Tag: endocannabinoid system

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Infection Fighting: CBD and Your Innate Immune System

Written by jivigner on 27/03/2020. Posted in ECS, Immunity. No Comments on Infection Fighting: CBD and Your Innate Immune System

The immune system is a very crucial part of the body because it is the primary defence against health issues, diseases, and infections. The innate immune system is affected by factors like failure to get enough sleep, not eating appropriately, and lack of exercise. There are many supplements that boost and balance your immune system, but CBD is in the lead.

CBD and the Innate Immune System

CBD is able to improve the general physical health of an individual. The immune system is a network of organs, tissues, and cells that work together to destroy any foreign particles or cells, which keeps you alive and healthy.

Normally, there are two types of white blood cells: lymphocytes and phagocytes. Lymphocytes, mostly known as T-cells and B-cells, destroy harmful and foreign substances. They also help the body to remember these foreign substances so that in the case of another invasion, they can detect and fight back. Phagocytes neutralise and absorb the invaders. This thereby hinders them from spreading further and causing more harm.

The Significance of CBD on the Endocannabinoid System

With the virus outbreak, it is essential that we look at the importance of CBD on your endocannabinoid system. CBD on its own does not necessarily cure the coronavirus, but it plays a great role in fighting the virus. Below are its benefits on your endocannabinoid system:

CBD contains anti-inflammatory properties that help the immune system’s inflammatory response. Inflammation is a crucial response that separates the infected body areas and hinders toxins from further spread.
CBD promotes cellular death or apoptosis.
It hinders rapid cellular growth or proliferation.
CBD suppresses or modulates the secretion and function of cytokines. The cytokines signal molecules that control your body’s inflammation, immunity, and the production of white blood cells.
CBD also modulates the production of chemokine which act as chemoattractants. They guide the immune cells to the affected areas where white blood cells attack and destroy the invading microbes.
It suppresses the function and production of T-cells. This modulates the ability of the immune system to recall fighting foreign invaders.

All these benefits help the immune system of a person infected or at risk of infection by the coronavirus. CBD offers anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antiviral properties. These are very important to coronavirus victims who experience nausea, inflammation, and vomiting. CBD also reduces anxiety and stress in individuals, which fights the disease.

Endocannabinoid and Immune Systems Together

CBD, therefore, dramatically improves and maintains the health of the endocannabinoid system. This, in return, improves your overall immune system and, most importantly, preserves the core innate immune system which makes the immune cells. When the genesis of the oxidation of cells is well catered for, the body is able to fight against any form of infection.

CBD is therefore a powerful medicine and supplement to your entire body system for both corrective and preventive reasons. To learn more about CBD, feel free to contact us today.

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Cannabis Research Uncovers New Cannabinoids

Written by jivigner on 17/02/2020. Posted in Research. No Comments on Cannabis Research Uncovers New Cannabinoids

Scientists discovered the human endocannabinoid system (ECS) fewer than 30 years ago. This innovation has led scientists to unearth more than 100 compounds, known as cannabinoids, that affect the ECS. Read on to learn more about cannabinoids, the endocannabinoid system, and the amazing cannabis research of today.

What are Cannabinoids and the ECS?

Every person has an endocannabinoid system in their bodies. This system helps us regulate functions like mood, appetite, sleep, and memory. It was first discovered in the 1990s when scientists were researching Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. Over time, scientists discovered that cannabis actually contains dozens of different compounds that they called cannabinoids. Each of these compounds interacts with cannabinoid receptors throughout our bodies and affect us in different ways. Our body produces some cannabinoids on its own, which are necessary to keep us healthy.

The compounds found in marijuana mimic the cannabinoids that our bodies create. Increasingly, the medical community is recognizing the benefits of cannabinoids. The two most well-known cannabinoids are THC and CBD. THC causes that high that cannabis is famous for, and it also may help to reduce pain and increase appetite. THC works by binding to our body’s CB1 receptors, which are found mostly in our central nervous system, and CB2 receptors, which are usually found in the peripheral nervous system.

New Cannabinoids Discovered

Because it was discovered so recently, there is still a lot to learn about our ECS and how it affects the functions of our bodies. Cannabis research is becoming increasingly popular, though, as more and more people are claiming that it brings them relief from various ailments. Because of the potential health benefits and the recent push to legalise marijuana for recreational and medical uses worldwide, we can expect that new cannabinoids will be discovered. In fact, scientists recently announced that two new cannabinoids, THCP and CBDP have been found.

