Libido and You: How CBD Mints May Help Boost Your Sex Drive

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There is no such thing as a “normal” sex drive. Everyone has a different level, but if someone is finding their lack of desire for sex distressing or affecting a relationship, it may be a good plan to look into getting some help. As upsetting as loss of libido can be, it is something that can be treated.

A reduced sex drive is a widespread problem and can affect both men and women at some point in their lives. The cause of the lack of libido will vary from person to person. It is commonly linked to stress or tiredness and relationship issues. In some cases, it can be a sign of an underlying medical problem, such as reduced hormone levels.

There are many options out there to help get juices flowing, and one supplement many people are turning to is CBD. CBD is well-known for being a natural option with a wide array of uses, such as supporting healthy joints, inflammatory functions, and mood. Consumers are now anecdotally reporting additional benefits of CBD in the bedroom.

This article will explore whether CBD mints, in particular, may help your sex life. We will answer some of those burning questions - What potential effects are expected from CBD mints? How long do they take to work? How do you choose high-quality CBD products?

What Is CBD?

For those unfamiliar with CBD (otherwise known as cannabidiol), it is a compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike the famous cannabis compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is not intoxicating. Instead of experiencing a “high” feeling, CBD may have other potential benefits for the body, including helping to boost sex drive. 

CBD is only one of more than a hundred distinct cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. A cannabinoid is a designated term specific to the compounds naturally produced in cannabis that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The endocannabinoid system is responsible for sustaining balance in the body, otherwise known as homeostasis. The delicate balance of our bodies is essential to support our overall well being.

CBD has been discovered to interact with our endocannabinoid system in many potential therapeutic ways. CBD has been found to bind to the endocannabinoid receptors. Once connected, it may help activate the endocannabinoid system to help give it a positive boost. This could result in CBD having the potential to help stimulate our sexual senses and increase libido.

Due to the purported benefits of CBD for libido, manufacturers have started adding the natural cannabis compound to products that are safe to use in the bedroom. Introducing CBD products, such as CBD mints, as part of foreplay may help improve sex drive and even increase natural lubrication.

What Are CBD Mints?

Believe it or not, edibles are one of the oldest methods of using cannabis. From brewing teas to cooking with CBD oil, it is one of the most straightforward means of ingesting CBD. CBD mints are one of the easiest ways of introducing CBD for first-time users. CBD mints belong to the popular category of CBD edibles which include products such as chocolate, tea, sweets, and much more. The possibilities of CBD edibles are virtually endless. Essentially, if you can eat it, CBD can be infused into it.

CBD mints are pretty much what they say on the tin, a hard-mint sweet which is infused with CBD extract. They are an edible, easy, on-the-go form of CBD that may help supplement a sense of relaxation and sexual arousal. CBD mints are made by blending hemp extract with hard-mint sweets to create a product that’s conveniently pre-dosed and freshens the breath, perfect for kissing.

Apart from the bonus of fresh breath, many people like CBD mints as they do not have the naturally grassy hemp taste that comes from the cannabis plant’s terpenes and esters. These plant compounds are often kept in the CBD supplements as they have potential additional health benefits but don’t have the most palatable flavour, often being described as ‘earthy’ or ‘bitter’.

Could CBD Affect Your Libido?

To understand how CBD may affect libido, we need to look at how researchers believe CBD works on the body. Inside our bodies, there are tiny receptors called endocannabinoids. They are part of a whole system scientists call the endocannabinoid system (ECS). These receptors act as locks that CBD may work as a key to activate.

Although CBD does not precisely “unlock” the endocannabinoids directly, it may potentially unleash a series of responses in the body that stimulate the endocannabinoid system. Through CBD’s potential indirect activation, the body has been found to respond in a variety of ways. This may also include an awakening of sexual emotions.

CBD has similar effects on men and women when it comes to libido. Here are some examples of scientific findings which have shown some interesting results when using CBD as a potential part of sexual health:

A report published in 2009 revealed that men’s testicles contain endocannabinoid receptors. This is perhaps not the sexiest fact, but interesting nonetheless. The research is still out on whether activating the receptors in the male’s nether regions is actually a good thing or not.

One 2015 study found that men who occasionally use cannabis products may find it potentially affects their libido. The same study reported that if cannabis is used frequently and in high doses, it could actually negatively impact libido. So in the case of CBD for sex drive, less is more. This makes micro-dosing via CBD mints a great option.

CBD has been found to have the same potential calming effects on women as it does on men. Like CBD dosing for men, less is more for women, as research suggests a low dosage of cannabis could potentially impact a women’s sex drive. It could also help women to respond more readily to erotic cues. 

In another scientific paper from 2015, it found that CBD products have the potential to reduce anxiety symptoms. As anxiety is one of the most prevalent causes of lack of action in the bedroom, CBD may impact libido by affecting confidence.

Many existing reports are based on surveys and anecdotes. There are not many people getting hot and heavy in a supervised clinical setting. That would be enough to diminish anyone’s libido.

