18 Sep

Morning or Night: What’s the Best Time to Do Yoga?

Yoga is all about bringing balance to your life and promoting physical and mental wellbeing through strength, flexibility and breath exercises.

If you’ve just started yoga, or you’re looking to enhance your yoga experience, you may be wondering the best time to practice your poses.

The simplest answer is: whenever is best for you!

Ultimately, yoga is designed to help you clear your mind, so it makes sense to do yoga when it best suits you. Avoid feeling stressed by trying to cram a yoga session when you don’t have time, just because it’s the morning!

Differences in Yoga Poses

However, it also depends on the type of routine you do. Some poses are energising, while others are calming, so there may be particular yoga routines you follow in the morning that you wouldn’t do in the evening.

For example, backbends and sun salutations are energising and invigorating – perfect for morning routines, but probably not what you’re after for the evening when you need calm before bedtime.

Instead, in the evening, you probably want forward bends to calm, as well as twisting poses to help relieve tensions that have built throughout the day.

Practising Yoga in the Morning

If you’re a morning person, or you tend to have a few moments of peace to yourself in the mornings, then it makes sense to enjoy yoga at this time. A morning routine can help you clear your mind and awaken your body for the day ahead.

A key benefit to morning yoga is that an early morning session can help to refresh the body if you tend to feel stiff after waking up. Doing yoga first thing also offers the additional benefit of an empty stomach – no one wants to be twisting their body round or lying tummy-down on the floor after a meal!

Another argument in favour of morning yoga is that not only does it set the tone for your day, but it can also ensure that you get it done! If you decide to do an evening routine, then it can be tempting to push it back or let other chores and activities get in the way of your relaxation time.

Finally, some choose to enjoy yoga in the morning because it tends to be cooler then. By doing yoga in the morning, you may be able to work out for longer, as you may not get as hot.

Practising Yoga in the Evening

If you use yoga as a way to help you unwind and relax, then it might make more sense for you to practice it in the evening before bedtime, as a way to settle your body and mind ready for sleep.

By enjoying yoga in the evening, you are giving yourself time to free your mind from the stresses of the day, making drifting off to sleep a little easier!

If you often find falling asleep difficult, then there are other supplementary things you can try to help you relax in the evenings, such as CBD oil. This can also be useful to help soothe sore muscles if you find you’ve stretched yourself too much trying a new yoga pose!

Practising yoga in the evening has additional benefits, too. If you find yourself rushed in the morning trying to fit in a routine before work or school, then the evening may provide you with more free time.

A further benefit of evening yoga is its ability to help break ‘bad’ habits. If you are prone to sitting in front of the television and snacking all night, then breaking this time up with a yoga routine can help to promote healthier choices in your lifestyle.

Same Time Every Day?

When it comes to yoga, consistency is important, but it generally refers to consistently practising each day, rather than at a set time. As long as you get a chance to enjoy yoga each day, the exact time shouldn’t matter.

It is more important that the time you set out for yoga won’t leave you feeling rushed, stressed or overly tired, as trying to cram a routine for the sake of it may cause you to lose enthusiasm or abandon yoga.

As such, you can even practise in the mornings some days and in the evenings on others, if that works best for you.

When do you find is best to practise yoga? If you have tips for finding the right time to do yoga and making space in your day, then leave us a comment on our social media channels!

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15 Sep

How to Maintain a Balanced Lifestyle

More people are aware now about the importance of keeping life in balance. There are times when all of us experience moments of stress, but creating routines and spaces that allow us to decompress is vital for living in a way that feels positive and whole.

For some, maintaining a balanced lifestyle in the modern world can feel more challenging than ever. While our CBD balms and oils can help, they are only one part of a puzzle that is complex but can be achieved by anyone committed to change.

If you’re looking for some lifestyle inspiration, here are some top tips on achieving and maintaining balance in your life.

Understand Your Goals and Priorities

Creating and keeping a balanced lifestyle is not something achieved on a whim, no matter what other people may make you believe. Achieving this kind of balance requires thought and preparation, especially if you’re considering your long-term hopes and dreams.

The first step is to consider what matters most to you out of everything in the world. This stage can be quite tricky at first, as it involves asking serious and challenging questions about yourself.

Filter your hopes and dreams, focusing on those that have the potential to be realised if you committed to them. Write these ambitions down and make them a priority for the next stages.

Create Time for Yourself

One of the most common reasons why our lives become unsettled is because they’ve become ‘too busy’. Whether its stress at work, as a parent or whatever else, excess pressure can lead to feelings of time running away. Perhaps worse than that is how stress can make us not make the most of what free time we have.

If you struggle to find the time to focus on yourself and your needs, create some for yourself. For some, this can feel impossible, but the best way is to take a step back and break your days down into hour blocks.

See if you can streamline parts of your day to create at least one hour each day that is truly yours. Once you have this, make sure you spend it on yourself. Peaceful tasks such as meditation, yoga or reading can be beneficial for removing the stress of a day, allowing you to feel more refreshed and balanced.

Consider Your Health

Very few of us really enjoy exercise or dieting. However, it’s undeniable that physical health plays a massive part in our mental health and overall wellbeing.

If you want to create a more balanced lifestyle with a positive outlook, you should consider your exercise and eating habits. Keeping active is vital for helping us feel more energised on a daily basis. Eating the right foods is also essential for energy and brainpower.

