Rustic Oils CBD Of Lee's Summit LLC Blog

CBD for Shingles

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:43:36 GMT

CBD can help where other medications fail

Anyone who has ever suffered with shingles will tell you that it is excruciating almost to the point of madness. The pain from a shingles outbreak can last for months and even years in some cases. In this article we will explore what causes shingles, foods to avoid, foods to enjoy, and how CBD can be the answer that many sufferers are looking for to help ease the pain that accompanies this disease.

What is shingles?
Shingles is a blistery rash that is caused by the same virus as chickenpox called the Varicella Zoster Virus . After a person has had chicken pox the varicella zoster virus remains dormant in the central nervous system and can reactivate many years later in the form of shingles. It traditionally presents as a line of blisters across the right or left side of the torso but can show up in any part of the body. There are many symptoms of shingles, but the most notable for people who have suffered from this condition is pain. The pain can be incredibly intense and can drag on for years. Although shingles is not a physically life threatening condition, many people who suffer from it can develop extreme anxiety and hopelessness due to the never ending onslaught of pain.

What are the causes and risks of shingles?
Anyone who has had chicken pox can develop shingles. The virus that causes chicken pox can live dormant in the central nervous system for many years. Many things can cause the virus to reactivate allowing it to travel along the nerve channels and out to the skin forming a painful blistery rash. Science is still unclear on exactly why this dormant virus reactivates in some people, but most scientists believe it to be a weakened immune system. There are many risk factors for developing shingles, but the most commonly cited risks include:

Diagnoses of an immune weakening disease
Certain medications that weaken the immune system
Being older than 50. As we age our immune system weakens, opening the door for all sorts of diseases and complications.
Undergoing certain treatments that weaken the immune system
Stress. Stress can definitely weaken the immune system. A person who has had chicken pox can develop shingles at any age. My baby sister developed shingles in her late teens due to extreme stress.

Can shingles cause other complications?

Skin infections. Shingles begins with an itchy, blistery, rash. These blisters can open up and invite in a whole host of bacteria. Keep skin clean & dry and avoid harsh soaps when you are in the rash phase of shingles to avoid infection.
Prolonged pain even after rash has cleared ( Postherpetic Neuralgia ). Many sufferers will experience pain for longer than 3 months after the rash disappears. Some even report experiencing this pain for many years. This pain can present as a deep ache, stabbing pain, pain with light touch, painful itching, or deep numbness. Exposure to this level of pain can cause sufferers to develop depression, insomnia, fatigue, and trouble concentrating.
Neurological symptoms. Some people can develop neurological symptoms such as dizziness, facial paralysis, hearing loss, vertigo, and inflammation of the brain.

Is shingles contagious?
Shingles can be transmitted when in the blister phase, but only to someone who has never had chickenpox. Once the rash has crusted over, the person is no longer considered contagious but should still practice caution. There are a few things you can do to limit exposing others when you are in the blister phase of shingles.

Keep the rash clean, dry, & covered. This is especially important when blisters are still fluid filled and/or oozing.
Try to avoid scratching or even touching the rash area.
Wash your hands more often than usual.
Avoid anyone who has never had chicken pox, pregnant and nursing women, & anyone with a weakened immune system

You need to consume foods low in arginine & high in lysine when suffering a shingles flare up. Arginine is an amino acid that the virus can use to reproduce in your cells and lysine is an amino acid that counteracts the effects of arginine.
Avoid foods high in arginine:

Soy
Gelatin
Grains
Nuts & seeds
Dark chocolate
Alcohol and caffeine
Certain muscle building supplements

Consume foods high in lysine:

Most poultry & meat
Yogurt
Most cheeses
Most fruits (especially apples, mangoes, & pears)
Fish

Can CBD help with shingles?

[2026 Research Update: What’s New Since 2021?]

"While my original 2021 advice on CBD remains a solid foundation, the science of cannabinoid therapy has advanced significantly. Here is what we’ve learned for 2026:

The Power of CBG: Recent clinical case studies have shown that CBG (Cannabigerol) , often called the 'Mother Cannabinoid,' may be even more effective for nerve-related pain than CBD alone. When used together (Full Spectrum CBD + CBG), they create a more potent 'entourage effect' for calming the overactive nerve signals that cause shingles pain.
Dual-Track Application: For 2026, we now recommend a 'top-down and bottom-up' approach. Use a high-concentration CBD/CBG topical directly on the rash area to soothe the skin, paired with a sublingual oil to address the internal nerve fire from within.
Nerve Desensitization: Emerging research suggests CBD doesn't just 'mask' the pain; it may help regulate the vanilloid receptors (TRPV1) that become hypersensitive during a shingles outbreak, helping your body return to metabolic rest faster."

CBD has been shown to inhibit viruses , and decrease inflammation that leads to cell damage. Using CBD can promote and maintain homeostasis to prevent the virus from becoming active and producing a shingles outbreak. Many people report that CBD aids in relieving the symptoms of a shingles outbreak, especially the pain that is associated with it. CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory, promotes homeostasis, calms overactive nerves and pain signaling, and helps reduce stress that can lead to an outbreak.

The most important thing to note when taking CBD for a shingles outbreak is consistency and finding your therapeutic window. Everyone's cannabinoid receptors are different and not a one size fits all therapy. When starting CBD you should:

Start low and slow: start with a low dose for a couple of days and increase little by little until you reach the dose that is giving you some relief
Be consistent: I warn people all the time to use CBD proactively. Once you have found your therapeutic window or your "sweet spot", take that dose every day and keep a journal of the relief and benefits that you experience.
Know the difference between an oral and a topical application: Topical applications are fantastic for localized pain. Finding a product that is penetrating and concentrated can bring fast pain relief to shingles outbreaks. Using an oral (CBD oil, water soluble, edible, etc.) allows the CBD to travel throughout your system and hit the many receptors that are found on nearly every cell type in your body.
Be patient: While some lucky people will report almost instant relief from symptoms when beginning their CBD journey, for others it will take some time for their Endocannabinoid System to catch up. Taking CBD on a regular basis will help your body to achieve and maintain homeostasis leading to a healthier you.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease

Lumps and Bumps": Why I switched Abby to Turkey Tail & Reishi Mushrooms

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 23:56:04 GMT

From Lumps to Lifestyle: How Medicinal Mushrooms Support Your Dog’s Immune System

We’ve all had that moment.... . During a belly rub, you feel it—a new "lump or bump" that wasn't there last week. Your heart sinks, and suddenly, nothing else matters than the health of your fur baby

This is where the ancient wisdom of mushrooms like Turkey Tail and Reishi steps in. Think of them as nature’s quiet protectors. I have given them to Abbey for a couple of years but I so wish I would have started from the beginning.

Turkey Tail is the "Immune Architect." It’s packed with beta-glucans that help the body’s natural defenses recognize and respond to cellular changes. It’s like giving your dog’s immune system a pair of glasses so it can see exactly where it needs to go to work.

Reishi is often called the "Mushroom of Immortality," but for our pups, it’s the "Mushroom of Zen." It supports longevity, helps manage the body’s response to occasional stress, and provides much-needed relief for those pesky seasonal allergies.

When we combine these in our homemade treats or as a food topper, we aren't just feeding them; we’re fighting for more "zoomies," more tail wags, and more years of companionship.

Why We Trust Verdant Leaf

When it comes to our pets, "good enough" isn't an option. That’s why I’ve always been uncompromising about the brands I bring into the shop. Verdant Leaf is the gold standard for clean, reliable supplements for a few very specific reasons:

Purity First: Their powders are free from the fillers, grains, and "fluff" that often plague commercial pet supplements. You are getting 100% functional mushroom power.

Transparent Sourcing: They prioritize high-quality extraction methods, ensuring the beneficial compounds (like those vital beta-glucans) are actually bioavailable for your dog to absorb.

Tested & Trusted: Every batch is held to rigorous standards, so you can feel confident that what’s on the label is exactly what’s in the bowl.

Using a clean brand like Verdant Leaf ensures that your "fur baby" is getting the support they deserve without any of the junk they don't.

Here are links to Verdant Leaf Turkey Tail & Verdant Leaf Reishi

Recipes you can make at home!

I actually use these powders as a topper for Abbey's food or I make a mushroom broth for her to drink, but you can also create these yummy treats at home for pups that are a little pickier

"Immune-Boost" No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Best for: Quick prep and masking the earthy mushroom taste.

Ingredients :

1 cup Oat flour (or blended rolled oats)

1/2 cup Natural peanut butter (ensure it is Xylitol-free)

1/4 cup Unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana.

Verdant Leaf Powder: 1/4 {1/8 tsp each species, or 1/4 tsp if you are using only one species} tsp per 10 lbs of dog weight (totaled for the batch size)

Instructions : Mix the mushroom powder into the peanut butter and applesauce until well-blended. Stir in the oat flour until a dough forms. Roll into bite-sized balls based on the dog's daily dosage needs. Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer.

Sweet Potato & Reishi "Cookies"

Best for: Dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies.

Ingredients:

1 cup Mashed cooked sweet potato

1 1/2 cups Brown rice flour (or whole wheat flour if tolerated)

1 Egg

Verdant Leaf Powder: Calculate total dosage for the number of cookies (e.g., if making 20 cookies and the dog needs 1/2 tsp daily {1/4 tsp each species, or 1/2 tsp of any single species}, add 10 tsp to the batch).

Instructions : Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).Mix all ingredients into a dough. Roll out and cut into shapes. Bake for 20–25 minutes until firm.

Golden Mushroom Bone Broth (Liquid Topper)

Best for: Older dogs who might enjoy a warm topper on their meals.

Ingredients :

2 cups Low-sodium beef or chicken bone broth (onion/garlic-free)

1/2 tsp Turmeric (for extra anti-inflammatory benefits)

Dash of black pepper (needed to activate anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric)

1 tsp coconut oil, beef tallow, or fish oil

Verdant Leaf Powder: Whisk in 1/4 {1/8 tsp each species, or 1/4 tsp if you are using only one species} tsp per serving.

Instructions : Warm the broth slightly (not boiling).Whisk in the mushroom powder and turmeric until dissolved. Pour over kibble or freeze in ice cube trays for "pupsicles."

MUSHROOM DOSING GUIDELINE *

Daily Maintenance Dosage

(Give once daily for general health)

Under 20 lbs: 1/4 teaspoon

20 to 50 lbs: 1/2 teaspoon

50 to 90 lbs: 3/4 teaspoon

Over 90 lbs: 1 teaspoon

Therapeutic/ Loading Dosage

(Give for "lumps and bumps" or the first 2 weeks of use)

Under 20 lbs: 1/2 teaspoon

20 to 50 lbs: 1 teaspoon

50 to 90 lbs: 1 & 1/2 teaspoons

Over 90 lbs: 2 teaspoons

*The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act require this notice.

What is Thieves Oil?

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 21:16:40 GMT

A simple guide + DIY cleanser recipe

What Is Thieves Oil and How Is It Used?

Thieves Oil has become a staple in many homes, especially for people looking to eliminate toxins from their routines. You’ll often hear it mentioned in conversations about DIY cleaners, aromatic blends, and even hygiene products — but what exactly is it, and how is it meant to be used?

If you’ve ever wondered what Thieves Oil is, why it’s so popular, or how to use it safely, you’re not alone. We’ll break it down for you here.

At Mamas Medicinals, our version is called Oil of Thieves , honoring the traditional blend studied in colleges to be antiviral, antiseptic, antibacterial, and antimicrobial . The in vitro studies were conducted on the herbal profiles themselves, not on their effects in people.

Let’s dive into how I use it in my own home and health routines, as well as how we incorporate it as a carefully measured ingredient in our products.

Where Thieves Oil Came From

Thieves Oil is a blend of essential oils often referred to as the “Four Thieves.” There are many versions of how it came to be, but the way I remember it goes like this:

During the Black Plague, people who caught the plague were confined to their homes to die. Others would steal from the sick and the dead. Eventually, the king had four thieves captured. It turned out they were botanists and perfume makers who used essential oils infused in apple cider vinegar, dousing their bodies before entering the homes they robbed.

There are different theories about which herbs were used, but considering the spice trade of that era, colleges have since studied many essential oils and developed what’s now referred to as the modern-day Thieves Oil blend . These studies show the herbal profiles to be antiviral, antiseptic, antibacterial, and antimicrobial , which is why we use this specific ratio in our own version, Oil of Thieves .

Blends vary, but the modern Thieves Oil ratio, and the one we use, consists of:

Clove
Cinnamon
Lemon
Eucalyptus
Rosemary

Each of these essential oils is highly concentrated. When combined, they create a powerful aromatic blend commonly used in household and lifestyle applications but not as a ready-to-use skincare product on its own.

How I Personally Use Oil of Thieves

I don’t use Oil of Thieves casually; I use it intentionally. It’s a strong blend, and I treat it with respect. In my own home, I reach for it in a few very specific ways, always paying attention to form, dilution, and context. Check out below how I use Oil of Thieves as part of my everyday home routine.

Cleaning

Laundry & Dishes
Add a few drops to the dishwasher or laundry to give everything a clean, herbal finish.

All-Purpose Cleaning
Combine Oil of Thieves with baking soda to scrub sinks, bathtubs, and toilets.

Sanitizing High-Touch Areas
For doorknobs, light switches, and other high-touch surfaces (avoiding wood), mix 12 drops of Oil of Thieves into 2 ounces of high-proof alcohol like Everclear.

In Aromatic & Steam Routines

Diffusers or Stove-Top Water
Use it in diffusers or add a few drops to a pot of water on the stove to disinfect airborne bacteria and support a clean-smelling space.

Simmer Pots
Simmer citrus peels, spices, and a couple drops of Oil of Thieves . It’s one of the easiest ways to naturally freshen the scent of the whole house.

Steam Routines
Add a couple of drops to a cup of hot water, soak a towel, place the damp towel over your head, and breathe slowly and deeply.

This is one of the oldest ways people have worked with strong botanicals: through scent and vapor, not direct application.

In Oral Care Formulations

Toothbrush Cleaning
Add one drop to your toothbrush once a week to help keep bacteria away.

Teeth Whitening & Oral Health
Add a drop to your toothbrush to naturally disinfect and brighten teeth.

Toothache & Gum Support
Apply a drop directly to affected gums for relief.

A Note on Strength & Responsibility

Oil of Thieves is powerful. That’s why I don’t believe in throwing it at everything or using it without intention. How it’s diluted, what it’s paired with, and why it’s being used makes all the difference.

This is the same philosophy I use in my own home — and the same one behind every product we make at Mamas Medicinals

Patch test first. Essential oils are potent and should always be used thoughtfully.

Oil of Thieves in Our Toothpaste Powder

In this dry, mineral-based formula, Oil of Thieves is used to:

Provide a naturally fresh, clean-tasting experience
Support a polished feel on teeth
Help lift everyday surface buildup when brushing

Combined with gentle minerals and botanical ingredients, it contributes to a bright, clean-mouth feel without relying on synthetic flavors or foaming agents.

Is Thieves Oil Safe for Skin?

This is one of the most common and important questions.

In its essential oil form, Thieves Oil is not designed to be applied directly to the skin . Oils like clove and cinnamon are known to be especially potent and may be irritating when used undiluted.

A few important things to understand:

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts
“Natural” does not always mean gentle
Direct application will potentially overwhelm sensitive or compromised skin

When essential oils are used on skin, they’re typically:

Included in very small, intentional amounts
Balanced with carrier oils or infused bases
Patch tested before regular use

That said, there are two times I have used Oil of Thieves undiluted. Please note that it may burn, and I would not use it on areas where the skin is especially sensitive.

Warts
Apply directly to the wart every hour for about a week. You will see the wart roots surface and fall off, and it does not hurt.

Cold Sores
At the first sign, apply one drop hourly with Healing Salve .

Note: This is not a recommendation. This is simply how my household has used Oil of Thieves undiluted, and we do not suggest others do the same.

Home Remedies

Quick Cold Relief
Rub 2 drops mixed with Mamas Medicinals Healing Salve on the bottoms of each foot.

Lung Congestion & Allergies
Add a few drops to a pot of boiling water, cover your head with a towel, and breathe in the vapors.

Sore Throat
Dilute a few drops in water and gargle to soothe discomfort.

Bronchitis
Apply to the upper chest and throat with Mamas Medicinals Healing Salve for respiratory support.

Open Wounds
Apply 1 drop mixed with Mamas Medicinals Healing Salve to help prevent infection.

Acne
Dilute with jojoba or macadamia oil and apply directly to blemishes.

Hand Sanitizer
Mix 12 drops Oil of Thieves , 2 oz high-proof alcohol (Everclear), ½ teaspoon Vegetable glycerin, 1 teaspoon Aloe vera gel

Explore the Healing Salve →

How Oil of Thieves Is Used in Formulated Products

Oil of Thieves isn’t only used for DIY home recipes. In thoughtfully formulated products , it can also play a supportive role in skin and oral care—when used in the right amount and context.

Oil of Thieves in Our Healing Salves

In our Healing Salves, Oil of Thieves is used in a very small amount, carefully balanced within a slow-infused botanical base.

Rather than delivering the intensity of a standalone essential oil, this approach allows the blend to:

Support skin comfort when the barrier is compromised
Complement other botanicals traditionally used for soothing dry, stressed skin

Why Oil of Thieves Matters for Eczema-Prone Skin

We’ve helped hundreds of customers with eczema , and in my experience, Oil of Thieves is part of why our salve works so well for so many people. Eczema often involves higher levels of Staphylococcus aureu s, a type of bacteria that has been widely studied, and Oil of Thieves has also been studied for its antibacterial properties. When used in the right amount, within a slow-infused base, I believe this balance makes a real difference.

The key is not more oil, but the right amount—used slowly, diluted, and supported by whole-plant infusions.

Thieves Oil vs. Thieves-Infused & Formulated Products

It’s important to understand the distinction between essential oil blends and formulated botanical products .

Essential oil blends are fast, concentrated, and aromatic
Formulated products use essential oils as part of a larger system
Infused bases extract plant properties slowly over weeks, not minutes

This is why many people with sensitive skin prefer products where essential oils are supporting ingredients , not the entire formula.

The process matters—not just the plant.

Simple DIY Oil of Thieves Recipes for the Home

Once you understand what Oil of Thieves is best suited for, it becomes a useful tool for simple household routines.

DIY Thieves-Style All-Purpose Cleaner

Ingredients

1 cup distilled water
1 cup white vinegar
20 drops Oil of Thieves
Optional: 1 teaspoon natural dish soap
Optional botanical boost:
Fresh orange peel or
1 small rosemary stem

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a glass spray bottle
Shake gently before each use
Use on countertops, sinks, and high-touch surfaces

Avoid natural stone. Designed for everyday cleaning, not disinfecting.

Final Thoughts

Thieves Oil–style blends have earned their place as versatile household staples. When used thoughtfully, Oil of Thieves can support low-tox home routines—and, when carefully formulated, can also play a role in skin and oral care products designed for sensitive users.

The difference is intention, dilution, and respect for the plant.

Patch test first, especially when working with essential oils.
This information is educational and not intended as medical advice.

Explore Oil of Thieves and our slow-infused formulations → https://tcjuvg-rf.myshopify.com/products/oil-of-thieves?_pos=1&_psq=thie&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Resources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3873673/

https://scispace.com/pdf/aromatherapy-art-or-science-2klfph2epq.pdf

https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/14/12/1210

https://repository.arizona.edu/handle/10150/633604

Professional Recommendations for Celtic Sea Salt®

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 22:26:10 GMT

Let's hear from the experts

We offered a free case of salt to our health professionals in return for a recommendation. See what they think of Celtic Sea Salt®!

Joan Hartzell- Healthy Traditions Network: "The health benefits are superior. We sell these products at our monthly meetings where they are most welcome. The products are also recommended by the holistic medical practices that support our work."

Frank Maurer- Maurers Wellness Center: "We recommend Celtic Sea Salt® because it has a great taste for the price. It also can make an inexpensive electrolyte replacement drink for workouts. Started using it to detoxify bromides with Iodine supplementation therapy and people loved it!"

