Sweet Relyf

Sweet Relyf
Words by Ashley Locke
Photos by AJ Parker


Healthy body, healthy mind. Those are two things that every human wants for himself, but it isn’t always easy to know where to start. It’s easy to dig around in the medicine cabinet and pop a pill for pain relief, but prescriptions aren’t the only way to heal your body. Mother Earth provides a bounty of ways for us to live healthily, from the nutrients in fruits and vegetables to sunburn relief from aloe vera—and there’s another natural element with healing power that we’ve just started to explore. It’s called cannabidiol, or CBD.

Birmingham-based CBD brand Relyf has started educating the city about CBD and its benefits. They think of themselves as an education brand first and a product second, in part because there are misconceptions about CBD, and they want to set the record straight. One of the questions they receive most often is about the effect of CBD on your psychological state—and no, CBD does not get you high.

Once people understand that it isn’t the type of drug normally associated with cannabis, they want to know what it is used for. “It affects almost every system in the body, either directly or indirectly. We are bombarded daily by environmental toxins, foods low in nutrients and highly processed, and stressful lifestyles that wreak havoc on many systems in our body,” says Jenny Golden, Certified Natural Health Practitioner for the Relyf team. “There is no substitute for making healthy choices everyday, but a product like Relyf can assist in our efforts and be part of a daily routine to help our bodies stay balanced.”

CBD works to support the endocannabinoid system to help promote mental wellbeing, heart health, boost the immune system, relieve tension and sore muscles, encourage restful sleep, and so much more!

Another benefit of CBD is how easy it is to use. It can be ingested by mixing it with food or drinks, and it can be applied topically. “Since there are only two ingredients—MCT oil and hemp extract—it can be used on even sensitive areas of the skin, like the face,” explains CJ Britton, Relyf Team Member.

Relyf’s goal is to increase the health and wellness of every city they are in. They want to provide communities with education that helps encourage them to make healthy choices every day. “This is also why we are pairing with practitioners and businesses in the area who are also passionate about helping people,” says CJ.

One of those companies is Revelator Coffee Company, where Birmingham residents can try the city’s first CBD infused drink, the Golden Latte. The drink, made of turmeric and ginger infused into slightly sweetened milk, will soothe and lift your mood. The latte is also a good introduction to the ways that CBD can benefit your life day to day.

As far as health and wellness go, we have barely scratched the surface of what CBD can do. If you’re interested in learning more about CBD, visit cbdrelyf.com.

 

Brie-lyf Appetizer with Beet and Basil Garnish

This quick appetizer allows you to add the benefits of CBD oil to your guest list.
Crackers of your choice (pictured with a cranberry walnut cracker)

Favorite Brie cheese
Cooked beets (we used pre cooked beets from the grocery store)
3 basil leaves
Relyf Full Spectrum CBD Oil

Turn oven on broiler.
Place crackers on a baking sheet with a piece of brie placed on each one.
Set baking sheet under broiler while keeping an eye to allow brie to melt, don’t walk away! This only takes a minute or two.
Chop beets into small cubes.
Once brie has cooled a bit, place onto platter.

 

Golden Relyf Turmeric Tea

Both Turmeric and CBD oil release their maximum benefits when heated. This evening tea is
perfect to wind down before bed.

2 cups milk of choice (almond, coconut, or dairy, or use bone broth in place of the milk)
1 tsp  turmeric
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder 
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ginger powder
1 tsp raw honey or maple syrup or to taste (optional)
Up to 5 drops of Relief Full spectrum CBD Oil

Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth.
Pour into a small saucepan and heat for 3-5 minutes over medium heat until hot, but not boiling.
Drink immediately.

 

Sweet Relyf Soup with Crispy Sage

This sweet potato soup mingles perfectly with a few drops of Relyf CBD oil and the light crunch of crispy sage.

2 cloves garlic
2 leeks
2 tsp sage (chopped)
Full leaf of sage for garnish
4 sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable for vegan option)
Salt and pepper to taste (we love using pink peppercorns for this)
Relyf Full Spectrum CBD Oil
Coconut oil

Place a tbsp of coconut oil in a sauté pan over medium heat.
Sauté the leeks and garlic for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure they do not burn.
Add the cubed potatoes and sage and stir around the pan for 1-2 minutes.
Add the chicken stock and simmer for approximately 20–25 minutes until soft.
Puree the soup to a thick consistency either in a food processor or with a stick blender.
Return to the pan and season to taste.
Lightly sauté sage in coconut oil for garnish and place on top.
Place 3 droplets Relyf CBD Oil to garnish along with pink peppercorns.