Does CBD have other potential sexual benefits?

There is not a lot of solid research out there at the moment about CBD and sexual benefits. However, there are emerging products on the market that aim to help manage sexual concerns. The investment going into CBD sexual health products is due to the increasing anecdotal reports of cannabis extracts having a positive impact on libido and other personal ailments.

CBD is being reported as helping not just those with low libido but also other typical sexual troubles such as erectile dysfunction. According to an article published in the journal BioMed Research International in 2014, Ayurveda practitioners have used cannabis Sativa (the plant used to extract CBD) for many years to purportedly improve ejaculatory function and sexual performance. The precise way that CBD may help erectile dysfunction is not fully understood. One theory is that CBD could potentially assist in relaxing the blood vessels and thereby promote blood flow. Improved blood flow to the penis can relieve erectile dysfunction and encourage longer-lasting sex.

Unfortunately, the scientific community is yet to test the effect of CBD on the genitalia specifically. In 2017, a small study published in the JCI Insight journal reported that a single dose of CBD might help reduce blood pressure, which could positively affect those with erectile dysfunction. In this study, the scientists investigated the arteries that lead to the heart rather than those that go to the groin.

For those who struggle with dryness and painful sex, in addition to CBD mints, it may be worth including a lubricant that may improve sexual performance and relieve pain symptoms. Many CBD manufacturers create some great lubricants that are infused with CBD to give the potential bonus of also enhancing sexual pleasure.

What Are The Potential Benefits Of CBD Mints Over Other CBD Products?

The most popular form of CBD in the UK market is currently CBD oil. This is because it is available in various flavours and potencies that can be custom tailored for the consumer’s CBD experience. CBD oil can take a bit of getting used to, so sometimes you may want a more straightforward product that involves little faffing. CBD mints are a great option if you are looking for a natural supplement to boost your sex drive. They taste great, there’s no guesswork needed for dosing, and they are super convenient.

Here are some of the top reasons for choosing CBD mints for libido management over other product types:

• Pre-measured For Simple Dosing - CBD mints remove the guesswork from measuring doses. You know precisely the level of CBD you are receiving with each mint. This makes them a more convenient option over CBD oils.

• Tasty - If you have considered using CBD, but the natural taste of hemp has put you off, CBD mints are your best bet. Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products tend to have an overwhelming earthy taste from natural terpenes and plant esters. When opting for CBD mints, you can get the potential benefits of broad and full-spectrum hemp extracts without the unsavoury ‘hempy’ taste.

• Long-Lasting Effects – Although inhaling CBD provides one of the fastest deliveries of CBD to the bloodstream, the effects do not last as long as CBD mints. Using infused CBD in an edible form produces a steadier and longer-lasting potential impact (up to seven hours). Many CBD users choose to eat an edible form of CBD to get their intended dose and then use a CBD vape to boost the effects if needed.

• Vape-Free Alternative – If you are not keen on the idea of inhaling CBD into your lungs, CBD mints are a great vape-free alternative. CBD vape products may not be suitable for some people with certain health conditions, but this does not mean they cannot still enjoy healthy sex lives. CBD mints have the potential to support those who are unable to use CBD in other forms.

How To Use CBD Mints In Your Sex Life

With our newfound basic understanding of CBD mints’ potential in the bedroom, how is the best way to use CBD mints? Luckily, getting your daily dose of the natural supplement has never been more convenient than with this form of CBD. CBD mints tend to come in discreet packaging, which looks like regular breath mints. You can take them with you on-the-go, and no one would give them a second look on a date.

Each CBD mint contains a pre-measured dose of CBD, so all you need to do is pop one in your mouth and let it dissolve (preferably beneath your tongue). As the mint dissolves in your mouth, it releases the active compounds with the added benefit of fresh breath.

It takes a bit of time for CBD’s potential effects to kick in when using them in an edible form. The CBD first has to be processed through your digestive system before reaching the bloodstream. This means it could take anywhere between 20 to 45 minutes to reach your system, but may last up to seven hours. The exact time it takes to bring on the desired effects will depend on factors such as your metabolism and how much CBD you ingest.

To figure out your personal ideal CBD dosage for boosting your libido, remember to start slow. CBD dosing is a very individual affair, as it depends on a wide range of factors. These include:

• Experience with CBD
• Age
• Metabolism
• Weight
• General Health condition

As a general rule, before you try any CBD product, start on a low CBD dose and gradually increase until the desired potential effect is reached. If you don’t feel the CBD mints take any effect, try increasing your dose by a small amount (such as 5mg) and monitor how you feel. It may even be useful to keep a sex journal to record how much you’re taking, the impact it may have on your libido, and any other areas of your sex life.

What to Consider When Buying CBD Mints

If you have decided to give CBD mints a try to potentially impact your sex drive, there are some factors you should be aware of to ensure you get the most out of your purchase. There are many different mints brands, and not all will be infused with the same quality CBD extract. Here are some pointers to get you on the right track to sexual satisfaction with the help of CBD mints:

• Extract Type - When browsing for CBD products, you will notice three main types of hemp extract: full-spectrum, isolate, and broad-spectrum. They are all different, and contain various ingredients. They all have their positives, and the choice will come down to personal preference.

