Five Facts about Balancing the Body with CBD
At Mender, we know that education is queen when it comes to CBD (cannabidiol). The lion’s share of what we do is not just keeping up with research so we can formulate effective CBD products, but to also find effective ways to communicate what we’ve uncovered. At every opportunity, we pass on what we’ve learned to our customers to empower them to thoughtfully consider and consciously choose products that support their unique well-being.
We get asked a lot about CBD, and it usually starts with, “I’ve heard it works, but what exactly is it?” And more importantly, “How does it work?” Read on to find out what current research says about CBD, the system that makes it all happen and how topicals may be the way to wellness.
Your endocannabinoid system (ECS) is the key to your health
All animals, from humans to 500-million-year-old sea squirts, have an ECS. Yet scientists have just recently discovered what the ECS does. A system that runs throughout our bodies the ECS is responsible for maintaining homeostasis—the balance necessary to obtain optimum health; including fertility, sleep, mood, memory, appetite, inflammation, and immunity to name a few.
Two keys unlock the door to your ECS
Scientists have discovered two primary receptors that are found throughout our bodies that work as doorways to the ECS: CB₁ and CB₂. While CB₁ receptors primarily live in our central nervous system, CB₂ receptors live in our immune system cells. Both play a role in supporting homeostasis—CB₁ in regulating stress and CB₂ in reducing inflammation, generally.
Your skin is built for cannabis
Our skin and sweat glands contain both CB₁ and CB₂ receptors, making topicals an efficient and elegant way to support our overall health. Use of CBD facial serums, pain salves, lotions, and even CBD deodorant are all effective ways of supporting your ECS. And because cannabinoids like CBD are powerful antioxidants, topicals work to improve and repair your skin texture and appearance by encouraging new cell growth while also supporting your overall health.
Cannabinoids are powerful medicine
Receptors on our skin respond to CBD and other cannabinoids including ones found in echinacea, copaiba, helichrysum, cocoa, and pepper and get to work supporting the immune system, reducing inflammation, minimizing pain, and working as a potent antioxidant to help our bodies repair and restore at the cellular level.
The pathway to the mind-body connection
Some scientists believe that by acting on CB₁ and/or CB₂ receptors throughout our bodies, cannabinoids, such as CBD and others found in nature and within the body itself, have the power to unlock the communication system between the body and the mind allowing for the possibility of mapping the impact of our mental health on our physical health.
Mender’s full spectrum CBD Apothecary Body Essentials Collection was developed for people who live in their bodies. Led by April Cole Worley with versed Apothecary and birth doula Vanessa Pisias on product development, we use only clean ingredients, locally sourced whenever possible, rich organic essential oils, and high-quality full-spectrum certified third-party tested CBD extracted from non-GMO, pesticide-free hemp. From treating chronic pain as a result of years of living adventurously in our bodies, to the peace of mind that comes from knowing the source of every natural ingredient, we are proud to bring you the formulations we use on ourselves and our families.
Photography courtesy of MENDER, Annie Hock Photography
Sources
Hampson AJ, Grimaldi M, Lolic M, et al. “Neuroprotective antioxidants from marijuana,” Acad Sci. 2000;899:274-82.
Pandey R, Mousawy K, Nagarkatti M, et al. “Endocannabinoids and immune regulation,” Pharmacol Res. 2009 Aug;60(2):85-92.
Ständer S, Schmelz M, Metze D, Luger T, et al. “Distribution of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2) on sensory nerve fibers and adnexal structures in human skin,” Dermatol Sci. 2005 Jun;38(3):177-88.
Turcotte C, Blanchet M, Laviolette M, Flamand N. “The CB2 receptor and its role as a regulator of inflammation,” Cell Mol Life Sci. 2016;73(23):4449–4470.
Source links:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15927811
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4618347/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5075023/
DISCLAIMER: The Women of MJ Lifestyle are not licensed medical professionals, nor do we claim to be. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or any of the above-listed conditions. However, we find plant medicine to be a brilliant tool that works synergistically with a healthy diet and a mindful spirit. MJ Lifestyle believes in the power of the plant and encourages you to explore with a positive and open mind.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.