The Endocannabinoid System and You
The endocannabinoid system is a system in your body that helps to regulate essential functions, such as appetite and immune response. It plays a key role in your body, however it was only recently discovered by scientists who were trying to get answers to a different phenomenon: why cannabis has such a profound impact on the body and brain. Who knew!?
Endo simply means 'within' or 'inside the body'. Cannabinoid comes from a class of phytochemicals scientists were investigating. Not only do plants like cannabis contain these chemical compounds, so does the human body. Even your pets with vertebrae have them! Cannabinoids and their receptors are used to regulate the internal environment that is always in search of homeostasis. The "just right" place that I like to call "The Goldilocks Zone."
Discovery of the ECS system was truly a lucky break, but scientists were quick to realize that there was a vast therapeutic potential which is now the subject of intense research.
How it works
Cannabinoids are chemical messengers in the body and interact with nerve cells to regulate all sorts of things such as mood, pain, memories and appetite. Neurons are sensitive though, and don't appreciate too much incoming information causing undesirable changes in the body's internal environment leading to issues that range from depression to pain and worse.
There are two kinds of receptors for cannabinoids, CB1 and CB2, each having specific areas they influence. For example, CB1 is primarily found in the brain and spinal cord making a profound impact on the nervous system itself and helping to regulate emotional stability and memory. CB2 are found more prominently in the peripheral nervous system and immune system, assisting in reducing inflammation, helping mitigate the body's natural response to many conditions.
The Endocannabinoid System and CBD
In some people, the body may not be producing enough cannabinoids to maintain effective homeostasis, so CBD assists by elevating the number of cannabinoid molecules in circulation.
In other words, CBD triggers the body to increase cannabinoids and their receptors. It does this as long as it can access the hypothalamus, which talks to the pituitary, which talks to the nervous system. This is all extremely important and can only happen if the carrier allows the oil to penetrate the blood-brain barrier to GET to the hypothalamus. None of this requires that THC be present to be effective, something that can be concerning for those hoping to take advantage of CBD's many benefits.
What does the ECS System Control?
Although the endocannabinoid system is a fairly recent discover, scientists believe that it plays a significant role in a number of bodily functions and helps regulate digestions, reproduction, neuroprotection, inflammation, movement, temperature, pain sleep, metabolism and appetite. It has also been related to cardiovascular function and the development of new brain cells. With that said, the role that it could play in disease prevention is of utmost interest.
Scientists are beginning to link some of the most common degenerative diseases and a possible disturbance in the endocannabinoid system. Science shows that tumor cells have more cannabinoid receptors than their healthy counterparts. Other conditions, such as chronic pain and Parkinson's, also show dysregulation of the cannabinoid system.
How Does CBD Help?
CBD oil comes from a subspecies of cannabis called hemp, known for its naturally low levels of THC. Used by many people who have symptoms that may not be amenable to conventional medicine, CBD oil is used to help regulate the endocannibinoid system and assist in alleviating some of the following symptoms and conditions:
Lack of appetite, especially those under sever stress or undergoing cancer treatments. Normalizing the endocannabinoid level in the body can help restore a normal level to appetite.
Inflammation and pain. A lack of endocannabinoids can lead to excess inflammation leading to pain. Since cannabinoids bind to CB1 receptors in the central nervous system, CBD oil can help alleviate pain from causes other than inflammation.
Sleeplessness. With our lifestyles and sheer amount of blue light from mobile devices, CBD oil can help regulate our bodies to relax and sleep more soundly.
Anxiety. Cannabinoids balance the brain by binding to certain regions of the brain, especially the amygdala. Since CBD can help down regulate the enzymes that break down endocannabinoids, this allows more receptors to bind to target cells, potentially reducing or alleviating symptoms of anxiety.
One of the most common questions is whether CBD oil is marijuana. CBD oil is derived from hemp, a species of cannabis but not the same as marijuana. And our PureCannaceutical line is known for it's THC-FREE product line. We are a broad spectrum product with a high level of CBD and CBG in each product. CBG, the parent molecule of CBD is known for it's powerful anti-inflammatory benefits giving every tincture a nice extra punch in effectiveness.
We like to say that a good, quality CBD oil is like taking a multi-vitamin for your nervous system. PureCannaceuticals is one of the best products you can choose! Let us help you decide on the best product to meet your needs.