Sometimes, it might just be a small switch that’s required. Consider making your meals instead of visiting the same café, or join your local running club for some scheduled exercise every week. Even a small step can help on the path to a more balanced lifestyle.

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Embrace Development

Whenever you make a significant life change, there are going to be obstacles. You can also be guaranteed that there will be times you make a bad or wrong decision. However, if you’re committed to the practice and the ambitions outlined earlier, you must embrace these mini mistakes.

This point can often be the difference between a new trend or a significant shift in your life. Any challenging moments you meet need to be embraced as opportunities for personal development instead of being viewed as shortcomings.

By taking pride in your new challenges, you’ll find new sources of personal energy which help propel you to new heights, whether that’s achieving something new or simply living a calmer, more peaceful existence than before.

Accept and Give Love

This point might feel a bit cliché, but it’s hugely important in an increasingly detached modern world. Similar to how laughter and yawns spread across a room, love and compassion can be shared in the same way, but you must be open and prepared to receive.

In this instance, we’re not talking about romantic love but the simple kindness and compassion that can be shown to anyone, be it a friend or stranger. Providing these little moments of everyday kindness will not only create a more positive atmosphere but also make you more receptive to love from others. It may sound crazy, but try to be a little more compassionate to everyone, and you’ll soon understand what we mean!

Maintaining a balanced lifestyle can be a challenge, especially with no real end goal, but it’s also a hugely rewarding endeavour. Whether CBD is part of your life or not, we wish you all the best in creating a more positive balance for yourself!

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09 Sep

Do I Have Social Media Anxiety?

Sometimes, it can feel like social media is everywhere. The average social media user spends just under two hours on various sites each day interacting with friends, celebrities and posting about themselves.

In the modern world, platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn can be our primary source of interaction with the wider world. While this can be a huge positive for many, in some cases, it can turn into a negative.

CBD for anxiety has been proven to help naturally reduce feelings of anxiety, allowing people to live happier lives. However, a serious anxiety disorder may require the help of a professional.

What is Anxiety?

To understand whether your social media use is causing an issue, it’s essential to understand what anxiety is and how it can manifest in ourselves.

According to the NHS, anxiety is “a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe”. It is natural to feel anxious about certain situations in our lives, such as exams or interviews, but continuous anxiety could point to a larger issue.

Social Anxiety

There are many recognised forms of anxiety, but the one that is most relevant to social media use is social anxiety disorder, or social phobia. Social anxiety concerns a range of extreme emotions and feelings, including:

Worrying about everyday interactions and conversations.
Avoiding social gatherings.
Worrying about doing embarrassing things.
Fear of being watched, judged or criticised.

How Social Media Can Cause Anxiety

As mentioned at the beginning, social media can be an excellent tool for interacting with the wider world. However, there are also some negative aspects of social media use that anybody can experience. Many of these bad experiences can be categorised into two broad categories.

Inadequacy

One of the worst results of social media use has been a growing feeling of inadequacy, as ordinary people compare their lives to what they see online. People put their best foot forward when it comes to everything they do online, which can create a distorted picture as to the quality of life experienced by others.

As a result, many people develop feelings of self-doubt when they see people from similar backgrounds or ages living different lives. These emotions can develop into feelings of anxiety, as people can view themselves as less.

Isolation

Due to its interactive nature, many don’t realise until its too late that social media can lead to people becoming isolated. This problem is not just one faced by people with few online friends but also by those at the other end of the spectrum. Growing a large social media following can lead to self-centeredness, which can develop into feelings of loneliness.

Our natural bodies still require face-to-face interactions to offset feelings of loneliness. A lack of interactions can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression, potentially creating a cycle of detachment.

Understanding Your Social Media Use

It’s worth pointing out that not everyone who uses social media suffers from anxiety as a result. To understand whether social media is affecting you, it helps to first look at why you use these platforms.

As mentioned previously, certain aspects of social media can prove beneficial to our wider lives. However, specific uses can cause detrimental effects. Such instances that could be causing you to develop anxiety include:

Fear of missing out – do you frequently check social media to see what others are doing, to the point that you do less yourself?
Distraction – do you use social media to escape negative feelings instead of combating the reason behind your mood?
Social security – do you find yourself using social media to avoid real-world conversations when in public?

If any of the above points apply to you, this may suggest that you are using social media in a harmful way.

What You Can Do

If you believe you have a severe and long-term anxiety disorder, there is support available through the NHS. If you simply want help with combating occasional feelings of anxiety, our products can provide the support you need to overcome your issue.

Shop CBD oils, capsules and balms at Ellevance

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07 Sep

ElleVance Glossary: Understanding the Science

Here at ElleVance, we’ve been fortunate enough to be at the forefront of the science surrounding our products. We understand what benefits they can provide in areas such as sleep, anxiety, stress and muscle recovery. Over the years, many people have contacted us, looking for a reliable source of information before deciding what products are right for them.

There’s a lot of science that goes into everything that we do, and this can sometimes become overwhelming. You’re likely to hear a lot of new terms when it comes to our products, so to lift the lid on what these mean, here’s a glossary that explains everything you’re likely to hear.

Anxiety

Anxiety can refer to any feelings of unease, such as worry, fear, nervousness and more. Many people experience anxiety in their lives, and our products can help people overcome these sensations.

However, for some people, anxiety can be a consistent problem that makes it hard to live their lives. If this applies to you, we would recommend seeking professional help first.

