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.
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