Dr. Tompkins- Tompkins Wellness Center: "First of all it's delicious and it's a totally guilt free product! We love offering it to patients because it is so loaded with minerals, which is something most everyone is deficient in. I personally use it for muscle spasms. If I have severe muscle cramps, I will put a 1/2 - 1 tsp on my tongue and let it dissolve, and chase it down with 8 oz water. Within 15 minutes my cramps are gone. I suggest it for everyone who has heart problems to help electrolyte balance. In my experience it actually lowers blood pressure because it's so loaded with minerals. Also it's very calming and a great way to get water into the cell rather than leaving it outside the swell leading to edema etc. (which is traditional table salt does). I recommend it to everyone!"

Dr. Jamie Arnold- Arnold Chiropractic: "We recommend Celtic Sea Salt® because of the diverse minerals present. Our patients love the taste and that it helps them avoid night time bathroom trips and have good bowel movements in the morning! We recommend it as part of a healthy eating regiment."

Dr. Florie Kim ND- "I always thought salt was salt, but after tasting Selina Naturally’s Celtic Sea Salt® (they come in a lot of different kinds), I can definitely say that Selina’s Celtic Sea Salt® is much more flavorful and tasty. They have undertones of flavor that satiate that salty flavor you are looking for. Even my kids love it. It has taken my cooking up a notch. Can’t go back to the old salt I used to use. Now I recommend it to everyone for a satisfying salt flavor."

Ann Martin- Orthopedic Care of St Louis: "It is natural...no extreme heating...lower sodium with much needed trace elements and potassium...and most importantly, a wonderful enhancer to the flavors of our food."

Pamela Shuler- "I initially began using Celtic Sea Salt® personally over 10 years ago. I was amazed by its bountiful flavor and almost immediately noticed an improved sense of well-being as the mineral rich crystals dissolved in my mouth. I quickly began recommending it to my patients, particularly those with Adrenal Fatigue. I am now retired, but continue to tout the wonderful benefits of Celtic Sea Salt® products to family, friends and former patients. Thank you Selina Naturally for providing such an amazing gift from Nature."

Cristina Coloma- Abby Naturopathic Clinic: "My children love the taste of the fine ground variety as it makes their food much more tasty and without encouragement, they gobble up their veggies and protein like there's no tomorrow!!!"

Lisa Cohn- Park Avenue Nutrition: "Taste is great, no added anything, offers a wide selection with grinders that work well."

Joseph Digirolamo- A Family Chiropractic Office: "We recommend Celtic Sea Salt® for several reasons! One, because of it’s high mineral count. Our patients that aren’t able to use sodium have used Celtic Sea Salt and have had great success. We enjoy the flavor, and the benefits to overall health. Our whole office loves Celtic Sea Salt®!"

Ellen Kahn- "It is unrefined, full of minerals and tastes amazing. Hypertension may be a sodium deficiency disease. I recommend that all my patients take salt daily for it is also a great adrenal support."

Dr. Richard Hebert- "It is the sea salt that has the most mineral/electrolyte content. I first learned of Celtic Sea Salt® in my professional continuing education seminars. More than one instructor on my path has taught me the value of Celtic Sea Salt® and I have been using it for my patients and my family for years. Cell hydration is one of the most important cornerstones of our health and Celtic Sea Salt® is a fantastic way to maintain healthy electrolyte balance. I don’t know of any products in the healthcare marketplace that are priced so fairly!"

Priscilla Horswell- HealthWalkToday Massage and Wellness: "I have used Celtic Sea Salt® for a few years. I will never use any other brand. The taste difference is by far the best vs any other brand. My health is better because of using Celtic Sea Salt® daily. It makes ALL of my food taste sooooo much better!!!! Thank you for an EXCELLENT PRODUCT! Priscilla Horswell, ND, ANMCB, MFR, CST-C, LMT"

Dr Marty Freihaut- Fenton Family Chiropractic: "We recommend Celtic Sea Salt® because...I believe there is a difference in sea salt from regular salt and many sea salts. I tell my patients that all vitamins are not created equally and that goes for sea salts. Salt is necessary for life. Celtic Sea Salt® gives us the minerals that we need to live. It is the sea salt that my family and I use. You can taste the difference. It is the healthy salt."

Miranda Barrett- The Food of Life: "I have used this product for many years and highly recommend Celtic Sea Salt® to all my friends, family and clients. It is often a part of their present! First there is the pure clean flavor that enhances the foods flavor without over riding the natural taste. And secondly it is a vital nutritional part of good health and well-being, especially as the sea salt has not been tampered with and left as nature intended. How brilliant is it to know that by simply sprinkling a little of this salt, I am receiving over 80 essential minerals! What more is there to say? Celtic Sea Salt® is a powerful partnership of great taste and good health! With gratitude for such a life enhancing product."

Chris Thoma- THIC Clinic: "We recommend Celtic Sea Salt® because...

It works for our patients…. Patients that have anxiety or panic attacks find that a small pinch placed on the tongue will quickly bring relief to these symptoms. We often use it with individuals that have ringing or heartbeat in the ears to reduce or relieve these symptoms. Our patients that have mineral deficiencies quickly respond to this salt. I personally only use Celtic Sea Salt® for all of my personal cooking and salt needs. It is the best tasting salt we have ever tasted. We are constantly ordering and selling Celtic Sea Salt® because our patients and ourselves love this product."

Mrs. Rachel Loayza Rodgers- Sandy Shores Village: "I'm a license Medical Aesthetician, and I'm also with my first son a mother of a full high functioning autism adult young man, I came to learn of Quality through being a single parent to my son Timothy, when I came across the EXPERIENCE with the bath salt of Celtic Sea Salt® there was healing to this salt that NO commercial or whole foods consumer provided in a consumers hand. My muscles immediately felt the Deep relax relief by the minerals provide in the salt. Not only this but I found when my husband was in a reck that cost his foot to come off, as he was home discharged to heal, we soaked and bathed him in the bath salt- the support in the minerals was to him his testimony, Terry Rodgers; that he Experience the difference in the body receiving each soak. Testimonies after testimonies when I lost a baby last year, my body suffered imbalance-- I immediately contacted my rep here and ordered Salt because I knew this would aid in my body rebalancing its losses to allowing me to recuperate BACK to Mommy for my families needs; That I'm immediately thankful to your salt for! I have come to adore more and more salts in this line to offer now my family almost over two years. That this salt I don't find in its QUALITY in any other brand. Your Family harvest is truly the Phrase 'Your only good as Your Salt's worth'"

Jacqui Powers- WellBeingMD: "As certified Shape ReClaimed practitioners, our practice recognizes the benefits of Celtic Sea Salt® in maintaining vital electrolyte balance as well as promoting proper pH to aid in safe weight loss and detoxification. During many of our Center for Life cooking demonstrations, we have discussed and demonstrated the benefits of adding small amounts of this natural product to all recipes, in substitution for table salt."

Dr Melissa Moyer- Moyer Chiropractic and Wellness Center: "I recommend Celtic Sea Salt® to my patients instead of the nutritionally bereft standard fare that is simply sodium chloride. Celtic Sea Salt® has all the minerals in it that nature intended and is not stripped bare of valuable trace minerals and elements that many people need in their diets. Just like the reason I advocate whole foods that are in a form that our body is used to seeing, I recommend Celtic Sea Salt® for the same reasons."

Jim M.- Paula Moenning: "We appreciate it being harvested by a natural method. It's good to know we are getting trace minerals that are so essential to good health! The salt is not bleached or over processed. Our family uses it every day for cooking, baking and in shaker form. It's easy to keep it flowing freely by just adding a little rice to the shaker. I feel confident about recommending this high quality product to my friends and family. The Celtic Sea Salt® company generously sends samples with each shipment."

Chris Jenkins- Barbara Womack: "Celtic Sea Salt® is clean and loaded with tons on trace minerals and minerals. I this day and age when the soil is so depleted and drinking filter water is the option one has to be certain to get enough minerals in their diet otherways.

I like Celtic Sea Salt® as it is an unprocessed way to get minerals that your body can assimilate. Also I put some in my water to be sure I stay hydrated Summer and Winter…Celtic Sea Salt® in my favorite!"

Vickey Maisano- Barbara Womack: "It is the best salt one can buy and consume. It has no additives and or fillers and does not cause water retention and other salt side effects. It has tons of natural minerals and bodies need salt and minerals so it feeds the body and it enhances the flavor of my food to boot. So I give my body what it gives me the good health I crave. My holistic doctor recommends it to all his patients as well."

Dr John Groerich- Healthsource of Clayton: "We recommend Celtic Sea Salt® because it provides so much more than traditional table salt or even other types of sea salt. When working with our patients on nutrition, we frequently find that they have issues with dehydration despite consuming large amounts of water. This relates to a mineral deficiency and can easily be remedied by incorporating Celtic Sea Salt® into patient's cooking or to salt food. An excellent product that each of our doctors uses at home as well."

Vaca Valley Chiropractic: "We recommend Celtic Sea Salt® because we know the health benefits of your product. We are a chiropractic office that recommends your product(s) to our new and existing patients at our Wellness Workshops hosted twice a month. Thank you!"

Nicole Bastian: "We recommend Celtic Sea Salt® because...I have recommended this product to customers for many years. This tastes great, customer service is amazing and I trust them and their products. As a colon hydro therapist, I understand the importance of good, natural and mineral rich salt, and this by far is the BEST!"

Maureen Hays- Head to Toe Wellness Center: "We recommend Celtic Sea Salt® because…t has an incredible flavor from the salt of the ocean seasoning our food with a compliment of minerals. I travel with this salt in my purse because no other compares!!"

Charels Ruckel- Ruckel Chiropractic: "We recommend Celtic Sea Salt® because...

It is a whole, food-based salt dried naturally by the sun and the wind in pristine bays in France. Contains the entire mineral structure of sea water and does not have minerals stripped out as does frequently occur with land salt. It is an adrenal tonic and helps hydration to the cell as it promotes healthy osmosis of water across the cell membrane. It enhances digestion through proper promotion of HCl and stimulates healthy salivary response. It is the form of sea salt that my family utilizes on a regular basis."

Rebecca J. Crainsmith M.D.- Crainsmith Institute: "What other product will give you as much minerals, delightful taste, and very beneficial for your health! Celtic Sea Salt® is the only salt to use!"

Stephanie Mace NTP- Holistic Nutrition and Wellness, Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis: "I have noticed a huge improvement in my energy levels since incorporating Celtic Sea Salt® into my water and sipping it throughout the day. I also see huge improvements in the health, energy and vitality of my clients after incorporating Celtic Sea Salt®. I love that Celtic Sea Salt® is full of naturally occurring minerals, including sodium, which supports my adrenal health. As a whole, our population is dehydrated on a cellular level.Sodium is paramount in regulating our sodium levels. I recommend Celtic Sea Salt® to the majority of my clients – the only exception being those who’s Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis results reflect a high tissue sodium."

Dr Connie Chiang: "We have been using Celtic Sea Salt® for over 10 years. We like having the natural trace minerals in the sea salt, love the taste!"

Dan Bradt DC: "We recommend Celtic Sea Salt® because... it's the healthiest and best tasting sea salt on the market. We recommend Celtic Sea Salt® to every person that does our nutritional program at our office so much so that our local grocery store has hard time keeping it in stock."

Megan Minner, DC: "We recommend Celtic Sea Salt® because it provides minerals that many people are so deficient in. It is great for adrenal fatigue and is safe for patients with high blood pressure. We recommend it to all ages."

Bridgette Zmorowski RN BSN- Just BEZ Products: "This salt tastes amazing! Each salt that Celtic Sea Salt produces is unique and flavorful experience. This salt is good for you too. Can you imagine your doctor saying "eat more salt"?! Doctors say that with this brand!"

Chef Cat Alaimo- A 2 Z Living Well Solutions Ltd.: "As a professional chef, I would like to consider myself a connoisseur of fine salts. Over the years I have fancied so many different varietals, from applewood smoked salt to black lava salt to, even the most basic of Kosher salts with the varying coarseness and so on, I would even confidently say, I was using Himalayan salt before it became "all the rage" over the last few years. So yes, I love salt and the many uses it holds in a culinary standpoint; from pickling to curing, to seasoning, and even for an ice display for grand buffet lines. It was not until I was recently introduced to Selina Naturally's Celtic Sea Salt® that I fell in love with salt all over again. Through my journey of culinary creations, I have dived much deeper into the nutritional and medicinal power I am capable of sharing with every bite of food I create. And to my knowledge, Celtic Sea Salt® is of the most healing and tasteful results that encompasses this. Appreciating the value of salt for not just seasoning,but instead for vital mineral balance and a crucial element to life, I am a proud supporter and user of Celtic Sea Salt® Brand. SIDE NOTE: .. I must also commend Nanette and Stephanie, whom I had the pleasure of meeting at a recent health symposium in St.Louis called SHAPE ReClaimed. I of course jived with them because I was a chef in a room full of doctors and they had a great display and eagerness to share more with me about your great products. I told them it would be a dream to be a culinary ambassador to your product line, and if I can speak with someone further about this I would be honored!"

Dr. David Trybus- Alternative Healthcare Center Inc.: "It helps my family, friends, and patients supply the minerals they need while using a great tasting salt. I also use it with my patients to help neutralize the acids in their system. I like to place a pinch on my tongue between meals as it tastes great and it satisfies any hunger issues. I recommend the Salina Naturally Celtic Sea Salt® brand to everyone."

Robyn Bowerson- Arctic Chiropractic & Physical Therapy-Eagle river: "We love Celtic Sea Salt®, it tastes great AND it is great for you! It is a product that we highly recommend to our patients."

Thank you to all those who support Celtic Sea Salt® as it supports You! - Ian Hilley, Celtic Sea Salt

What is CBG?

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 22:20:32 GMT

CBG: The mother of all cannabinoids

Feeling overwhelmed by all the buzz around cannabinoids? You're not alone. Many people are curious about CBG and its benefits but are unsure where to start.

If you're interested in natural remedies and want to explore what cannabigerol (or CBG for short) can do for you, this guide is the perfect place to begin.

We'll break things down in simple terms to help you understand how CBG works, its various benefits, and how you can safely incorporate it into your wellness routine.

By the end of this guide, you'll feel empowered and ready to make informed decisions about using CBG.

What You Will Learn

- What is CBG (Cannabigerol)?: Get to know CBG and how it differs from other cannabinoids.

- Benefits of CBG: How CBG can help with inflammation, neuroprotection, and more.

- Choosing the Right CBG Product: What to look for in high-quality CBG products.

- Safety Tips and Dosage: Start low, go slow, and other essential safety tips.

- How to Use CBG: Practical tips for incorporating CBG into your daily routine.

What is CBG (Cannabigerol)?

You've probably heard of THC and CBD, but what about CBG? CBG stands for Cannabigerol, a lesser-known cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. Unlike THC, it won't get you high, and it's different from CBD & THC in its unique benefits.

Cannabigerol is the building block from which other cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, are formed. Experts often call it the "stem cell cannabinoid" or the "Mother of all cannabinoids". All cannabis plants begin with levels of CBGa which is the acidic precursor to CBG. As the plant begins to absorb more UV light, early in development, CBG breaks down into CBDa & THCa & a small amount of these cannabinoids will become CBG.

Benefits of CBG

Wondering why CBG is gaining popularity? Here are some key benefits that could make a difference for you:

CBG for Inflammation

Dealing with chronic inflammation?

CBG may help. Research ( source: *NIH* ) shows that CBG has anti-inflammatory properties, which can be a game-changer for conditions like arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.

CBG for Neuroprotection

CBG might also protect your brain. Studies (source: *Neurotherapeutics Journal*) indicate that it has neuroprotective properties, which can be beneficial for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's & Parkinson's. One study even showed that CBG could help aid in neuronal regeneration

Choosing the Right CBG Product

Not all CBG products are created equal, Here’s what to look for:

Check the Label

Always read the label carefully. Look for the amount of actual CBG per serving, and make sure there are no unnecessary additives.

Third-Party Testing

Always choose products that have been tested by an independent lab. This ensures you are getting a safe, high-quality product.

Full-Spectrum vs. Isolate

Full-spectrum CBG products contain other beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes, while isolates contain only CBG. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose the best option for you.

When choosing between full-spectrum and isolate, consider your needs:

- Full-Spectrum: Contains other cannabinoids and terpenes that can work together, enhancing the overall effects.

- Isolate: Pure CBG, with no other cannabinoids. This is ideal if you want to avoid THC entirely, but is often not as effective per serving as a full spectrum product.

Safety Tips and Serving Size

New to CBG? Begin with a small dose, and gradually increase until you feel the desired effects.

Consult a Doctor

It’s always a good idea to consult your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you have any existing health conditions or take other medications.

How to Use CBG

So, how do you actually use CBG? Here are some practical tips to get started:

Start with doing your own research and also finding a reputable company who can answer questions for you and provide support through your journey .

Find the product that best suits you: One of the easiest and most popular ways to use CBG is through CBG oil. Take note that there will be several concentrations to choose from and more is not always better. As an example, a 1500mg bottle is not necessarily going to work "better" than a 1000mg bottle, but will last longer.

Find your therapeutic window: What I mean by this is start slow and work your way up over the next few days. Once you have established the serving size that best fits your needs, you can then ebb and flow with your serving as needed. Some days you will need a much larger dose than usual (if you've worked yourself too hard, big weather changes, etc.)

Hold the oil under your tongue for the proper amount of time: Begin with 5 or 6 drops under your tongue and hold for about a minute before swallowing. This method is quick and allows for fast absorption into your bloodstream.

Incorporate CBG into Your Routine

You can add CBG to your daily routine.

The most efficient way of consuming any cannabinoid oil is taking it directly under the tongue, but there are definitely other ways to get your daily serving. Try mixing a few drops of CBG oil into your morning smoothie or evening tea. This way, you won't forget to take it, and it can simply become part of your day.

Practical Tips for Incorporating CBG into Your Daily Routine

Alright, you’re ready to try CBG. But how do you fit it into your daily routine? Here are some easy ways to get started.

Morning Boost

Want a gentle lift to start your day?

Add a few drops of CBG oil to your morning coffee or smoothie. This can help kick-start your day with a natural boost without the jitters that caffeine might bring.

Midday Pick-Me-Up

Feeling a bit sluggish after lunch?

Take a quick CBG oil dose in the afternoon. It can help you stay focused and clear-headed through the rest of the day, especially if you're dealing with work stress.

Nighttime Relaxation

Having trouble unwinding in the evening?

In larger servings, CBG can be a relaxing part of your nighttime routine. Try adding some to your herbal tea or directly under your tongue before bed to help you release the stress of the day.

Using CBG for Specific Health Needs

One of the most exciting aspects of CBG is its potential to help with specific health needs. Let's dig into some of the most common uses.

CBG for Pain Relief

If you're dealing with chronic pain, CBG might offer relief.

Studies ( source: *European Journal of Pain *) show that CBG could reduce pain and inflammation. This makes it a promising option for conditions like arthritis and muscle pain.

How to Use: Start with a low dose of CBG oil and see how your body responds. You can increase the dose gradually if needed and ebb & flow as your needs change.

CBG for Skin Conditions

Struggling with acne, psoriasis, neuropathy, etc?

CBG's anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties could help clear up your skin & bring relief to irritated nerves. Most CBG-infused topicals can be applied directly to affected areas.

How to Use: Apply a small amount of CBG cream or balm to the affected area once or twice daily. Monitor your skin's reaction and adjust usage as needed.

Finding Quality Products

Find a reputable source with good reviews .

With so many CBG products on the market, finding a high-quality product can be tricky.

Tip: Stick to reputable brands and always check for third-party lab results to verify product quality.

Conclusion and Call-to-Action

You’ve just taken a significant step toward understanding how CBG can benefit your wellness journey.

Ready to explore CBG products?

Check out our selection at Rustic Oils, where we offer top-quality, third-party tested CBG products to fit your needs. Whether you're looking for oils, capsules, or topicals, we have something for you.

Take charge of your wellness today with Rustic Oils. Visit our site Rustic Oils to discover the best CBG products tailored to your needs. Feel free to call any time if you have questions.

Agarikon Mushroom Benefits

Thu, 18 May 2023 23:20:32 GMT

The mushroom that loves your lungs

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Reishi Mushroom Benefits

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 23:18:00 GMT

"The plant that nourishes the spirit"

Reishi was first documented in one of the world's oldest pharmacopeia, possibly written as long as 5000 years ago! That's wild. Known in Chinese medicine as "Ling Zhi" meaning "plant that nourishes the spirit", this little mushie has a big personality.

