EXPLAINING CANNABIDIOL (CBD)

The Endocannabinoid system

There are over 100 chemical compounds found in our Cbd oils known as cannabinoids, they are all natural and have been chosen for medicinal benefits. Cbd helps keep the body in a state of balanced homeostasis through the “endocannabinoid system”.

The “endocannabinoid system” is a molecular system responsible for regulating and balancing many processes within the body, including immune response, communication between cells, appetite and metabolism, memory, and many more. It is through this system of receptors and metabolic enzymes that cannabinoids interact with the human body function. The human body is full of these receptors and they are spread throughout the body.

So rather than working at the level of the symptom, Cbd works at the epicentre of balance, our homeostatic system. In our central nervous system, there are cells that are covered with cannabinoid receptors. When Cbd binds to these receptors, it has the ability to communicate with the cell and send a message through it, journeying down into the nucleus of the cell to ultimately reach our chromosomes.

Chromosomes carry genetic information about everything that our body does. Genes are the codes for every protein that we make in our body, which includes all of the signalling molecules that are in charge of our physiology. From the cytokines that run our immune system to the neurotransmitters that run our nervous system. Throughout our physiology, we have receptors that are specifically designed to bind with CBD.

These cannabinoid receptors enable CBD to have a profound effect on the nucleus of our cells. In fact, CBD can modulate the transcription of over 1,100 genes that produce signalling molecules to naturally reduce inflammation in our central nervous system and immune system. As a result, CBD has the potential to promote homeostasis across a range of different systems in our body.

In a recent study, it was found that CBD can have the ability to promote anti-inflammatory biochemicals and regulate inflammatory biochemicals, creating a carefully controlled balance. It’s important to note that the way in which CBD interacts with cells in these systems to cause regulation is far more complex than we have described, but for ease of reading, we believe that this is the best way to describe the nature of what is occurring in these systems.

Our immune system alone has up to 350 different signalling elements which could potentially offer an explanation as to why there can be so many unintentional pharmaceutical drug interactions. When CBD is introduced to the overwhelmingly complex human physiology, in the context of our immune system, the effects of homeostasis can trickle down all of 350 different signalling elements.

Researched benefits of Cbd

·

Antibacterial

· Inhibits cancer cell regrowth

· Neuro-protective

· Promotes bone growth

· Reduces seizures and convulsions

· Reduces blood sugar levels

· Immune system stabilizer

· Reduces inflammation

· Reduces risk of artery blockages

· Reduces small intestine contractions

· Reduces vomiting and nausea

· Relieves pain

· Slows bacterial growth

· Suppresses muscle spasms

· Tranquilizing

· Treats psoriasis

· Reduction of vascular tension

Terpenes in Cbd

Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons which are found in the essential oils of plants, they play a vital role in a plants well-being and they are what makes some plants special. They therefore can have major benefits for humans as a bioactive. There are over 100 terpenes found in Cbd,

we have listed the most relevant:

Myrcene

Myrcene terpenes are some of the most common terpenoids associated with hemp. They have a wonderfully rich, earthy, herbal scent – just like you’d expect from a freshly-cultivated hemp plant. Despite being the smallest terpene in a structural chemical sense, myrcene appears to boast a range of unique benefits.

Limonene

The name alone gives this one away immediately. The limonene terpene is commonly found in the rinds of citrus fruits, especially lemons. It’s also a crucial terpene in many hemp extract products, and adds a wonderful boost in terms of a CBD oil’s flavour and aroma profile.

Caryophyllene

One of the most abundant terpenes of all, caryophyllene is found in cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper, as well as hemp. It offers a brilliantly spicy, woody aroma. Not much research has been done on caryophyllene benefits, but we’re hoping this is an area of study wherein increased attention is given in the years to come.

Terpinolene

To date, there are few (if any) terpinolene-dominant CBD products on the market. With increased research and accessibility, however, we expect this to change in the years to come.

Pinene

Pinene terpenes are, unsurprisingly, found in pine needles. But they’re also found in several distinct strains of hemp. Pinene also occurs in a number of conifers, as well as a few citrus trees. It possesses a wonderfully distinct aroma, and its presence is immediately recognizable in a variety of CBD products.

Humulene

Another common compound in hemp, the humulene terpene is best described as ‘hoppy.’ Perhaps not surprisingly, this compound is found abundantly in various brews around the world – responsible for giving beer its rich, distinctly hoppy taste and aroma.

Ocimene

Even though it’s common in hemp, little is known about ocimene terpenes. These have been some of the most obscure and least-research compounds in the hemp terpenoid spectrum.

Linalool

Another very common terpene in hemp is linalool. This is a compound that many are probably already familiar with, as it boasts a floral, delicate aroma that’s common in many plant species (most notably lavender). As far as linalool terpene effects, some brands add linalool to their range of topical products for its lovely scent, which is commonly used in aromatherapy.

The different between strains

There are many different strains in the cannabis world and they have all been modified by either nature or botanists to produce a vast field of results. Cannabis in fact has over 1000 chemical constituents, varying by chemotypes (chemical phenotype) batch and crop. Chemotypes are plants of the same genus that are virtually identical in appearance but produce essential oil with the different major constituents.

A landrace marijuana strain refers to an original strain and its location, these strains are all unique in appearance and chemistry.

There are two main differences in strains which are the Indica and Sativa cannabis, these differences have mainly arrived due to their climate environment and physically the Sativa is a skinny plant with slim, light green leaves whilst the Indica is a short bush with broad, dark green leaves. Female plants can only produce the “flower” where all the trichomes and cannabis resins reside.

Sativa is mainly of warmer climate decent, originally from India the species moved east and made its way down the eastern coast of Africa. It is renowned as a booster as it produces a euphoric mood as well as having energizing effects on the mind and body. It is usually taken in the morning as a productivity and creativity booster.

Indica are more isolated in the arid, mountainous regions around Afghanistan and Pakistan. Indica helps with general body health, with its various terpenes and cannabinoids it is supreme at having a relaxing effect on the body and works well for pain and anxiety relief. Effective sleep insomnia remedy so best taken at night.

Cbd is an isolated compound and identified as a hemp cannabinol. After scientists started unravelling the mysteries of the cannabis plant, they discovered cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 in the human body. This brought understanding about the medicinal benefits which have been used for millennia in treatment and today it is being legalised for the treatment of different diseases in many countries including the RSA.

There is unfortunate still stigma regarding the plant due to it’s illegalization and will require a lot more research to uncover all the medicinal benefits of this plant.

The skin benefits

Cbd helps balance cell receptors in the skin due to the endocannabinoid system. This help bring the skin into homeostasis and helps balance an overproducing sebaceous gland which would cause breakouts. It also has powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. Cbd helps reduce inflammation and studies have shown improvement for the treatment of psoriasis and eczema.

Aloe ferox has high skin enrichment properties, whilst retaining up-to 30% of your bodies moisture the cream has rejuvenating properties which reverse the symptoms of aging skin. Help with Acne and redness and stimulates the skins natural healing system.