Holistic Health - CBD 101
There is a massive buzz in the holistic health care arena for CBD, and some big claims out here.
There is also some substantial evidence of its benefits, and a massively growing market.
Not to mention a massively improved lifestyle for consumers and patients who are getting involved.
My work in the holistic health industry, and my passion for natural remedies, CBD and hemp derivatives has the foundation of a 20 year research and discovery journey.
I've made personal radical shifts to my own health, and encountered thousands of people from all over the world, of all ages and backgrounds who have experienced the same.
My passion for self care and supporting others in their self care journey led me to write this 101 for one of my lovely clients - infusd.com.
Hemp is Ancient Medicine
Hemp and cannabis derivatives are actually ancient medicine, and here we are witnessing a mass surge in demand for modern health conscious consumers seeking to improve their overall health and wellbeing.
A recent article published by GQ magazine discussing the benefits of CBD oil and CBD products, is a clear reflection of the rising popularity amidst mainstream professionals.
The benefits of CBD oil are world renowned for their healing properties for skin, anxiety, stress, depression, improved sleep, pain and inflammation, and regulating and restoring the body’s natural cycles.
Research and clinical studies continue to produce quality evidence that CBD oil supports a vast range of ailments and conditions.
What is CBD oil?
Cannabidiol, or CBD oil is a pure plant extract from the hemp plant. CBD oil products carry potent healing properties, as they directly impact our own endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors to create balance and harmony in our internal systems.
CBD is one of over a hundred cannabinoid compounds found in the hemp plant. Most CBD oil products have nothing to do with the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana, produced by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is a different compound all together.
Through highly skilled laboratory procedures, the CBD compound can be extracted from the hemp plant in several ways.
Full spectrum or broad spectrum CBD oil contains THC, and is not legal in the UK. CBD isolate products extract CBD only, resulting in a white powder of CBD in its purest form, which is then carefully added to carrier oils to produce CBD oil.
There are many terms used within the CBD, hemp and cannabis industry which it may help to become familiar with. Here are just a few:
• CBD isolate
This is a pure CBD cannabidiol extract which is free of all other cannabinoid compounds. CBD isolate is legal to buy online in the UK.
• THC
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive effect of cannabis or marijuana. THC is illegal in the UK, although clinical trials and research into medicinal use are developing.
• Full-spectrum CBD
Full spectrum, as it suggests, contains high amounts of CBD, significant levels of THC, and also contains the other cannabinoid compounds of hemp including flavonoids and terpenes.
• Broad-spectrum CBD
Broad spectrum CBD products contain high levels of CBD and smaller amounts of other natural cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. Some cannabinoids including THC may be removed or carry small amounts.
• Flavonoids
These are the natural chemicals that give something a specific flavour. In cannabis and hemp, different strains carry a variety of flavonoids and therefore vary in taste.
• Terpenes
Terpenes are the chemicals which give certain plants and flowers a unique fragrance, therefore each different strain or flower has its own aroma.
• Cannabinoid
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant. It is reported that 113 specific cannabinoid compounds have been identified in the plant.
Hemp throughout the ages
From ancient China, Egypt, Americas and the Himalayan mountains, the medical and ceremonial use of hemp and CBD is certainly nothing new, It is rumoured that Emperor Shen Neng of China was prescribing marijuana tea for inflammation, malaria and other ailments back in 2727 BC!
In Homers’ world famous ‘The Odyssey’, he states “everyone in Egypt is a skilled Physician”.
Medicine men and women of Ancient Egypt held common knowledge of self care and healing, and worked with hemp and cannabis to cure many ailments and diseases.
These were holistic and alchemic practices to regenerate and realign body, mind and spirit.
Shemshemet (the Egyptian name for cannabis or hemp) with honey was applied and ingested for inflammation, and CBD hemp oil and ointments were made for external application.
Ancient artworks exist to this day documenting rites and ceremonies, the most famous of which is a papyrus text covering the period of 1200 to 1500BC, known famously as the Ebers Papyrus. This is a 110 page scroll dating back to 1500 and is the first comprehensive medical text known to man.
