
Cannabis is a marvellous plant that has yielded a variety of key in lock solutions for natural health. When taken in both isolate and broad spectrum CBD forms, these cannabis formulas deliver vital compounds that elicit a cascade of beneficial properties.
Depending on who you ask, cannabis plants can contain up to 500 unique compounds. Not all of these are classic cannabinoids, like CBD, THC, CBC, CBG, etc. Still, more than 100 cannabinoids have been identified within the plant species.
The cannabinoid examples that we will be examining today are CBD, CBC, CBG, and CBN. Their full titles are Cannabidiol, Cannabichromene, Cannabigerol, and Cannabinol. We won’t be covering THC, because it simply can’t be found in any of our products!
All Herbal Health CBD is refined to remove trace THC concentrations. The premium CBD hemp flowers used in our extractions are touted for their verified THC content of under 0.03% per product’s dry weight. This percentage has been deemed non-psychoactive and clear for sale by the WHO (World Health Organisation).
Still, we purify our extracts, ensuring that even these inactive levels THC are removed. This means that our Broad Spectrum CBD tinctures can lay claim to being 100% THC-free while still featuring additional minor cannabis compounds, including cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenoids, plant esters, and more.
Entourage Effect CBD
When it comes down to the total effect of most herbal products, including non-psychoactive hemp and cannabis tinctures, Broad Spectrum CBD brews are always the finest. The more natural the spectrum can be, the more the plant compounds can synergise, and create a linear, positive dose-response.?
So, what is the entourage effect? This effect refers to the total action and synergy between the hemp/cannabis compounds found in a given product. This entourage effect is not just noted for the ingestion of multiple cannabinoids, but it also applies to the intake of other hemp compounds such as terpenes and flavonoids. Every component is held within the plant material for a specific reason, and their shape, size, and attributes enmesh perfectly with our bodies.
For example, a variety of polyphenols, or plant compounds found in cannabis, are thought to improve the gut’s microbiome upon ingestion, even before travelling through the body to create a variety of benefits. These naturally constructed ingredients simply stimulate the body in the perfect ways for the promotion of health, especially when ingested together.
For optimal results, we recommend mixing broad spectrum CBD products with isolated cannabinoids, and terpenoids, to get the best of both targeted cannabinoid boosting, and well-rounded endocannabinoid stimulation. The result is a well-fed, ready-to-run endocannabinoid system, that promotes a positive perception of welfare and ease.
Endocannabinoid Health
However, caring for the endocannabinoid system is not as simple as taking a variety of our plant compounds. We believe in the power delivered by CBD, so much so that we’ve shaped our entire livelihood around the concept. That being said, we know that total health is a multifaceted issue.
Exercise impacts anandamide (AEA) levels; one of our bodies endogenously (internally) produced cannabinoid compounds. Perhaps daily exercise will help to keep the ECS (endocannabinoid system) running in optimal ways. Modern research also shows that the precursors to our endocannabinoids are the metabolites that result from the consumption of omega fatty acids indicating the importance of diet the functioning of the ECS.
This knowledge shows us how intimate the endocannabinoid system is to our health, and how we have a responsibility to care for this physiological system with every means available. Please keep in mind that no information on this website is meant to diagnose, cure, or offer health advice. Always consult a physician or applicable medical professional before beginning a new movement or supplement routine.
Endocannabinoid Science
Elements of our endogenous cannabinoid system can be found in every tissue of the body. This system’s primary components are two receptors (CB1 and CB2) and two endocannabinoids (AEA and 2-AG).
CBD inhibits the FAAH enzyme. FAAH is responsible for breaking down AEA. With FAAH inhibited, AEA cannot be broken down as usual, and its concentrations flourish in the body and nervous system.
This elevated AEA provides a large chunk of the impact from a single dose of CBD. No other plant cannabinoids are known to do this, although many cannabinoids seem to stimulate overall endogenous cannabinoid activity to various degrees.
AEA also increases circulating 2-AG, as the concentrations of each of these compounds work to stay balanced at all times. This boosted activity leads to a flurry of endocannabinoid stimulation. In the presence of healthy fats, such as our tincture oils, additional cellular mechanisms will be leveraged in the gut and at various cellular targets, increasing the efficiency of all ingested cannabinoids.
All of this activity lights up the nervous system and the cells of the physical body and nervous system. When Broad Spectrum CBD is taken, all of the components harmonise to create a robust activation of many health-promoting pathways, quickly creating a valuable experience.
Our beloved cannabinoids can interact with a variety of receptors external to the endocannabinoid system. For CBD, these additional targets include serotonin, genetic, and vanilloid pain system receptors. CBG’s external activity reaches alpha-2 adrenergic receptors and also inhibits COX ? enzyme receptors.
The endocannabinoid system itself acts as a careful watchdog that can oversee an impressive number of functions in the human system. It specialises in harmonising the anabolism (building up) and catabolism (breaking down) of the body. With balanced health, the body is neither in an excess state of growth or decay.