Full-spectrum CBD uses an extraction method that preserves the natural phytonutrient profile of the hemp plant. The extract may include other cannabinoids other than CBD (such as trace amounts of CBN and THC), terpenes, and plant esters. Due to the plant compounds often producing more potentially potent effects when used in conjunction with one another. This possible synergy is known as the entourage effect.

CBD isolates undergo another extraction process to strip away any remaining plant compounds. The finished extract will contain only CBD. This makes CBD isolates an excellent option for those who want a guaranteed THC-free product and want more consistent potential effects.

Broad-Spectrum CBD is a hybrid of full-spectrum and isolate. CBD producers of broad-spectrum products design a unique combination of terpenes and cannabinoids to create a proprietary ratio. One of the main selling points of broad-spectrum is that it may offer the entourage effect’s potential benefits without any THC content.

• CBD Potency – Edible cannabis products such as CBD mints come in a wide range of strengths. They are generally labelled in mg, or as a percentage. Some brands offer multiple potency options when it comes to their mints, so you can experiment with different potencies using one formula. Remember to start on a low dosage and slowly increase as and when needed.

• Third-Party Lab Testing – As the CBD industry is still pretty new, regulations are yet to be put in place to safeguard consumer safety. This means the customer needs to carry out a bit of due diligence to check the hemp used to make the CBD extract in the mints is safe. Reputable CBD producers use third-party testing to test the hemp and CBD extract quality to ensure it contains no contaminants (such as pesticides, heavy metals, and other harmful toxins). As a general shopping rule, when CBD is concerned, never purchase without first referring to a company’s third-party lab testing. The lab report should be publically available on the company’s website, or available on request.

Are There Any drawbacks To Trying CBD?

The potential side effects of CBD generally depend on what form you are using and for what purpose. Unfortunately for some, they have had an allergic reaction to CBD or the components used to deliver the product, such as the oils or fragrances. A small number of people have reported stomach upsets, loss of appetite, and fatigue after using CBD, but symptoms are usually very mild and typically are a result of incorrect dosages.

While CBD may have potential benefits for sex drive, some scientists have concerns about how cannabis derivatives may affect fertility. In 2006, a journal called Endocrine Reviews published some research that listed some of the consequences marijuana use has on fertility (it is important to note that marijuana and CBD are two distinct substances). These included:

• Reductions in the levels of follicle-stimulating hormones in both men and women
• Effects on women’s natural reproductive cycle, which included ovulation
• Decreased normal sperm development in men, which can lead to reduced fertilisation

The research above is connected to the regular use of marijuana, a type of cannabis plant high in THC. So when we are contemplating CBD, the critical factor is that these are the effects of cannabis extracts containing THC (the cannabinoid that causes a high). Scientists are yet to understand the fertility effects of all the cannabinoids individually, so it’s tough to say if it is only the THC cannabinoid that is of concern.

If you are cautious about using a CBD product containing THC (even trace amounts), you can stick to hemp-derived CBD mints with zero THC. Hemp is the cannabis plant that only has trace amounts of THC (not enough to cause a high). The additional procedures for zero THC products, such as those made by Amphora, contain only natural ingredients and are entirely free of any THC.

A Little Note On CBD’s Legality

CBD is permitted in the UK as long as it comprises no more than 1mg THC per container. The UK considers THC a controlled substance due to its intoxicating effects. The Home Office has also confirmed that it should not be easy for the THC cannabinoid to be separated from the CBD product. 

Although CBD supplements, such as CBD mints, are legal to buy and sell, it is essential to ensure you purchase any CBD products from a reputable supplier. The quality of CBD varies from brand to brand, and for safety reasons, it is worth investing in a top-shelf product.

When buying your CBD mints, ensure the THC content is visibly listed on the packaging, and that the product has undertaken third-party lab testing. Companies that produce high-quality CBD products with positive lab results will happily make the results public. If there is no evidence of third party testing or a Certificate of Analysis (COA), it is probably best not to buy the product. It may contain illegal quantities of THC and is likely not safe for consumption.

The Bottom Line

So are you going to start using CBD mints in the bedroom? There many reasons why people are turning to the potentials of CBD as a supplement for their sexual health and overall wellbeing. Once the right dosage has been established to get the desired results, CBD mints may support people with low sex drive.

CBD products intended to supplement sex are fast becoming more available on the market, but right now, there is more talk than research on how well the products work. While the preliminary studies are ongoing, it is safe to try CBD to enhance your sex life as, there are no known dangerous side effects.

Mints are the perfect choice for those who are not comfortable with vape oil options or fussing with CBD oils. Let’s face it, measuring out tincture oils is not what is on most people’s minds when trying to get in the mood. CBD mints come pre-dosed, with a fresh minty taste, and have reputed long-lasting sensual benefits.