Cannabis resin traces were also found in the mummy of Egyptian King Rameses II, who died in 1213BC, and the same has been said for many other noble Pharaohs.
It is said that even the Sumerians, who were thought to be the originators of written language, are thought to have dedicated a word for cannabis or hemp – A.ZAL.LA. This is the earliest known civilization of Mesopotamia, evolving through the Chalcolithic and early Bronze Ages around fifth millennium BC.
CBD oil extract was first discovered in 1940 by US scientist Dr Roger Adams, a pioneer in the cannabinoid field of his time.
This research paved the way for clinical and scientific trails on the known benefits of CBD and CBD oil extracts.
Hemp was grown widely across Britain as a major crop in the Middle Ages and it is thought that all aspects of the plant were utilised to make paper, fabric, and a held myriad of other uses.
In 1937 however, hemp was outlawed in the US as a dangerous substance. In the UK the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 classified all forms of cannabis, including hemp, and controversy around the topic has been rife ever since.
Legacies through the arts, texts and symbols have survived thousands of years to educate future generations however.
It is this education and awareness that modern society is resurrecting, and modern science is offering verification of.
Hemp compounds work in natural harmony with You
The magic of CBD oil is that it works in full natural harmony with the human endocannabinoid (ECS) system.
The human body is a highly complex technology which is host to millions of cells communicating simultaneously through hormones and receptors.
Our hormones behave just like tiny internal messengers by binding to internal receptors that are produced within the cells of the body. When a hormone binds to a receptor, the receptor carries out the hormone's instructions.
This could either alter the cell's existing proteins, or activate specific signals that will build a new protein.
The ECS is essential for the production of hormones in the hypothalamus, which is the very centre of our endocrine system. Because the ECS is connected to the nervous system, multiple conditions and ailments stem from this source as it is responsible for sending messages out to your body.
When things are out of balance, your system’s receptors will alert your body, and you will experience the physical symptoms.
Here is where the intelligence of CBD oil and natural organic plant extract remedies take centre stage.
The cannabinoid CBD oil compounds work directly with our internal receptors and chemical messengers within our bloodstream. This process is to encourage growth of new healthy cells, and also repair damaged cells.
Is it really a natural remedy without side effects?
Clinical trials, research and studies, including a 2019 report from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that CBD does not carry any significant side effects.
Further to this, CBD oil products also do not appear to have the potential for misuse or dependence — unlike other over the counter and prescription pain-relieving substances.
Apparently it can be used for all sorts of things right?
Right. Not limited to:
Regulate sleep
Sleep affects every aspect of our lives, if we are not getting enough quality rest it can be detrimental to our overall health, wellbeing and happiness.
When we are not properly rested, our tired systems are having to call on reserve energy to function. Sleep disorders affect people of all ages, and a lack of sleep manifests in mental and physical fatigue with a variety of symptoms.
A good night’s sleep empowers the body to recover and allows you to wake up refreshed and ready to for the day. Because of its soothing effect on the nervous system, CBD oil can have a direct impact on the quality of your sleep, as research continues to evidence.
An array of sleep disorders can be significantly eased with regular use of CBD, by encouraging a decrease in the cortisol hormone. Incorporating a few drops under the tongue of quality CBD oil into your night time regime can help you fall asleep quicker, and experience a deeper sleep through the night.
Modern society puts a lot of focus on productivity and success. However rest, recovery and self-care are essential to your everyday health.
If we were to allow ourselves to properly wind down from a busy day and relax in the evening with a self-care routine, it can help to replenish, restore and rejuvenate the body and mind.
A few drops of CBD oil throughout the day will prepare your internal system in becoming calmer and more balanced.
Treat yourself well!
A hot salt bath, aromatherapy CBD roll on balms applied to the temples and forehead, or a soothing massage with a CBD muscle rub will instantly soothe muscles and joints as the ultimate recipe for relaxation.
Give yourself a luxury routine. Treat yourself like royalty. Make the time - only you can.
Taken consistently and regularly in a variety of forms throughout the day, CBD will have a calming impact on your nervous system by balancing the essential hormones needed to create homeostasis.
