Why I LOVE CBD

Check out my video on CBD!!
Everything you need to know if you are new to CBD!

The first time I ever about CBD was when I read an article discussing how this particular molecule helped a little girl, Charlotte Figi. Charlotte was plagued with extreme and traumatizing seizures. She was having 300 grand mal seizures a week! After using CBD, seizures stopped. I learned that scientists believe CBD oil helped suppress seizures by slowing down messages being sent to the brain, changing calcium levels in brain cells and decreasing inflammation in the brain. Source 

It was miraculous!! I was so excited for this little girl and the promise CBD holds for countless symptoms and sufferings. 

Already a believer in holistic plant medicine, I became really curious about CBD. I began researching and digging... I discovered that not only has CBD shown to help with seizures, research has shown that it is effective in treating pain and inflammation, anxiety, PTSD, and cancer side effects.

The more I researched the more information and mounting anecdotal accounts from patients and physicians highlight CBD’s potential as a treatment for a wide range of maladies, including (but not limited to): 

• Autoimmune diseases (inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Neurological conditions (Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Huntington’s chorea, stroke, traumatic brain injury)
• Metabolic syndrome (diabetes, obesity)
• Neuropsychiatric illness (autism, ADHD, PTSD, alcoholism)
• Gut disorders (colitis, Crohn’s)
• Cardiovascular dysfunction (atherosclerosis, arrhythmia)
• Skin disease (acne, dermatitis, psoriasis)

More research is obviously needed and this is a great start! I truly believe in the healing capabilities of plants. There is so much potential that nature holds and this is where I believe our focus and research money should be spent... rather than synthetic chemicals that do more harm that good... that's a whole other blog post.  

Let's talk more CBD. 

CBD - Cannabinol (Ka-nub-buh-naal)

This plant molecule is fascinating. CBD is one of over 100 compounds classified as phytocannabinoids found in the plant cannabis sativa. It is a non-psychoactive chemical messenger that docks to specific binding sites in our body with modulates a receptor's behavior. These binding sites are located within the Endocannbinoid system (discussed below). 

Below are the main phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis sativa plant, all that have been shown to have therapeutic effects in the body. 

For the purpose of this post we will be focusing on CBD, but it's important to know there are many other compounds to be researched and discovered!!

What's even more wild is that are over 500 distinct compounds in cannabis, this is important to know, as all of these compounds work synergistically together. The categories of compounds include: 

• Phytocannabinoids - these interact with our endocannibinoid system. 
• Terpenoids / terpenes – responsible for a wide variety of therapeutic effects. Terpenes have been shown to help to the body in destroying bacteria, detoxification efforts, relax and more.
• Flavonoids – are polyphenols which have been shown to have beneficial effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidants, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, etc.
• Omega Fatty Acids have been found to enhance CBD’s benefits in the body. 

When CBD is taken with all of the above, it's called "The Entourage Effect" which is the enhancing, synergistic effect that occurs when the full spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes, and botanical compounds are consumed together. Just as Mother Nature intended. It's the FULL SPECTRUM of benefits together. We will discuss this in a little more depth below. 

Now let's discuss the system utilized by these molecules and how it works in the body: 

Endocannbinoid System (ECS)

The ECS, is relatively unknown by many people, as it was discovered in 1992! Although there is much to understand about this bodily system, it is believed that it helps regulate a wide variety of processes including: 

• Pain
• Memory
• Mood
• Appetite
• Stress
• Sleep
• Metabolism
• Immune Function
• Reproductive Function 

We know of two receptors that work within this system. They are called CB1 & CB2.  See below where each of these receptors reside: 

What scientists have discovered is that the ECS helps us maintain this complex balance between different biological functions. This is homeostasis. 

Cannabinoids such as CBD, help the ECS maintain homeostasis when it becomes imbalanced. 

So here is how CBD works within the ECS: 

1. CBD does not bind to the receptors directly, instead impacts them indirectly. 
2. CBD stimulates or activates the ECS depending on what our body needs.
3. CBD helps promote homeostasis.
4. CBD can increase the amount of anandamide in the body. Known as the "bliss molecule", anandamide plays a role in the neural generation of pleasure and motivation. 

This complex cell-signaling system in the body is ALWAYS working towards harmony and homeostasis. It's also important to note that our body already produces endogenous cannabinoids! The beautiful thing about CBD is that it's produced by Mother Nature AND our own body. I'm not quite sure how much more natural you can get. 