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are naturally-derived chemicals that interact with the cannabinoid receptors in our bodies. There are hundreds of different cannabinoids, but the most common are CBD, THC (both plant-derived cannabinoids or phytocannabinoids), and endocannabinoids (which are the cannabinoids that our body produces naturally).

CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid that can be extracted from the hemp plant. CBD is what interacts with your endocannabinoid system, producing the positive effects of our CBD oils and other products.

CBDA

Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is an early stage of CBD found in the hemp plant. Like CBD, CBDA has its distinctive beneficial effects on our body.

CBD Isolates

A CBD isolate is, in essence, the purest form of CBD, produced by removing all other elements from the natural hemp extract. However, this isn’t the best way to experience hemp’s comprehensive benefits, as CBD isolates do not contain terpenes and don’t interact with your complete endocannabinoid system like a full-spectrum alternative.

Cultivars

Short for ‘cultivated variety’, it refers to any plant that has been selectively bred and cultivated for its unique characteristics. All of our products come from our proprietary cultivar grown in Colorado, USA, widely regarded as one of the best locations for hemp cultivation.

Dosage

How much of a product you should take at any one time. The dosage for our products can vary depending on your body, needs and previous experiences with similar products. For more information, check our FAQs page.

Endocannabinoids

Endocannabinoids are the cannabinoids produced in the body. Our endocannabinoid system regulates a range of emotional and bodily responses to various situations, which can contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety, pain and tiredness. Our products engage your natural endocannabinoid system, helping it to regulate these feelings better.

Entourage Effect

The entourage effect is a scientific term designed to explain how a broad spectrum of hemp-derived compounds can help to produce a range of positive effects in the body. There is still a lot of research to be done as to the breath of benefits found in hemp products, but CBD and terpenes are at the heart of these positive impacts, which is why we use them in our products.

Extraction

Extraction is the process by which the chemical compounds are extracted from the hemp plant material. We use an advanced extraction process in our laboratory environments to ensure the maximum potential of our Colorado-grown plants is realised in all of our products.

Hemp

The plant from which CBD and hemp products have been derived. The term hemp usually relates to a variety of the plant that is industrially cultivated for a range of uses.

Homeostasis

Homeostasis is the biological process by which the body maintains balance, both physically and mentally. CBD products support the endocannabinoid system in this process.

Insomnia

Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep and achieve restorative sleep. Some cases of insomnia can be resolved with the support of products like ours, along with changes in sleeping habits and other remedies. Sometimes, insomnia can be more severe and may require the help of a professional.

Mgs (per ml)

In our and similar products, mg per ml refers to how many milligrams of cannabinoids are in each millilitre of the product. This figure will often indicate how potent a product is (aka the strength of the product), although other factors can also influence their performance. It’s crucial to differentiate this from the overall content of cannabinoids in a package/bottle. ElleVance products clearly state on the label the product’s strength (e.g. 70 mg/mL) and its cannabinoids content (e.g. 4200mg in a 60mL COMPLETE Relief bottle).

Not only are all of our products a high concentration, but their broad-spectrum composition and rigorous testing ensure you’re getting a great, effective product every time.

Muscle Recovery

The process by which your muscle fibres rebuild after rigorous activity, such as exercise. Our products support the body in its natural muscle recovery processes.

Organic

Organic is a term that can mean various things in the modern world. When it comes to hemp products, organic refers to farming processes that don’t use pesticides and humanmade fertilisers.

Not all CBD products are organic by default. Here at ElleVance, though, all of our products are organic and vegan.

Phytocannabinoids

Phytocannabinoids are the cannabinoids that occur naturally in the hemp plant. There are over 100 phytocannabinoids, the most well known of which are CBD and THC.

Sleep

A vital part of our lives, sleep is responsible for restoring various bodily systems and plays a massive role in our wellbeing. Our products have been shown to help people achieve better sleep, contributing to an improvement in overall wellness.

Spectrum (Full or Broad)

When referring to CBD products, full or broad spectrum refers to those which include a combination of CBD and terpenes, as opposed to CBD isolates.

Some people utilise the term “full-spectrum” to describe products that contain THC, and “broad-spectrum” to identify CBD-isolates with added terpenes and/or traces of other cannabinoids. There is, however, no international convention for the use of these terms and hence their use can be misleading.

For example, a ‘full-spectrum’ product in the USA may not be the same as a full-spectrum product in Europe or the UK – furthermore, a USA ‘full-spectrum’ product may even not be legal in the UK or the EU!

At ElleVance, we manufacture primarily products that contain all the useful chemical compounds in our proprietary cultivar. However, we also have a range of products (e.g. ElleVance SPORTS Performance) that contain only CBD & CBDA.

Stress

Stress is the body’s natural response to threat and can result in many uncomfortable sensations, including tightness, lack of focus and irritability. Stress can be essential for us to understand moments of danger, but it can also cause significant discomfort if experienced daily.

Our products have been shown to help the body better regulate feelings of stress, allowing people to feel more relaxed.

Terpenes

Terpenes are a diverse range of compounds found in nature. Terpenes like limonene, pinene, and linalool are responsible for the perfume of lemons, pine, and lavender, respectively. There are many terpenes in our products, all of which come from our proprietary hemp cultivar and contribute to the wellbeing benefits associated with ElleVance products. Terpenes also play a significant role in the entourage effect, working to support the benefits of CBD and CBDA.

