Health
Making CBD
Even More Effective By Theresa Edmunds, CHC
C
ESSENTIAL Naples
BD use is on the rise as awareness of its benefits keeps growing and scientists learn more about the medical benefits of cannabis and hemp. As we understand more about plant-based medicine, new CBD products are being developed incorporating other plant compounds, making CBD even more effective and more target specific. Combining other plant compounds like terpenes means that CBD products can be formulated for a specific purpose, such as focus and clarity, worry and anxiety, sleep and pain. Even CBD products for pet’s health issues are available.
The Function of Endocannabinoids
WINTER 2021
18
“Scientists now believe that the endocannabinoid system’s main role may be to maintain homeostasis.” -Theresa Edmunds, CHC
Endocannabinoids from cannabis work in conjunction with the endocannabinoid system of the body. Scientists are still studying this complex cell-signaling system but we know that endocannabinoids (like CBD) bind to our receptors to signal that this system needs to take action. Endocannabinoids are known to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, aid in appetite and digestion, balance hormones, improve metabolism, reduce chronic pain, and improve mood, learning and memory, motor control, sleep, cardiovascular function, muscle formation, bone growth, liver function, reproductive function/fertility, stress, nerve function and skin conditions. In natural medicine, we often refer to the process of homeostasis. That is, the body’s ability to bring itself back into balance after an illness, injury or even a deficiency. Scientists now believe that the endocannabinoid system’s main role may be to maintain this equilibrium or homeostasis. Cannabis plants contain over a hundred different cannabinoids. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive cannabinoid that produces a “high” sensation. THC can provide many benefits but it can also cause paranoia and anxiety in some people. CBD cannabinoids do not produce the “high” sensation and can be extracted from cannabis or hemp plants. Two different com-
pounds of the same plant, producing two different effects. CBD is anti-inflammatory, anti-seizure and can combat anxiety and nausea.
Terpenes Have Medicinal Benefit
Terpenes are another component of cannabis which are known to have medicinal benefit. They are organic compounds produced by plants including cannabis. Scientists have discovered that terpenes can actually enhance the benefits of CBD. This is known as the “entourage effect” and is why using a broad-spectrum CBD oil with multiple cannabinoids and terpenes intact creates a more effective result. Terpenes are organic compounds produced by plants and some insects. They are largely responsible for how plants smell; think lavender, rosemary, pine and even orange peel. In fact, terpenes are used to make essential oils. Most terpenes are bioactive meaning they have an effect on the body. For instance, chamomile tea, is a relaxant and even help people sleep; it is the naturally occurring terpenes that are responsible for its sedative effect. Terpenes play a vital role for plants. They often attract pollinators and sometimes repel predators. Some terpenes are protective for the plant, helping the plant to recover from damage or acting as part of the plant’s immune system, keeping away infectious agents. Medical studies on the benefits of terpenes are plentiful, demonstrating that isolated terpenes have beneficial effects on the body. CBD oil can have wide ranging benefits on its own but it is proving to be even more beneficial when combined with specific terpenes from other plants. For instance eucalyptol, the terpene from eucalyptus, has anti-inflammatory properties and is a pain reliever. Limonene is the terpene found in citrus skin and has been used in Asia to counteract sadness for thousands of years. Lavender is known for its calming properties and its terpene, Linalool, can be combined with CBD to combat anxiety. Pine is known for its invigorating effects, Alpha Pinene terpene can be used to enhance focus.
