FAQ

The Cycle Soother is a transdermal patch that’s designed to deliver targeted natural ingredients to help offset cycle-related discomfort.

The Cycle Soother is designed to help calm and relax the muscles in your uterine area. How? We use a blend of natural ingredients, including hemp-derived Cannabidiol (CBD), to help support your cycle and reduce the pain you feel around the time of menstruation. Say hey to your cycle sidekick.

The Cycle Soother is designed with your intimate body in mind, addressing what it calls for, typically during the menstrual phase of your cycle when you might be experiencing pain.  

We recommend that you begin using your patch/es the night prior to menstruation for optimum results. Alternatively, you can apply the Cycle Soother once your period starts by placing your patch/es in the uterine area (this can be on your abdomen near your ovaries, but also on your lower back and thighs). Additionally, for those not experiencing a typical period (perhaps because you’re on hormonal birth control), you can simply use the patch to help offset any pain or discomfort you might be experiencing.

Full instructions for use: 

• Cleanse the target area with the alcohol wipe provided.

• Once skin is dry, apply the patch by smoothing over your skin, near or on the area of your discomfort.

• We recommend leaving the patch on for 24 hours for optimum effects.

• Feel free to sweat, shower and sleep while wearing your patch/patches.

• Remove patch in the shower for ease, soaking under the water to eliminate any remaining adhesive.

• While the recommended daily use is two patches, feel free to apply an additional two patches if your body is experiencing extreme discomfort.

• Recycle or Reuse your packaging, where possible - everything except the patch itself is recyclable.

The Cycle Soother is made with organic essential oils and hemp-derived CBD. 

Ingredients: HEMP-DERIVED BROAD-SPECTRUM CANNABIDIOL (CBD) DISTILLATE, LEMONGRASS ESSENTIAL OIL (CYMBOPOGON FLEXUOSUS) TOCOPHEROL (VITAMIN E), ZINGIBER OFFICINALE (GINGER) ROOT EXTRACT, PIPER NIGRUM (BLACK PEPPER) SEED OIL, MENTHOL

Yes, our individual ingredients and our final product are third-party tested. What does that mean? It means we send our hemp-derived CBD, essential oils and our final product to an independent lab that stands alone from our manufacturers. This independent lab performs a scientific analysis on the product. It’s there that they test for: potency, pesticides, microbes, residual solvents, and heavy metals. This means we can ensure quality control at each and every step of our process — from raw ingredients through to our final product. A COA (certificate of analysis) is also issued with every batch to ensure consistency throughout the product and the process. See here for our COA. 

We use a blend of essential oils in the Cycle Soother owing not only to their holistic wellness properties in their own right, but also for their collaborative properties alongside CBD to help enhance the overall pain-soothing effect — it’s teamwork at its strongest. Each and every ingredient we use is selected with purpose.

• Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory powerhouse, known to reduce period pain.

• Black pepper can help calm your skin. Certain studies also hint at its power as a natural pain relief due to potential anti-inflammatory properties. 

• Vitamin E is well regarded for its antioxidant properties which can help reduce period pain. Want the science behind this? Vitamin E reduces phospholipid peroxidation and inhibits the release of arachidonic acid and its conversion to prostaglandins – the body’s mission control for pain. 

• Menthol helps alleviate muscle cramps, including period pain. Alongside its cooling sensation and soothing properties, menthol also enlarges blood vessels through a process called vasodilation, which enables more oxygen into core areas of the body – particularly important in the uterine area.

• Lemongrass adds not only a subtle fragrance, but also contains terpenes including myrcene to further help calm any period-related pain.

The Cycle Soother is in patch form to most effectively apply our blend of key active ingredients to specific areas of the body that are experiencing pain — whether that’s during menstruation or any other time in your cycle when your body calls for it. By passing ingredients through the skin, it enables them to work fast when — and where — you need it most. 

Since we aim to provide you with a long-lasting application, we use a type of adhesive that helps prevent the patch from falling off your skin. We want you to enjoy the benefits of a full 24-hours of our ingredients blend. 

We recommend removing the patch in the shower, starting from one of the corners and slowly removing. If you're on the go, make sure to use one of the alcohol wipes provided in your pack.

CBD is one of more than 100 cannabinoids — natural chemical constituents — found in the Cannabis Sativa-L (Hemp) plant. CBD Broad Spectrum extract is derived from the flowers of the Hemp plant. You may recognize this as the same plant family from which marijuana is derived. Rest assured, the form we use at Hummingway — Broad Spectrum Cannabidiol (CBD) — is free from THC. 

Over the past few years, CBD has become widely recognized for an array of potential health benefits owing to its effect on the body’s endocannabinoid system, which manages stress, the immune system, and pain sensitivity, among many other key functions.

At Hummingway, we use Broad Spectrum CBD thanks to its high proportion of native phytochemicals. This means we have the useful terpenes (aromatic compounds) and other cannabinoids while remaining THC-free. This approach helps to amplify the desirable effects within our product.

