Whilst many of us might scoff at the idea of celebrating Valentine’s Day, if we are really honest, our minds might tend to wonder towards love and some of its pleasant pastimes around this time of year, especially if the lockdown has rendered us alone this year. Sex is often overlooked as collateral of the pandemic.
Whether you are alone and concentrating on self-love, searching for a natural way to heighten your relationship’s libido, or looking for answers to problems such Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and Dyspareunia. There are many ways that CBD can help.
So how about a threesome?
Our Endocannabinoid System is responsible for maintaining homeostasis. It is comprised of a unique network of receptors that bind with cannabinoids like CBD. Endocannabinoids are created by our bodies in response to our physiological needs. They are the counterbalance, and CBD interacts with these receptors to communicate information about fluctuating conditions which kickstarts a response to regain equilibrium.
“Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major, biologically active, but psycho-inactive component of cannabis,” (Skaggs School of Pharmacy). It is internationally recognised for its ability to reduce anxiety and depression, relieve pain, lower blood pressure, and even reduce acne. Each improves our mental health and self-esteem, but evidence suggests that its benefits can carry all the way into the bedroom.
So let’s start with Intimacy.
The magic of relationships wouldn’t be the same without the unique Intimacy that they produce. Whilst CBD doesn’t have the psychoactive effects reserved for THC, it does induce a greater concentration of the endocannabinoid neurotransmitter known as Anandamide.
Alex Capano, faculty member at the Lambert Centre for the Study of Medicinal Cannabis and Hemp, says anandamide is “Our bliss neurotransmitter, and it’s also associated with Oxytocin.” Oxytocin is called the “love hormone” because of its associations with empathy, trust, and sexual activity. Its name originates from the increased levels in oxytocin during everything from a hug to an orgasm.
Stress obstructing intimacy.
Millions are battling with exceptional levels of stress. When stressed, we are programmed to preserve “the energy resources necessary for survival and to shut down all unnecessary functions, such as digestive and reproductive function,” (Lisa Dawn Hamilton et al.). Whether it’s performance anxiety or an external factor, stress “interferes with sexual arousal.” It’s a vicious circle.
Scientists have actually found Cortisol (the stress hormone) to diminish during sexual arousal, but in order to reach that stage the stress has to be addressed at the source:
CBD “lead[s] to inhibition of neurotransmitter release” says R. Wilson. So not only can it quell the thoughts that are preventing your brain from clocking off for the night, but it successfully recalibrates any hormones that might have been off balance.
By activating our parasympathetic nervous systems, CBD triggers our serotonin receptors and reduces cortisol, and after we’ve descended into a more relaxed and receptive state, that cortisol can reduce further during the sweet release of sex.
Homosapiens are an affectionate species and the joys of physical contact are often overlooked; something those of us who live alone might miss. Massage is a fantastic stress reliever. They stimulate blood flow, flush out toxins, and importantly trigger the release of oxytocin. And if you live alone, you can still benefit from the advantages of massage by including self-massage with a good quality skin oil into your daily skin care routine. Try out Salunabis Essential Massage Oil to reap the rewards.
You’ve made it to the bedroom, but he’s fretting about getting it up.
Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, affects around 10% of men during every decade of life. It can come and go, or it can stay a while. Even when the initial cause has deteriorated, the lasting anxiety of producing an erection can prolong its stay. It might mean the erection only lasts a few minutes, or it might prevent any erection at all.
The word “Aphrodisiac” is derived from “Aphrodite” the Greek goddess of love. By definition, aphrodisiacs are a stimulant of sexual desire, and Ayurveda practitioners have been recommending plant-based products like CBD as an antidote for ED since 2014.
It could be the anti-anxiety effect, or it could be its ability to lower blood pressure (improved blood circulation to the heart has been confirmed, though it isn’t a long shot to suggest that this extends to the genitals).
No gain if there’s Pain
Many women will experience painful intercourse at some point in their lives. It can be caused by vaginal dryness from menopause, childbirth, medications, or factors that prevent sexual arousal, like stress.
CBD is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties because of its influence on our CB2 receptors. These are distributed around the nervous, digestive, and immune systems, meaning they are pivotal in fighting inflammation, pain, and damage to tissue.
There are many cannabinoid receptors in reproductive organs and sexual tissue. Ingesting CBD orally can help to increase blood flow to tissues, which increases sensitivity and promotes the body’s own natural lubrications. Massaging with a good quality CBD tincture or CBD lubricant, such as any of Salunabis 5% CBD tinctures (Strawberry CBD if you feel like something different) can help with lubrication.