In the past two years, CBD became one of the fastest-growing wellness supplements to date. People just can’t get enough.
CBD is known for benefits including relaxation, easing anxiety, and alleviating depression, but what you may not know is that this holistic supplement can also be used to help spice things up in the bedroom, too.
Here are five ways CBD can help add more zing to your sex life.
Enhance Pleasure
Want to experience a better connection with your partner and more pleasure during sex?
CBD increases the serum concentration of a transmitter in our endocannabinoid system, called anandamide, according to Dr. Robert Flannery, CEO of Dr. Robb Farms.
The endocannabinoid system is a molecular system in our bodies — it’s responsible for regulating and balancing various functions, including immune response, appetite, metabolism, and memory.
Ananda is a Sanskrit word that translates to ‘joy, delight, or bliss.’ CBD will have you moaning with delight, that’s for sure. But how does it work?
Dr. Flannery said, “Anandamide is closely associated with oxytocin, otherwise known as the ‘cuddle chemical’ or ‘love hormone.’ Oxytocin promotes social connection — and research suggests that a compound such as CBD (which increases the concentration of anandamide) can encourage a deeper emotional connection during sexual intimacy. Studies have shown us that an increase in anandamide during sexual experiences will enhance pleasure all around.”
The influx of ‘feel-good’ chemicals and hormones in the body may boost confidence and reduce anxieties associated with intercourse.
Try a vape pen.
Inhaled CBD tends to enter the bloodstream faster than other forms (think 30 seconds or less). Try using a vape pen immediately before heading to the bedroom.
Ease Performance Anxiety
There are numerous physiological factors that can inhibit sexual desire and the ability to reach climax. When people struggle with sexual performance anxiety, they might encounter problems with impotence, inability to orgasm, and sometimes, no desire to have sex at all.
CBD’s most notable effect is relaxation, both mentally and physically. The muscles in your body begin feeling looser and your daily stressors melt away, setting the right mood for some heat beneath the sheets.
“One of the biggest benefits of CBD consumption is its ability to reduce anxiety. CBD is a partial agonist to the serotonin receptor, which is likely how it is capable of such significant anti-anxiety properties. Triggering the serotonin receptor is associated with a general feeling of wellbeing and has been shown to reduce anxiety. There are studies that show us that anxiety, both general and specific to sexual performance, limit sexual arousal, particularly in women.” Dr. Flannery explained.
CBD promotes homeostasis in the brain and body, including mood. The connection between CBD and serotonin may help ease sexual performance anxiety.
Try edibles or CBD beverages.
For anxiety-related issues, try using CBD daily for long-term results. CBD enters the bloodstream through the digestive system if you eat or drink it, so it can take up to 30 minutes or longer before you feel the effects.
Alleviate Vaginal Pain
Menopause and chronic conditions can cause vaginal pain and discomfort during intercourse. Endometriosis, for example, is a chronic inflammatory condition notorious for prohibiting people from embracing sexual pleasure.
Inflammation is a common symptom people experience when diagnosed with pain conditions like endometriosis, but it just so happens that CBD contains anti-inflammatory properties.
Try tinctures plus intimacy products.
Tinctures are a quick-acting method to absorb CBD, usually taking effect in about 15 to 30 minutes. The quick action can be helpful when using for pain and inflammation. Intimacy products are applied topically or inserted into the body. Depending on the product, effects can kick in anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour after application.
Increase Sex Drive
“There’s a lack of clinical research suggesting that CBD consumption increases sex drive in women, however, the direct application of CBD-infused lubricants can increase blood flow to the genitalia. An increase in blood flow can enhance sexual arousal and intensity of orgasm,” Dr. Flannery said.
Try intimacy products.
Have fun exploring a wide-range of intimacy products, including CBD natural lubricants, oils, and suppositories. It’s important to note that many CBD lubricants are oil-based, which can break down latex. Look for a water-based lubricant if you’re using latex condoms
Enhance Performance
Ayurveda practitioners have used Cannabis sativa and hemp, the plants from which CBD and marijuana are extracted from, for many, many years to improve ejaculatory function and sexual performance.
There isn’t enough research for us to completely understand how CBD can be used for erectile dysfunction (ED.) But we do know that CBD helps dilate the blood vessels, promoting healthy blood flow and circulation.
This is important for men in particular because better blood flow to the penis may relieve erectile dysfunction and promote longer-lasting sex.
Try extract capsule and intimacy products.
For men, consuming a hemp extract 15 to 30 minutes before engaging in sexual intercourse may help enhance performance. And utilizing intimacy products before intercourse may also help get the blood flowing.
How Much CBD Should You Use for Better Sex?
Bear in mind, CBD can cause mild sedation when used in excess. You don’t want to fall asleep before getting into the sack for some foreplay with your loved one — start off with a 5 mg dose and see how you feel.
If needed, increase the dosage in small increments until you find the sweet spot, the dose that works best for you. Remember, everyone is different — metabolism, body weight, what you eat, and how often you’re exercising will affect your response to CBD products.
The best part about using CBD to spice things up in the bedroom is you get to experiment to find the best products and the right way to play for you.
