Herbs to Pair with CBD for Pain, Anxiety, and More!

We know that many people use CBD for pain, for sleep, or for anxiety. We won’t talk about that here (we actually can’t – here’s why) – but the research often speaks for itself.

But did you know there are many complimentary natural substances that you can pair with your CBD to boost the effects?

It’s true. We can turn to Mother Nature for a ton of health help!

Herbs to Pair with CBD for Pain

If you’re taking CBD for pain, these natural substances pair well with it:

Cloves

With their distinct smell – probably reminding you of the holidays – cloves are actually a great natural pain reliever.

The active ingredient in cloves is eugenol. This is a natural pain reliever that you’ll often find in over the counter pain rubs. This aromatic herb can help reduce the pain associated with headaches, arthritic inflammation, and even toothaches.

Note: People with bleeding disorders or who are taking blood-thinning medication should be careful when consuming clove products. Clove oil can increase the risk of abnormal bleeding.

Turmeric

Have you ever heard of golden paste? Well, it’s well-loved as a natural pain killer. That’s because of its main ingredient, Turmeric – the spice that gives curry its yellow color and unique flavor. Turmeric contains the compound curcumin, an antioxidant that helps protect the body from harmful free radical molecules..

It’s also popular for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal as a best friend for CBD for pain. You can get turmeric capsules or make some golden paste with black pepper and coconut oil to boost bioavailability.

Ginger

Ginger, a go-to for stomach upset, also shows promise as a natural pain reliever.

Research from 2015 found that people taking 2 grams of ginger per day experienced reduced muscle pain from resistance exercise and running when people took it for at least 5 days. The researchers also suggested that ginger may accelerate recovery and reduce inflammation related to exercise, so reach for this if you work out.

A Little Something For Sleep

If you take CBD to help with your sleep, these natural substances may be a great additional bedtime addition.

Lavender

The smell of lavender is pretty distinct. And its purple flowers are easy to identify. It’s quite pretty – but it packs a powerful punch when it comes to sleep!

Lavender works as a gentle sedative, to increase relaxation and calm, and help bring about sleep. That’s why people swear by lavender essential oil in a diffuser at bedtime, or by sachets of dried lavender under their pillow.

Lavender also works as an anxiolytic – that means it relieves anxiety. This can help your mind relax, helping you fall asleep faster.

Melatonin

No technically a herb, no, melatonin is a natural substance that your body produces on its own. It doesn’t make you sleep, but as your melatonin levels rise, it puts you into a state of relaxation.

By increasing the amount of melatonin in your body at night, research shows that it may help people with insomnia fall asleep slightly faster and can greatly benefit those with other sleep disorders, such as primary sleep disorder.

Valerian

Valerian is often referred to as “nature’s Valium.” This herb has been used since ancient times to promote tranquility and improve sleep.

Research shows that valerian may reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and help you sleep better. This is likely due to various compounds in the root that may promote sleep and reduce anxiety, such as valerenic acid, isovaleric acid, and antioxidants like hesperidin and linarin.

Additionally, for those looking to go a more natural route for a sleep aid, studies show that valerian may also help those with insomnia after they stop taking benzodiazepines, sedative medications, reducing withdrawal symptoms and improving sleep.

Easing Anxiety

If you take CBD to ease anxiety, adding a powerful herb like one of these may just give you that extra little mood boost.

Skullcap

Skullcap has long been celebrated as a natural anxiety reliever – one that’s been used in traditional medicine for centuries.

Today, research proves that it can boost your mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. For example, one particular study found that participants who received 1,050 mg of skullcap daily for 2 weeks reported significant enhancements in mood compared to a placebo group.

Researchers believe these positively impacts on mood and and anxiety come from skullcap’s ability to stimulate gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps calm the nerves. 

Passionflower

Not to be confused with passionfruit (although they are from the same family), passionflower has been used for medicinal purposes since at least the 16th century.

And that includes relieving anxiety. Like lavender, research shows that passionflower has anxiolytic properties, again, meaning anxiety-calming.

How anxiety-reducing are we talking? Well, in one clinical trial, researchers found that passionflower had results similar to anti-anxiety medication! Now, this study was done on mice, but that’s powerful stuff. This makes it ideal as an alternative if you’re looking for something a little more natural to calm your anxious mind.

Herbs to Add to CBD for Pain, Sleep, and Anxiety: Final Thoughts

If you suffer from pain, trouble sleeping, or anxiety, or a combination of all three, CBD may already be your go-to daily supplement. But that doesn’t mean you can’t add a little to the mix!

All of these herbs are natural – meaning you’re not compromising your commitment to move away from pharmaceuticals. And they’re all relatively easy to find. Check your local drug or health food store for most. No prescription required. Note: read labels carefully, and follow the directions.