This is a state of equilibrium within the nervous system of the body, and the state needed to function and focus to optimum levels.
Ease tension, stress and worry
Research continues to evidence the benefits of CBD oil products for fighting stress and anxiety related disorders which are prevalent in society today.
These often debilitating conditions are triggered by a variety of circumstances and are caused by heightened levels of the cortisol hormone, and low levels of serotonin hormone within the body.
Conventional Western treatments for depression, anxiety and numerous other related mental health issues are commonly treated with convenient prescription or over the counter medicines. Treatments known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), or more commonly known as anti-depressants (such as Prozac) are easily available.
However they can pose high risk side effects and long term use of them can easily become addictive.
As wellbeing professionals all over the world now integrate holistic and alternative natural therapies into conventional medicine, research continues to reflect that the benefits of CBD oil is helping millions of people living with anxiety related issues all over the globe every day.
What happens in the body - the biochemistry stuff.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) and connected structures carry millions of neurons and receptors which behave as busy messengers, sending and receiving specific signals to the cells within the body. CBD oil will interact with specific receptors (CB1 and CB2 receptors).
These particular receptors are found mainly in the main control centres of the body, known as the central (CNS) and peripheral (PNS) nervous systems.
The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord, and the PNS is linked by a network of spinal and cranial nerve endings.
The sensory receptors within these integral systems process and adapt to the volatile internal and external environment.
Because CBD oil reacts with our internal receptors to impact and balance the levels of serotonin - famed as the ‘happy hormone’ – it can help to even out and improve the state of our mental health.
Low serotonin levels have a negative impact on the functioning of the brain, and can lead to limiting mental health conditions including depression, stress and other anxiety related disorders.
These disorders do not have to limit you.
It is possible to take your health into your own hands incorporating a healthy lifestyle, and natural supplements such as CBD oil as your natural support.
CBD oil eases pain & inflammation
CBD muscle rubs, pain and joint relief creams are undoubtedly becoming increasingly popular among the athletic and sports arena.
Using a topical application pre and post work out can help to rejuvenate cells, and is clinically proven to reduce pain and inflammation.
However this miracle natural remedy is not just for those engaged in high levels of physical performance. When you source a fine quality CBD oil, it can provide daily comfort and relief to aching, swollen or painful joints and muscles.
CBD oil is able to do its best work when used in several ways throughout your day, ideally incorporated into your daily health and wellness choices.
Yes, choices.
Your daily choices, for your own health.
By taking a few CBD oil drops through the day, in addition to a topical application, you can support biological activity within the nervous and immune systems towards a balanced and even optimum healthy state.
Naturally, if you do have any pre-existing or chronic medical conditions, it is always wise to consult a physician or medical professional to add support if you need it.
Holistic health experts are becoming increasingly popular in the West, as we gain more access to the knowledge of our ancient ancestors and other cultures who fully embrace the potent healing properties of plants and botanical healing.
Is it legal?
There is a whole political and philosophical debate to be had here, and one of my hot topics.
But for the purpose of this blog:
CBD oil products which contain less than 0.3 percent THC are legal, and are known as CBD isolates. CBD isolate products carry no THC, therefore they have no psychoactive side effects, and it is completely legal to buy in the UK.
In actual fact, the use of CBD products for athletes is a growing trend across numerous sporting organisation and is not prohibited by the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency).
Most major sporting leagues and athletic bodies do prohibit the use of THC. Taking CBD however, shouldn’t cause you to test positive for THC, particularly if you choose CBD isolate products.
Of course this being said, it is super wise to do your research to ensure the purity of the CBD oil if you buy online. The risk could obviously increase if you buy CBD products from an unreliable source, as there is limited regulation in the field.
The evidence is conclusive
Yes, I am obviously going to say this, being an advocate.
Whilst studies and trials on the subject continue to expand, and conferences and conversations continue to grow due to popular demand in the industry, CBD oil is a safe, trusted and natural ally for our everyday health and wellbeing.
Perhaps the most important message, is the message that you give to yourself. That you care for your body and your wellbeing, and know that it is possible to know yourself, and heal yourself.