THC

Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of the cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. It is also the psychoactive compound associated with cannabis but is separate from CBD and other compounds found in hemp products.

To be sold legally, all hemp and CBD products must contain non-detectable levels of THC. All our products are tested in third-party laboratories, so you can enjoy our products with confidence, knowing that there is no chance of you experiencing the effects of THC.

If you have any questions about our products, feel free to contact our UK customer services team who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

26 Aug

Four Remedies for Good Sleep

A full night of good quality sleep is essential for our health and wellbeing. Even just one night of inadequate sleep can wreak havoc on your body and mind.

Here at ElleVance, we are dedicated to helping you achieve good sleep and peace of mind. Research has shown that natural remedies like CBD oil for sleep can be a beneficial part of your nightly routine.

Numerous other remedies can be harnessed to support good sleep; here, we explore some effective solutions for bad sleep.

The Benefits of a Good Night’s Sleep

Some people are ‘morning people’, while many others are not. However, regardless of if you are full of energy in the morning, all of our moods are better when we’ve had a sufficient amount of sleep.

A bad night’s sleep can leave you in a terrible mood, feeling far more irritable or negative than usual. Getting plenty of sleep also means that you are able to concentrate more and will not need to rely on stimulants like sugar and caffeine to keep you alert.

Sleep is an important part of physical health, as well. A healthy sleep schedule can help you control your appetite and maintain a healthy weight; being sleep deprived can affect the hormones that signal hunger.

Your mental health can also be supported and regulated when you get enough sleep. Sleep can be very beneficial when you are struggling with stress or trying to improve your emotional wellbeing.

Realising how good sleep can be beneficial is important, but how can poor sleep be remedied?

Meditation

Many people are sceptical of meditation, but it can be beneficial for a number of reasons. Just sitting and practising some mindful breathing exercises can help you let go of the stresses of the day and set you up for a more peaceful night’s sleep. The practise consists of slow breathing while you sit and observe your breath and body while focusing on any thoughts or feelings that arise and eventually pass.

A 2011 study showed that meditation could improve the symptoms of insomnia and overall sleep patterns.

A simple meditation session of 15 minutes can be enough to calm your body and mind before bed. You can practise meditation at any point throughout the day to help combat feelings of stress. A general reduction in stress can be beneficial when looking to achieve better sleep.

If you are unsure where to start, guided meditation through specialist sleep apps can be very helpful.

Yoga

Taking up yoga can be a great remedy for achieving good sleep and improving general health. Moving your body in slow, controlled movements helps boost mental focus and can alleviate stress in the mind and body.

Like meditation, yoga can be practised at any time of the day while still being beneficial when it comes to bedtime. Bedtime sessions can be especially useful in helping you release tension from your body that you didn’t even realise you were holding.

Lavender

For years, lavender has been used as an effective sleep remedy. Lavender can be used as a sleeping agent in many different ways.

For some people, its smell is enough to induce feelings of calm and relaxation. There are many varieties of lavender-scented candles and room sprays on the market to choose from.

Lavender tea is another great sleep aid, especially when blended with camomile.

A 2014 study concluded that lavender oil capsules were beneficial in improving sleep for people who were also taking antidepressants.

CBD Products

Like lavender, CBD oil can be used as a natural remedy for improving sleep. Taking CBD oil is effective in supporting you to feel more relaxed, which can help you fall asleep faster.

Continual research into the positive effects of CBD oil is being undertaken in relation to sleep quality. Studies have already shown how it has the potential to help alleviate symptoms of insomnia and the disruption of REM sleep.

It should be noted that if you are experiencing persistent sleep issues, a professional should be consulted. CBD products can be effective but should not be considered a replacement for professional treatment.

For more guidance on the benefits of CBD oil and the science behind it, please don’t hesitate to browse our website or get in touch.

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24 Aug

Why Do People Use CBD Oil?

Over the last few years, demand for CBD products has grown massively. As more research is conducted and public understanding grows, more people are discovering the benefits of these products and how they can help us live fuller lives.

A recent survey by New Frontier Data has uncovered just how much Europe’s CBD market has grown over the last few years, and how popular it could become. They have also revealed some interesting statistics about how people are using CBD oil, showcasing some of its most popular benefits.

The Growing CBD Market

According to New Frontier Data, there are over 72 million CBD consumers in the EU. We’ve come a long way in such a short time!

56% of Europeans surveyed have heard of CBD, which shows that these products are on their way to becoming part of the mainstream conversation. However, recent European Commission decisions on CBD show that there’s still some way to go before Hemp CBD products are fully understood.

Here at ElleVance, we are always open about the potential of CBD products. These are not miracle cures but can provide natural benefits for a range of issues, which we will look at in more detail below.

According to the research, total spending on CBD products in the EU this year will total around €8.3 billion (that’s ~£7.5 billion). By 2025, that figure is expected to increase to a whopping €13.6 billion (£12.3 billion)!

Why People Use CBD?

CBD oil can be used to provide benefits in various physical and mental areas. However, what are the most popular reasons for taking CBD among consumers?

Pain Management

According to New Frontier Data, the most popular reason for taking CBD oil products is pain management, with 40% of CBD consumers stating this as the top reason. CBD is an anti-inflammatory and has been proven to help assist the body in its natural recovery from injury. These benefits are the reasons why CBD is becoming a popular supplement among sportspeople!