Cells are always dying, being birthed, and humming to life throughout our lives. This total microcosmic activity leads to beneficial actions in the macrocosms of our tissues, organs, and larger physiological systems. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) ensures that our physical functioning works perfectly from the cells on up, establishing the perfect rhythm of cellular survival and expansion. The ECS has connections with the immune systems, the nervous systems, the endocrine (hormonal) system, pain systems, inflammatory pathways, metabolic factors, muscle development, and more.
To care for this system, you need to do everything you can to support total health. What we put into our daily life will lead to positive changes. While you support yourself with the sophisticated ingredients found in CBD, don’t forget to optimise your other health routines for success.
Cannabinoids
Let’s dive right into some of the most fascinating and well-studied chemicals found in cannabis/hemp.
These legendary compounds were studied carefully, even during prohibition. In fact, interest in both the psychoactive and non-psychoactive cannabinoid extracts extends back for decades. THC was definitively found to be the psychoactive hemp compound, although rumours about the psychoactive nature of THCV and other natural THC variants float around the edges of cannabinoid research.?
CBD, or cannabidiol, does not act forcefully on our endocannabinoid receptors. It only has a little affinity for CB1 receptor types. As mentioned above, cannabidiol is unique among the other natural cannabinoids, as it boosts AEA, leading to mildly increased 2-AG, and enhanced CB1 receptor activity. CBD works hard, inhibiting FAAH while stimulating serotonin receptors, pain-related receptors, and more.
CBC, cannabichromene, has a small affinity for CB1 receptors, and it has much more success with CB2 receptor sites. Cannabichromene works with the same TRPV vanilloid pain receptors that CBD interacts with. Specifically, CBC works with TRPV 1-4 channels, which can help with pain awareness and gut balance.
Cannabigerol, CBG, is one of the top sellers on our website. CBG does not have a high affinity for CB1. It does get along quite well with CB2 receptors, acting as an agonist (activator) at this spot. CB2 is related to healthy immune system support and anti-inflammation. CBG inhibits inflammatory factors and works with alpha-2 adrenergic receptors.
CBN can be considered an OG cannabinoid. It was one of the first to be scrutinised along with THC and CBD. CBN is found in high concentrations in cannabis and hemp plant material. Other cannabinoids will degrade into CBN when exposed to time, heat, and light. CBN is non-psychoactive, but in large doses with animals, it proved to be much more physically debilitating than CBD. Keep in mind that these massive doses were far beyond the mg/kg dose ratios used for humans.
CBN is a weak activator of both CB1/CB2 cannabinoid receptors. However, cannabinol is a potent TRPA1 receptor agonist. This receptor establishes standard rates of cellular survival and pain management.
All of these cannabinoids have an immense and positive impact on human health. While it is helpful to look at cellular activities, and create connections to their positive benefits, keep in mind that more research is needed to establish the impact these compounds can have on holistic health.
Our broad-spectrum CBD has been tested and shown to contain CBD, CBC, CBG, and CBN. Our proprietary cannabigerol formulas provide an isolated CBG extract, and we have a few CBD isolate items that you can enjoy. When it comes to maximising your CBD use, we highly recommend combining broad-spectrum CBD and cannabinoid isolates. So long as you do not exceed the FSA recommendation of 70mg of cannabinoids per day, then you will always have a positive experience with CBD and hemp.
Terpenes CBD
The aromatic and flavorful compounds found in hemp are the same as those you can see in the kitchen. In truth, we have a variety of plant nutrients at our disposal at all times. Better yet, if you want to access these plant compounds for free, just go out for a stroll in the woods. These terpenes are floating in the forest air, and are readily absorbed as you breathe in. These forest terps create the incredible aroma and well-documented physiological impacts that you may notice when walking through the woods or sniffing away at a lavender oil diffusion.
The herbs, spices, and other plants around us all express themselves in the language of universal chemicals. Many of these chemicals have practical external qualities, like defence mechanisms against hungry critters that would eat their host plants, or they may provide physiological benefits to those who snack away on healthy plant-based foods. For example, limonene is found in both hemp and lemons. Myrcene can be found in hemp and mangos.
Substantial concentrations of these terpenes will create a measurable, positive experience. Think about the relaxing, but never truly “high” sensation that essential oils give off. These oils really soothe the desire for comfort, without reaching a point of intoxication. These critical components exist right along with THC and the other non-psychoactive cannabinoids found in cannabis plant material. The ingestion of these terpenes is also thought to modulate the subjective experience of THC intoxication, and it can also add unique flavors and qualities to non-psychoactive extracts.
The CBD terpenes that we have up for review today are:
- Myrcene
- Limonene
- Humulene
- ?-caryophyllene
All of these terpenes can be found in a variety of plants, not just cannabis and hemp. Regardless, they always contribute to the individual scent and flavors of a strain. As mentioned briefly above, the full profile of the plant, including the unique terps found within, will reliably change the subjective qualities of a cannabis extract.
Myrcene is in almost every cannabis strain to some degree. That doesn’t mean that it should be underestimated. This classic terp can activate TRPV1 receptors. TRPV1 receptor activity can reduce pain. Additionally, this terpene can inhibit the CYP2B1 enzyme. This can lead to a decrease in DNA damage.