The earliest known recording of Reishi is found in China's oldest Herbal Classic book. Taoist priests were studying Reishi in the quest for immortality.

“The taste is bitter, its atmospheric energy is neutral, it has no toxicity… It is good for the Qi of the head, including mental activities. It tonifies the spleen, increases wisdom, improves memory so you won’t forget. Long term consumption will lighten the body, you will never become old. It lengthens years. It has spiritual powers, and it develops spirit so that you become a 'spirit being like the immortals.'”

Another cool fact about Reishi is that it is believed that Confusius consumed this mushroom daily.

So what are some of the health benefits of Reishi?

Reishi is an adaptogen . It helps your body respond to stress by stabilizing your cortisol levels & helping certain systems in your body get back into homeostasis . Reishi is a perfect choice for anyone experiencing daily stress (I mean, after the last few years aren't we all?)
Some studies have shown Reishi to be an immune-modulator which can stabilize auto-immune and histamine responses. Polysaccharide in the cell walls of Reishi activate natural and adaptive immune system by enhancing the function and number of natural killer cells and certain T-cells. China and Japan regularly prescribe mushroom extracts for people going through chemotherapy to help the body get through the violence of the treatment.
Reishi has been widely recognized as a powerful cancer fighting food. One study in (advanced lung cancer) showed significant improvement in natural killer & T-cells. In another, Reishi was used as a single agent on metastatic cancer patients, significant enhancement of cellular immunity was noted with high plasma concentrations of interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma, and natural killer (NK) cell activity according to the article "A Phase I/II Study of a Ganoderma lucidum (Curt.: Fr.) P. Karst. Extract (Ganopofy) in Patients with Advanced Cancer" .
Reishi can help fight fatigue and depression & leave you feeling more energized. One study looked at the lives of 132 people diagnosed with neurasthenia . The results showed significant improvement compared to placebo. Certain elements of this mushroom can also reduce your LDL (bad cholesterol) as well as blood pressure.

Buy Reishi mushrooms here

Cordyceps

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 22:15:53 GMT

Caffeine Free Energy

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Beginners guide to nutritional mushrooms

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 00:16:38 GMT

Lions Mane, Turkey Tail, Reishi, Cordyceps, Agarikon, & Chaga. What are they and what are the associated health benefits?

The world of mushrooms is so fascinating. Countless varieties, health benefits, & uses. Mushrooms have been used as medicine for the body for centuries, gathering names like "food of the gods" by the Romans and "elixir for life" in Chinese culture. Did you know that trees and all sorts of fauna communicate via mycelia? Its a pretty fascinating phenomenon called a mycorrhizal network . They can actually recognize their offspring! So cool but not what we are here to learn about in this article.

Let's look at these amazing fungi & find out how to use them to support our amazing bodies. Mushrooms possess natural defense against virus and bacteria.

When Studying the health benefits of mushrooms, one could easily become overwhelmed by all there is to learn. In this article we are going to focus on 6 nutritional/medicinal mushrooms: Lions Mane, Turkey Tail, Reishi, Cordyceps, Agarikon, & Chaga.

ORDER HERE

Cordyceps

Cordyceps is a parasitic fungi with powerful properties. Used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine they pack a huge punch for energy & immunity. What are some of the benefits of Cordyceps?

Energy boost/exercise performance: Cordyceps are thought to increase the body's production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which captures chemical energy from the breakdown of nutrients to fuel your cells. This is thought to improve the way your body uses oxygen, especially when the body is active
Age Defying: Cordyceps may reduce inflammatory process in the body by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and targeting free radicals that cause oxidative stress . Reducing mitochondrial stress naturally slows down premature aging. Some studies also suggest that cordyceps support/increase sexual function.
Anti-Tumor Effects: The potential for cordyceps to prevent/slow the growth of cancer cells has generated alot of buzz in the research community in recent years. One study suggests that cordyceps presents anti-tumor activity in certain lung cancers, another study revealed that cordyceps led to a reduction in tumor size in mice. Yet another study concluded that cordyceps reversed leukopenia caused by cancer treatments.
Heart Health: Cordyceps can improve the health of your blood and the beautiful pump that circulates it. Studies show that daily consumption of cordyceps can significantly reduce hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol). Cordyceps is actually approved in China for the treatment of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). As more and more research emerges we are learning that your precious heart loves the support that mushrooms provide.

What is the method of consumption for Cordyceps?

The most popular methods of consumption for cordyceps are tinctures, teas, & capsules but you can also cook them if you can get your hands on dried or fresh mushrooms Here is an article on 3 ways to cook cordyceps.

Reishi

The earliest known recording of Reishi is found in China's oldest Herbal Classic book. Taoist priests were studying Reishi in the quest for immortality.

“ The taste is bitter, its atmospheric energy is neutral, it has no toxicity… It is good for the Qi of the head, including mental activities. It tonifies the spleen, increases wisdom, improves memory so you won’t forget. Long term consumption will lighten the body, you will never become old. It lengthens years. It has spiritual powers, and it develops spirit so that you become a 'spirit being like the immortals. '”

Another cool fact about Reishi is that it is believed that Confusius consumed this mushroom daily.

So what are some of the health benefits of Reishi?

Reishi is an adaptogen . It helps your body respond to stress by stabilizing your cortisol levels & helping certain systems in your body get back into homeostasis . Reishi is a perfect choice for anyone experiencing daily stress (I mean, after the last few years aren't we all?)
Some studies have shown Reishi to be an immune-modulator which can stabilize auto-immune and histamine responses. Polysaccharide in the cell walls of Reishi activate natural and adaptive immune system by enhancing the function and number of natural killer cells and certain T-cells. China and Japan regularly prescribe mushroom extracts for people going through chemotherapy to help the body get through the violence of the treatment.
Reishi has been widely recognized as a powerful cancer fighting food. One study in (advanced lung cancer) showed significant improvement in natural killer & T-cells. In another, Reishi was used as a single agent on metastatic cancer patients, significant enhancement of cellular immunity was noted with high plasma concentrations of interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma, and natural killer (NK) cell activity according to the article "A Phase I/II Study of a Ganoderma lucidum (Curt.: Fr.) P. Karst. Extract (Ganopofy) in Patients with Advanced Cancer" .
Reishi can help fight fatigue and depression & leave you feeling more energized. One study looked at the lives of 132 people diagnosed with neurasthenia . The results showed significant improvement compared to placebo. Certain elements of this mushroom can also reduce your LDL (bad cholesterol) as well as blood pressure.

Agarikon

Agarikon is an unusual and rare mushroom that is native to the conifer forests of North America and Europe. Known by the scientific name Laricifomes officinalis, Agarikon is a beehive shaped mushroom and is a polypore , which means that it has a large fruiting body with pores (tube like structures) on the underside from which it's spores emit to the forest floor. What are some of the health benefits of Agarikon?

Agarikon can help with respiratory issues. Nutritional deficiencies can affect the lungs' ability to control oxidative stress and Agarikon can help support this anti-inflammatory process. Naturally occurring coumarin compounds in Agarikon help break down mucus and reduce inflammation in the lungs. This can be especially helpful in people with chronic respiratory issues.
Agarikon has shown anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial properties and used for centuries in the treatment of infected wounds, tuberculosis, arthritis and so much more. A recent study highlighted the anti-microbial properties of Agarikon
The Greek Physician Dioscorides described Agarikon mushrooms as the elixir of long life.
Agarikon samples have been studied by the BioShield BioDefense program via the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases. Several of the eleven strains tested showed “exceptionally strong activity against viruses including pox (cowpox), swine (H1N1) and bird (H5N1) flu, and herpes (HSV1, HSV2) viruses. In several sets of tests, dilutions of our natural ethanol extracts against flu viruses exceeded the potency of the positive drug control — ribavirin — against flu viruses by a factor of 10 or more.”

Turkey Tail

Known as Trametes versicolor & Coriolus versicolor, turkey tail got its name from it's multicolor fan shaped body. It has plenty of benefits for humans but it has also shown great promise as a daily supplement for our fur babies! What are the benefits of Turkey Tail for us?

Turkey tail has a really impressive array of antioxidants which combats oxidative stress, a key cause of many diseases in the body. These compounds also stimulate the release of protective compounds in the body.
Turkey Tail contains immune-boosting polysaccharide peptides . They provide immune response by both activating and inhibiting specific types of immune cells and suppressing inflammation.
Due to the ability of these peptides found in Turkey Tail to naturally strengthen the immune systems, they are often used as anti-cancer agents along side of surgery, immunotherapy, chemo, & radiation in countries such as China and Japan.
Turkey Tail has been known to reduce the size of tumors in mice when given as a daily dose.
Turkey Tail has probiotics that nourish the healthy bacteria that we need in our gut & suppresses the growth of harmful bacteria which can vastly improve gut health.

Lions Mane

I have previously written an article for rusticoils.com on Lions Mane, click here to view this article and read how Lions Mane is wonderful for immune boosting, cognitive function, and brain health.

Chaga

Known by its scientific name, Inonotus obliquus, Chaga is one of the most highly revered medicinal fungi. I'm having a hard time choosing my favorite out of this list but this guy is way up there because it is so so powerful in so many ways. Known as the diamond of the forest, Chaga is not a fruiting mushroom like we are used to, in fact it looks like a little bumpy rock or piece of coal. A wonderful little rock look alike, Chaga is the mycellium (roots). What are some of the benefits of Chaga?

Chaga contains immune-modulating compounds like beta-glucans & helps reduce oxidative stress and help white blood cells with their duties in our body. This alone can have a powerful balancing effect on thyroid health which is good news for those with diagnoses of diseases such as Hashimoto's.
Many studies highlight the potential for Chaga to slow the growth of cancer cells. One study reported "60% tumor reduction was observed". Other research had similar outcomes looking at breast, colon, lung, & prostate cancers.
Another study showed much promise in Chaga to fight colonizing bacteria and it's effectiveness as an immune enhancer during chemotherapy.
Chaga inhibits oxidative DNA damage thus preventing inflammation and disease.
As a person diagnosed with elevated cholesterol, this one is especially encouraging to me. Chaga can help reduce bad cholesterol , bolster good cholesterol , and help prevent and even reduce heart disease due to it being packed with anti-oxidants. The powerful antioxidants in Chaga will also balance blood pressure.
Chaga can help with blood sugar for those with insulin resistance, diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, etc. One study looked specifically at Type 2 diabetes. Researchers concluded in yet another study that the effects of a 500mg per kg dose produced results similar to that of medications like metformin.
Chaga contains melano-glucan complexes which have anti-microbial potential and can aid in controlling digestive issues.

I could go on and on for days about the properties of these wonderful fungi. If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach out and I will do my best to find the answers you seek

Browse and order here

Cannabinoids. Much more than CBD & THC

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 20:11:22 GMT

THC & CBD have many, many friends...

Cannabis in all its forms is making big waves in our world right now. As of today there are only 6 states left that have "CBD only" as their status. Some states have implemented medical programs, some have decriminalized, some have passed recreational programs, etc. No matter what your stance is on the matter, one thing is very clear... Cannabis is here to stay.

I have a very strong stance on this that I can sum up in 3 words Cannabis. Is. Medicine. My life, along with many many other people in my circle have been literally saved by this sacred plant and that leaves me with a strong, strong desire to educate. In this article, we are going to take a look at not only, CBD & THC (The most known and popular of the cannabinoid s ) but also, the most studied minor cannabinoids. I will attach a comprehensive list of known cannabinoids at the end of this article.

First off, what are cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are a class of molecules that interact with the body's Endocannabinoid Syste m (ECS). The ECS helps the body maintain homeostasis (functional balance) through it's messenger molecules that our bodies synthesize that then bind to the endocannabinoid receptors on nearly every cell type in our bodies. They mimic the chemicals our brain naturally produces by plugging in to the same receptors. There are 3 types of cannabinoids (Phytocannabinoids, Endocannabinoids, Synthetic Cannabinoids). The main thing to take away from this is that synthetic cannabinoids can be very dangerous.

What are other cannabinoids besides THC & CBD?

THC & CBD are indeed the most abundant cannabinoids in the cannabis plant but there are other cannabinoids in this sacred plant that have a wonderful impact on our bodies as well. We are just going to talk in depth about a few of these lesser known cannabinoids.

CBGA : CBGA (Cannabigerolic acid) is the known as the "mother of all cannabinoids". CBGA gives birth to CBDA, THCA & CBCA through an enzymatic reaction in the trichomes of the plant. There is precious little research into this cannabinoid but some research is suggesting positive applications in conditions such as: cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, & certain metabolic disorders.

THCA : THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the acid form of THC. THCA converts to THC through a process called decarboxylation . Research into THCA as well as many of these other cannabinoids is in it's infancy, but the results so far have been very encouraging. THCA is found in living and raw cannabis and is non-intoxicating in this form. As the plant dries this acid form is converted to THC. When heat is applied (smoking, vaporizing, cooking for edibles, etc.) this process is expedited. If you are wanting to consume the highest amount of THCA, you are looking for raw cannabis that has been freshly harvested. It can be used in smoothies, juices, salads, etc.

Some of the benefits that are currently being studied are as follows:

Anti-inflammatory properties for treatment of arthritis and lupus
Neuroprotective properties for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases
Anti-emetic properties for treatment of nausea and appetite loss
Anti-proliferative properties noted in studies of prostate cancer

CBDA : CBDA (Cannabidiolic acid) is the acid form of CBD. CBDA converts to CBD through a process called decarboxilation. CBDA is found in living and raw cannabis and is non-intoxicating in this form. As the plant dries this acid form is converted to CBD. When heat is applied (smoking, vaporizing, cooking for edibles, etc.) this process is expedited. Most of the research into cannabinoids has been widely focused on the non-acidic forms however, research is growing on its benefits & medical applications. Research into CBDA for depression has been very promising. Early studies are showing that CBDA can be used for anxiety, depression, & even epilepsy at lower doses than required of CBD for these same ailments.

CBCA : CBCA (Cannabichromenic acid) is the acid form of CBC. CBCA converts to CBC through a process called decarboxilation. CBCA is found in living and raw cannabis and is non-intoxicating in this form. As the plant dries this acid form is converted to CBC. When heat is applied (smoking, vaporizing, cooking for edibles, etc.) this process is expedited. Again with this cannabinoid, research is minimal but the research that is there is extremely promising. CBC is truly showing up and showing out in cancer research & it only seems to be getting better

CBNA : CBNA (Cannabinolic acid) is the acid form of CBN. CBN is produced when THCA is exposed to oxygen and/or UV light. CBNA converts to CBN in a process called decarboxylation. CBNA & CBN are nicknamed the "sleep" cannabinoid because of it's wonderful sedative effects. Many people report that they are able to get restful sleep without the grogginess associated with common sleep aids.

People enjoy raw cannabis by:

mixing it into dressings, salads & garnishing food
juicing
mixing into smoothies

It seems like we have covered a lot of ground, but the truth is we haven't even scratched the surface of this sacred plant and its mission to heal.
Below is a list of known major and minor cannabinoids (Source: cheefbotanicals.com)

Cannabicyclols

Cannabicyclolic acid (CBLA)
Cannabicyclol (CBL)
Cannabicyclovarin (CBLV)

Cannabichromenes

Cannabichromene (CBC)
Cannabichromevarinic acid (CBCVA)
Cannabichromenic acid (CBCA)
Cannabichromevarin (CBCV)

Cannabielsoins

Cannabielsoin (CBE)
Cannabielsoin acid A (CBEA-A)
Cannabielsoic acid B (CBEA-B)

Cannabitriols

10-Ethoxy-9-hydroxy-delta-6a-tetrahydrocannabinol
8,9-Dihydroxy-delta-6a-tetrahydrocannabinol
Cannabitriol (CBT)
Cannabitriolvarin (CBTV)

Cannabidiols

Cannabidiol (CBD)
Cannabidiol monomethylether (CBDM)
Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA)
Cannabidivarinic acid (CBDVA)
Cannabidiorcol (CBD-C1)
Cannabidivarin (CBDV)
Cannabidiphorol (CBDP)

Cannabigerols

Cannabigerol (CBG)
Cannabigerovarin (CBGV)
Cannabigerovarinic acid (CBGVA)
Cannabigerol monomethylether (CBGM)
Cannabigerolic acid monomethylether (CBGAM)
Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA)

Cannabinols and cannabinodiols

Cannabinolic acid (CBNA)
Cannabinodiol (CBND)
Cannabinodivarin (CBVD)
Cannabinol (CBN)
Cannabiorcool (CBN-C1)
Cannabivarin (CBV)
Cannabinol methylether (CBNM)
Cannabinol-C2 (CBN-C2)
Cannabinol-C4 (CBN-C4)

Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinols

Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC)
Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (Δ8-THCA)

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinols

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-C4 (THC-C4)
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiorcol (THC-C1)
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiorcolic acid (THCA-C1)
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid-C4 (THCA-C4)
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCVA)
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A (THCA-A)
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid B (THCA-B)
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP)

Other Cannabinoids

10-Oxo-delta-6a-tetrahydrocannabinol (OTHC)
Cannabichromanon (CBCF)
Cannabifuran (CBF)
Cannabiglendol
Delta-9-cis-tetrahydrocannabinol (cis-THC)
Cannbicitran (CBT)
Dehydrocannabifuran (DCBF)
Tryhydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (triOH-THC)
Cannabiripsol (CBR)

** These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Cannabimimetic Plants

Sat, 24 Jul 2021 15:18:46 GMT

Many plants and super foods are cannabimimetic, meaning that they have properties that mimic cannabinoids in our bodies.

In this article we are going to talk about cannabimimetics. On one hand we have the wonderful & natural plants that are cannabimimetic, as well as the dangerous & synthetic cannabinoids that you should avoid at all costs.

What is a cannabimimetic?
As defined by glosbe.com - cannabimimetic: having similar pharmacological effects to those of cannabis; applied to various cannabinoid receptor type 1 agonists. What this means is that even though the biological makeup is not the same as cannabinoids, they have similar effects on the Endocannabinoid System .
There are many wonderful plants out there that are natural cannabimimetics, and unfortunately many products on the market that are synthetic and very very dangerous.

Pay attention, this is very important...
The first thing I want to say about cannabimimetics is that there are many products out there that seem to be safe plant material that mimic the effects of cannabis. These products are often sold in smoke shops & convenience stores & marketed as "K2", "Spice", or "Potpourri". People believe that these are safe. Make no mistake, these products are absolutely not safe, and have been linked to psychosis and even death. They are made by spraying dried plant material (like tea leaves or herbs) with an ever changing variety of chemicals that produce effects similar to cannabis. These chemicals bind to the same receptors as THC but some of these chemicals can be 100 x stronger and can also interact with other receptors in the brain that THC does not. This can created a dangerous chemical imbalance in the brain and lead to all sorts of nasty side effects.
You can never know what chemicals are even in this stuff due to the fact that the creators are constantly changing the chemical profile staying under the radar of authorities.
Some of the side effects of using these chemicals are:

Hallucinations
Extreme agitation and rage
Vomiting
Intense cravings (addiction)
Catastrophic increase in core temperature

I could type a novel on this subject, but the bottom line is stay away from synthetic cannabinoids. The natural plant has no toxic indications at any level in the human body.

Here are just some of the plants & super foods that are cannabimimetic
There are many plants that contain compounds that literally mimic the biological activity of cannabinoids even though they do not share the same biological structure.