Stress Relief

Beyond pain management, 34% of CBD consumers use the products for relaxation, and 31% for stress relief. One of CBD’s most significant benefits is how it supports the body’s natural endocannabinoid system, helping to regulate intense emotions such as stress and anxiety. While CBD cannot eradicate these feelings, it can help you to overcome them naturally and has proven useful for many people, as this research demonstrates!

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Sleep

Tied to stress is our sleep, which is vital for living happy, healthy lives. Many people have used our products to help them fall and stay asleep more smoothly, and also help combat jet-lag! Again, if you have a severe condition such as insomnia, we advise that you get in contact with a professional. However, if you simply want to improve the quality of your sleep, then CBD products can provide welcome support.

What Can CBD Do for Me?

The CBD industry is in a fascinating place. Research continues to understand the benefits of these products further, and more people are discovering the advantages for themselves!

If you are interested in taking CBD, then we have a wide range of products for you to choose from, depending on the benefits that interest you. Check out our blog on what happens when I first start taking CBD or get in touch with our team, who can help advise you on the best way to start.

20 Aug

What to Look for in False CBD Advertising Claims

Everyone has warmly received the emergence of CBD as a product that can provide significant benefits to our lives. As our industry continues to grow and more research is conducted, we are getting more excited about the potential benefits that our products can provide.

However, as with any emerging market, there is still an element of confusion and misunderstanding when it comes to CBD. While we try to educate our consumers and the wider public as much as we can, this uncertainty, unfortunately, provides room for less scrupulous businesses to operate, taking advantage of lies and half-truths for profit.

There are a growing number of scams related to CBD products online. What’s worse is that many of these take on the guide of a reputable company to sell poor-quality and potentially dangerous products. Some even falsely use celebrities to promote their products – Clint Eastwood and Mary Berry are two of the more recent examples.

How to Spot a False CBD Advert

Here at ElleVance, we strive to educate all our customers about the reality of taking CBD products. Our CBD FAQs section is full of factual information backed by research, helping you to make the right choice about whether CBD is right for you and, if so, which product would be most suitable for your needs.

False CBD adverts are only concerned with selling you their product – often something that is of poor quality and won’t deliver the benefits you expect. Here are some tell-tale signs of fake CBD adverts.

Exaggerated Claims

One of the most dangerous things when it comes to CBD advertising is sellers overstating its effectiveness. CBD can be effective at helping your body deal with stress and anxiety, can promote better sleep and also support muscle recovery. However, it cannot eliminate stress or insomnia, and it’s not a miracle cure for your aching joints.

These exaggerated claims are designed to prey on people who are desperate for support and are more likely to make an emotional purchase. If you see a CBD advert making these extraordinary ‘miracle cure’ claims, this is a sign that the company is potentially malicious.

If you have a severe issue related to stress, insomnia or anything else, you should always get in contact with an independent medical professional before purchasing products.

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Pushy Tone

As mentioned above, these false CBD adverts rely on establishing an instant emotional connection with the reader. Once they have that, they’re eager to get you to commit your money before taking a moment to think. They achieve this by creating adverts filled with aggressive messaging, including:

Buy Now!
Sale Ending in 5 Minutes!
Low Stock!
Don’t Miss Out!

If you see a CBD advert that appears exaggerated and pushy, then you should take a moment to consider if you can trust this product or company.

Strange Pricing

Another way false CBD adverts get you is through creative pricing techniques, disguising the real cost behind other figures. Claims such as “only £XX per bottle” are common, as is subscription-based pricing. If an advert says “first purchase free” but then asks for your payment details, there’s a chance that they could be tying you into a costly subscription, so be aware.

How to Avoid False CBD Advertising

Unfortunately, given the world of digital advertising today, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to avoid false CBD adverts entirely. However, you can arm yourself with the knowledge of how to distinguish them.

There are various other things beyond what’s listed above that you can do to help avoid CBD scams.

Do Your Research!

One of the most effective ways of avoiding being scammed is to research. If you’re interested in buying a CBD product, make sure it is from a legitimate company with an online, social media and physical presence (if in doubt, give them a call!).

Also, ensure that they’re not falsely using a reputable seller’s imagery – we’ve had many people contact us claiming to be scammed by people using ElleVance branding. The best way to avoid this is to get in touch with the company before purchasing. If you can’t contact the seller and confirm, then this should be a giveaway that the product may not be legitimate.

Why You Should Only Choose a Reputable Seller

Unfortunately, those who do end up purchasing from bad actors tend to receive a sub-par product, if any at all. This experience can wrongly put people off CBD products. Buying from a recognised seller, like us, will allow you to experience the true potential of a high-potency, tried and tested product.

All of our CBD products are tested in third-party laboratories to ensure a high-potency and trustworthy product every time. If you want to learn more about the realities of CBD, why not check out our other blog post on CBD myths?

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13 Aug

Using CBD for Rugby

A growing body of research is showing that CBD can provide a range of health benefits for all people. By promoting natural reactions in our body, cannabinoids have the potential to help us live happier, healthier lives.

Since WADA removed CBD from its list of prohibited substances, athletes are now discovering the potential benefits it can bring to physical performance.

Rugby is one of the most physically intense team sports in the world, with so much pressure exerted, mentally and physically, across the body. CBD can assist rugby players in their performance, particularly during the recovery process, as outlined in this article.

