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How CBD Changed My Life & Chronic Pain For The Better
Ever since my scoliosis surgery in 1999, my back hasn't been the same.
For years, I've endured extremely debilitating back pain. After seeing a different specialist and trying physical therapy, my last resort was the pain doctor. Based on my age, she explained three different options available to me. Two were in the form of a shot, meaning I would get pumped with steroids for a few months at a time. The third choice was to take a narcotic to ease the pain. Those options weren't the best for me. With any steroid, there is a possibility that the side effects won't be in your favor.
The majority of the time, weight gain is an issue. And of course, with any narcotic, there is a slim chance that you could become addicted. In the past, I've allowed my desperation to get the better of me. So, I explained to the doctor that I was not 100% confident in the plan and that I needed time to think about it. This is something that I would have to endure for the rest of my life.
The pain I was in would eventually turn into chronic illness later on in life.
On my way home, I decided that I wanted to use the injections as a last resort and opted on a fourth option: I wanted to try the natural route. My goal was to try acupuncture, yoga, hydrotherapy, and lastly, marijuana (I live in California where it's "legal"). People who know me know that I suffer from the pain I wouldn't wish on my enemy. Not only do I still have a slight curve in my lower spine from scoliosis, I now have a pinched nerve, arthritis, and a deteriorating disc. I am constantly bombarded with inflammation in the lower half of my body. It's challenging to get out of bed, walk long distances, and sit for long periods. I'd never felt this frustrated in regards to my health.
Fast forward to now, I've been taking CBD capsules for the past seven months. And it has been one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. I feel like I have a new lease on life. Instead of taking a pain pill from my doctor every day, I can just take a capsule. The great thing about taking CBD in whatever form you choose, you can take CBD "as needed". You can still function and complete your day-to-day tasks without fear of side effects while alleviating every day aches and pains.
Women of color have been getting the short end of the stick when it comes to dealing with pain. Somehow, we aren't believed and are left to suffer in silence. Women with endometriosis, fibroids, back pain such as myself, and arthritis should definitely be introducing CBD into their lives.
I am in no way medically or scientifically trained in CBD. But my hope is to inspire and encourage to incorporate CBD in your daily regimen. Here's why.
What Is CBD?
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According to ProjectCBD.Org, cannabidiol or, in other words, CBD "is a naturally occurring compound found in the resinous flower of cannabis." With the correct scientific compound combination, you can break the marijuana plant down to extract the CBD only. The science of CBD makes sure it covers the endocannabinoid system, which is "a complex cell-signaling system identified in the early 1990s (healthline.com)."
In addition to helping relieve chronic pain, CBD is said to have a host of benefits that range from providing depression and anxiety relief to reducing problems with acne.
Different Ways to Take CBD
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Smoking isn't the only way to ingest CBD. Cannabis companies have made it increasingly easy and convenient to consume. Below are some of the ways.
Patches
You apply directly to the painful area, and they usually work for 24 hours at a time and enter directly into the bloodstream. These patches are equivalent to the menthol ones you would place on a sore muscle. I would advise if you are a beginner to use this method first. The average price for these are $8.00-$20.00.
CBD Vaping
The act of using an e-cigarette is called "vaping". Inhaling goes directly into the bloodstream to target problem areas. Vaping has gotten a bad rap throughout the press for reported lung injury in its users. If this is your method of choice, I would advise you to speak with an expert who can educate you on future health issues. The average price for the vape pen is $20-$30 and for the vape pen oil $25-$28.
CBD Edibles
From personal experience, this isn't my favorite. They infuse the oil to make brownies, lollipops, cookies, and gummies. The average price for these is $10-$99.
CBD Capsules
The most convenient way to take CBD. Each capsule contains at least 5-25 milligrams. It may not have the same impact as the other options based on the fact that it has to pass through the digestive tract and then the bloodstream. The acid in your stomach removes 50% of its effect.
