Hero Ingredient Spotlight: CBD

---

Because CBD oil still contains compounds that interact with endocannabinoid receptors that regulate many bodily functions yet does not have a psychoactive component, it does offer a wide array of health benefits without intoxicating effects.

Below are just a few:

Aiding digestion

Improving mood

Limiting inflammation

Lowering blood pressure

Pain relief

Skin care

Sleep aid

HISTORY OF CBD

The harvesting, growing and use of the cannabis plant dates back to ancient times, as far back as 12,000 years in Central Asia. The first documented use case occurred around 2727 BC, when Emperor Sheng Neng of China used a cannabis-based tea to help with a variety of health ailments.

Ancient East Indian recordings in the Athara Veda name cannabis as one of the “five sacred plants, and that a guardian angel inhabits the leaves of the plant. The first use of cannabis for skin care use dates as far back as 1500 B.C. in Ancient Egypt.

In 1940, a team from Illinois University, led by Harvard graduate Roger Adams, first isolated compounds in the marijuana plant, including CBD (cannabinoid), CBN (cannabinol), and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). This discovery proved that there were active compounds in the cannabis plant that were not psychoactive.

Later, further research discovered endocannabinoid receptor sites in the human body that allow cannabinoids, and other compounds found in the cannabis plant, to activate a wide range of therapeutic effects.

ISOLATE V. FULL SPECTRUM:

There are three main types of cannabidiol (CBD) extract utilized by suppliers – purified, crystalline isolate, often labeled as ‘CBD isolate,’ broad spectrum, and full-spectrum CBD oil. All three CBD forms of CBD oil will provide you with potential benefits that come with using CBD, but the one you choose will depend on a range of factors, including what you are using it for and the result you are hoping to achieve.

ISOLATE - CBD isolate originates from agricultural hemp and is most often extracted through supercritical CO2 extraction technology. CBD isolate is nearly 100% cannabidiol—nothing else. With CBD isolate, there should be zero THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component.

CBD isolate is pure cannabidiol and does not contain other components of the whole plant. As such, many therapeutic benefits are lost. (See Entourage Effect, below). Furthermore, precise, and typically high doses of isolate may be required to feel the benefits of the CBD isolate.

BROAD SPECTRUM - Broad-spectrum CBD is a hemp extract similar to full-spectrum CBD, with the exception that it typically undergoes an additional extraction process to remove all THC while leaving the remaining compounds naturally present in the hemp plant intact. With that said, testing reveals that some broad-spectrum CBD products still retain minimal traces of THC.

FULL SPECTRUM - Generally speaking, a full-spectrum CBD oil has a cannabinoid profile nearly identical to that of the hemp plant, utilizing all the components contained in the plant. Full-spectrum CBD oils are made from the whole hemp plant, so they keep the other compounds, like THC and terpenes, intact, thus utilizing the full benefits of the Entourage Effect [see below].

The diverse array of cannabinoids and terpenes in full-spectrum CBD oil work together, or synergize, to allow for a broader range of whole plant benefits. Through the phenomenon known as the Entourage Effect, terpenes work with the other natural compounds in CBD oil to produce amplified benefits.

The Entourage Effect:

The Entourage Effect is a term first coined by the discoverer of isolated THC and CBD, Ralph Mechoulam. The term refers to the way whole plant compounds work together to produce greater effects in the body. The cannabis plant contains over 100 cannabinoids (THC and CBD included) each with their own impact on the human body. 

SYNERGY IN AROMATHERAPY:

In the practice of Aromatherapy, a similar effect is known as “synergy.” Synergy and synergetic blending are processes where the chemical properties (of which there may be hundreds or even thousands), healing benefits, and complementary scents of essential oils are blended to create a harmonizing result that is more powerful than the effect certain single essential oils can produce on their own. In essence, “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” [Aristotle]

Synergy blends apply this concept skillfully to create mixtures that have more potent effects than if one were to use each essential oil individually. Many essential oils can be used with CBD to enhance the desired effects.

For instance, some essential oils are calming, such as Lavender or Roman chamomile. In the correct proportions, these oils could be added to enhance the sedative effects of CBD products. Alternatively, Peppermint, Clove or Black pepper could be added to enhance CBD’s analgesic effects.

The important active component of both CBD’s and essential oils is terpenes.

CBDS, ESSENTIAL OILS and TERPENES:

Whether producing a refreshing scent, enhancing your mood, or exerting benefits on your physical body, terpenes are crucial components of essential oils and CBD oil alike.

The term “terpenes” may be new to you, but its use is becoming more prevalent, especially when referring to CBD and essential oils. Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds that give plants their distinct aromas, flavors, and colors. Unsurprisingly, terpenes are found in essential oils and certain types of CBD oils. Terpenes are found in almost every plant, fruit, and vegetable and, in addition to providing health benefits, can produce pleasant flavor and aroma profiles.

The cannabis plant produces over 100 different terpenes, and researchers have found many to offer various potential health benefits. Pinene, for example, is found both in pine trees and cannabis plants and has been shown to have sedative properties. Alternatively, some items made with CBD isolate will include terpenes that have been added to the finished product (via essential oils) to boost its positive effects. 

CBD AND ESSENTIAL OILS TO COMBAT STRESS:

Probably the most valuable and widely known use for essential oils is their ability to combat stress. Essential oils can prompt messages to be sent to your limbic system and other parts of the brain, which control your moods, emotions, memory, hormones and how we react to stress.

You’re probably aware that stress can disrupt almost all your body's processes, possibly resulting in any of the following:

· Relaxation problems

· Digestive problems

· Headaches

· Muscle tension and pain

· Heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure and stroke

· Sleep problems

· Weight gain

· Memory and concentration impairment

· Mood swings

Often referred to as the “stress hormone,” Cortisol, is an essential hormone that affects almost every organ and tissue in your body. It is produced as a response to stress, keeping the body alert and prepared to react to external stressors or stimuli. In days when one may be threatened by an attack by a beast or neighboring tribe, cortisol helped us react instantly to that threat. We may not have such physical and immediate threats today, however, our bodies are hardwired to react to whatever it perceives as a stressor. Today, stress—and high cortisol levels—have become a part of daily life, which can take a toll on your mental and physical body. CBD may help regulate these cortisol levels, ultimately reducing stress and allowing your mind and body to relax and recover. Combining the effectiveness of CBD with that of complementary essential oils can increase those therapeutic effects, easing stress and its effects in the body and mind.