Improved Recovery

Given the amount of physical activity and contact involved, it’s unsurprising that rugby is one of the most demanding and, as a result, injury-prone sports. While international bodies seek to make injuries less common, the basics of the game mean that pain is inevitable, and the recovery process is vital.

Recovery, either from injury or general fatigue, is a long process with many facets. However, CBD can provide benefits in many of these areas.

CBD reduces pain and inflammation, allowing the body to speed up its natural recovery processes and, ultimately, produce more muscle. Cannabinoids can also promote sleep, a vital part of overcoming fatigue and feeling fresh for the next fixture.

When it comes to more serious injuries, CBD can also help in the reduction of pain and inflammation, while its stress-reducing properties provide the athlete with a stronger sense of calm at what can be a traumatic time.

Note: CBD is not an alternative to conventional medicine, and should only be used to assist a more in-depth recovery process.

Reduced Pain and Inflammation

One of CBD’s most significant benefits for rugby players is its ability to decrease levels of pain and inflammation naturally. For many players, these are just parts of the sport. However, properly managing the recovery process not only makes it more comfortable but can also lead to better gains going forward.

Cannabinoids in CBD interact with your body’s natural endocannabinoid system, which then interacts with the nervous system to reduce pain and inflammation. By lowering these feelings, the body will be free to help you recover more quickly and effectively than before, making your body more durable over time and reducing the recovery time needed between matches.

Increased Sleep

We have perennially underestimated the importance of sleep, but it’s an essential part of athletic performance. During our sleep is when our bodies perform the most rigorous recovery procedures, while a lack of sleep can impact our time awake in a myriad of ways, both physical and mental.

CBD may help the body to control its emotions, triggering natural hormones that enable us to fall asleep quicker and more deeply. By improving the quality of your rest, you’ll feel fresher in body and mind for the next day.

Controlled Stress and Anxiety

Sportspeople at the highest level need to make every moment count. However, that pressure we put on ourselves can have a negative effect if not channelled in the right way. Stress not only impacts on our on-field performance but can also negatively affect recovery, dieting and other aspects of your life.

The natural chemicals in CBD may help the body to suppress feelings of anxiety and stress before they can appear. This ability to reduce negative emotions can lead to higher levels of performance, as well as improved recovery processes.

A downcast rugby player alone on a pitch

Are athletes allowed to take CBD products?

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, CBD has been removed from the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of prohibited substances for athletes. CBD products do not contain THC, the psychoactive element that remains a banned substance for many sports. Many professional athletes across multiple sports now use CBD products as part of their recovery and preparation process.

CBD is an excellent way of assisting the body in doing what it does best. Here at Ellevance, we are one of the top producers of CBD oil in the UK, with products designed specifically for sports performance. For more information, please browse our range or check out our blog on how athletes can manage injuries.

European Union flags outside the Commission building

28 Jul

Why the EC should not class CBD as a drug: a Q&A with ElleVance

Here at ElleVance, we’re proud of our position as a leading figure in the market of safe, healthy and high-performing CBD oils. Over the years, we’ve seen the benefits these products have delivered to millions of people around the world. As more evidence comes to light, people are becoming even more optimistic about what CBD, as part of a balanced diet, can do for your bodies and minds.

However, we are still at an early stage on this path towards understanding CBD. Even at the highest level, there are still preconceptions concerning these products. This need for broader education was evidenced earlier this month when the European Commission (EC) paused novel food applications for CBD products derived from industrial hemp to consider the question of whether they should be classed as a drug.

We at ElleVance are proud members of the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA), who are helping to educate policymakers in the UK and EU on the facts surrounding CBD.

In this article, we analyse what this sudden change in mind from the EC could mean for CBD products and why, with proper regulation and education, everybody can enjoy the benefits of CBD.

What Did the European Commission Decide on CBD?

The EC was advised to suspend novel food applications for products containing naturally-derived CBD and to consider whether this ingredient should be classed as a narcotic drug.

No final decision has been made, and the EC is inviting bodies to provide comment ahead of September. However, the EC has made a preliminary decision that non-synthetic CBD should be classed as a drug in the future.

What is a Novel Food?

Novel in this instance refers to something new or interesting. A novel food, therefore, is one that has not been widely consumed before and, as a result, requires regulation and checks regarding its safety for consumption.

Technically, novel foods in the EU and in the UK are those that have not been widely consumed in these territories before May 1997. A novel food can be anything, from the latest discoveries in plant-based nutrition to foods popular worldwide but without a history of local consumption, such as chia seeds.

Is CBD a Drug?

This question is the crux of the debate that has started since this surprise decision by the EC. Again, it’s worth noting that no final decision has been made. However, there is overwhelming evidence to suggest that naturally-derived CBD should remain as a novel food and not be regulated as a drug.

The Evidence

Firstly, it’s important to differentiate between non-psychoactive CBD from industrial hemp and THC, the psychoactive substance found in the cannabis plant. In all cases where this distinction is made, CBD is not considered a drug. You can learn more about this in our blog looking at can you get high from CBD products?

The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA), which classes CBD as a novel food, has indicated that it will retain that status regardless of the EC ruling. CBD also shares a similar status in the USA, Canada, China and Switzerland.

Whether a substance should be classed as a drug or not falls under two international conventions overseen by the United Nations (UN). Under these rules, CBD has never been considered a narcotic or psychotropic substance.