Black Pepper : Black pepper contains high levels of the terpene beta-caryophyllene , which is the only known terpene that directly interacts with the Endocannabinoid System , activating the CB2 receptors. (Fun Fact: Beta-Caryophyllene is the compound detected by drug sniffing dogs)
Echinacea : Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) binds and interacts with the CB2 receptor & has been used for centuries for immune system support and fighting inflammation. Echinacea is also loaded with antioxidants.
Truffles : Recent research shows that truffles, especially black truffles, contain anandamide. Anandamide is produced in our bodies as well and binds to the CB1 receptor. Anandamide is known as the "Bliss Molecule". Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that triggers mood enhancing chemicals in the brain, similar to THC.
Flax Seed : Flax seed is a well known super food, with some calling it the most powerful plant food available. Flax seeds contain compounds that mimic CBD & are loaded with antioxidants, Omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber.
Cacao : Most of us love chocolate, but it's not just the sugar that makes us eat & drink up. Like truffles, cacao also contains anandamide. Cacao also helps to deactivate enzymes that degrades anandamide. It is also a good source of magnesium.
Kava : Kava contains natural pain relievers and can cause your mouth to go numb when the root is chewed or consumed in a tea. In addition to that, it also contains a compound called yangonin that binds to the same receptors as THC. Other health benefits of kava include, immune support, anxiety relief, better sleep, and even alleviation of menopausal symptoms.
Electric Daisy : Electric Daisy, called the eyeball plant due to its appearance is also sometimes referred to as the "toothache plant" because it blocks pain receptors in our bodies. It is also well known for its antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticonvulsant properties.
Essential oils of : Black pepper, rosemary, clove, lavender, cinnamon, & ylang-ylang. The predominant terpene in these plants is Beta-Caryophyllene, which as we discussed earlier directly interacts with the Endocannabinoid System. (Fun Fact: Ylang-Ylang is reported to act as an aphrodisiac)

These plants support and nourish your Endocannabinoid System as well as provide an array of other health benefits which is why they are called Super Foods! Eat, drink, and be merry!

10 Most Common Questions About CBD

Fri, 28 May 2021 17:33:39 GMT

Answering the most common questions

CBD is becoming more and more main stream and with that comes even more questions from savvy consumers. I'm always very proud when my customers ask lots of questions. There are absolutely no dumb questions when it comes to purchasing anything for your health. These are the top 10 questions that I get on a daily basis.

1. What is the difference between Hemp and Marijuana?
Although both are from the same plant species called Cannabis, they are 2 very distinct plants that differ in genetics, cultivation, and chemical process. Hemp is cultivated for many things including: rope, fabric, food, CBD extracts, etc. Marijuana is cultivated to yield high levels of THC. Hemp has very low levels of THC (defined as 0.3% and under) and has no intoxicating properties, where marijuana can contain levels that exceed 20%.

2. Is CBD Legal?
President Trump made history on December 20th, 2018 making #Hemp federally legal, and is legal in some form in all 50 states. Check with your local government regarding local rules and regulations because they can for sure be tricky.

3. What exactly is CBD and what does it stand for?
CBD stands for Cannabidiol which is most commonly known as the "therapeutic compound" with no intoxicating properties. The truth is that it is just one of the hundreds of cannabinoids in this amazing & sacred plant that act on the cannabinoid receptors in our Endocannabinoid System.

4. How are CBD extracts made?
There are many ways to extract the precious cargo of the Hemp and cannabis plants. Extracts may be obtained using solvents or non-flammable CO2 Extraction. The Hemp Dropz, Canna Hemp, and AliceCBD, and Courtney's Farm Charm Soap Company brands carried at Rustic Oils are CO2 extracted.

5. Will I get high if I take CBD?
CBD from Hemp is non-intoxicating and will not impair the user or get them high. Hemp derived CBD contains less than 0.3% THC.

6. Will CBD cause me to fail a drug test?
We sell many products that are THC free, and all of our other products have less than 0.3% THC. This is a very minuscule amount, however, every body is different in the way compounds are stored and eliminated. The safest thing to do is to either ask your employer/Dr. or purchase products with zero THC.

7. What is the difference in isolate, broad spectrum, & full spectrum?
CBD isolate is 99% pure CBD, broad spectrum contains CBD and other cannabinoids without the THC, and full spectrum is full plant extract with all cannabinoids found in that plant.

8. How do I know what I'm getting?
This is probably the most important question that I answer. You must protect yourself, ask questions, ask to see lab reports. Any company producing a quality product will always have lab reports to back up their products. In these reports you can find things such as: CBD %, THC %, residual solvent content, heavy metals, etc. There are many products out there that have been tested privately revealing low levels to no CBD, higher than legal amounts of THC and all sorts of nasty things you do not want in your body. As with any thing else in life, you get what you pay for. You are taking CBD for the health of your body, make sure it has nothing in it that will harm you and don't make a decision on CBD because it's cheap.

9. Does CBD have side effects?
Hemp and CBD are recognized as being safe and should not produce side effects in most people, however you should always check with your doctor before adding anything to your daily routine.

10. How is CBD taken?
There are many ways to take CBD and methods that work for some better than others.

CBD Oil Tinctures: taken under the tongue and held for several minutes for max absorption.
Water Soluble CBD: Our bodies are comprised of mostly water and anything we put in our bodies that is not water soluble will not absorb as efficiently.
CBD Paste: Highly concentrated full extract paste can be used orally as well as topically and is fast acting,
Edibles: My favorite is the gummy, swallowing it mostly whole allows the cannabinoids to absorb like a time release as the gummy digests.
Creams and Salves: Helping with symptoms of pain & skin conditions when applied topically. Hemp Dropz pain cream is wildly popular and my personal favorite for putting where it hurts.
CBD Vape: Vapable CBD is used by many for anxiety and is the fastest absorbing method although not the longest acting.
Bath & Body products: Your skin is the largest living organ on your body. Use a CBD bath bombs, soaps, and lotions to relax sore muscles, reduce inflammation, and decrease pain.
CBD Pet Products: CBD oils, roll ons, and treats for pets to help with everything from seizures to separation anxiety.

I welcome any and all questions and will spend as much time as you need. Please stop in or call me any time, I look forward to meeting you! :-)

* Important Note: CBD works on a bell curve. Start low and slow and increase your dose until you find your sweet spot and then stay consistent.

** These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

CBD & The Skin

Fri, 28 May 2021 17:32:16 GMT

Why CBD is important for the health of your skin

When you Google "CBD & The Skin" there are many articles from the beauty industry speaking on how CBD is helping in the skin beauty industry. Sites like Marie Claire, Allure, and even The Today Show are talking about how CBD is showing up in the beauty industry. In this article we will discuss why your skin is so important and how CBD can keep it healthy and functioning at peak performance We don't think much about how important our skin is, but believe it or not it is the largest and one of the most important things on our body. The skin protects everything else inside our bodies and is hard at work all the time shedding, regenerating, protecting.

What makes up our skin?

The skin consists of 3 different layers, each of which have very important jobs. These layers are as follows:

Epidermis : This is the part of the skin we see. It's m made up of scale like cells called squamous cells and under that are rounded cells called basal cells.This layer is the first line of defense against microbes, irradiation from UV rays, extreme heat and cold, chemicals, etc.It is thicker in some places and thinner in others. Think about the skin on your elbow vs. the skin under your eyes. It is responsible for:
Protecting your body. The epidermis contains special cells that are a part of your immune system, protecting your body from bacteria, toxins, virus, etc.
Making new skin cells. Made on the bottom layer of the epidermis, these cells travel to the surface and shed every month or so.
Giving your skin it's color. The epidermis manufactures melanin by cells called melanocytes which is responsible for giving your skin it's color. When exposed to UV light, your skin produces more melanin as a protective measure.
Dermis : This is the part of the skin underneath the epidermis. The dermis has a diverse selection of very big jobs. These jobs include:
Supplying your skin with blood. The dermis contains small blood vessels that bring blood and oxygen to the surface of the skin and it also helps to filter toxins.
Growing hair. The roots of your hair are anchored into the dermis and connected to tiny muscles that contract when we are cold, causing the skin to warm. This is why your hair stands up and you see tiny bumps called goosebumps when these muscles are triggered.
Making sweat. Sweat is an odorless & colorless fluid that is produced in glands located in the dermis. The sweat is manufactured in the gland and then travels up to the surface of the skin where it is released by pores. Sweat is our body's way of cooling off as well as carrying toxins out of the body.
Supporting your microbiome. Our skin is a literal ecosystem. We host millions of living organisms on the surface of our skin that play a vital role in keeping us healthy. Among these microorganisms is a bacteria that feeds on the sweat that we produce, which breaks id down and is the cause of body odor.
Giving you the feels. Tiny nerve endings in the dermis send signals to the brain giving us our sense of touch.
Subcutaneous : Below the dermis is the subcutaneous layer made up of fat and connective tissue. It is where the blood vessels become larger and feed to the rest of your body. It's responsible for:
Helping to maintain body temperature. The fat and fibrous tissue in this layer provides an insulation layer to help keep cold out and hold heat in.
Shock absorption. The subcutaneous layer offers the first line of defense from trauma by acting as a shock absorber against bumps and bruises. Without this layer things that are minor traumas could be catastrophic.
Storage. The fat cells in this layer store energy that your body can use when undernourished.

How does CBD support skin health?

To understand how CBD can support the health of your skin, you first need to understand the Endocannabinoid System at work in your skin. The National Institute of Health has many papers about how manipulating the ECS by introducing external cannabinoids such as CBD helps to relieve a multitude of symptoms all throughout the body. Endocannabinoids are synthesized by several cell types in the skin & CB1 & CB2 Receptors are found on nearly all cell types. These endocannabinoids suppress inflammation in the body by modulating the immune cells and the skin is no exception.

The bottom line? Your skin is full of endocannabinoid receptors and your cells synthesize endocannabinoids. Using CBD and other cannabinoids help to boost this extremely important system and can provide relief for everything from acne to chronic nerve pain.... As your body's first line of defense against so much in this world your skin deserves the best care it can get.

Psoriasis

Fri, 28 May 2021 17:31:11 GMT

How CBD could be the relief you could be looking for

According to Psoriasis.org, appx. 8 million Americans suffer with Psoriasis. These people report painful, scaly patches on the skin that are very difficult to treat.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes skin thickening and a buildup of scaly deposits on the surface of the skin. Our skin cells are constantly maturing and shedding. In a healthy person, skin cells mature; rise to the surface; & shed over a 21 to 28 day period. In a person with Psoriasis, this shedding can happen every 4 to 7 days, overwhelming the body's ability to shed them causing a buildup of plaque on the skin. Many times even live skin cells can contribute to the plaques building up on the skin.

What are the symptoms of Psoriasis?

There are several different types of psoriasis that we will discuss later in the article, but the most common type is called Plaque Psoriasis. It carries a wide variety of symptoms that include:

Whitish or silvery scales on the skin
Raised, red, painful patches on the skin
Patches that crack & bleed
Soreness, itching, and burning around patches
Swollen, hot, painful joints
Thick or pitted nails

Is there more than one kind of Psoriasis?

Yes, there are 5 official types of psoriasis

Plaque Psoriasis : This is the most common form of psoriasis. Over half of psoriasis diagnoses are plaque psoriasis. It is characterized by scales on the skin that can appear white or silver and can be quite thick. These patches most often present on the scalp, knees, elbows, and back.
Guttate Psoriasis : This type of psoriasis often is triggered by times of high stress, injury, certain infections, or certain medications an typically shows up in early childhood or adolescence. It presents as small separated spots that can appear on your torso, limbs, face, & scalp. They are typically not as large or thick as plaque psoriasis, but can develop into plaque psoriasis over time.
Flexural or Inverse Psoriasis : This type of psoriasis is red, raised, and often shiny & smooth. It most often presents in skin folds, such as under breasts, armpits, groin, etc. Typically, there are other forms of psoriasis on people who suffer from this form. The patches are often not as scaly as other forms of psoriasis due to the moist heat of the skin folds.
Pustular Psoriasis : This type of psoriasis is quite severe. It presents as painful pustules surrounded by red, inflamed skin. It most typically will start on isolated areas of the body but can also in some cases cover most of the skins surface. The pus is noninfectious but can cause flu like symptoms such as fever, chills, loss of appetite, etc.
Psoriatic Arthritis : This is an inflammatory arthritis that affects about 30 percent of psoriasis sufferers. Psoriatic arthritis generally presents after the onset of psoriasis, but some people experience joint pain before presenting with other psoriasis symptoms. Symptoms include, joint swelling, warmth or fever in joints, nail pitting or separating, fatigue, reduced range of motion, among others. Read my article on CBD and Arthritis here .

How can CBD help?
We all have an Endocannabinoid System that is responsible for facilitating homeostasis in our entire bodies. Our skin is full of cannabinoid receptors and synthesizes endocannabinoids that interact with these receptors. CBD (which is a phytocannabinoid) works with these receptors in the same way as the cannabinoids we make in our bodies. Two of the ways that CBD helps with psoriasis, and is a preferred treatment option for many, is through the control of inflammation and the support of the immune system. While there are many prescription and OTC options to control psoriasis, CBD carries none of the harmful side effects. CBD also promotes cellular homeostasis and can facilitate balance in the overactive cell production.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

CBD & ADHD

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 28 May 2021 17:29:04 GMT

Symptom management has never been so healthy

I have to laugh at me writing an article about ADHD, and for those who know me I'm sure you are giggling as well. I have struggled for years with this "oh look there's a shiny shiny squirrel" syndrome. The good news? NO! The Great news!... I have been able to stop taking prescription drugs to manage the ten thousand shiny squirrels I chase around.. but we will come back to that.... :-D

In this article we will take a look at ADHD & how CBD can help you or your loved one suffering from ADHD.

Is there a difference between ADD & ADHD?
Yes. These two terms have been confused for many years, and to this day many people use them interchangeably. Alot of the information out there tends to group everything into ADHD because evidently sometime in the 90's doctors began using the term ADHD as a blanket term for the disorders.
ADHD is characterized by trouble concentrating, trouble with impulse control, & excessive activity. Typically people who suffer with ADHD are extremely hyper and always need to be moving.
ADD is characterized by trouble concentrating and inability to focus on a task for a long period of time without the excessive movement and hyperactivity.

What causes ADHD/ADD?
While the exact cause is not known, there is research out there that points to genetics, disturbances in early brain development, environmental factors, toxins and brain injury/trauma.

What are the symptoms of ADHD/ADD?
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are 3 "subtypes" of ADHD/ADD.

Predominately Inattentive : Otherwise known (or formerly known) as ADD, most of the symptoms are inattentive or "daydreaming" and unable to focus on tasks for any length of time without becoming distracted. People with inattentive type often are discouraged by careless mistakes they make because of their inability to sustain focus or stay organized.
Predominately Hyperactive-Impulsive : Most of the symptoms presented are hyperactive and/or impulsive. People with hyperactive-impulsive type tend to talk non-stop, interrupt conversations, blurt out things at inappropriate times, have little to no patience, inability to sit (or sit still) for any length of time, running from place to place as if driven by a motor.
Combined : This is the most commonly diagnosed form and is a mix of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsive subtypes.

Another thing I wanted to discuss in this article is the things once thought to be the culprit for ADHD that research does not support

Sugar : Sugar should be consumed in moderation because it can lead to diabetes and cavities, not ADHD

Bad Parenting : I've heard this thrown around alot in my life and it's just simply not accurate. While environmental factors, social circumstance, and home life can most certainly aggravate symptoms of ADHD, there is no research to back up the thought that it is a cause of the development of ADHD.

TV & Video Games : There is so far zero proof that tv and video games cause ADHD to develop. However, it needs to be said that too much tv or video games can be over stimulating & affect focus and sleep.

Diet : Once upon a time it was believed that food allergies and diet were high on the list of culprits for ADHD, however the research just does not support it. That being said, nutrition is extremely important in body and brain development in children so diet plays a huge role in raising a healthy child.

Sometimes the side effects of pharmaceuticals are worse than the disorder....

So, what is used to treat ADHD and what sort of side effects are you in for? The answer actually surprised me. I was on a stimulant for years and didn't even realize that some of the symptoms I was experiencing was from the medication I was taking.

There are 2 types of ADHD medications classified as stimulant and non-stimulant.

Recognizable stimulant medications include but are certainly not limited to Adderal, Focalin, & Ritalin & carry the following possible side effects:

rapid heart rate
loss of appetite
weight loss
stomach pain/upset stomach
trouble sleeping
agitation/mood swings
uptick in agitation/irritability when medication wears off
risk of abuse and addiction

Recognizable non-stimulant medications include but are certainly not limited to Strattera, Kapvay, Intuniv & carry the following possible side effects:

nausea/vomiting
lightheadedness
fatigue
indigestion
dizziness
mood swings
suicidal thoughts

Of course there are many more possible side effects with any medication, these are just some of the most reported side effects I found.

A change in a few things can offer help with symptoms as well.

Avoid or limit sugar & artificial sweeteners (try honey in moderation)
Avoid or limit foods with artificial colors (Red Dye #40 seems to be high on the list of aggravating offenders)
Avoid or limit sodium (avoid MSG all together)
Cut out caffeine
Establish an exercise program, & make it fun!
Establish a strict evening routine to aid in a good nights sleep. Avoid your phone or tv at least half hour before bed, have a warm caffeine free beverage before bed, play soft music or white noise to help you drift off to sleep, make sure you go to bed and wake up at the same times daily, etc.

How does CBD help with ADHD?

CBD helps with ADHD symptoms by modulating the Endocannabinoid System. CBD interacts with CB1 & CB2 receptors in the prefrontal cortex play a key role in modulating impulsive behavior. This is a key symptom of ADHD and one that many times leads to trouble. Many people (absolutely including myself) have found relief with CBD and been able to quit pharmaceutical interventions or avoid them all together. Modulating the Endocannabinoid System with structure, fun exercise, proper nutrition (Avoiding red dyes), and CBD does wonders for the unwanted symptoms of ADHD. Another huge benefit to CBD is better sleep. You do not have to suffer with ADHD, medications that have side effects or don't work at all. CBD should be 1st line of defense or added to a therapeutic program and never the last resort.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

History of Hemp

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 28 May 2021 17:26:16 GMT

Over 10,000 years of history and healing

Hemp is one of the most mysteriously amazing plants on our planet. It has so many beneficial uses for the planet and for humankind as a whole. For hundreds of years hemp was a huge agricultural crop in the US and abroad. Many scientists say that hemp cord in pottery has been found dating back 10,000 years, making it one of the oldest agricultural crops in the world. Evidence of hemp material has been found in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. Across many generations we see hemp being used in daily life in the form of shoes, clothing, ropes, paper, fuel and more. Evidence of hemp in the "New World" (Known to us now as the U.S.A.) dates back to the early 1600s, and in the 1700s farmers were required by law to grown hemp as a cash crop. During the Colonial Era Americans were bound by law to grow hemp, & it is also known that President Washington and President Jefferson both grew hemp. Let's look at the world timeline of hemp to put into perspective how long hemp has been around and the positive impact it has had on our planet and mankind as a whole.

8,000 BC: Hemp has been found in modern day China and Taiwan. Evidence shows that hemp seed and oil was used for pottery and food
2,000 BC: - 800BC: Hindu sacred text calls hemp "Sacred Grass" and is one of the 5 sacred plants of India.
600 BC: Hemp rope is found in southern Russia
500 BC: Jar of hemp leaves and seeds discovered in Berlin, Germany and hemp use continues to spread across northern Europe.
200 BC: Hemp rope found in Greece
100BC: Hemp rope found in Britain and China uses hemp to make paper
850: Vikings use hemp and import to Iceland
900: Arabs adopt paper making technology and begin making hemp paper
1530s: King Henry VIII (King of England) fines farmers who do not grow hemp
1540s: Cannabis introduced to South America
1600s: Hemp is grown and used to make clothing, sails, and rope in Jamestown (first permanent English settlement in America)
1700s: American farmers in many colonies required by law to grow hemp.
1840s: Abraham Lincoln uses hemp oil for lamps in his home.
1800s -1900s: Cannabis is prescribed by doctors and available over the counter for many different ailments.
1916: USDA publishes findings that show hemp produces 4 times more paper per acre than trees.
1937: The Marijuana Tax Act places a tax on all cannabis (hemp included) sales, discouraging the production of hemp and hemp products.
1938: Popular Mechanics magazine publishes an article stating that hemp can be used for over 25,000 different products.
1942: Henry Ford builds a prototype made with hemp fiber which is 10 times stronger than steel.
USDA launches the Hemp for Victory program, leading to over 150,000 acres of hemp production.
1957: The last of the commercial hemp fields are planted in Wisconsin
1970: The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) classifies hemp and cannabis as a Schedule I Controlled Substance, imposing strict regulations on cultivation.
1988: Food grade hemp seeds and oil is imported into the US
2004: Hemp Industries Association wins a judgement against the DEA, permanently protecting the sale of hemp foods and beauty products in the US
2007: The first hemp licenses in over 50 years are awarded to 2 north Dakota farmers.
2014: President Obama signs the Farm Bill , which allows hemp farming pilot programs.
2018: President Trump signs the 2018 Farm Bill which effectively removes hemp from Schedule I.