Full Spectrum includes traces of THC, while CBD Isolate is simply CBD, without the beneficial phytochemicals that we seek out. CBD Isolate is readily available on the market, but doesn’t suit our purpose at Hummingway.

The Cycle Soother is in patch form to most effectively apply our blend of key active ingredients to specific areas of the body that are experiencing pain — whether that’s just before your period, or during your period. Tap into targeted cycle care.

To further understand how the Cycle Soother works, it helps to look at what your body is up to in the lead-up to any period pain setting in.

• In the menstrual phase of your cycle, your uterus contracts to shed its lining, which means you may experience period pain. 

• Period pain happens when there is an excess of the hormone-like compound called 'prostaglandins'. Prostaglandins cause the uterus to contract, which reduces the amount of blood flow and oxygen. In excess, this leads to contractions, inflammation and ultimately, pain.

• Ahead of your period starting, as progesterone declines, prostaglandins increase. There’s a system in the human body called the endocannabinoid system, which supports almost every key function within us. This system helps to regulate everything from any pain we feel and our mood to things like our appetite and sleep. Cannabinoid-like molecules are naturally produced by our body to keep systems running smoothly.

• CBD is one form of cannabinoid that, as an ingredient, helps to calm and relax muscles.

• When using the Cycle Soother patch/es on the skin over your the uterine area, our blend of CBD and essential oils is transmitted transdermally — through your skin — for a suitable and effective distribution of our handpicked active ingredients to the uterine area, where your pain is most likely prominent.

• Here at Hummingway and amongst our community of medical experts, we’re still learning the full benefits of CBD when it is applied topically i.e. to the skin. At the current time, research does suggest that, as a result of applying CBD topically, you may find your typical period pain is considerably reduced. Our aim is that you bounce back to feeling more like the you that you enjoy.

While we try to explain the definitive reason for period pain — the most common menstrual cycle symptom reported to us — we also have to address the lack of medical research on the topic. Spoiler alert: we don’t have all the answers, nor does science. We’re operating in an area where a gender-based data gap exists — where core medical research on the female body has not yet been conducted, particularly looking at prostaglandin production and subsequent period pain. Pushing for more research into this essential topic — and more — is one of the key drivers for us establishing Hummingway.

We encourage you to deep-dive into your cycle to understand your body on a deeper level. Head to our content area, The Regular, for more information and articles if you’re keen to learn more.

We feel strongly that CBD can work as a powerhouse to combat period pain and it’s why we’ve chosen a blend of natural ingredients to support this.

Good question! First, our product is safe to use and non-toxic. You can find our Certificate of Analysis here.

Since the Cycle Soother contains Broad Spectrum CBD, we do advise that it's for 18+ years. However, there's no reason to believe Broad Spectrum CBD is in any way unsafe for younger people with periods - especially as our product is free from THC. Just remember that those under the age of 18 are not legally permitted to purchase CBD. So if it is for a younger person, it's important to speak with their health care provider, especially if you're thinking of using CBD for a specific issue.

No, using this product will not get you high. Cannabidiol(CBD) is a non-psychoactive hemp-derived molecule. There are no known intoxicating effects. For your reference, THC is the main psychoactive component of the cannabis plant — the Cycle Soother is free from THC.

You can use the Cycle Soother patch any time, anywhere. We have designed the Cycle Soother to be a safe, easy-to-use option. There is no definitive answer on whether CBD works more — or less — effectively at particular times of the day. It all depends on your body. You’ll get to know what works best for you once you start using the product. We each vary, person to person, and that’s ok.

We do recommend that you apply the patches proactively to support any period pain that you may experience, whether that’s the night or day before. You can also use the product at the time of experiencing any pain.

Since the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill & the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, hemp-derived CBD that contains less than 0.3% of THC is federally legal in all 50 states in the USA.

The specifics? By legalizing the commercial production of hemp, the 2018 Farm Bill states that hemp-derived CBD with THC levels less than 0.3% is not classed as a Schedule 1 substance. Good news that hemp-derived CBD is being recognized for its non-psychoactive properties! This means it doesn’t have the effect that marijuana does - you won’t get high from our products. But what does this mean for you? It simply means that the FDA regulates hemp-derived CBD. Add to that, states and local jurisdictions can regulate it too. So while some states allow the sale of CBD products that are in compliance with the Farm Bill, other states restrict this to products free from THC. It’s a case that no one can agree yet - and the laws are constantly changing!

Confused yet? You're not alone! But here is the bottom line - our products are compliant with the 2018 Farm Bill - we are free from THC. What’s more, we test every product in each batch to ensure safety, quality, efficacy and compliance with the ever-shifting, ever-confusing regulatory landscape of CBD. A core mission here at Hummingway is to demystify CBD and uncover its hemp-derived positive properties. We will patch up relationships with period pain and CBD and other hemp-derived ingredients!

