Woah there! We thought we’d already heard all the possible uses of CBD. Indeed, cannabidiol – the cannabis derivative that’s broadly legal when under 0.2% THC and promoted as a food supplement – comes in many guises, from gummies to tinctures, tablets to toners and even CBD drinks. Hey, it’s even been marketed as a lube and an ingredient in pet food in recent years.
But CBD honey? That’s a new one on us. In short, it’s honey that’s been infused with CBD oil, largely because of its reputed health benefits rather than its flavour.
As Forbes explains, “CBD-infused honey also doubles as a wellness product, it can be used to create a relaxing honey bath, soothe a cough or care for skin.”
So what does CBD honey taste like? Well, some say it has a mildly earthy or grassy flavour to it. Others say that you can’t taste the green flavour at all. However, if you’ve ever tasted on-trend ‘raw, small batch honey’, you’ll know first of all that it genuinely does taste better (in our humble opinion, of course) than the big branded stuff you get in the supermarkets.
Indeed, raw honey can burst with caramel flavours, full of floral notes like honeysuckle and jasmine, and even call to mind tropical fruits like pineapple and mango. On another occasion, or even in tandem, it can be zesty, citrusy and even woody, with notes of cedar and oak. Phwoar, sign us up!
But let’s circle back to the big question; why are we adding CBD oil again? Doesn’t this honey already taste rather terrific? Well, according to some scientists (though we should add, studies are ongoing and thus far inconclusive), CBD oil may help alleviate a whole host of health issues. According to Harvard Health, studies and clinical trials are exploring its potential for use in reducing anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain and addiction.
Hmm, this sounds like (potentially) one hell of a honey. But how can I use it? Well, here are just 6 ways.
YOUR MORNING SMOOTHIE
Coffee is a great pick-me-up, sure, and one we couldn’t do without, but you shouldn’t allow it to become your be-all-end-all, especially in the morning. Branch out, baby; you never know what pleasures you might unearth.
According to nutritionist Carlyn Rosenblum, via Pure Wow, ”Drinking caffeine first thing in the morning, when cortisol is high, blunts the hormone’s production and shifts the timing of the cycle…This can cause you to produce cortisol at times when it would normally drop (like at night)’’.
This is significant because this shifting in cortisol production could wreak havoc on your energy levels and even your gut health. Instead, reach for a smoothie loaded with ginseng for energy instead, or a blend of detoxifying ingredients like lemons, cranberries or seaweed. Add a spoonful of CBD honey as a sweetener and you’re in for a real treat for breakfast.
PERK UP YOUR MID-MORNING COFFEE
Do as I say, not as I do; here at IDEAL, we won’t be swerving the coffee completely. That jovial spirit you’ve noticed punctuating this article? It’s largely down to the good stuff.
What we might be doing, however, is holding out until mid-morning to have our first coffee of the day. If you’ve done the same and want to reward yourself for those few hours of abstinence, then why not perk up your morning coffee with a little CBD honey as a sweetener?
Yep, adding ingredients to your coffee can be a great way to add excitement to an otherwise dull day at work, whether that’s in the central or home office. You could do the same to your tea, if you were feeling extra racey.
TO MAKE DARK CHOCOLATES
Honey and dark chocolate…it’s a match made in heaven! CBD honey is delicious on its own, sure, but when it’s paired with dark chocolate, the flavour seems to multiply exponentially.
Both honey and dark chocolate also boast several reported health benefits; both are a good source of antioxidants, and have been said to reduce cholesterol and improve circulation. They’re also incredibly nutritious. A guilt free way to enjoy a sweet treat…count us in!
DRIZZLE OVER YOUR MORNING YOGHURT & GRANOLA
Yep, we understand the connotations of a yoghurt, granola and CBD honey breakfast. It’s all a bit health food shop, hey? We assume that you’ll be heading for a morning chakra realigning session next. And that’s just fine by us.
But should you want to add another layer of intrigue (and nutrition) to your daily breakfast, then a drizzle of CBD honey over your wake up bowl will do just that.
FACE MASK
Moving away from the edible side of things and on to topical application; many people use honey as part of their skincare routine, but with the reported anti-inflammatory properties of CBD oil, the combination could be a game changer in the face mask field.
Your skin could be nourished and shining in no time with a homemade blend of a single squeeze of lemon juice, a tiny spoonful of coconut oil, and a small spoonful of CBD honey; that should do the trick. Then, apply the mixture immediately to your face, rubbing it in gently. While CBD could aid in the reduction of redness and puffiness, the raw honey moisturises and kills bacteria, while the vitamin C boost from the lemon juice brightens dull skin. You can even buy CBD honey wholesale, saving money by buying in bulk, if you find this facemask works well for you and you’d like to make it again in the future.
AS A SKIN AND LIP MOISTURISER
Moisturised, healthy, glowing skin…who wouldn’t want that? While everyone is attractive in their own skin, dry, itchy skin can be painful, uncomfortable, and awkward to cope with within social situations.
CBD-infused honey could be the moisturiser you need, with the honey moisturising and the CBD oil potentially battling acne, as some studies have suggested it can do.
Should you be looking to add CBD oil to your diet for nutritional benefits or reasons of wellbeing, do consult with your GP or nutritionist first. Legality and regulation concerning CBD isn’t consistent across Europe and the wider world. This article is written according to the UK regulations for CBD on food and beverages.