You've probably seen salve, lotions, tinctures, food, bath fizzes, massage oil, water, and even dog products and more touting their CBD content in grocery, drug, and convenience stores as well as farmer's markets lately. CBD is trending.
But what is it and why all the hype?
CBD or cannabidiol is a phytocannabinoid found in plants, most notably Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica.
Its concentration varies from strain to strain but CBD is a cannabinoid noted for its benefits WITHOUT causing psychotropic effects. In other words it helps you feel better without making you high, drugged, or disoriented.
The reason CBD works is because we have an endocannbinoid system. This system consists of cannbinoid receptors, endogenous cannabinoids, and the enzymes that regulate the production and degredation of cannbinoids. The role of this system is to maintain balance or homeostasis in the body.
These endocannbinoid receptors occur throughout the body -- in the brain and nervous system, in the immune system, in bone and muscles cells, in the digestive system, suggesting a significant role in the body.
Our natural endocannabinoid system relies on diet and fatty acid intake to manufacture naturally occurring cannbinoids, and lack of vital nutrients coupled with daily stress can create a deficit of endocannbinoids much like lack of sun exposure can create a deficit in our body's ability to synthesize sun dependent vitamin D3.
Supplementation of CBD can feed the endocannabinoid system and support wellness, much like using D3 enriched products to support immune and overall health.
CBD is often used to help those suffering with pain and inflammation. CBD is also helpful in supporting sleep and reducing feelings of stress. It can also be helpful in addressing digestive issues.
As with all plant based "medicines" using plants in their purest form is often most beneficial (vs highly processed versions). Thus a raw CBD oil or tincture may often be better than a highly commercial product. In addition full spectrum products offer a healing synergy that isolates cannot.
Regardless of what CBD products you choose it is important to go with those who respect and work to understand the cannabis plant vs those following a trend.
Endocannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body -- in the nervous, immune , digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, reproductive, and endocrine systems, as well as in the skin and bones. This helps explain the wide range of benefits cannbinoids have to offer: including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, reducing feelings of stress, supporting sleep, soothing skin irritations, and more.
BUT it is important to separate the hype from the truth. If you are interested in using CBD or cannabis for wellness be sure to reach out to a knowledgeable health care provider.
I formulate with CBD and offer oral tinctures and am aware of "cannabis doctors" who can help support you on your natural wellness journey. In my personal experience as a formulator, CBD has been extremely beneficial for easing muscle and joint aches, supporting sleep, and soothing skin irritation. Visit our website or contact me to learn more about how CBD can help support wellness.
Aromatic blessing my friends,
Tricia