While we don’t yet know how these new cannabinoids affect humans, cutting-edge techniques make it easier to isolate and study individual cannabinoids. Right now, most strains of cannabis are bred to be heavy in THC and CBD. In the future, we may see strains that have other dominant cannabinoids.

These new cannabinoids are likely similar in function and structure to THC and CBD. Does this mean they have similar effects? Animal studies suggest that THCP may be many times more potent than THC. However, we can’t yet be sure what effects they have on humans.

The discovery of these new cannabinoids will likely fuel even more cannabis research. Most of the 150 known cannabinoids have not been isolated or studied on their own, but learning about each of these distinct compounds can lead to further advancements in cannabis medicine. This is an exciting time for both medicine and science as we learn more about the effects of this amazing plant.

Down To Earth’s full-spectrum oils are a great place to start if you’re interested in trying CBD. Full-spectrum products contain traces of THC which can work hand-in-hand with CBD to make it more effective. Contact us for more information on the products we offer.

CBD and The Endocannabinoid System: What It Is and Why It Matters!

Written by jivigner on 10/03/2019. Posted in ECS. 1 Comment on CBD and The Endocannabinoid System: What It Is and Why It Matters!

CBD has taken the natural health and wellness industry by storm. CBD products in Australia and around the world are becoming a natural alternative therapy for a myriad of physical, mental and emotional challenges. CBD is one of the primary cannabinoids, of over 113 cannabinoids, found in abundance in the sativa hemp plant. CBD (cannabidiol), a non-psychoactive, non-toxic compound, provides its powerful therapeutic properties due to its interaction with the Endocannabinoid System throughout the human (and mammal) body. In order to understand how and why CBD works in the body, it is imperative to understand the basics of the Endocannabinoid System. The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) contains endocannabinoids produced from within the body. These endocannabinoid compounds activate a network of receptors on the surface of cells throughout the body, in the brain, organs, tissues, glands and the immune system. Although the ECS performs a unique role in each location of the body, the overall, ultimate goal of the ECS is to bring the body to homeostasis (balance) despite external or environmental disturbances.

The receptors on the cells throughout the Endocannabinoid System, when stimulated by cannabinoids, produce varying reactions, depending on the location of the cells and receptors. Cannabinoids come from two places; either naturally produced from within the body (endocannabinoids) or from the hemp and cannabis plants that produce phytocannabinoids. The many benefits of CBD are a direct result of the receptor stimulation and interactions throughout the Endocannabinoid System.

How CBD Provides Benefits to the Body

When an external, plant based cannabinoid, like CBD, is introduced to the body, either internally or topically on the skin, it interacts and stimulates one or both of the two primary receptors known as CB1 and CB2 as well as other receptors. In order to understand this activity let’s take the example of using CBD for chronic pain.

ecs-system — Endocannabinoid System (ECS) CB1 and CB2 Receptors

When you take a high concentration CBD Oil for chronic pain, the CBD acts on the 5-HT1A receptors in the Serotonin, Dopamine and Opioid Systems of the brain. CBD acts as a modulator on your opioid receptors to reduce pain and chronic inflammation. Also, because the 5-HT1A receptors are located in many and diverse areas of the brain, CBD will stimulate a broad range of effects. This is important to people living with chronic pain because so many areas of their health and basic functions are affected. CBD also helps with mood, sleep, appetite and memory, which can often become issues, over time, for those dealing with daily pain.

In addition, you can apply a CBD topical for local pain management. The CBD penetrates to deep layers of the skin, therein interacting with the receptors that are present in the area, providing relief to local aches and pains. CBD Edibles are also an effective mechanism for fast acting pain relief.

This powerful and diverse activity of CBD and the Endocannabinoid System has implications for the daily supplemental use of CBD. Because the ultimate goal of the ECS is to bring the physical, mental and emotional bodies to homeostasis (balance), making CBD a part of your daily health regimen can help increase your general health and well-being.

Have you tried CBD as a supplement or for a particular condition? If so, what has been your experience? Please share your insights in the comment section below! We would love to hear from you!