**WATCH** Excellent little video about the many beneficial uses of #Hemp.
https://youtu.be/a4_CQ50OtUA

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

CBD & Lupus

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 28 May 2021 17:25:07 GMT

Lupus is a painful and very unpredictable disease. The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that 1.5 million Americans suffer from Lupus, and at least 5 million worldwide. A couple of other useful facts are that Lupus affects mostly women and typically develops between the ages of 15-44.

What is Lupus?
Lupus is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that is caused when the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. Your immune system is designed to recognize the healthy cells in your body and will respond when it encounters something unfamiliar. In Lupus, this distinguishing system goes awry and antibodies begin to attack healthy tissue. Lupus is a complex diagnoses including tests and symptoms and can not be diagnosed by one single test. The fact that it can show up in so many combinations of ways and mimic other diseases can make it tricky to diagnose.

Lupus never affects 2 people in the same way
A large majority of Lupus diagnoses are women, however it can affect both men and women
Symptoms of Lupus vary from person to person & can mimic other diseases
A blood test can help but is not a sure fire diagnoses
Lupus affects African Americans and Asians more than other races
There is no known cure for Lupus

What are the types of Lupus?

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus : This type of Lupus is the most commonly diagnosed type of Lupus.
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus : This type of Lupus only affects the skin. It is characterized by a red, raised rash on the skin that can become scaly & thickened. The rash is most reported on the face & scalp, but can appear anywhere on the skin.
Drug Induced Lupus : This type of Lupus is brought on by the use of certain medications. Typically the symptoms stop within 6 months when the drug is stopped, however in rare cases some patients can go on to develop SLE. Men are most commonly diagnosed with this form of Lupus because they are more likely to be prescribed the offending medications. The 3 drugs most commonly connected with this form of Lupus are:
Hydralazine - used to treat high blood pressure
Isoniazid - used to treat tuberculosis
Procainamide - used to treat irregular heart rhythms

What are the symptoms of Lupus?
There are many many reported symptoms of Lupus. Below are the most commonly reported symptoms.

Joint ache/chronic widespread pain
Swollen joints
Intermittent & unexplained fever of 100 degrees or more
Pain in the chest when taking a deep breath, known as pleurisy
Skin rash, especially the appearance of a butterfly shaped rash across the cheeks and nose
Water retention and swelling of the ankles
Extreme chronic fatigue
Sun sensitivity
Seizures
Mouth sores, and sores in nose
Hair loss
Anxiety & Depression

How can CBD help with Lupus?
There is not alot of research into the effects of CBD on Lupus, however we know the impact it has on other conditions and we are well aware of the therapeutic benefits of CBD that can lend itself to the possible outcome of using CBD to help with Lupus symptoms. There are literally thousands of people who use CBD to help with a wide variety of symptoms and disorders.
Pain - CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory and can help with the pain and inflammation that sufferers widely report.
Rash - CBD can help reduce the swelling and discomfort from rashes and lesions
Side Effects from prescription medications - The medications prescribed for the treatment of Lupus have many many reported side effects and some even carry a high risk for addiction. CBD has no known side effects and is not addictive.
Anxiety/Depression - Anxiety & depression are many times reported with any chronic diagnoses and Lupus is no exception. Numerous studies show that CBD helps alleviate stress, anxiety, & depression. CBD stimulates the 5-HT1A receptor which has been shown to lower anxiety in patients. Stimulating this receptor can also positively impact sleep, nausea, mood, and appetite.

Read some customer testimonials on Leafly here .

Schizophrenia & CBD

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 28 May 2021 17:23:35 GMT

Schizophrenia & CBD

According to SARDAA (Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America ), approximately 3.5 million Americans are diagnosed with schizophrenia. In this article we will discuss schizophrenia statistics & take a look at how CBD is coming out as an effective anti-psychotic.

What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is defined by American Psychiatric Association as "A chronic brain disorder that affects less than 1% of the U.S. population". They go on to add that when this disorder is active, symptoms can include delusions, hallucinations, trouble with thinking and concentration, and lack of motivation. It's also worth noting that there is a higher than average rate of co-occuring conditions (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc.) resulting in younger mortality rates.

What causes schizophrenia?
The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown. Although it's unknown why some people develop schizophrenia and some do not, most researchers agree that any combination of genetic, environmental, physiological, and physical conditions contribute to the development of the disorder. Most available research also suggests that for the most part, schizophrenia is very treatable.

Who is affected by schizophrenia?
This is sort of a loaded question. So many different factors seem to affect the "who" & "when". Let's take a look at the most common risk factors.

Genetics : Schizophrenia tends to run in families, though (at the time this article was written) no specific gene has been targeted as the cause
Complications during pregnancy : Exposure to certain viruses, toxins, and maternal malnutrition may affect fetal brain development and lead to the development of schizophrenia
Auto-immune and Inflammatory disorders : Some research suggests that there is a connection between certain auto-immune and inflammatory disorders. A paper published in 2014 suggests that anti-inflammatory agents can significantly decrease severity of symptoms.
Abuse of mind altering drugs in young adulthood : Abuse of mind altering chemicals during brain development significantly increases the chances of developing psychosis.
Advanced age of father : Studies suggest that the damaged DNA in sperm cells of older men can contribute to the development of schizophrenia
Extreme stress : Schizophrenia can be triggered in people already vulnerable to it's development by major life stressers such as
Sexual, physical, emotional abuse
Grief/Bereavement
Sudden loss of income
Divorce/loss of an important relationship

Although none of the above things are known as the absolute cause of the development of schizophrenia, they are risk factors to be aware of.

What does schizophrenia "look" like?
The symptoms of schizophrenia are broad and not the same in every person. They are usually classified into 2 main categories:

Negative symptoms are defined as withdrawal or lack of interest that are usually not present in a healthy person. People with schizophrenia often have a flat affect and appear emotionless. Negative symptoms often occur for several years before one experiences a psychotic episode.
Positive symptoms are defined as any change in behavior/thoughts such as delusions or hallucinations.

What's the difference between a delusion and a hallucination?
People with schizophrenia often suffer hallucinations and delusions which are very very real to them. It doesn't chance the fact even though others around them do not experience these sensations. This has been seen on brain imaging, showing the altered sense of reality.

Hallucination :A hallucination is a sensory experience where the person hears, sees, tastes, smells, or feels something that is not based in reality. The most commonly suffered delusion is hearing voices. The voices are sometimes heard in their head, or through inanimate objects such as a tv or radio. Some report the voices as friendly, and some as crude and even violent giving harmful instructions or making demands.
Delusion :A delusion is a belief held with steadfast conviction even though it is based on an unrealistic or strange point of view & can profoundly affect the persons behavior.

A person suffering from a delusion may believe that another person (typically a celebrity or very important person in the sufferers life) is speaking directly to them through an inanimate vehicle such as a commercial or billboard.
A person suffering from a delusion may believe that others are out to get them. They may believe that another person is trying to destroy, humiliate, or even kill them. Many people suffering from delusions fear that a family member or close friend is watching, following, recording, plotting against them, etc. Delusions can also be a way for the sufferer to explain a hallucination that they are having.

How can CBD help with the symptoms of schizophrenia?
I will start this answer by addressing that there have been studies that suggest that there is an association between cannabis high in THC and schizophrenia. It deserves mentioning that while some of these studies make claims that cannabis plays a casual role in the development of schizophrenia, it has in by no means been ruled out that people likely develop schizophrenia are just more prone to use cannabis.

CBD has been known for years to modulate the psychoactive effects of cannabis and be very effective in blocking THC psychosis.

Many people suffer from a deficient Endocannabinoid System
CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory: As mentioned above, anti-inflammatory agents can significantly reduce the severity & duration of symptoms
CBD is a powerful anti-anxiety agent: CBD is known to decrease and even stop anxiety just as effectively as medications with fewer to no side effects.
CBD is being studied as an anti-psychotic

The bottom line is that if an imbalanced system is causing misfires in chemical signals in the brain, then CBD can help your Endocannabinoid System to function at it's peak.

Related Conditions

Please remember: For people suffering from this disorder, these hallucinations and delusions are very real to them and can be terrifying and no amount of ignoring, shaming, or belittling is going to change that. Please please be kind to anyone you meet or know who is struggling with mental health challenges.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Can CBD help with OCD?

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 28 May 2021 17:20:49 GMT

Taking control of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

I am going to be very candid and revealing in this article because this is something that has been a part of my life off and on for many years, so buckle up this is gonna be a long one.

Having struggled with OCD, I was surprised to learn that (according to the International OCD Foundation & The Anxiety and Depression Association of America) appx. 2.2 million people struggle with this disorder. In this article I am going to be speaking of my experience with OCD & try to give you at least a tiny glimpse into the mind of someone who lives with this disorder. This is not an easy thing to put out there for all the world to see so please bear with me.

What is OCD?
OCD is an anxiety disorder that occurs when a person struggles with a cycle of obsessions and compulsions

Obsessions are unwanted and many times unreasonable thoughts that trigger extreme anxiety in the sufferer. These thoughts, especially in times of high stress, play on a perpetual loop in your mind leaving you to try & find a way to cope with the intense distress felt at these thoughts. Most of the time these obsessions lead you to compulsions or "rituals" that your whirling mind conjures up to ease the overwhelming anxiety

Compulsions are many times repetitive or excessive activities or mental exercises that a person suffering with OCD uses to relieve anxiety & stress. These activities are performed as a stress reliever, and many times the person believes that doing this activity will prevent what ever they are in fear of from happening.
When this disorder is not dealt with in a healthy way, this cycle can lead to a never ending cycle of obsessions and compulsions that can negatively & drastically affect the persons life in every single way.

What does this cycle look like?
Later we will take a look at the 4 types of OCD but as for examples I can really only use myself as an example to somehow help you understand what these cycles look like.
Throughout the years I can remember many many occasions when I developed a new or worsening compulsion in response to anxiety. Below I will try to explain a few of them in an attempt to help you understand what OCD looked like in my life.

When my grandmother passed away I found myself unable to join the family in her house talking about memories and finding the things that they wanted to keep to remember her by. In an effort to not make a fool of myself in a full blown emotional attack, I excused myself to hyper focus on a little barren flower garden on the side of her house to organize and clean the rocks that surrounded it. This activity did relieve my anxiety, but I was not dealing with the root cause of it which was needing to deal with the loss of a person I didn't have a clue how to live without.
One of the biggest compulsions I had for years was "cleaning". I put that in quotations because when you think of cleaning you think of getting stuff done. When most people clean for 5 hours they end up with a clean house, when I would "clean" for 5 hours I would end up with empty cabinets with very clean bottles and an overwhelming mess that would usually just cause more anxiety. I would spend hours upon hours cleaning the stickers (and the stubborn sticker remnants) off of bottles believing I would use them again. These included everything I'm not saying that I don't still keep certain bottles, in fact they have their own little tote in my house, but today because of CBD I no longer feel the compulsion to keep and clean completely every single bottle I empty.
Another compulsion that I struggled with was checking to make sure the car or house door was locked many many times. I would not give myself permission to relax until I was 100% certain that I was safe from threats of any kind. Many times this led to cycles that could last for hours.
There is another side of OCD that comes with some very dark thoughts that can fuel themselves into a frenzy. These very intrusive and scary thoughts would many times come out of no where. During a very dark period in my life these thoughts consumed me and I went through a hand washing phase. Unlike alot of people who suffer from this, it was not in response to feeling contaminated, it was just something I developed as a nervous habit that snowballed out of my control sometimes. When the thoughts became unbearable I would stand and wash my hands until they were raw and I was in tears.

... and so on... and so on. It truly is a viscous cycle.

Are there different types of OCD?
Yes. There are too many "types" of OCD to even try to tackle in this article but many health care professionals categorize OCD into 4 main types. Most people who suffer from OCD struggle on some level with many many different "types" and many times fall into each of these categories. Some people struggle with just one "type", but I can assure you that it does not matter how or in which way you suffer.... it's suffering.

Contamination & Cleansing : Everyone hopes to stay healthy and has some sort of a personal hygiene routine, but people suffering from this type of OCD can feel fundamentally unclean and experience a deep need to cleanse. This can be hand washing, bathing, teeth brushing, excessive personal space cleaning, etc. The fuel behind this can be so many things from fear of disease to feeling mentally unclean.
Doubt About Harm & Checking: Most of you can go through your day like clock work & without consiously thinking of all the terrifying things that are out there. Trusting that you are safe while you are driving, trusting that no one is coming into your home to harm you, trusting that you can deal with people in your life without accidentally or intentionally harming them. People suffering from this type of OCD do not have that luxury. I have experienced this one to a large degree as well. I would be driving and all the sudden have to pull over because I would all of the sudden be terrified that I was going to accidentally hurt someone. Other thoughts that would intrude sometimes was the paralyzing fear that something was going to fall out of the sky or off of another vehicle and crash through my window. This would lead to alot of pulling over (causing me to be late alot), locking and unlocking my seat belt to make sure it was secure, and cracking the window so I could hear my surroundings better.
Unacceptable/Taboo Thoughts & Mental Rituals : This type is usually not accompanied by physical rituals as it is mental rituals. The person may have thoughts that directly violate their moral code & personal values. Examples would be having blasphemous thoughts, or impulses to do violent things to innocent people. These thoughts often bring extreme shame. These thoughts often lead to a great deal of the persons time trying to get reassurance from others, stop these thoughts, or sometimes "make up" for having the thoughts in the first place.
Symmetry, Arranging, & Counting : This type is hyper focused on symmetry, organization, and order. Many times they need things to be just so to function properly and faced with disorder they have a hard time maintaining. Some people need things in their personal space to be perfectly aligned, equidistant from each other or in order by color or size. This is often, again as in my case, accompanied by thinking that what you are doing or not doing can somehow cause catastrophe. Its sometimes referred to as "magical thinking" . When I was first coming off of all of my prescriptions (you can read that story here ) I would often have thoughts like this. My husband would be outside working in the garage or mowing and my mind would tell me that he was for sure dead and I had to go check on him, or if I didn't do certain rituals he would die. These thoughts were debilitating and very hard to deal with. The only time I felt any relief was when my husband would hug me.

All that being said there are so many other known presentations of this disorder and we haven't even scratched the surface.

So how can CBD help?
There are studies that show using a CB1/CB2 agonist has an anti-anxiety effect in animal models. As for the human variety, there are not yet enough human trials to cite. However, I can for sure speak for myself and speak to the reports of my customers, friends and family.

Anxiety is at the root of OCD. Anxiety is actually a beneficial human response. It is crucial to help us deal with threats to our safety & can help us make critical decisions in times of danger. For most people the body & mind find balance after an anxiety inducing moment... For some of us, this signaling pops up when there is absolutely no danger present & does not resolve without some sort of intervention such as compulsions. CBD has done absolute wonders to help me manage my sometimes out of control anxiety to the point where I proudly say that it has saved my life. It has by no means cured me and that is not what I'm trying to say at all with this article, however my life has so drastically improved that I rarely experience symptoms anymore and when/if I do it is very short lived and easy to course correct without engaging in compulsions.

The bottom line is that the chemical medications used to deal with this disorder are toxic to the body when used long term, can often be addictive (adding a whole new layer to the mental health disorders), and for many people they do not work. Think of CBD as your first line of defense. It has been found to be a non-toxic, effective, alternative to medications.

Please remember: For people suffering from this disorder, these obsessions and compulsions are out of their control and no amount of ignoring, shaming, or belittling is going to change that. Please please be kind to anyone you meet or know who is struggling with mental health challenges.

CBD vs Asthma

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 28 May 2021 17:10:59 GMT

Can CBD help with your asthma symptoms?

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), 1 in 13 people have asthma & it is the most common chronic lung condition. In this article we are going to take a look at the characteristics of asthma and how CBD can help sufferers manage this chronic and very scary disease.

What is asthma?
Asthma affects millions of people & characterized by inflammation, airway obstruction, bronchial spasms. To understand asthma more we need to take a look at the lungs and how they work.
Your lungs are spongy organs that begin at the bottom of your trachea (windpipe). Their function is to absorb and carry oxygen to your blood stream & expel carbon dioxide. Attached to the trachea in each lung is a tube called a bronchus which branches out like a tree finally ending in clusters of microscopic air filled sacs called alveoli.

The pathway of a breath

Air/Oxygen enters the throat to the trachea
The trachea carries the breath to the right and left main bronchi into the upper lobes of the lungs
The main bronchi carries the breath into the "tree branches" of the smaller bronchi airways
The bronchi branch off even further to the small bronchiole tubes
The bronchiole tubes carry the breath to clusters of tiny air filled sacs called alveoli. It is here that the respiratory system comes in contact with the circulatory system.

Your lungs contain over 300 million alveoli. Each of these tiny clusters are covered by a net of tiny blood vessels and this is where the exchange of oxygen to carbon dioxide takes place. Your heart pumps deoxygenated blood into the lungs via the pulmonary artery to the capillaries which receive oxygen from the alveoli and return carbon monoxide which is expelled by the lungs. The oxygenated blood is sent back to the heart to be pumped to the rest of your body & the process starts all over again.
When the structures in the lungs become inflamed, asthma symptoms present. This inflammation causes the bronchi to swell & narrow, slowing down the flow of air & making breathing difficult. Chronic inflammation can cause bronchial spasm, and if left untreated can lead to airway remodeling which can significantly increase the severity of the condition & make reversing much more difficult.

What are asthma "triggers"?
So, now that we have touched on what asthma is we need to look at the most common triggers that lead to these symptoms.

Allergies : For many people, seasonal allergens and/or food allergies can cause inflammation and trigger an asthma attack.
Airborne Irritants : For some people, particles in the air such as pet dander, smoke, heavy perfumes, dust mites, mold, cockroach droppings, etc. can cause inflammation and trigger an asthma attack
Illness : For some people, certain illnesses (Especially illness of the lungs such as upper respiratory infection) cause inflammation and can trigger an asthma attack
Extreme Stress : Many asthmatics report stress as a trigger for an asthma attack.

What do I do if I have an attack and I don't have my inhaler?

Stay Calm
You or someone near you needs to call for emergency medical help
Stop what you are doing and sit perfectly upright giving your lungs room in your chest
Remove yourself from whatever triggered the attack if possible
Drink a hot caffeinated beverage
See a medical professional, even if the attack subsides

How can CBD help me to control my asthma?

CBD is a powerful anti- inflammatory
CBD is a bronchodilator & helps to open up the airways
Contrary to what most people think about CBD, it has been shown to have no link to lung damage
CBD contains potent immunosuppressive & anti-inflammatory properties
CBD contains powerful anti-anxiety properties, helping to keep some triggers from resulting in an asthma attack
CBD is a powerful anti-spasmatic, helping to reduce bronchospasms

In a nutshell, adding CBD to your routine will promote homeostasis in your entire body including your lungs!

** These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Your Immune System

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 28 May 2021 16:53:13 GMT

A healthy immune system has never been so important

A healthy immune system has never been more important than it is right now. Our bodies are under constant attack from invaders and our immune system is the first line of defense against these smart, & effective enemies. In this article we will discuss our immune system, what we can do to support it, and why it's so important.

What is my immune system?

The human body is a complex machine and your immune system is one of the most complex systems in your body with many moving parts that are in a constant, delicate dance to keep your body free from disease.

What are the parts of my immune system?

This is a very broad question with an even broader answer, for the purposes of this article we will discuss the main parts of the immune system and the application and importance of each one.

