CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is an extract taken from the hemp plant. This extract contains multiple compounds, all of which have specific effects on the system. The human brain contains what are known as cannabinoid receptors. It is thought that CBD feeds these receptors and thereby boosts certain bodily functions such as appetite, pain sensation, mood, and memory.

CBD does not contain THC (TertraHydracannibinol) which is the psychoactive part of the hemp plant. CBD does not make you ‘high’ but does give you the health benefits that can be found by vaping, smoking, or topically applying CBD oil.

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An essential oil is taken from the flowers and stems of a plant. It is the ‘essence’ of the plant. It retains some of the terpenes found in the original plant. These terpenes are responsible for giving the distinct taste, scent, and flavor of the essential oil. Essential oils can be made from most plants and herbs. The health benefits and methods of application change depending on the plant they are made from.

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There is a crossover between the two. Since CBD oil and essential Oil both contain terpenes to give them their flavor and aroma; they do have some things in common. Some of these terpenes are incredibly similar. Pinene, a compound shown to have a variety of soothing anxiety relief properties, is found in both the pine tree and the cannabis plant.

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CBD oil and essential oils are also extracted in different ways. Essential oils are subject to three different types of common distillation method. These are steam distillation, cold pressing or solvent extraction. While steam distillation is a warm distillation process that extracts the oil, cold pressing is a cooled method that is usually used to make citrus essential oils. Solvent extraction is the least favorable method of essential oil extraction. This is because it is widely believed that the solvents used can impair or contaminate the final product.

It is for these reasons that reputable brands of essential oil will usually avoid solvent extraction. Similarly, you should always buy from a brand you can trust to ensure the highest quality of oil.

Unlike essential oils, CBD is extracted from the hemp plant by use of Co2 extraction. This method takes away impurities in the oil while keeping the phytocannabinoids intact. It then goes through a chromatography process to make sure that not even the smallest hint of THC is left.

Although they are not the same, CBD and essential oils can be blended to take advantage of the health benefits of each.

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CBD oil has shown significant benefit to those who have trouble sleeping or relaxing. It has anti-anxiety properties, is a known mood enhancer and eases muscle aches and pains. It can also be used as a topical cream to treat a number of skin conditions. Since certain essential oils can do these same things, it only stands to reason that combining the two would boost the efficacy of both.

Since Lavender is the best-known herb for sleep, combining lavender essential oil with CBD oil is an easy recipe for a restful night. CBD can be combined with Marjoram or Frankincense and applied to the skin to treat muscle pains. When mixed with Chamomile essential oils, CBD oil can be used as a mild sedative to treat anxiety.

With so many options for effective combinations available, it is only a matter of time before we see a wider range of essential oil and CBD variations on the market. Just be sure to buy your oils from a reputable supplier and follow all the instructions for use given.