Hemp Oil and CBD balms have been trendy for a while now and we often get asked questions about how it works and why it works. I hope this article sheds some light on the subject for you.
Some of you have you heard of the endocannabinoid system. It’s the system in the body that explains why cannabis-based therapies which include oils made from both marijuana and hemp have such strong effects on our physiology.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is known as a “master regulatory system” and works to maintain homeostasis in the body, which is a science-y way of saying it works to keep your body balanced. The ECS has been connected to physiological processes that range from pain perception and blood pressure regulation to blood sugar balance, sleep quality, and digestion and much more.
The ECS could mean big things for medical research and health care; and much like the microbiome, we’re learning more about it all the time. Emerging science is showing that the ECS is one of the central signaling and regulatory systems in the human body, new discoveries about the importance of this system are being published every day.
The developing science of the ECS is helping us to understand why, exactly, taking hemp oil—which is full of cannabinoids like CBD as well as other beneficial terpenes and compounds—is so beneficial to our health.
Pioneers like Dr Andrew Weil has been talking about these benefits for a while now, however he was often shut down about these claims. You can guess why.
We know that hemp oil is an effective therapy for a wide range of conditions, but what does that have to do with the ECS? According to Martin A. Lee, the director of Project CBD and the author of Smoke Signals, “Cannabis works because CBD and THC and other components of the plant mimic and augment the effects of endogenous compounds, called ‘endocannabinoids,’ that the human brain and body produces.”
So if we have naturally occurring cannabinoids, why do we need to take them in the form of hemp oil? “If a person is deficient in endocannabinoids—as many people are because of poor lifestyle choices and too much stress—then cannabis-derived therapies can fill the gap and restore physiological balance, which is the essence of health,” Lee explained.
Understanding the science in part, why oils extracted from hemp are touted as effective remedies for such a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to insomnia, pain, anxiety, IBS, headaches, PTSD, nausea, autoimmune disease, seizures, and even cancer. Hemp-based therapies are also far safer than many pharmaceutical drugs, like benzos, which are used to treat anxiety, and opiates, which are used to treat pain.
So is taking hemp oil the only way to support the ECS? Actually, no. While supplementing with hemp oil is a great place to start, there are quite a few ways to support this system, starting with reducing stress, getting high-quality sleep, and eating a nutrient-dense diet full of real foods. In addition, cannabinoids have also been found in plants like hops, clove, and rosemary, so consuming these or supplementing with them could help support the health of your endocannabinoid system.
In addition, our endocannabinoids are synthesized from omega-3 fatty acids, so making sure you’re getting enough fatty fish and flaxseeds in your diet—or supplementing with a high-quality omega-3 supplement—can help support your body’s endocannabinoid tone and reduce inflammation.
I hope this information was helpful? We have made the decision to carry hemp oil from one of our favorite companies and we also have a lovely Calming and Cooling balm available that our patients love for it’s help with pain and discomfort. It is made in small batches, highly tested and the best part it is not expensive.
Come in and see us to see if it is right for you.
Have a happy and healthy week …
Dr Pia
