Beyoncé says CBD eased her inflammation, soreness, and insomnia on tour. Here's what science says about the supplements.

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Beyoncé says CBD eased her inflammation, soreness, and insomnia on tour. Here's what science says about the supplements.
Beyonce on her way to accepting the award for best rap song for "Savage" at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards. Chris Pizzello/AP Photo
  • Beyoncé shared she uses CBD to manage tour-related ailments like aches and insomnia.
  • Claims about CBD are often overblown. The drug may help ease inflammation, but more evidence is needed.
  • The artist said she's happy to set an example of self-care for her children.
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Queen B is dabbling in CBD these days.

In a recent interview with Harper's Bazaar, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter said she discovered CBD, a non-psychoactive compound from the cannabis plant, on her last tour.

The artist shared that she's struggled with insomnia, muscle strain, and stressed-out hair and skin due to years of performing. She said CBD helped ease her ailments.

"I've experienced its benefits for soreness and inflammation," Beyoncé told the magazine. "It helped with my restless nights and the agitation that comes from not being able to fall asleep."

Some research in mice and rats have shown CBD has the potential to help with muscle aches, relieve soreness, and improve skin health, all by reducing inflammation. However, studies on humans have been mixed or inconclusive.

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Evidence on CBD to treat insomnia is similarly mixed, according to the American Sleep Association.

Only one CBD product is FDA-approved

CBD products are advertised to help with everything from sleep to skincare. But with relatively little evidence available, it can be hard to separate false claims from fact.

"A lot of these claims are taking one piece of information and running with it, and I think they're really making claims that are well ahead of the available science," toxicologist Thomas Lewandowski said in a presentation at the American Chemical Society's 2020 conference.

Currently, only one CBD product on the market is FDA-approved - the prescription drug Epidiolex, used to treat seizures from two specific, rare forms of epilepsy. Non-prescription CBD supplements are not regulated by the FDA.

There is promising evidence that CBD can effectively treat anxiety, too. Both human trials and animal studies suggest the drug can be safely used in small to moderate doses to relieve anxiety. However, long-term research is needed to be sure, Lewandowski said.

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The FDA recommends caution

Speaking about her CBD use, the artist told Harper's Bazaar that she prides herself in showing her daughters examples of "positive rituals."

"One of my most satisfying moments as a mom is when I found Blue one day soaking in the bath with her eyes closed, using blends I created and taking time for herself to decompress and be at peace," Beyoncé said.

It's unclear whether Beyoncé was referencing a CBD soak or a product made with honey, which she also said benefits her and her children.

CBD is considered relatively safe in adults. In some cases, it has the potential to cause liver damage, according to the FDA.

It's less clear from current evidence if it's safe for kids, and the FDA has warned that we don't know how it might affect children's developing brains.

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The lack of regulation means it can be difficult to know what you're getting and in what dose.

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