Skin, mucous membranes, & other first line defenders - Your skin is the largest organ in your body and the absolute first defense against invaders big and small. Even the hairs in your nose can be your first string players, stopping viruses, bacteria, fungi, & toxins by trapping them before they invade cell walls. The skin and all it's moving parts is the first line in preventing and destroying germs before they can enter your body. Your respiratory system, digestive tract, reproductive tract & urinary tract all have a protective mucous membrane that traps and sweeps away germs that many times will pass without incident. Even your tears and other secretions contain germ busting enzymes.
Blood Cells - When your first line of defense fails, it's time for your body to get to work in destroy mode in your blood. Red Blood Cells release free radicals at an invasion of germs that break down the cell wall membrane of the pathogen to keep it from multiplying. White Blood Cells serve as the army, seeking out invaders and destroying them.
Spleen, Stomach, & Bowels - Your gut is full of beneficial bacteria and a whole host of other flora that are so so important for your health. Some of these good bacteria will seek and destroy invaders, also at play is the stomach acid that kills most bacteria and other pathogens soon after entering the body. Your spleen stores up a portion of your white blood cell army & also filters and destroys damaged red blood cells which can also be harmful to your body.
Lymph Nodes - Your lymph nodes are little bean shaped lumps of tissue located throughout your body that contain special white blood cells and filter lymph fluid carried by lymphatic vessels. They filter out pathogens and waste and destroy bacteria and cancer cells via lymphocytes.
Tonsils & Adenoids - These little organs (located in your throat and nasal passages) act as little traps for pathogens & have their own store of special immune cells that produce antibodies against the invaders
Bone Marrow - Beautiful little cells called stem cells are located in the center of your bone called the marrow. They develop into red & white blood cells, plasma, and other immune cells that are released by the billions into your blood every single day.
Thymus - This special little organ is extremely important in a healthy immune system. It sits in your upper chest and is responsible for maturing a very special type of immune cell that recognizes and remembers pathogens in order to make a streamlined and efficient attack the next time the invader is encountered.

What can I do to support my immune system?

Eat vitamin rich whole plant foods & healthy fats: Some wonderful foods you can add to your diet include: Bell peppers, citrus fruits, garlic, ginger, spinach, broccoli, tumeric, elderberry, papaya, mango, shellfish, fermented foods (such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, etc.) green tea, protein rich foods, salmon, olive oil, walnuts, & flaxseed. These foods contain vitamins and minerals that are vitally important to your gut health & overall immunity
Get plenty of sleep: A good nights sleep is extremely important to a healthy immune system. Adults typically require 7 or more hours of sleep at night while children need 8-10 hours of sleep (and of course babies can sleep more than 14 hours a day). I know it's not easy to discipline yourself to get adequate sleep, but it is essential for your body to work at peak performance. Please check out these two articles on Sleep & Circadian Rhythm for some tips and tricks on getting better quality sleep.
Get plenty of moderate exercise and fresh air - Moderate exercise can help boost your immune response but it also reduces inflammation, which in turn helps with more efficient regeneration of immune cells. If you are going to engage in vigorous exercise, please boost your immune system with supplements, food, and adequate hydration. Intense exercise can suppress your immune system.
Keep your stress level down - Stress weakens your immune system & promotes inflammation. Some things you can do to help reduce stress & anxiety include: Yoga/exercise, meditation, getting outdoors, diffusing essential oils & taking a daily CBD supplement.

Never in our lifetime has it been more important to understand why we need a strong immune system and how we take charge and give our bodies the best support we are able. Stay healthy & happy!

** These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease

Eating Disorders & CBD

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 28 May 2021 16:51:08 GMT

According to the National Eating Disorder Association , an estimated 30 million people suffer from an eating disorder and this number seems to climb every year. I identify with this more than I would like to admit. I, like many many others, have struggled for years due to body image issues and a need for control. Thankfully I was able to overcome the worst of it, but it feels like the struggle never really goes away... there is no "cure" but there is for sure hope. Since my first dose of CBD (nearly a year ago when I wrote this article) I have been able to achieve a healthy weight and maintain it for many months now. In this article we will take a look at the 3 most common eating disorders, look at risk factors and signs, & how CBD can help.

First, let's take a look at the most commonly diagnosed eating disorders:

Anorexia Nervosa is probably the most well known eating disorder & causes the sufferer to see themselves as overweight even though most are dangerously underweight. A person suffering from Anorexia will severely restrict the amount of calories they consume and almost always totally avoid foods that are viewed to be "fattening". Basically the sufferer is slowly starving themselves to death. It's worth noting that in some cases this disorder is linked to other processes going on that suppress appetite. Some signs that may suggest that a person is suffering from Anorexia include:
Extreme restriction of food intake that goes beyond just normal dieting
Rapid weight loss and appearing emaciated
Abnormal eating patterns (i.e: eating only certain very low calorie foods, cutting all food into tiny bits, hiding food, etc.)
Obsessive concentration on fat content and calorie content in food
Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by consuming abnormally large amounts of food, followed by an immediate attempt to purge to avoid gaining weight. Like Anorexia, the sufferer is driven by poor body image, anxiety, and the need for control. The binge is described by many sufferers as a "high"while they are consuming food, followed by debilitating anxiety in the form of regret and shame. These extreme feelings push the sufferer to "purge" everything they have just eaten. Purging can consist of any combination of: vomiting, taking diuretics or laxatives, and extreme exercise behavior. Some signs that may suggest that a person is suffering from Bulimia include:
Consuming excessive amounts of food while not gaining (and many times even loosing) weight
Broken blood vessels in the eyes
Disappearance after meals, met with hostility or avoidance when questioned
Chronic dehydration

If left unchecked, these disorders can cause severe dehydration, heart arrhythmia, loss of menstruation, hair loss, depression, chronic fatigue, just to name a few.

Binge Eating Disorder is characterized by the same consumption of abnormally large amounts of food without the purging after. People who suffer from Binge Eating Disorder will eat until uncomfortably full, sometimes even when not hungry. Like with Bulimia the sufferer refers to the "high" during the binge followed by an extreme feeling of shame. Unlike Bulimia someone suffering from Binge Eating Disorder does not rush to get rid of the food they just consumed. Many people with this disorder will eat "normal" amounts of food when in the presence of others, then binge on hidden food when isolated. Some signs that may suggest that a person is suffering from Binge Eating Disorder include:
Eating a normal meal in the presence of others, but gorging when isolated
Extreme stress/anxiety that can only be relieved with food
Inability to stop eating or control what is consumed
Continuing to eat even when miserably full
Inability to feel satisfied no matter how much food is consumed
Feelings of shame and disgust when thinking about the binge sessions

There are of course many other eating disorders and variations in severity of the 3 listed here, however most eating disorders have many things in common that CBD can help with.

For most people the obsession and compulsion is fueled by anxiety . Too many people today don't grasp the fact that anxiety can cause a whole host of health issues, both mental and physical & you absolutely can gain control of your anxiety. As someone who has suffered from anxiety and suffered its damaging effects, it breaks my heart when I speak to anyone who is suffering as well. Anxiety causes your body to flood with hormones and chemicals that can do alot of damage in their wake. A healthy Endocannabinoid System is the key to better overall health. We produce cannabinoids in our bodies that interact with the same receptors as the phytocannabinoids in hemp and cannabis. CBD can decrease anxiety, protect & heal the brain, modulate & balance the production of chemicals in the brain, & allow you to maintain a healthy weight.
The last thing I want to say is.... Do not go through this alone. Talk to someone who has been through it. The best thing that happened to me when I was experiencing the worst anxiety of my life was when a friend of mine said that she had been through it as well. She gave me hope that it does get better and that in itself decreased the intensity of the anxiety and allowed me to focus on doing what I needed to to get better.

It does get better, I promise you it does. Do not believe your brain when it tells you that you will feel this way forever... that's a lie. It does not happen fast & there is no way through it but through it, but it does get better. Please, please, please give CBD a chance to help your body and mind heal. Also, if you ever need someone to talk to I am always right here. You can message me on Rustic Oils Facebook page or call me at the store at 816-434-5284.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease

CBD for Acne

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 28 May 2021 16:49:39 GMT

According to the National Institute for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, around 80% of teens and young adults will suffer from acne at some point in their lives. It causes so many problems for people who suffer from it including anxiety and depression.

In this article we will discuss the causes of acne, different types of acne some myths about acne, traditional medications to treat acne and how CBD can help.

What is Acne?
Your skin is full of follicles which are a pore with a hair follicle and a sebaceous gland. Acne occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with dead skin cells & sebum. Sebum is an oily secretion expressed by the sebaceous gland. The plugged follicles can become infected and cause painful unsightly bumps on the skin that can cause scaring.

What are the different types of acne?
These descriptions are super gross so just get ready for that... Here we go
Acne can show up on the skin in many different forms, some more severe than others. These include:

Whiteheads : Whiteheads are closed plugged pores on the surface of the skin filled with sebum and dead skin cells
Blackheads : Blackheads are open plugged pores on the surface of the skin. The pore is stretched open by the build up of sebum and dead skin cells. The dark color is caused by the plug being open to air causing oxidation.
Papules : Papules are small bumps that are red and raised due to inflammation and/or infection.
Pustules : Pustules are papules that have a pocket of pus present on the top. They tend to be red around the bottom and white at the tip.
Nodules : Nodules are solid lumps deeper under the surface of the skin. These are often painful and larger than papules.
Cysts : Cysts are typically quite large and puss filled lumps deep under the surface of the skin. They are almost always painful and caused by infection in the follicle.

What are the most common risk factors for acne?
As we discussed before the root cause of acne is hair follicles plugged by sebum and dead skin cells, however there are many things that can aggravate this condition.

Certain medications like corticosteroids, lithium, oral contraceptives and testosterone.
Hormone changes during pregnancy & puberty.
Stress can trigger hormonal changes that can increase sebum production and make acne worse.
Diet
Family history
Age, acne can affect people at any age but is most common in teens and young adults.

Are traditional acne treatments safe?
Listen, I get it... You want so badly to be acne free that you might be willing to try anything. I submit to you that trying CBD 1st is better for your overall health. CBD does not come with the list of side effects that prescription & over the counter medications come with. Just one scary example is Accutane. Sold from 1982 to 2009, Accutane was linked to many side effects including: birth defects, depression, psychosis, and suicide. A report published by Julia Green of Harvard Law in 2002 goes into more detail. The manufacturer discontinued it in 2009 due to an influx of personal injury lawsuits and decreasing sales. OTC medications are not a whole lot safer, read this article published by the FDA on the dangers of these medications as well.

How does CBD help with acne?
Your Endocannabinoid System is present on nearly every cell type in your body including your skin. It is responsible for maintaining balance which is called homeostasis. Using CBD helps to boost this system and keep it functioning at peak performance. CBD can help by: decreasing inflammation, regulating sebum production, reducing free radical damage & healing damaged cells just to name a few.
Bottom line... if you are suffering from acne, try CBD to help your body heal itself before reaching for chemical medications... your face will thank you.

CBD & Neuropathy

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 28 May 2021 16:47:57 GMT

Therapeutic CBD applications for neuropathic pain

Neuropathy refers to any condition that disrupts the normal activity of the nerves of the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system is the network of nerves connecting to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is very common, occurring in appx 25% to 30% of the population. It is also estimated that 60% to 70% of diabetes sufferers will develop neuropathy.

This system is made up of 3 types of nerves:

Autonomic Nerves : Responsible for controlling automatic bodily functions such as heartbeat, blood pressure, digestion, breathing, elimination, etc.
Common symptoms of autonomic neuropathy include:
Dizziness and/or fainting
Abnormal heart rate and/or blood pressure
Problems with elimination
Digestion issues
Sexual dysfunction
Apnea
Nausea/Vomiting
Sensory Nerves : Responsible for carrying messages from your through your spinal cord to your brain. These are the nerves that tell your brain that you have been injured, that you smell something pleasant vs something unpleasant, etc.
Common symptoms of sensory neuropathy include:
Numbness & tingling (especially in hands and feet)
Burning and/or pins and needles (especially in hands and feet)
Loss of reflexes and/or coordination
Sensation of wearing socks or gloves
Motor Nerves : Work in the opposite way as sensory nerves. They are responsible for carrying messages from your brain to your muscles. Example: Your sensory nerves tell you that you are touching something hot, your motor nerves tell your muscles to move away from the hot surface.
Common symptoms of motor neuropathy include:
Loss of muscle control
Spasms and/or cramps
Muscle twitching and/or weakness
Frequent falling
Difficulty walking
Inability to move part of the body

What causes neuropathy?
Many things can cause neuropathy, but just to name a few:

Heredity
Diabetes and other systematic diseases
Certain cancers and chemotherapy
Trauma/Injury
Certain medications
Vitamin deficiency
Excessive alcohol consumption

The most common neuropathy complaint that I get in the store is in the feet and hands. Customers report numbness, tingling, extreme pain, and even restless leg. I feel horrible for these customers because they are in constant, maddening pain that is not relieved by anything they have tried. Most of them report relief in minutes when using a CBD pain cream and almost all report relief (ranging from "better" to "gone") when using an oral and a topical for more than a week. It is crystal clear to me that CBD works very well in most cases for neuropathy, but in this article we are going to try to unravel the "why" behind it.

What makes cannabinoids such a good option for treating neuropathic pain?
The short answer is that we make our own cannabinoids in our bodies. We have a network of cannabinoid receptors in our bodies called the Endocannabinoid System. We make cannabinoids in our bodies that interact with these receptors helping our body to maintain homeostasis. The cannabinoids in hemp and cannabis (called phytocannabinoids) are so similar to our own endocannabinoids that they interact with the receptors the same way as our endocannabinoids. Our endocannabinoid system influences & regulates many physiological processes in the body such as:

Inflammation
Electrical balance in the brain
Immune system regulation
Mood
Appetite
Ocular pressure (pressure in the eye)
Pain threshold and perception of pain
Appetite
Digestion

This is just to name a few to give you an idea of how supplementing and strengthening this system can help with a whole host of problems including neuropathy.

How should I use CBD for my neuropathic pain?

My personal opinion is that any chronic pain responds best to an oral and a topical combined. We call it the power pain combo and offer a 10% discount when purchased together. Call or come by today and ask all the questions you want!

Grounding: Get your bare feet on the ground

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 28 May 2021 16:45:07 GMT

Modern life has severed our connection with Earths electricity

Grounding... putting your bare feet on the Earth...This is a subject that I've been learning so much about this past year. If you have read my story , you know that I have put my body through alot of ups and downs this past couple of years. One of the most difficult to deal with things that has come of all of this is chronic anxiety that can sometimes lead to debilitating panic attacks. If you are reading this and suffer from anxiety, I see you and I'm here for you any time . You also know that you would do just about anything to make it stop or at the very least turn the volume down in your mind, body, & spirit. Even though CBD was a huge lifesaver for me, I did alot of damage when I quit prescription narcotics cold turkey & was suffering severe anxiety as a result. I was absolutely determined to stay off of anxiety medicine and went on a quest to see what lifestyle changes I could employ to relieve my perpetual distress. One of the people I'm so thankful to have met on this quest is my precious friend Missy. I could go on all day about how much this beautiful soul has helped me even when she didn't even know. She offered so much inspiration to me as well as some of the best advice I've ever been given "Rachel, drink a big glass of water, go outside, and get your bare feet on the ground". That very evening, as soon as I got home I kicked off my shoes, drank a whole bottle of water, and headed to the yard with renewed hope that this practice would give me another non-prescription arrow in my quiver to combat this wild unbalance I was experiencing. I'm here to tell you that it was surprisingly effective. The only way I can explain it is that it turned the volume down in my mind and body & that, in turn, seriously renewed and energized my spirit. I sat in my front yard with both hands and both feet on the ground for about 20 minutes and had a wonderful and uplifted evening. In this article I will go a little deeper into the scientific theories behind the actual physical grounding (also called " earthing "), but I want to also point out that just sitting there I found myself marveling at things like how beautiful the clouds were, how I noticed the symphony of birds and bugs happily chirping, and how the little ants never take a break from their scurrying. That in itself was pretty powerful to me, realizing all the things I don't notice as much anymore because the hamster in my mind never gets off it's wheel. Physical grounding has become a regular part of my daily routine since that day. My husband will even gently remind me sometimes to go drink some water and get my bare feet on the ground. I've also been researching ways to achieve this in the winter time which I will go into a little later in the article for those of you who are interested. Now, enough with story time... on to some science and common sense!

What is Grounding/Earthing?

Simply put, grounding/earthing is making direct physical contact with the vast supply of electrons on the surface of the Earth . When the atoms that make up our bodies loose an electron, it becomes a free radical and can do all sorts of damage to our delicate systems, throwing everything out of balance. When we walk around barefoot, we absorb it's electrons and they flow through our energy field.

How can grounding help physical & mental health?

We must first understand how electricity works in our bodies. Our cells are specialists that use electricity to communicate through our body to our brain. Elements in our bodies (magnesium, sodium, potassium, etc.) have a very specific electrical charge that our cells can use to generate the electricity they need to do their job. Electrons come in pairs and when an atom looses an electron it throws everything out of balance and can lead to a whole host of disease and malfunction in the body. Grounding helps to restore this balance. As we absorb the free electrons on the surface of the Earth, our body is better able to repair itself at a cellular level. Also, just the act of being in nature and noticing the beauty around you will facilitate a lifting of your spirit. Try it, go read the rest of this article outside with your bare feet on the Earth.

How can I achieve this when weather doesn't permit me to be outdoors?

Touch something metal in your home that runs into the ground. We have exposed copper pipes in our basement that are perfect for this, however putting your hands on a metal electrical appliance can achieve an electron transfer.
Take a bath or run your hands under water. As long as your water pipes are metal, you are good to ground. Adding amplifying minerals, such as bath salts can intensify the effect.
If you are unable to achieve a grounding effect using these methods, never fear. There are many things you can buy, such as a grounding mat, that can mimic the effects of the Earth. There are many many places you can purchase these and I don't endorse any product over another at this time. Start by typing things like "Grounding Mats", "Grounding Therapy", or "Grounding patches" into your search engine and start researching!

Modern lifestyle for the most part has disconnected us almost completely from everyday access to the Earth's electrons. Think about it, most of our shoes have synthetic soles, building materials that we come in contact with are mostly inorganic, most of modern society no longer grows their own food, and so on and so on. Many believe that this disconnect has had a catastrophic impact on human health . Just imagine, making this one little change to your routine could have a lifelong positive impact on your life.

Ultimately this, among all the other wonderful natural techniques and medicines we have at our disposal, are all about Homeostasis and living a balanced lifestyle is such a huge part of that.

Bonus!

Here is another great little article with several simple techniques that can help calm your mind.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease

CBD & Gout

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 28 May 2021 16:41:20 GMT

Gout risk factors, causes, prevention, and how CBD can help

Gout is known throughout the world for hundreds of years as the "Disease of Kings", due to the fact that it has long been linked to overindulgence in rich foods that only the wealthy could afford. People who suffer from Gout can tell you that it in no way makes you feel like a king, nor is it only a disease for the wealthy. Gout affects appx. 4% of the population.

What is Gout?
Gout is a kind of complex arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the joints. The excess uric acid in the system forms needle like crystals that build up in the joint causing sudden onset of intense pain and swelling. Symptoms often develop without warning (often at night) and cause such intense pain that even the slightest pressure can not be tolerated. Gout can develop in any joint in your body, but most generally begins in the large joint of the big toe. Other commonly affected joints are: wrists & fingers, ankles, knees, & elbows. Older men are more likely to suffer from gout than younger men and women.

What are the symptoms of Gout?

Sudden onset of extreme inflammation and pain usually lasting 12 hours or more. The swollen area is usually extremely tender and warm to the touch.
Lingering pain and inflammation. Even when the most intense pain and swelling begin to subside, the sufferer will often continue to experience discomfort and swelling for several days to weeks. Many times subsequent attacks can be more violent and last longer.
Extreme swelling and redness at the site. The affected joint is many times visibly larger, bright red, and warm to the touch.
Decreased range of motion. Movement in the joints is extremely painful due to the needle like crystals irritating the nerves. As Gout progresses, many people are not able to move these joints like they used to.

What are the most common triggers of Gout?

Eating large amounts of foods high in purines such as red meat, turkey, shellfish, organ meats, alcohol, etc.
Joint damage from injury or surgery
Chemotherapy
Certain diuretic medications such as for edema, high blood pressure, and heart failure
Fasting & crash diets which can cause dehydration
Drinking more than a couple of portions of alcoholic beverages and sweet sodas per day

Genetics do play a key role in developing Gout, however an unbalanced diet is often to blame for Gout flare ups. Many foods that are high in purines cause excessive amounts of uric acid to build up in your system, leading to the development of the needle like crystals that disrupt the homeostasis of the joint.

There are several "Dos and Don'ts" to avoid Gout flare ups.

