CBD and your libido
In our previous monthly Knowledge is power articles, we have looked at our Endocannabinoid system (ECS) and how CBD plays a positive role on our body in terms of stress, anxiety, and all-round inner balance. It’s now time to take a more intimate look at the ECS!
In this month’s article I’m going to talk about how CBD could help you in the bedroom and have a positive effect on our libido.
There are lots of reports and research supporting the theory that CBD can boost libido and increase lubrication during sex. We already know that CBD is a stress buster and dramatically reduces anxiety which will help your mindset from a sexual point of view.
Before you rush out to stock up on CBD products for the nightstand lets strip this right back and look at what the scientific evidence really says and discover how researchers think CBD affects our bodies.
The Science Behind How CBD Affects Our Bodies
The ECS, although only discovered in the early 1990’s is a complex cell-signaling system connected throughout our body as well as to the reproductive organs and sexual tissue.
Our bodies produce cannabinoids naturally, these cannabinoids are called endocannabinoids. We also produce two receptors called CB1 and CB2 which are located in the ECS.
CB2 receptors are often found in our immune cells and primarily impact pain and inflammation, whereas CB1 receptors are more commonly found in the brain.
The Relationship Between CBD and Libido
A study published in December 2013 showed results of a significant relationship between endocannabinoid concentrations and female sexual arousal.
There is little scientific research available on CBD lubricants which means that most of what we know about CBD lubricants and sexual pleasure is anecdotal.
This is what we do know though; one of the major hero ingredients in many skincare lines today is CBD due to its anti-inflammatory and therapeutic properties when applied topically. When ingested it has the same anti-inflammatory properties.
A recent survey conducted by Remedy Review surveyed over 1000 people and results showed that 68% of people said CBD improved their sexual experience.
WebMD, a website offering credible and in-depth health and medical news had an article reviewed just this month by Netha Pathak, a board certified medical editor in both internal and lifestyle medicine. The article explained how sexual dysfunction is common and that satisfying sex involves our body, mind, health, your feelings toward your partner, among other factors.
Adding a CBD infused lubricant could make sex more comfortable and improve sexual performance relieving pain for those who struggle with dryness and painful sex. An article in Integrative medicine explains the Physiology of Vaginal Lubrication and sexual behavior and how increasing blood flow to tissues, increases sensitivity and promotes the body’s own natural lubrications.
There are a number of studies readily available to us where research has been carried out on CBD Oil to reduce anxiety and stress, the evidence in this particular article indicates CBD has considerable potential as a treatment for multiple anxiety disorders.
It is not uncommon for some people to have anxiety about their sexual performance, this in turn can decrease their libido. The desire for sex may go up when this anxiety is relieved.
Others believe that cannabis affects sexual desire directly in the brain. A recent open-randomized study of 21 heterosexuals, assesses the aphrodisiacal properties of cannabis. The authors concluded that using cannabis may be helpful for people with a low sex drive.
How to Improve Your Sex Life With CBD?
You may be wondering how to promote a more fulfilling sex life with your partner.
There are many different options on the market today from eating CBD edibles like chocolate or gummies or using a CBD massage oil as foreplay. You could apply a CBD lubricant to reduce dryness and enhance pleasure or take CBD oil orally before sex to reduce anxiety and boost your sensation.
If you are not sure where to start Foria Wellness, an innovative health and sexual wellness company, have a vast amount of CBD products on the market all including natural cannabis and hemp formulas.
Whichever you decide its best practice to always read the product label and seek medical advice if you are unsure.
Additional reading links
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28401285/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/vaginal-lubrication
https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/sexual-dysfunction-women#1-3