As of January 2020, TSA guidelines state that you can travel across state borders with hemp-derived CBD products as long as they contain less than 0.3% of THC. However, rules and regulations for traveling with CBD internationally are still unclear, so if you’re looking to travel abroad it’s best to research the laws of the country you’ll be visiting.

While the recommended daily use is two patches, feel free to apply an additional two patches if your body is experiencing extreme discomfort.

It’s important to note that the Cycle Soother works differently for different people - as a result of how hemp-derived CBD functions within the body. It is safe to use, and we’re sure that you’ll find out what works best for you.

A tip from the Hummingway team: we find comfort in applying two patches to the abdomen near the ovaries, plus an additional patch on the back for extra relief in key areas.

We develop our products with professionals from the worlds of science, nutrition and wellness - this includes a neuroscientist, an OB-GYN, a holistic nutritionist and a functional naturopathic physician. We also work closely with our formulator and manufacturer to provide you with an easy-to-use, all-natural option to turn to.

Hummingway aims to provide products and resources that guide you to the knowledge, tools and support you need to leave behind harmful quick fixes and in their place, create routines of powerful, purposeful self-care through all your life’s periods, seasons and cycles.

The safety of CBD in pregnancy has not been established. With that in mind, we recommend you consult your health care provider before use. The innovations around CBD as the relatively new market we’re operating in sees us push for more legality around CBD in conjunction with relevant products. It’s another of the key drivers for us establishing Hummingway.

If you have any specific concerns, we always recommend checking with your health care provider if you have specific concerns. That said, there is no evidence to indicate that the ingredients we use in our product might affect any medication.

Yes you can. Even if it’s the case that your body isn’t experiencing a typical cycle, you can still use the patch.

The shelf life of the product is three years from the date of manufacturing, marked on each pack. Please use within three years of opening.

Store in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Please also ensure your pack of patches is stored away from moisture between use.

All products in the Hummingway range are 100% vegan, and never, ever tested on animals.

Our products do not contain gluten-based ingredients however we cannot guarantee that the raw materials were not processed around gluten. 

Our products are all produced in the USA.

Keep out of reach of children. 

Avoid contact with eyes.

This product should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition.

Yes, our product is lightly fragranced with lemongrass, for a natural citrus aroma.

We currently ship within the USA and are actively working to expand our reach. Sign up to the Hummingway newsletter for updates on when we arrive in your region.

Most products will process and ship within 3-4 business days via USPS. Tracking information will be provided once your order has shipped. You can expedite by selecting Express Shipping at checkout.

Please contact us with your order number. Please note that we aim to respond to inquiries within one business day.

For safety reasons, we cannot accept products that have been used unless in specific cases where a customer believes the product to be damaged or defective. In the event that you are dissatisfied with the product, you may escalate your case to the Hummingway team, who will raise a case and determine if a refund can be applied. Please note that we are unable to refund shipping costs at this time. To begin the refund process, please reach out to us here.

We offer a 30-day guarantee for damaged items. If the product you ordered is damaged or defective, please report it to us within 30 days of receipt to initiate a return for a full refund, or an exchange for a replacement. To begin the refund process, please reach out here.

Hummingway is rewriting the script on how we care for our bodies with Whole Cycle Wellness™: natural support for your life’s periods, seasons and cycles. 

How?

This takes the form of products and education to target the root of hormonal and reproductive health, all the while giving our community powerful and purpose-driven care. 

Why?

Because the natural cycle of our bodies moves through unique phases. It’s a cycle that we’ve not always conventionally aligned to and one that frustratingly still lacks core research. Hummingway invites you to zoom into the patterns of our bodies to discover a hormonal balance within: Whole Cycle Wellness™.

Typically, when we think of a period - or any of the PMS symptoms that run alongside - we immediately think of the traditional notion of a woman. Yet the reality is that cis women and transgender men can experience symptoms. And while trans women and transfeminine people don’t get periods, those undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have begun to report experiencing PMS symptoms. With that in mind, we want to be sure we provide every person with a period - or period-like symptoms - safe and effective options to help soothe any related pain.

We believe strongly that Planet Earth heals us, so we do everything we can to help heal her back. 

From our formulas - which have been produced with responsibly-sourced ingredients including pesticide-free hemp derived CBD - through to our low-impact packaging, we hold ourselves to the same standards inside and out.

Our packaging is 100% recyclable. And since we know that we can do even more to reduce our footprint, we continue to work closely with our partners to make the most responsible decisions across the board - to minimize our impact and support our planet in her healing.

Currently, Hummingway is exclusively available via our ecomm website. Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear about our retail partnerships.

A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a document attesting that our products have undergone specified testing with specified results. A CBD COA will ensure potency and confirm that no pesticides, heavy metals, or other harmful properties are present in your product. We use the highest quality ingredients in our CBD products to ensure quality and consistency.

Please find further COA documents for Hummingway products here.

If you require further information, please feel free to reach out to us.