So maybe you are ready to try CBD or are looking for a better option? Well first let's look at the three types of CBD available on the market: 

What kind of CBD should I take? 

1.Full Spectrum – CBD, THC (less than 0.3%), other Phytocannabinoids, terpenes flavonoids, and omega fatty acids (Remember the Entourage Effect!) 

2.Broad Specturm – CBD, other phytocannabinoids, and terpenes. (NO THC) 

3.Isolate – CBD (THC or other cannabinoids)

After you discover what "type" of CBD is best (ahem... full spectrum), then it's up to you to discover the best way to take it... as there are 4 different options: 

How do I take CBD? 

There are 4 methods:

1. Sublingual – placed under the tongue.
   1. This has a faster onset due to the product entering the bloodstream orally. Taking CBD oil under your tongue and hold it for 60 seconds sends the molecule directly into your blood stream.
   2. The benefit of consuming CBD oil sublingually is that the absorption process bypasses the digestive system and liver metabolization, allowing the compounds to reach your bloodstream and interact with the endocannabinoid system more quickly.
2. Ingestion –
   1. Absorbed through the digestive system, CBD is metabolized by the liver, eventually sending its active compounds to your bloodstream.
   2. Not the most efficient way to consume CBD
   3. Must be consumed with fatty acids for best absorption
   4. Usually infused into edibles (sugary treats, beverages, and coffee and/or coffee creamers)
3. Topical – infused into lotions or salves
   1. Applied directly onto the skin
   2. Good for serious skin issues
   3. Absorbed through the skin so that it interacts with cells that are near the surface, never entering the bloodstream.
4. Inhalation or Vaping
   1. Helps us absorb the compound at the much faster rates
   2. Reaches our bloodstream via the lunges
   3. Vaping allows you to personalize your serving where other methods amount is pre-measured

My personal preference is to take a tincture under my tongue. This is the most effective way to absorb CBD that doesn't include any smoke in my lungs. I just can't go there. 

SUPER IMPORTANT! 

It's vital you know how to source CBD! There is little regulation, misleading labels, lots of ineffective CBD on store shelves, CBD made with tons of pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals AND GMO's. 

Sourcing effective CBD is key. You want to know how it was extracted (C02 method is best at this time), where it was grown (US and organic only please), and make sure to find a certificate, like the one below, proving the effectiveness of what you are buying! 

What Questions Can I ask About Sourcing CBD? 

Knowing where your CBD comes from is so important! Here are some questions you can ask: 

1. Where is the hemp grown? 
2. What is the extraction method? 
3. Is there honest 3rd party testing? 
4. Who are you buying it from? 
5. Do they have the US Hemp Authority Certification?
    

Consistency is key! 

It's SO important to know what consistency is key with CBD. It's NOT A QUICK FIX! It can take 2-6 weeks to fully realize the benefits of CBD! Taking daily and consistency is really important. I noticed benefits about 10 days in, specifically that I was sleeping better and felt more calm in general.

The "Cumulative Effect" is that the benefits of CBD are less about immediate affects and more about long term effects. Again, this is not a quick fix... nothing natural every is!!! CBD takes time to work in the body, so patience and diligence is key! 

My Own Experience & What I Use: 

I have used CBD for over a year now. What I have discovered is that I feel more calm, connected, and less stressed and triggered. My whole family uses it, yes even my two boys. We ALL sleep better and are less on edge.

Now, I must share, that we live very healthy lifestyles. We move our bodies daily, eat clean, drink tons of water, take supplements that support our bodies, and take time to slow down and connect with those around us and ourselves. 

CBD is part of a lifestyle, it's not a quick fix. 

Obviously if you know me, you know I am extremely particular about what goes in my soul-home. When I came across Hempworx, I loved their mission, story, and how vital it is to provide CBD products that clean are effective!! 

The product I use everyday is their 500 full Specturm CBD oil. My top three favorite flavors are natural, peppermint, and cinnamon. 

Click Here to View High Quality & Effective  CBD Product Options! 

I'm all about sharing the incredible products I find and offering them to my community! You are always welcome to message me with any questions! I'm happy to guide you. 

Have you used CBD before? What was your experience? I'd LOVE to know! 

Thanks for stopping by and just being a part of this journey towards optimal health! 

In love and gratitude, 

Becky Wells
Nutritional Therapy Practitioner
Clean Living Educator & Advocate 
www.thehippiemoms.com