There is also evidence that CBD oil shouldn’t just be novel food, but should actually be classed as traditional food. Back in 1997, the EC made this ruling, before reclassing it as “Novel” in 2019. The argument supporting this position is that, whilst cold-pressed hemp-seed oils have been part of human diets for ages, high-quality hemp extracts were not widely consumed before 1997.

Why Has the EC Made This Decision?

Given the overwhelming evidence to the contrary, the EC’s surprising decision is widely seen to be a politically-motivated one. The continued acceptance of synthetically-produced CBD as a novel food provides further confusion as to the direction of travel for Europe.

Again, it’s worth repeating that this is a preliminary decision. We remain hopeful that the EC will see the compelling evidence regarding CBD and reverse this announcement in due course.

Will the European Commission Decision Impact the UK?

As mentioned above, the UK’s FSA has shown no indication that it will reverse its own position towards CBD. However, while the UK has left the European Union, it is in a period of transition where it must follow Europe’s rules. Therefore, until the end of 2020, the EC decision has legal priority over that of the FSA. Moreover, if the EC goes forward with this and classifies naturally derived CBD as a drug, how the UK regulates CBD in the future might be impacted by the overarching agreement with the EU.

A Union Jack UK flag in London during sunset

Are CBD Products Still Safe?

As with many products, so long as you purchase from a reputable and trusted company, CBD products are safe and can be effective at helping us to live healthier lives. Proper regulation is vital when it comes to creating a reliable and trusted CBD industry, and the EC decision creates more uncertainty, not only for businesses but also for consumers.

We at ElleVance will be supporting the efforts of the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) as they seek to educate politicians and lawmakers on the realities of CBD products.

We are proud of the lengths we go to in ensuring you get a high-quality product. All our produce is tested at every stage of production, from farm to final product, by accredited third-party laboratories. Our scientific approach to natural ingredients allows us to create high-potency, effective products that you can trust time and time again.

If you want to know more about our CBD products, check out our CBD FAQs page or get in contact with our customer services team who will be more than happy to answer your questions.

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21 Jul

Sleep and Stress: Why are They Linked?

The NHS website advises that adults should aim for eight hours of sleep per night. Of course, how much sleep is needed will vary on the individual. However, working out how much sleep your body and mind require to feel sufficiently rested is vital to your overall mental and physical health.

A whole host of reasons can cause lack of sleep, a prevalent one being stress. The connection between lack of sleep and stress is a strong one, and poor sleep can also affect your levels of stress, creating a cycle of one impacting the other.

A woman sat at laptop with head in hands

Why Does Stress Exist?

So what is stress and how do you know if it is impacting your life?

Stress originates from a fight or flight response that humans have used to survive from potential danger throughout our evolution.

The fight or flight response radically increases the autonomic nervous system to produce hormones, including cortisol and adrenaline. The growth of these hormones causes the heart rate to increase to ensure enough blood reaches the vital organs, ready for action.

However, despite a decrease in these threats over time, this response remains, meaning that stress can prevail in less dangerous situations such as work, family or social interactions.

How to Identify Stress

Stress can affect people in a multitude of ways and can produce various mental and physical conditions depending on each person. These could include things such as a loss of appetite, eczema and being unable to sleep, as well as anxiety, racing thoughts and the inability to relax.

Most people will feel stress from time to time, and this cannot be helped. However, if this is how you feel the majority of the time you are awake, this is a cause for concern. An accumulation of stress can have a long term negative impact on your body and mind.

The Cycle of Stress and Sleep

The web between body and mind is a complex one, and often when one is affected, so is the other. This strongly applies in the link between stress and sleep as one can impact the other.

For example, stress can cause you to lie awake at night, worrying about the preceding morning. In turn, the lack of sleep the next day will only enhance these feelings of anxiety about the future as your body and brain have not been able to sufficiently rest.

How Does Stress Cause A Lack of Sleep?

Stress reduces the quality of sleep as well as the length of a deep slumber. In extreme cases, stress can cause sleep deprivation through the intense level of alertness, meaning winding down to sleep can be prolonged. Troubling and racing thoughts can often overwhelm the individual and keep them awake with no solution of soothing their worried state.

If you are concerned that you may be suffering from a sleep disorder, you can read further information here.

How Does A Lack of Sleep Cause Stress?

As mentioned, an inadequate amount of sleep can cause you to feel an increased level of stress. Feeling tired can change the way you perceive situations and therefore have lasting impacts on you and those around you, which only elevates feelings of uncertainty and pressure.

Many mental health charities, including Mind.org, emphasise the importance of gaining enough sleep to reduce levels of stress.

The Importance of Maintaining Healthy Levels of Stress

With the potential of stress preventing reasonable levels of sleep and vice versa, knowing how to keep control of your levels of stress is integral to ensuring you are happy and healthy.

Improving Your Lifestyle

If you can reduce your levels of stress in the evening, this could have a significant impact on how quickly and how well you fall asleep. Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine is integral to winding down stress levels and preparing your body for sleep.

This could include a comforting hot drink, a warm bath, reading a book or listening to a podcast. Using meditation can also support you to let go of stressful thoughts and can be used throughout the day to keep on top of stress levels.

Taking CBD oil for sleep can support you in feeling more relaxed, which in turn, will help you to fall asleep. For more information about taking CBD oil, discover more about what happens when you first take CBD oil.

If you cannot improve your levels of sleep, it is vital you seek out the support of a medical practitioner who will be able to help you further.