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Writer, Empath, Listener, Self Improver, and a motivational speaker to her homegirls Teisha LeShea currently resides in California who loves to add fifteen million items to her Amazon cart. She is passionate about wellness, spiritual improvement, leveling up, and setting up twice a month therapy appointments. She writes with you in mind. Her listicle and personal stories will inspire you to dig deep within yourself to be a better you. You can follow her on Instagram @teisha.leshea and & @tl_teisha.leshea
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
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Mariee Revere On Her History-Making Million-Dollar Sales And The Future Of MoonXCosmetics
If the name Mariee Revere sounds familiar, it's probably because you heard of her beauty and skincare brand, MoonXCosmetics, or you may have heard about her history-making achievement of making $1.8 million in less than eight minutes. But before starting her million-dollar brand, Mariee was just a teenager trying to cure her acne.
While she grew up in the skincare capital of the world, South Korea, Mariee didn't really experience breakouts until her senior year of high school. Like many people who get their first breakout, she didn't know what to do, and there weren't many products out there at that time. So she decided to experiment. What she didn't know was that what she came up with would ultimately be her ticket to success.
"When I graduated high school, I moved back to America, Georgia, and I ended up making, like, the oil, the Rose Galore oil, which is like the staple product of my brand. I don't know what made me make it, but I did, and it literally cleared my face up," she tells xoNecole in an exclusive interview.
"I end up selling it as a body oil first because, obviously, I'm 17, [and] don't have any background as an esthetician or anything like that. I just made a product that worked for me, but people bought it and was using it, and I reformulated it, and then it just stuck like with me."
While MoonXCosmetics is known for its facial products, it wants to expand to body care and home. It just released its new product, Moon-Gel body wash, and it's only up from there. As Mariee continues to grow the brand, it's more than likely that she will see more history-making moments. And so far she has.
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When asked if she feels pressure to obtain more of those milestones, she says yes and no. "I did $1.8 [million] again, and then I did $2 million but I feel like now, currently, I don't look at that as one of my goals anymore because [of] the headache and just everything that came with it, but I was thankful and blessed to have that milestone, but now I'm looking for more," she says.
"I want to say more reach than more like fast-paced sales. I do want that. Obviously, every girl wants that, but I do want to have a better overall reach for my brand because I did take two years off so I was able to learn, [and] study a lot of different things. See how things have changed from 2020 to now."
"I did $1.8 [million] again, and then I did $2 million but I feel like now, currently, I don't look at that as one of my goals anymore because [of] the headache and just everything that came with it, but I was thankful and blessed to have that milestone, but now I'm looking for more."
Another part of expanding for any company is hiring people. Finding the right person to help you can be a hassle, especially for business owners who are used to doing all the work themselves. Mariee can relate to this, and she touched on this topic in her documentaryThe Million Dollar Story. She recommends having someone be your "right-hand man" who you trust to handle the ins and outs of the company.
"I could say, definitely get, like a right-hand man to help you within the process because that really was what helped me. I never had a job. I literally was 18 now, being like, you know, the boss of over 30+ employees at one point in time, and I didn't know anything. I didn't know anything about no W-2s, no taxes, no clock in, clock out because all I [have] ever known was my brand," she explains.
"So I definitely partner with people who are very skewed and versed in those areas, and they helped me get through it. Even to this day, I still have my same person helping me with hiring, firing, [and] doing everything that I can right now because I'm still learning. But obviously people get jobs young, so they have way more experience than me, but still learning."
And though she is still learning, one thing she makes sure to stay on top of is being consistent. Consistency is what trips many people up when it comes to achieving goals, but Mariee says it's all about scheduling. Whether it's when to post on social media or email marketing, scheduling it out can make a world of difference. That same practice also works when planning out her future goals for the company.
"Right now, future goals would be to drop at least five more products before the end of the year. We always do outreach, where we do drives and all that, but definitely do way more this year, she says. "Then really dive into body [care], and then hopefully open up MoonXBody underneath MoonXCosmetics to let that branch out and be open and definitely get back consistent."
For more information, visit moonxco.com.
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