Next up, limonene is a powerhouse for mood regulation. Limonene has been discovered in grapefruit, lemon, and lime, among many other food sources. It is a common hemp terp. Research shows that it activates 5HT1-A serotonin receptors, which would result in decreased anxiety and depressive symptoms. This terpene also helps to improve levels of gastric mucous. This boosts intestinal health, which is intimately connected to mood and clarity.
Humulene is another common yet valuable terp found in cannabis/hemp. This one is also created by cloves, basil, and hops. Humulene is an inflammation-fighting heavyweight, which modifies prostaglandin, iNOS, and COX-2 concentrations. Humulene helps to reduce the sensation of pain, combat anxiety, and defeat inflammation.
Our final terpenoid for this article will be ?-caryophyllene. Famously found in hemp and black pepper, this terp can be found in cloves among many familiar food sources. This terp stimulates CB2 receptor activity, establishing it as a cannabimimetic compound. This cannabimimetic title highlights the fact that this compound acts like a cannabinoid by directly working with an endocannabinoid receptor. This fascinating pseudo-cannabinoid has been found to reduce inflammation and alleviate the sensation of pain.
A little bit of self-study quickly reveals that almost all plants contain an assortment of bio-active, valuable components. The fact that very distinct plants are genetically disposed to produce the same terpenoids shows the level of harmony and intelligence in nature’s design. Turning to plant alternatives invariably provides a soft, robust spectrum of beneficial, holistic compounds that will help you reach your wellness goals.
The Final Dose: Flavonoids, Lignanamides, and Plant Esters
Remember, when we started this article, we mentioned that over 500 compounds had been found in cannabis! So far, we have been covering about five examples for each class of hemp compounds.
The cannabis components become a lot less defined once you get past the realm of terpenoids and cannabinoids. There is research demonstrating that these cannabis-specific elements provide unique value, and show similarities to plant compounds found in other plant species. There are no accidents, and these compounds are all included in hemp by design. That’s why we love our Broad Spectrum CBD extracts so much! Full plant potency, with zero THC fuss.
The remaining compounds that we will be looking at are CBD flavonoids, liganamides, and plant esters. Cannabis contains over twenty flavonoids, including vitexin, kaempferol, apigenin, and cannflavin A/B/C. While the plant is living, these compounds may serve as insect repellents and alert the plant’s response to different light periods during the day.
These same compounds which regulate functions within the living plant have been shown to provide a lot of positive qualities for humans and animals. Research into the flavonoid benefits has revealed antibiotic properties, anti-allergy conditions, diarrhea management, oxidative defence, and neuroprotection. With that being said, you don’t want to go without them! Be sure to maximise the consumption of flavonoid foods such as legumes, fruits, and vegetables to get the most out of these natural elements.
The lignanamides mentioned above have been isolated in cannabis plant material. The most well-known of these components are Sativamide A/B and Cannabisin (A-G). While information is still coming in about these fascinating cannabis elements, they appear to help reduce cellular damage, while combating neurodegeneration and creating anti-oxidative effects.
Cannabis esters are last on the list for today, but they can’t be over-valued. We mentioned that terpenes had been claimed to influence the personal high created by cannabis. Well, cannabis esters have been associated with similar power. Some enthusiasts suggest that plants high in esters were some of the stinkiest and most potent varieties of cannabis available in the 80s and 90s. These skunky blends were known for their KO stone, and vivid cottonmouth.
The theory goes that these esters provided quite a punch to the psychoactivity of these blends, even if they are non-psychoactive themselves. When taken in non-psychotropic hemp tinctures, these plant esters would create a significant kick of neuronal activity in the body without altering consciousness.
Perhaps the following example will help understand how a non-psychoactive compound can alter intoxication. Many subtle plant blends and teas do not create a buzz while they work, but when taken with cannabis, they provide minor, but noticeable changes to the intoxication. That noticeable shift in the quality of a buzz is the non-psychoactive goodness that terps, esters, and essential oils can provide.
Within fresh hemp material, these plant-based esters are likely found in close proximity to the acidic cannabinoids, CBG-A and CBN-A. Each of the cannabinoids expresses itself in an acidic form in the plant material. These acidic variants are the predecessors to the popular, non-acidic cannabinoid compounds. Both of these cannabinoid varieties have unique functions within the living plant, and their unique shapes and qualities deliver valuable properties to our bodies/minds. Esters have been linked to both antimicrobial and endocannabinoid enhancing qualities.
Pure Spectrum CBD
The vast array of compounds found in our CBD hemp will light up your world! These non-psychoactive treats deliver all of the beautiful hemp compounds that you need, with no unwanted residual elements.
Herbal Health CBD provides a selection of board-spectrum and CBD isolate formulas for your enjoyment. These tinctures, edibles, topicals, and more, are absolute game-changers for any health-minded individual. Cannabidiol can be used daily, and many customers find that it is an easily tolerated way to boost overall welfare and peace.
Leverage the natural intelligence of hemp. Lavish your body with broad-spectrum CBD compounds, including minor cannabinoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and more! Herbal Health CBD is lab tested to contain a wide selection of these elements. Each batch of these products is third-party lab tested, guaranteeing the freshness, purity, and consistent potency of every item sold.