Ensuring you are acquiring a sufficient amount of high-quality sleep is integral to your overall mental and physical health. By reducing stress levels, you can improve your sleep, and by ensuring you have enough sleep, you can gain a healthier perspective of stressful situations.

17 Jul

Can CBD Be Used in Addiction Therapy?

After early and promising studies, scientists are becoming increasingly interested in the use of CBD in addiction therapy. It is thought that CBD may help to reduce cravings both during addiction and while in recovery, potentially reducing the risk of relapse. While this research is in its infancy, it is interesting to look into these studies to find out more.

NB – The following text is intended for informational purposes only. If you have any concerns regarding addiction, please consult a GP or health professional.

What is Addiction Therapy?

Addiction therapy is used to help people who have become reliant on, or addicted to, a substance, commonly alcohol or drugs. Addiction is complicated as there are many contributing factors, including mental and physical reliance. There are also underlying problems that may have caused the user to become addicted in the first place, such as mental health issues.

Addiction therapy is a standard method used to help addicts recover and avoid relapse. There are many different methods used under this umbrella which vary depending on the addiction and the individual patient. Often treatment consists of a combination of medication, traditional therapy and, in more recent years, holistic therapy.

Using CBD in Addiction Therapy

How could CBD be used to help people who are struggling with addiction? If CBD can help to reduce stress and anxiety, it may be particularly beneficial in reducing the chance of relapse by decreasing these levels caused by cravings and environmental factors.

CBD and Opioid Addiction

One study also found that cravings were reduced in people with a history of heroin abuse, who were abstaining from relapse, after taking regular doses of CBD.

CBD and Cocaine Addiction

Similarly, CBD may help to reduce the cravings associated with cocaine and amphetamine abuse, although research supporting this is limited.

CBD and Alcohol Addiction

A common side effect of alcohol withdrawal is insomnia. Many people use CBD to help regulate sleep patterns and improve their ability to fall asleep. Managing a severe side effect may help to reduce the risk of relapse for people recovering from alcohol addiction.

CBD and Marijuana Addiction

Known as Marijuana Use Disorder, the heavy use of marijuana can result in dependence for the user, with side effects including mood swings, decreased appetite, sleep difficulties and restlessness. While CBD is present in cannabis, it is THC that seems to be responsible for these effects. CBD oil does not contain THC.

In one study published by NCBI, one individual who suffered from bi-polar disorder and a daily addiction to marijuana reported feeling less anxious and having a better sleep. He was also able to abstain from the use of marijuana.

Summary – Can CBD Be Used in Addiction Therapy?

Early studies suggest that there are promising indicators that CBD may be useful in treating addiction therapy, although much more research needs to be done to support these claims.

For more articles on CBD, take a look at our blog, including Can You Build a Tolerance to CBD? For high-potency, quality CBD oils and products, including CBD oils for sleep, please browse our website.

06 Jul

Update: The Role of EIHA and the Hemp Industry

The European Industrial Hemp Association, otherwise known as the EIHA, is dedicated to changing the mindset of European leaders and governments on hemp as a respected, promoted, and legislated product.

Currently, the production of hemp faces many challenges across the EU despite the economic and environmental benefits it can potentially generate.

The EIHA believes ‘decisive action’ is required to combat the current European stance on the hemp industry. In line with this, EIHA has published its “Hemp Manifesto” to broadcast the positive economic and ecological impact of the hemp industry.

ElleVance’s Role in the EIHA’s Hemp Manifesto

On Monday 15th June, ElleVance attended the General Meeting headed by the EIHA. As a Regular Member, ElleVance is involved in decisions made by the EIHA.

ElleVance is responsible for providing content found in the EIHA’s Hemp Manifesto and is dedicated to supporting the whole hemp industry throughout Europe.

Issues of Unregulated Markets

Considering COVID-19, many hemp businesses across Europe have been put on pause as they are not considered as an ‘essential business.’ This has unfortunately caused a growth in unregulated cannabis markets.

With this concern brought to attention, the EIHA emphasised how and why the hemp industry should be considered as an ‘essential business.’ Not just because of its environmental benefits, but also due to its positive economic impact across the whole continent.

EIHA, the Economy and the Hemp Industry

The EIHA’s Hemp Manifesto beholds that growing hemp plant is a sustainable, CO2 negative source of primary materials for the manufacturing of a variety of products. As such, it can play a crucial role in industries like paper, textiles, building materials, pharmaceuticals, food and food supplements (including extracts in products like CBD capsules and oils).

New Frontier Data highlight how Volvo uses industrial hemp in their ‘eco range’ for door panels and dashboards. There is much scope for hemp for businesses who can and want to use it.

Much of hemp’s attraction comes from its low environmental impact. Firstly, no part of the hemp part is wasted; the seeds, plant, flower, and stalk can all be used.

Another fundamental fact about hemp is how it acts as a carbon sink. Which essentially means that the plant removes more CO2 than what it produces. In figures, hemp captures CO2 in a ratio of 13.4 tons of CO2 per hectare (10 tons per acre).

The EIHA’s Hemp Manifesto stresses how hemp can make a significant contribution towards a zero-emission, bio-based and sustainable economy, as outlined in the European Green Deal and the Paris Climate Agreement.

For a more in-depth overview of the EIHA’s Hemp Manifesto, please take a look at our article on how hemp can help the environment and the economy.

ElleVance believes in the use of hemp for the health of people and the environment. For more information on products, please visit our website or contact us through our website or social media channels!