Here’s how CBD helps:

• Reduces Inflammation: It helps lower inflammation, often the main reason for chronic pain and lack of focus.
• Eases Anxiety: CBD has calming effects that help soothe an overactive mind without making you feel drowsy or sluggish.
• Improves Sleep: By reducing anxiety and stress, CBD helps improve the quality of your sleep, so you wake up feeling more refreshed.

Around the time Ethan found CBD, I discovered it too. At my wellness center in Wisconsin, clients kept asking me about it. I connected with people in Colorado, navigated the laws, and began selling it for both humans and animals.

I remember trying it for the first time and feeling a calm, euphoric relaxation within minutes. Though I didn’t have pain, I instantly saw its potential for others, especially those dealing with pain, anxiety, and stress.

Testing for Potency and Purity

CBD can be confusing. There are mixed messages about whether it’s safe, legal, or effective. CBD oil can be a powerful wellness tool, but not all products are created equal. That’s why it’s important to choose pure, lab-tested CBD that you can trust. 

Here’s what to look for when buying CBD products:

• Third-party Lab Testing: Always choose CBD that’s been tested by an independent lab. This ensures it’s free from contaminants like heavy metals or pesticides.
• Transparency: Look for brands that provide lab results and list all their ingredients.
• Organic Products: CBD should come from organic hemp, free from harmful chemicals and additives.
• Avoid marketing hype: Be wary of products making wild claims like “cures all diseases.” CBD is helpful, but it’s not a miracle cure.

I always highly recommend you ask for the testing results on any product you’re putting into your body. If a company shares them on their website, it typically means they’ve got nothing to hide. But if you’re researching and can’t find this information, that’s often a big red flag. Either they skipped the testing, or they don’t want you to know what’s in their product.

Pairing CBD With Lifestyle Changes

CBD can be a great addition to your health toolbox, but for the best results, it should be part of a bigger wellness plan. It’s not a quick fix. It’s a way to support your body as you make other positive changes. 

Here are a few tips for making CBD work for you:

• Start with a low dose: It’s always best to start with a small amount and see how your body responds before increasing the dosage.
• Find the right product: Whether topical CBD products for pain or oils for anxiety, find a product that fits your needs.
• Take it consistently: CBD works best when used regularly, so include it in your daily routine.
• Improve sleeping habits: Good sleep is necessary for healing. Use CBD in combination with good sleep hygiene practices, like going to bed at the same time every night and limiting screen time before bed.
• Manage stress: Mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, or spending time outdoors can reduce stress and make CBD even more effective.

Ethan and I both recognized the need for change to improve our health. 

Looking back on my story, I started by detoxing the heavy metals in my body, identifying their sources, and figuring out ways to bring more health and well-being to my life. This led me to focus on managing stress, getting quality sleep, and strengthening my nutrition.

Meanwhile, Ethan emphasized addressing root causes instead of relying solely on medications. For him, CBD provided him relief from chronic inflammation, but he never sold it as a miracle pill. He also emphasizes the need to reconsider other things that can make a lasting impact on your health.

Conclusion

Taking control of your health starts with understanding the options available to you. CBD oil can be a valuable piece in your wellness routine. But, remember, it’s also about adding CBD into a complete care plan. Adopt lifestyle changes, prioritize self-care, and seek community support.