CannaScience - Benefits of Cannabis and Natural Herbs for Skin Health

The integumentary system is one of the most extensive organ systems in the human body. It primarily comprises the skin, hair, nails, and various glands. This system serves several crucial functions:

Protection: The skin is a physical barrier protecting internal tissues from mechanical damage, pathogens, and harmful substances.

Regulation: It helps regulate body temperature through sweating and the dilation or constriction of blood vessels.

Sensation: The skin contains numerous nerve endings that allow us to feel touch, pain, temperature, and pressure.

Excretion: Sweat glands in the skin help excrete waste products, such as urea and salts.

Synthesis: When exposed to sunlight, the skin plays a vital role in synthesizing vitamin D.

Cannabis, particularly regenerative sun-grown cultivars, has gained attention for its potential benefits to skin health. These cultivars are grown in natural sunlight, often using sustainable farming practices, which may enhance the plant's therapeutic properties. Here’s how cannabis can benefit the integumentary system:

Cannabis, particularly regenerative sun-grown cultivars, has gained attention for its potential benefits to skin health. These cultivars are grown in natural sunlight, often using sustainable farming practices, which may enhance the plant's therapeutic properties. Here’s how cannabis can benefit the integumentary system:

Anti-inflammatory Properties: Cannabis contains cannabinoids like CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which have anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds can help reduce inflammation and redness associated with conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Antioxidant Effects: Cannabis is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. This can slow down the aging process and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Moisturizing and Healing: The fatty acids in cannabis oil can help moisturize the skin and promote healing. This is beneficial for dry, cracked skin and conditions like dermatitis.

Antimicrobial Benefits: Some studies suggest that cannabinoids have antimicrobial properties, which can help in preventing skin infections and treat conditions like acne.

Other Herbs and Holistic Natural Plants for Skin Health

In addition to cannabis, several other herbs and natural plants offer significant benefits for skin health. These include:

Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing and healing properties, aloe vera is commonly used to treat burns, cuts, and various skin conditions. It hydrates the skin and promotes cell regeneration.

Chamomile: Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help calm irritated skin, reduce redness, and promote healing.

Calendula: Extracts from the calendula flower are known for their antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Calendula oil is often used to treat wounds and skin irritations.

Tea Tree Oil: With its powerful antiseptic properties, tea tree oil is effective in treating acne and other skin infections. It helps reduce inflammation and promotes healing.

Lavender: Lavender oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for treating minor burns, insect bites, and other skin issues. It also promotes relaxation and reduces stress, which can benefit overall skin health.

Turmeric: Turmeric contains curcumin, which has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help brighten the skin, reduce acne, and combat signs of aging.

Rosehip Oil: Rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, rosehip oil helps moisturize the skin, reduce scars and fine lines, and improve overall skin tone and texture.

Embracing these natural remedies can enhance skin health and contribute to overall well-being.

Here are a few cannabis cultivars (strains) known for their potential benefits to the integumentary system due to their high content of beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes:

The integumentary system is essential for protecting and maintaining the body's overall health. Cannabis, particularly regenerative sun-grown cultivars, offers promising benefits for skin health due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, moisturizing, and antimicrobial properties. Alongside cannabis, various herbs and holistic natural plants such as aloe vera, chamomile, calendula, tea tree oil, lavender, turmeric, and rosehip oil provide significant benefits for maintaining healthy, radiant skin.

Harlequin

• CBD to THC Ratio: High CBD, low THC

• Benefits: Harlequin is renowned for its high CBD content, which provides potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties without significant psychoactive effects. It can help reduce inflammation, redness, and skin irritation.

ACDC

• CBD to THC Ratio: Very high CBD, very low THC

• Benefits: ACDC is another high-CBD strain that offers strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It's ideal for soothing irritated skin and promoting overall skin health.

Cannatonic

• CBD to THC Ratio: High CBD, moderate THC

• Benefits: Cannatonic is well-known for its balanced cannabinoid profile, providing both anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It's beneficial for treating various skin conditions and reducing discomfort.

Ringo's Gift

• CBD to THC Ratio: High CBD, low THC

• Benefits: Ringo's Gift is a versatile strain known for its strong anti-inflammatory properties. It helps soothe the skin and can be used for a variety of dermatological issues.

Pennywise

• CBD to THC Ratio: Balanced CBD and THC

• Benefits: Pennywise offers a balanced cannabinoid profile that provides anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant benefits. It's useful for treating skin conditions and promoting overall skin health.

These cannabis cultivars are known for their high CBD content and other beneficial properties that can help maintain and improve the health of the integumentary system. When considering the use of cannabis for skin health, it's essential to choose strains with the appropriate cannabinoid profiles and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and dosage recommendations.

All information in this article is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources. Please check with your Cannabis Educated Primary Health Care Physician or Educated & Trained Cannabis Therapy Consultant before beginning any new diet or lifestyle change.

Written by Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, Ph.D., CTC, CNHP in ECS & Naturopathic Medicine, Cannabis Therapy Consultant, The Founder and Education Director of the Cannabis Holistic Institute. To find out more about her Telemedicine Consultations, Educational Programs, YouTube videos, and other creative content, you can find her on the massive inter-webs on all platforms or at drpepperhernandez.com.

Go forth, Go Cannabis...