Dos

DO eat citrus that is low in fructose : Most studies show that we should get at least 500mg per day of Vitamin C. This amazing little vitamin decreases the amount of uric acid levels in your body. Grapefruit, pineapple, oranges, and strawberries are good low fructose citrus options.
DO drink plenty of water : Dehydration is one of the many triggers of Gout. Studies show that we need to drink a half ounce to an ounce of water for each pound that we weigh depending on activity level. For example: I weigh 125 lbs, and I'm relatively healthy & active with no diet restrictions. I should be drinking 115-125 ounces of water per day. (always check with your doctor to ensure that your water intake is optimal for your personal health and activity level.)
DO drink/eat low-fat dairy : Low fat dairy works to reduce uric acid levels and promotes excretion of uric acid.
DO drink coffee : Enjoying your coffee ( without sugar and high fat cream) decreases your chance of developing gout. It is not clear whether drinking coffee can decrease chances after you have had an attack.
DO eat vegetable proteins : Vegetable proteins do not raise uric acid levels in the body and are a great alternative to rich red meats and organ meats.

Don'ts

DON'T drink liquor or beer : Your body produces uric acid as it breaks down alcohol. Beer has a high level of purines which can cause an excessive build up of uric acid in the body.
DON'T drink soda : Soda contains fructose (most contain high fructose corn syrup). Fructose is broken down in the body as purines.
DON'T eat red meats or organ meats : Organ meats such as liver, tongue, & sweetbreads are very high in purines. Red meat contains a higher level of purines than white meats and should be consumed only in small quantities & only occasionally.
DON'T eat certain seafoods : Seafood such as oysters, muscles, shrimp, crab, lobster, & scallops are high in purines & should be eaten only in moderation. Other heart healthy fish (such as salmon, & tuna) are relatively high in purines, but are also high in Omega-3 fatty acids. The cardiovascular benefits could outweigh the risk of gout in some people.

CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can help not only fight the symptoms of gout, but can also work to prevent gout in the first place. CBD works with your body's own Endocannabinoid System to promote homeostasis in your body. It works to relieve pain by reducing inflammation and modulating the pain signals. It's a powerful antioxidant that works to fight free radicals. It reduces stress and anxiety which can amplify existing pain.

When it comes to any disease that has a violent inflammatory onset I always recommend using an oral as well as a topical CBD. Oral preparations are absorbed and distributed into your blood, whereas topical applications go directly to the affected cells in the area of flare up. Try reaching for CBD the next time you or someone you love has a painful gout flare up.

Click here for an article on CBD and Arthritis.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease

Cardiovascular Health

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 28 May 2021 16:38:52 GMT

Is CBD good for your ticker?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. for both men and women. According to the Centers for Disease Control, around 610,000 Americans die of heart disease annually.... That is 1 in 4 people that this preventable disease is taking every single year.

Can heart disease be prevented?
The short answer is yes. There are most certainly genetics involved for some people; however, the most common cause of heart disease in America is lifestyle. Poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle are silent killers when it comes to your cardiovascular health. Living a healthy lifestyle is even more important when you are genetically predisposed to heart disease.
Your cardiovascular system includes your heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Any disease or malfunction of any kind in this system could be catastrophic to the entire body. The importance of this system is many times over looked by many Americans as evidenced by living risky lifestyle and/or ignoring warning signs.

Controllable Risk Factors

Smoking : Tobacco smoke contains carbon monoxide & reduces the amount of oxygen being delivered to your organs. Smoking is also very damaging to the blood vessels and this damage leads to a buildup of fatty deposits that can lead to stroke, heart attack, & high blood pressure.
Lack of physical activity : This affects especially people who sit a lot. Lack of muscle movement, decreased blood flow, lack of aerobic activity leading to decreased oxygen delivered to the heart. Everyone should have some sort of activity, even small amounts of activity can decrease your risk.
If you sit a lot for your job, get up and take a little 5 minute walk at least every hour . Even a small walk like this increases blood flow, stimulates the muscles, & increases your energy. Prolonged sitting can lead to blood clots and atrophic muscles.
Poor Diet : This is a tough one for many people (including myself). “Everything in moderation” can be a struggle when you are faced with your favorite foods (my weakness is all things sugar) If this is a struggle for you, try adding plant based foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins to your diet and then slowly reduce or remove foods high in trans fats, saturated fats, refined sugars, and sodium. This is especially difficult for the young and people who have always had a great metabolism. They don’t see the damage so its hard for them to accept it as a reality.
Excess Weight : Knowing & maintaining your ideal weight (as close as you can, no one is perfect) can stave off a whole host of diseases. When you are carrying extra weight, your heart is under constant strain to pump your blood, depriving it and other organs of oxygen. Excess weight can also lead to diabetes which can lead to heart disease.
Stress : Stress is literally a killer in this nation, and leads to so very many diseases that can be avoided. The fast pace of life here contributes to a high stress culture. We as Americans put so much pressure on ourselves and each other to be better, faster, & smarter than the next guy. Uncontrolled stress can lead to high levels of adrenaline and cortisol, keeping your brain in a constant state of fight or flight. Your fight or flight response is there for a reason and is extremely important in some situations, but when this response is perpetual it puts a tremendous strain on your entire body.
High Cholesterol and/or Blood Pressure : If you are genetically programmed for high cholesterol and/or high blood pressure, then the risk factors mentioned above mean even more to you. Gaining control of your cholesterol can literally save your life. Be proactive. Quit Smoking (or better yet don’t ever start). Eat a diet high in heart healthy foods. Find an activity level that is comfortable for you and increases your blood flow. Maintain a healthy weight. Avoid/control stress.

How can CBD help keep my heart healthy?
CBD doesn't directly interact with your cardiovascular system, but your Endocannabinoid System most certainly plays a starring role. Your ECS is responsible for homeostasis in the body. Balance means your heart is able to raise and lower with physical activity, your blood is able to clot when needed, free radicals & toxins are removed, etc. Without this balance for example, your heart would be unable to maintain a healthy rhythm, you would bleed out if you cut yourself, and free radicals and toxins would damage everything in their path.

There are many other benefits that CBD provides to your heart health.

CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory and can reduce damaging cellular inflammation which is one of the worst offenders to every system in your body.
CBD is a powerful anti-oxidant. Oxidative stress can lead to cellular inflammation that can lead to heart damage.
CBD helps your body to increase blood flow by opening blood vessels, leading to less damage to arterial walls caused by high blood pressure.
CBD works to reduce stress & anxiety. Stress and anxiety can lead to an avalanche of health issues and is very damaging to the heart over time. CBD works to decrease cardiac response to stress/anxiety & can significantly reduce damage to your heart and vessels.
CBD helps to boost the activity of the compounds responsible for clearing out blockages in vessel walls, leading to decreased blood pressure and reduced risk of stroke and heart attack.
CBD promotes healthy sleep cycles, giving your heart the rest it needs and deserves.

I preach all the time that the most important thing when using CBD for your health is consistency. While you can absolutely use CBD to help manage flare ups, it is most effective when you establish what your therapeutic level is and maintain a baseline concentration. Prevention should always be the cornerstone of your regimen.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease

Multiple Sclerosis

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 28 May 2021 16:37:10 GMT

Using CBD to help manage the many symptoms of MS

Multiple Sclerosis is considered by most MS scientists to be an auto-immune disease even though as of yet there hasn't been a specific antigen identified in MS. MS causes an abnormal response of the bodys immune system, causing it to attack the central nervous system . This response is often violent and unpredictable, causing severe pain that can be anywhere in the body. The pain can be widespread or isolated to one area of the body.

There is a fair amount of nerve damage associated with MS. The immune response causes inflammation which in turn damages the nerve fibers, myelin (the fatty substance that surrounds & insulates the nerve fibers), & the cells that manufacture myelin. This loss of myelin and damage to nerve cells causes the signals between the body and the brain to be disrupted.

People who suffer from MS often have very different experiences concerning when and where the pain flares show up. This is due to the widespread damage to the central nervous system caused by MS.

What are the symptoms of MS?
MS has many symptoms and can vary in severity and duration of attack from patient to patient. Some of the most common symptoms associated with MS include:

Vision problems. This is one of the most common problems associated with MS. Central vision is disrupted due to inflammation in the optic nerve. Some people experience pain when moving eyes too far in one direction.
Painful muscle spasms. Most commonly experienced in the back and legs, MS can cause spasticity in the muscles resulting in uncontrollable (not to mention very painful) jerking in these muscles.
Cognitive issues. About 50% of MS sufferers will develop memory problems, issues concentrating, & speech difficulty. Many of these people develop complications from anxiety and depression as well.
Balance issues/Dizziness. Many people living with MS report lightheaded dizzy feelings, especially when standing up. This is known as vertigo .
Tingling and numbness. This can be one of the earliest warning signs of MS and should be taken very seriously. MS affects the brain and spinal cord which is the body's command messaging center. Signaling becomes disrupted and can cause messages to be sent too fast, too slow, to many, or even not at all. Many people suffering with MS say that they experience a perpetual tingling and numbness in various parts of their bodies.
Bladder and bowel issues. Up to 80% of MS sufferers experience bladder incontinence (spontaneous loss of bladder), frequent urination or urge to urinate, and painful urination. Many people also report, diarrhea, constipation, IBS symptoms, and bowel incontinence (spontaneous loss of bowels).
Weakness & fatigue. Over 80% of MS patients report chronic fatigue and weakness in their extremities, most notably the legs.
Sexual arousal. This originates in the central nervous system so many MS sufferers also suffer from low or no sex drive as well as reported pain during intercourse.

Are there different types of MS?
Yes. The most recent research shows 4 disease courses identified in MS.

Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) : This is the most common disease course and is diagnosed in around 80% of MS patients. This is characterized by sudden (many times violent) onset of new or increasing symptoms that is followed by periods of remission.
Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS) : This is characterized by progressive and/or worsening neurological function. Many people diagnosed with RRMS will transition to SPMS.
Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) : PPMS is characterized by progressive and/or worsening symptoms from onset of MS.
Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) : This is a first episode of neurological symptoms lasting 24 or more hours. Many times this precedes a diagnoses of MS. People who experience CIS may or may not develop MS.

How does CBD help with MS?

CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can decrease the inflammatory response of myelin destruction
CBD can slow the neurodegenerative process of MS
CBD can aid in neuroregeneration
CBD can limit the progression of MS
CBD can reduce neurological disability
CBD can reduce pain signaling and spasticity
CBD can aid in sleep
CBD can reduce anxiety & stress and reduce the risk of depression.

Fibromyalgia

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 28 May 2021 16:35:54 GMT

Fibromyalgia is miserable... Can CBD help?

Fibromyalgia is characterized by many symptoms with the most reported being widespread chronic pain. Approximately 2 to 4 percent of Americans live with Fibromyalgia. In this article I will give you a glimpse into my personal experience with CBD for Fibromyalgia. We will also look at some of the most common symptoms of Fibromyalgia, and how CBD has helped so many people decrease their need for prescription medications.

I have personal experience with this debilitating disease. My mother (who is the best mother in the world by the way) has lived with this disease for years. She dealt with extreme stress for many years before her symptoms developed (which we now know resulted in PTSD). I remember before she was diagnosed and going through a battery of tests to try to figure out what was wrong with her. We were all scared and very frustrated because she just kept getting worse and worse. We were no longer able to go on shopping trips because she could only walk for a little while. We couldn't take long trips because she could not sit in the car for long periods of time without severe pain throughout her whole body. She would have severe allergic type reactions for reasons we could not figure out. As soon as the doctor gave her the diagnoses of Fibromyalgia and I began to research it, suddenly it all made more sense. Widespread pain? Check... Severe allergies? Check.. Chronic fatigue? Check... I went down the list and checked off nearly every symptom on the list that she had been suffering with. Fibromyalgia was to be forever a part of our lives.

in April of 2018 I began my personal journey with CBD and relentless study of all of the amazing health benefits that this plant gives to us. In the first couple days I realized that I needed to get my Momma on CBD as soon as possible. Not only was I finding article after article of people who were using CBD for their Fibromyalgia symptoms, I was already starting to realize that I no longer needed pain medications for my own chronic back pain and CBD was the answer I had been praying for. She was amazed almost immediately at the relief she was experiencing. She began using Hemp Dropz water soluble, gummies, and pain cream. Within the first few days she was reporting to me that the "shocks" & "tingles" she always felt in her legs were all but gone, relief from muscle spasms, pain relief, better sleep... etc. She was totally sold & ready to start living with Fibromyalgia instead of just existing. Today she is going out with her friends, going to yoga class, taking 8 hour car trips to go see my sister in Tennessee, and able to play with her grandchildren. CBD gave us our Momma back and we could not be more grateful.

So, what is Fibromyalgia and what are it's causes?
Scientists are still somewhat baffled as to the exact causes of a person developing Fibromyalgia, but know that it is characterized by nerve signals going awry. People who suffer with Fibromyalgia may have more pain signaling cells than others as well as having fewer of the cells that slow pain signaling down. Our body has a phenomenal pain signaling network that is crucial for our survival. It tells you when something is wrong. When you get hurt your body sends a signal through your spinal cord to your brain which translates this signal as pain. As the injury heals, the pain gets better until it's finally gone... your body tells you "I'm good now". People who suffer from Fibromyalgia have a glitch in this signaling system. Their brains & bodies are in a constant state of "something's wrong and I hurt", even when it's not sick or injured. When these people do get injured the pain is much worse than a healthy person with the same injury.
Doctors still are unsure why some people develop Fibromyalgia and some don't. There are so many reasons a persons pain signaling system could malfunction in this way. Below are just a few.

Lack of physical activity : Fibromyalgia has been shown to be much more present in people who are not physically active. I know it's really hard to develop an exercise program for yourself when you are in pain, but you need to know how crucial it is to your pain signaling. Physical activity stimulates your body's own production of Anandamide (known as the "Bliss Molecule") which can significantly decrease pain signaling.
Gender : Fibromyalgia affects women much more than men. Many scientists believe that this is due to the many hormonal changes a female experiences in her life from an early age. Many men living with Fibromyalgia go undiagnosed.
Genetics : There seems to be a strong familial connection to Fibromyalgia and increased pain signaling as well as depression/anxiety which contributes to widespread pain.
Physical abuse, emotional abuse, & PTSD : People who experience abuse or a traumatic event experience a chemical change in the area of the brain that processes pain and stress. This can greatly increase their chance of developing Fibromyalgia

What are the symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
There are many many reported symptoms, a list that seems to grow larger as more research is completed. The most commonly reported symptoms are:

Widespread chronic pain
Severe allergic reactions
Restless leg syndrome
"Buzzing", "Shocks", "Stinging", etc. in many parts of the body, most commonly the legs and feet.
Chronic Fatigue
Inability to concentrate, often referred to as "fibro brain fog"
Gastrointestinal disorders (IBS, chronic constipation, chronic diarrhea, etc.)
Changes in vision
Anxiety & Depression

Does CBD help control the symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
The short answer is absolutely... The long answer is that everyone's Endocannabinoid System is different, so no 2 people will have the exact same experience and timing. As I mentioned earlier my Momma began experiencing relief almost immediately, however I have had many customers who didn't start experiencing significant change for a few weeks. The most important thing that I have learned on this journey, based on customer feedback and testimonials, is that nearly all people who suffer from Fibromyalgia find significant relief of at least some of their most debilitating symptoms. Below is a list of the ways CBD can help with your Fibromyalgia symptoms.

CBD can reduce brain inflammation which contributes to pain signaling and "fibro fog"
CBD reduces musculoskeletal inflammation
CBD is a neuroprotectant & can lessen brain cell damage after trauma by stimulating cell repair
CBD is an antioxidant & blocks damage from free radicals
CBD has strong anti-anxiety properties, taking your brains fight or flight response out of turbo and restoring signaling to normal
CBD promotes overall Homeostasis in your body.

Here are a few more resources for you to look in to:

Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 28 May 2021 16:33:56 GMT

Exploring the effects of CBD on Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's is a brutal thief that steals memories, emotions, recognition, sense of self... it's unapologetic in taking down the entire family with it. I worked for years with many precious people who suffer from this disease & it was equally rewarding and heartbreaking. In this article we will look at the different types of dementia & the effects of cannabis on this ugly disease.

There is a lot of emerging research on the connection of the endocannabinoid system and dementia. These studies show the tremendous promise in cannabis as a viable treatment, many times proving better than traditional treatments. Please take some time to click the link to view the studies from Project CBD.

Dementia is a broad term used for many different forms of cognitive impairment with the most common being Alzheimer's Disease. Signs and symptoms can include: memory loss, personality change, impaired judgement, and difficulty communicating just to name a few. Many times identifying the early symptoms can aid in the proper diagnoses of the type of dementia. Let's look at the most well known forms of dementia.

Alzheimer's Disease
The early symptoms of Alzheimer's usually include memory loss, difficulty finding the right words, and impaired judgement and safety. It typically progresses to middle stages in 2-4 years. In the middles stages the symptoms can progress to include psychological and behavioral symptoms that are beyond the sufferers control. This stage can many times be the most difficult stage, especially for the caregiver. Some people live 20 plus years with Alzheimer's, however the average life expectancy is 8-10 years after diagnoses. Inflammation has been shown to be one of the main causes of Alzheimer's Dementia. This inflammation happens when the immune cells in the brain fail to clear disorienting blockages called plaque in the brain that can cause disorientation. This inflammation triggers a release of oxygen in the brain called oxidative stress. CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory as well as an antioxidant & can absolutely help with these symptoms and triggers.

Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia presents with problems with memory, planning, reasoning, judgement, and confusion due to impaired blood flow to the brain. Vascular dementia can develop after a stroke (also known as post-stroke dementia) or from vessel damage due to other disease processes in the body.Vascular dementia can progress slowly like Alzheimer's but typically presents in a faster more noticeable step-like process.Some of the key symptoms of vascular dementia include:

General confusion
Trouble concentrating and communicating
Unsteady gait
Inability to control the passage of urine & sudden need to urinate
Difficulty with decision making that has always come natural
Agitation and restlessness

Lewy Body Dementia
Dementia with Lewy Bodies is the second most common type of progressive dementia next to Alzheimer's. Lewy Bodies are protein deposits that develop on the nerve cells in the regions of the brain that involve memory, motor control, and thinking. Signs and symptoms of Lewy Body dementia include:

Visual Hallucinations: Many times this is one of the first symptoms to present and are often recurring. They can include visual, auditory, olfactory, & tactile hallucinations. These symptoms can be very scary and disorienting.
Loss of motor function or trouble controlling motor function: slow movement, rigid muscles, shuffling gait, and tremors
Autonomic nervous system breakdown: Pulse, blood pressure, body temperature, sweating, etc. are all functions controlled by the autonomic nervous system and are many times affected by Lewy Bodies dementia.
Inability to control attention span: long spans of staring off into space (sometimes misdiagnosed as focal seizures), inability to hold a conversation or inability to articulate, sleepiness & long naps during the day, etc.
Depression, anxiety, and apathy

Pick's Disease (Frontotemporal Dementia)
Frontotemporal Dementia is caused by nerve cell loss and can lead to psychosis and severe depression. FTD affects the following regions of the brain:

Frontal Lobe (located behind the forehead): Controls cognition, emotional expression, language, movement, sexual behaviors, social interaction, memory, and judgement
Temporal Lobe (located behind the ears): Controls hearing, vision, sensory input, language, emotion, and comprehension.

Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's Disease has been linked to dementia because it affects the nerve cells in the basal ganglia & substantia nigra areas of the brain. Dementia typically starts to present sometimes as early as 1 year after diagnoses. Parkinson's is hallmarked by shuffling/slow gait, contractual of the hands, & uncontrollable movement in the extremities especially the hands, arms and head.

Huntington's Disease
Huntington's Disease is a hereditary disease that results in the death of brain cells. The initial symptoms can present as dementia, mood disorders, & mental acuity with unsteady gait and lack of coordination typically follow soon after. Late stages of Huntington's is hallmarked by uncontrollable body movements that are widespread.

What are the ways that CBD can help with Dementia?

There are many different prescription medications used to treat the symptoms of dementia. Many are intolerable and ineffective. CBD is non toxic, tolerable at high levels, and effective on many different symptoms at once. Here are just a few of the many reasons CBD is becoming a first resort for treating all forms of dementia.

CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory and helps by fighting inflammation in the nerve cells & tissues in the brain
CBD is a powerful anti-oxidant and can reduce oxidative stress in the brain. The more inflammation in the brain the more oxygen is released as a result. Important brain functions are decreased as more and more oxygen is released.
CBD can stimulate neurogeneisis which is the birth of new brain cells and tissue that have been damaged which can stop the progression of dementia.
CBD can increase blood flow to the brain and decrease the deposits that lead to blood flow problems to the brain
CBD activates CB2 receptors which increases brain cell activity and decreases brain damage
CBD helps to reduce motor symptoms such as muscle rigidity, tremors, and uncontrollable muscle movement
CBD is a neuro protectant and not only can stimulate new brain cells but also protect from degeneration
CBD is a powerful anti-anxiety which can greatly reduce the affects of the symptoms that present with dementia
CBD has fantastic anti-depressant properties
CBD can bring sleep patterns back into balance. Disrupted sleep can contribute to agitation, increased confusion, more uncontrollable movement, etc. Sleep is extremely important for overall health
CBDremoves amyloid clumps from nerve cells in the brain
CBDprevents overactive immune system in the brain
CBD is safe and tolerable even at high doses

Below are a few fantastic videos of people using CBD for dementia. Enjoy.
https://youtu.be/sb6g5-A1ljA
https://www.bloomberg.com/f9a12d0f-e9a6-4857-a8d5-5eeedd56bb51
https://youtu.be/r96Qi4Mj8_U
https://youtu.be/DcU6rXB0V5c
https://youtu.be/bX16bDDPL8 k

Diabetes

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 28 May 2021 16:30:18 GMT

Can CBD help me manage my diabetes?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, over 100 million Americans are living with diabetes. That is over one third of our population, and the numbers grow every day. In this article we will take a look at the different types of diabetes, common causes of unbalanced blood sugar, risk factors, and how CBD can help you manage your symptoms.

What is diabetes?
Diabetes is defined as "A disease in which the body's ability to produce or respond to the hormone insulin is impaired, resulting in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated levels of glucose in the blood and urine". Blood glucose is the body's main source of energy and insulin is an important hormone made by the pancreas which helps glucose from food get into your cells to be used as energy. In many people the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin, leaving too much glucose in the blood that can cause alot of trouble over time.

What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that causes your immune system to attack and destroy islet cells in your pancreas. Islet cells are the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes accounts for appx. 5 to 10 percent of all diabetes cases, and can develop at any age but is typically diagnosed earlier in life. People who suffer from Type 1 have to take insulin every day.

Type 2 Diabetes is in the process of being reclassified as an autoimmune disorder rather than just a metabolic disorder. Type 2 causes your body to resist insulin or not produce enough insulin. Many times at the onset, your body will over produce insulin trying to balance the glucose in the blood, then typically in time is unable to keep up with the glucose in the blood. Type 2 diabetes used to be referred to as "Adult Onset Diabetes" but today more and more children are being diagnosed, most likely due to the increase in childhood obesity. One big difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is that Type 2 can many times be managed without the use of insulin. Weight loss, diet, and exercise can go a long way to helping you manage your blood sugar levels.

Other types of diabetes:

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that only occurs during pregnancy, and many times is resolved when she gives birth. It is many times related to a number of different things that happen to the body during pregnancy such as hormonal changes, weight gain, and genetic factors. This type of diabetes can be exceptionally dangerous because it many times has no symptoms or can have mild symptoms such as frequent urination or excessive thirst. Pregnant women should have their doctors keep a close eye on blood sugars, especially if they experience any symptoms. Women who develop gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and their child is at higher risk of becoming obese and/or developing Type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are considered polygenic, meaning that it is caused by a mutation or change in multiple genes. Diabetes that results from a defect in a single gene is known as Monogenic Diabetes . This form of diabetes is very rare and only accounts for 1 to 4 percent of diabetes diagnoses. Many times monogenic diabetes is misdiagnosed. Most of the time the gene mutation is inherited from both parents, but can sometimes develop spontaneously and the gene is not carried by either parent. This type of diabetes is sometimes controlled by medication and sometimes requires insulin therapy.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Symptoms of diabetes can develop very slowly and are many times overlooked until other diabetes related health problems present. Signs and symptoms include:

Increased thirst
Frequent urination
Unintended weight loss
Slow healing sores
Darkening skin around the neck & armpits
Fatigue
Neuropathy
Increased hunger
Blurred or decreased vision

Can CBD help me manage my diabetes symptoms?
CBD works with your body's own Endocannabinoid System & therefore has many many therapeutic applications, not the least of which is management of diabetes symptoms.

Prevention is probably the most important way that CBD can help combat diabetes. A healthy endocannabinoid system promotes homeostasis in all systems in your body, preventing imbalance in the first place. CBD can help your pancreas do it's job in the first place.
Many studies have shown that CBD treats diabetic neuropathy better than traditional medications. CBD is also well known as a neuroprotectant so, not only can it relieve neuropathic pain it can also prevent further neuropathy. Researchers believe that CBD may increase the levels of nerve growth factor as well as protect the liver from oxidative stress .
CBD is known to help the body burn calories and fat more efficiently. It can act as an appetite suppressant, fight extra weight in the form of inflammation, and aid in the process of fat browning . This process is important because there are 2 forms of fat in the body. White adipose tissue (fat) stores calories and brown adipose tissue aids in the body's ability to burn energy. Overall, CBD can help prevent obesity and the storing of fat around the waist.
There have been many studies that tie insulin resistance to chronic inflammation. CBD is a very powerful anti-inflammatory and also promotes homeostasis throughout the body. Reducing inflammation in the body improves the overall function of your cardiovascular and immune system as well as many other systems in the body needed for your body to work at peak performance.
Many diabetics struggle with chronic skin disorders due to poor circulation. CBD can not only improve cardiovascular performance by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow, but it also helps with the healing and regeneration of skin & muscle cells. Many users of oral and topical CBD preparations report not only faster healing of existing wounds, but also a reduction of developing conditions.

CBD is not going to cure your diabetes, but adding CBD to your existing treatments and routine can aid in the overall health of your body and improve your quality of life. To sum up:

CBD can aid in improving blood flow by keeping blood vessels open.
CBD can aid in relieving restless leg syndrome which many diabetics suffer from.
CBD can reduce pain and neuropathy.
CBD can aid in gently reducing blood pressure which is very important for diabetes sufferers.
CBD is an anti-spasmodic and can reduce painful muscle cramping and GI disorders.
CBD can aid in balancing blood sugars

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease

What is Lions Mane?

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 28 May 2021 16:22:50 GMT

A look at how this fruiting mushroom can be great for your health

Mushrooms come in all shapes, sizes, and species. Some are just plain delicious, others can provide a wealth of medicinal value. The fungi kingdom is full of mushroom species that are great for our health. Today we will be discussing the Lion's Mane mushroom. This beautiful mushroom is both delicious and great for your health! If you are allergic or sensitive to fungus, you should use caution and discuss consuming Lion's Mane with your Dr.

What is Lion's Mane?

Lion's Mane, known by the species name Hericium Erinaceus , is an edible mushroom belonging to the tooth fungus group. They grow only on dying hardwood such as oak, walnut, beech, sycamore and maple. They have these long shaggy little spines that remind me of the Havanese breed of dog with it's long dreadlocks, but these spines aren't cute puppy dreadlocks, they are the part of the mushroom that produces spores. They are always positioned perpendicular to the earth so the spores can be ejected onto the forest floor and be carried away to their next hardwood home.

What are the potential health benefits of Lion's Mane?

The following are some of the potential health benefits of Lion's Mane:

Immune System Support & Booster - Animal models show that Lion's Mane boosts immunity by increasing the activity of the intestinal immune system, protecting the body from pathogens that enter into the body and down to the gut.
Heart Disease Risk Reduction - There are many risk factors for heart disease and Lion's Mane has been shown to help with some of these. Test tube studies have shown a significant reduction in oxidized cholesterol in the blood stream which can attach to the walls of arteries and cause them to harden, which we know can lead to heart attack, stroke, and blood clots.
Neuroprotectant with regenerative properties - Lion's Mane is one of the only mushrooms that stimulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor or BDNF . This is huge because BDNF is an extremely important protein that strengthens brain cells and stimulates production of new ones. BDNF also increases neuroplasticity , making your neuro pathways more flexible to stress and damage.
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
Relief of mild depression and anxiety - Many animal studies have shown promise in anti-inflammatory properties, improved hippocampus function, and brain cell regeneration. One small study even concluded that consuming Lion's Mane for one month reduced self-reported anxiety in menopausal women.
Lion's Mane is also showing promising results in Multiple Sclerosis
Cognitive Function Improvement - There have been multiple animal studies regarding Lion's Mane and cognitive function. One study concluded that Lion's Mane improved object recognition and recognition memory. There have been other studies showing promise in Alzheimer's & Parkinson's Disease but much more research needs to be done in this area.

What is the method of consumption for Lion's Mane?

There are many ways to consume Lion's Mane including teas, capsules, tinctures, and eating this delicious mushroom.

How do you cook Lion's Mane Mushrooms?

There are so many recipes for cooking and consuming Lion's Mane mushrooms. They are very absorbent so be careful when washing and do not let them stay wet. You can squeeze the excess water from the mushroom without too much damage. They have a flavor and stringy texture similar to lobster or crab. The best way, in my opinion, to prep cook the Lion's Mane is to dry saute until most of the water is out and then add your fat to finish. I will link just a few for you to check out and try.

Meat free "crab cakes" (recipe at the bottom of site)
Roasted Lion's Mane Mushrooms
Multiple Lion's Mane Mushroom recipes

There are many many more recipes using Lion's Mane to search and try, these were just a few of the ones I intend to try out for my family! Let me know which ones you try!

Autism

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 28 May 2021 16:21:04 GMT

The amazing effects of CBD for Autism

In the last 3 decades, diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder have increased 3 fold. Autism is defined as: "A developmental disorder of variable severity characterized by difficulty in social interaction and communication and by restrictive or repetitive patterns of thought and behavior" Impaired social interaction is the hallmark symptom of ASD and can become apparent as early as infancy. (Some mothers even report a noticeable change during pregnancy as opposed to their other pregnancies) According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 1 out of every 88 children will have developed ASD by age 8 and males are 4 times more likely to fall on the spectrum as girls. Early signs of ASD can include no eye contact in infancy, no babbling or pointing by age 1, no formed words by age 16 months, Some of the other notable signs include:

Failure to make eye contact
Unresponsiveness
Failure to respond to others
Struggle to interpret thoughts, feelings of others
Trouble responding to social ques like non verbals and tone of voice
Focusing on something so intently that all outside stimulus goes unnoticed
Lack of Empathy
Repetitive motions such as rocking, clapping, jumping, twirling
Repetitive or unusual language
Inflexible need to stick to specific routines
Self Harm behaviors such as biting, kicking, and head banging

Researchers and desperate parents are still trying to understand the biological mechanisms of Autism Spectrum Disorder . Despite the fact that science is still searching for causes and bio markers, there is so much emerging research on CBD and Autism and the studies are so very promising. Study after study is finding that the Endocannabinoid System is involved in both overall brain development and health as well as the pathogenesis of autism. These studies also suggest that clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency could contribute to other risk factors, even in utero. The ECS has been found to control the reproductive process even as early as implantation. In women, the stress reducing effects of CBD can aid in fertility. Stress and anxiety can make getting pregnant very difficult. One study conducted by Dr. Hans Hatt found that there is an ECS receptor in sperm cells that "activates the spermatozoa for fertilization". (Many other studies show the negative impacts of THC use and fertility in men)

Knowing that the ECS holds such a prominent role in reproduction, it seems to go without saying that an Endocannabinoid Deficiency can contribute to many different disease processes that can develop over time even in the most early stages of fertility. If Mom has a deficient ECS, then baby is not going to have a fully functioning ECS. There are several studies that have suggested that high doses of cannabinoids can have certain negative effects on a developing fetus so it is always best to speak to your Dr. about what dose & ratio is best for you.

Endocannabinoid System role in brain development
A paper published in 2004 shows the ECS (most notably the CB1 receptor) plays several roles in the developing brain.

Receptors found to be present in the fetal brain
Anandamide and 2AG found in human and bovine breast milk. (2AG levels up to 10 times higher than Anandamide levels)
Presence of CB1 receptors in white matter during neural development.
Anandamide protects the developing brain from neuronal loss due to trauma and outside environmental stressers.
Activation of the CB1 receptor triggers the suckling response in newborns
CB1 receptors detected early in gestation of human embryo. Anandamide levels much lower than 2AG .
Another study published in March of 2018 suggests that impaired Anandamide signaling may be involved in the pathophysiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder. The findings from this research show that children suffering from ASD had significantly lower plasma Anandamide levels than the control group of children who had not been diagnosed with ASD. These are favorable results when looking at the efficacy of CBD in Autism.

Studies on CBD & Autism
There have been many many published studies on using CBD for Autistic children and an endless stream of anecdotal reports of parents who have seen tremendous success in the lives of their children. Let's take a look at a few of these studies.

A 2018 study in Israel by Dr. Adi Aran included 60 children with an average age of 12 years old found an 80% improvement in children with ASD when all other conventional drug therapies had failed to improve symptoms. This study was conducted using a 20% CBD to 1% THC ratio. Some other findings worth mentioning in this study are as follows:
62% of participants reported significant improvement over conventional medications
50% of participating children showed improvement in communication skills
40% reported decrease in anxiety (A third of the participants did not report having any anxiety symptoms before the study began)
Another study that was conducted showed similar results, reporting an overall 80% improvement in symptoms. ( Click the link to read the full study )

Many of my customers have reported improvements in their children using CBD including:

significant improvements in overall communication
decreased self harm behaviors
decreased tantrums
increased eye contact
increased tolerance to touch
increased tolerance to stimuli
increased ability to focus on tasks

I'm very excited to see more and more studies coming out showing that CBD is a great alternative (and many times a superior alternative) to traditional medications.

Below are links to some great video testimonials of parents using CBD for their autistic children.
https://youtu.be/c4G_De-rxls
https://youtu.be/9zkM53HLsbs
https://youtu.be/aKzeau6Mlps
https://youtu.be/YaMnNj1sg_U
https://youtu.be/18J4N2uo_1 Q

3 Types of Cannabinoids

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 28 May 2021 16:18:29 GMT

What is the difference between Endocannabinoids, Phytocannabinoids, and Synthetic Cannabinoids? Pay attention, this is important

What are the different types of cannabinoids and what does that mean for our bodies? In this article we will break down the 3 different types of cannabinoids.
First of all the most important thing to discuss is the Endocannabinoid System . We all have an Endocannabinoid System and it's biggest dream in life is to maintain homeostasis in your entire body. It is a complex network of receptors that have been found in nearly every cell type in your body that responds to endocannabinoids (cannabinoids that we manufacture in our body) & phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids that are produced by the plant). To better understand this lets break down some definitions.

Endocannabinoid :Endocannabinoids are the cannabinoids that we produce naturally in our body. Your endocannabinoids, Anadamide and 2AG, are produced in the brain and interact with these receptors in many different places in your body. Anandamide is is known as the "bliss molecule".
Cannabinoid : A cannabinoid is a chemical compound that interacts with The Endocannabinoid System. Cannabinoids occur naturally in the bodies of mammals, as well as many plants.
Endocannabinoid System : Your Endocannabinoid System is a network of receptors, found on nearly all cell types in the body that is responsible for homeostasis in the body's systems.
Phytocannabinoids : Phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids that are produced in plants, much the same way that endocannabinoids are produced inside of us. Our Endocannabinoid System interacts with these compounds in the same way as it does with our endogenous cannabinoids.
Synthetic Cannabinoids : These are lab synthesized "cannabinoids". I put that in quotes because true cannabinoids are vital for the balance and function of our Endocannabinoid System, while synthetic cannabinoids can be very dangerous and even catastrophic to the delicate structure of our brains.

Synthetic Cannabinoids: Pay attention, this is important...
Synthetic Cannabinoids are dangerous. They act on the same receptors of the brain as THC, so they produce the same effects. The scary part is that alot of these chemicals bind more strongly than THC so the effects of it can be very dangerous and unpredictable. Another very scary thing is that the formulas are constantly changing to avoid the prohibition laws so it's very hard to know exactly how to counteract the effects, that are many time more than the user was expecting. The most popular names of these synthetic cannabinoids are called "K2" & "Spice" but there are many more brands out there. These are created when plant material and herbs are sprayed with these poisonous chemicals, marketed in shiny packages claiming potpourri or incense & labeled "Not for human consumption". There have been many reported adverse and even dangerous side effects. Keep in mind that people can have a dofferent reaction every time they consume these chemicals, but some of the side effects include:

Racing heartbeat
Extreme increase in body temp
Violent reactions
Hallucinations and delusions
Paranoia
Suicidal ideations
Trouble breathing
Vomiting
Extreme, unyielding anxiety
Withdrawal when chemical is stopped
Loss of consciousness
Death

Long term side effects of these designer drugs can include psychosis, paralysis, and permanent memory loss. Please be aware that when you use this product, you are playing Russian Roulette, even if you have used it in the past the next hit could be your last. It is never worth it to put unknown and constantly changing chemicals in your body for a quick high.

Did you know that cannabis is not the only source of cannabinoids?
While it is true that cannabis has many therapeutic cannabinoids that have not been found in any other species so far, there are other plants that produce cannabinoids and cannabimimetics. The effects on the body and brain depend on the levels of cannabinoids in each plant.

Other plants that contain cannabimimetics

Black Pepper (Contains Beta-Caryophyllene, a powerful anti-inflammatory)
Cone Flower (Echinacea)
Flaxseed
Black Truffles
Kava
Cacao
Liverwort
Electric Daisy
Rhododendron

We will discuss these plants and their therapeutic benefits in more detail in a later article. To read our article on terpenes click here .

Cannabinoid Receptors

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 28 May 2021 16:16:55 GMT

Understanding the difference between CB1 & CB2 receptors

I could absolutely talk for days about the Endocannabinoid System, but in this post we will focus on Cannabinoid Receptors CB1 and CB2.
To fully understand these 2 receptors, we first need to review the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Discovered in the 1980's, the ECS is responsible for homeostasis and is one of the body's largest neurotransmitter networks. Homeostasis is systematic balance in the body despite changes in the external environment, and the ECS is constantly working to achieve it. The discovery of the ECS shows us that our bodies are programmed to accept and process cannabis in our bodies.
I will break these down & go into more detail in a future post, but there are 3 distinct types of cannabinoids:

Endocannabinoids - Endogenous cannabinoids made & released in the ECS. These are neurotransmitters that break down quickly in the body and many people are found to have clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency & thus the ECS needs to be supplemented.
Phytocannabinoids - These are cannabinoids found in plants. Hemp and cannabis are rich in cannabinoids, but there are other plants with various sources of cannabinoids.
Synthetic cannabinoids - Synthetic (lab created) compounds whose properties imitate the active compounds in cannabis. As we have seen with compounds such as K2 & Spice , these synthetic cannabinoids that can be up to 600 times more powerful than THC & can be very very dangerous.

My favorite piece of information about our Endocannabinoids, Anandamide and 2AG, is how Anandamide was named. Anandamide is the Sanskrit word for Bliss. I love that because that is exactly how people describe the feeling to me (and how I feel now that I have CBD in my life) when they have struggled for so long with anxiety, pain, disease, etc. That's what our bodies are literally designed and programmed to do... keep balance in our body and create a sense of well being.
So, that said, let's break down the different cannabinoid receptors in our bodies shall we? CB receptors are found on nearly every cell type in the body & are protein molecules that receive chemical signals from outside the cell. They far outnumber any other receptor found in the brain.

CB1 Receptor : If you look to the diagram above, you will see a representation of the CB1 receptors in light blue. CB1 receptors are found on the cells of the central nervous system, reproductive system, connective tissues, and organs. Our natural endocannabinoid Anandamide & THC directly binds to this receptor creating the psychoactive effect.
CB2 Receptor : Represented in dark blue on the diagram, CB2 receptors are found primarily on the cells of the immune system with a heavy concentration in the spleen and gastrointestinal system. CB2 receptors bind best with our natural endocannabinoid 2AG as well as CBD.

The different binding mechanisms of these 2 receptor types is the reason you hear a lot about the Entourage Effect , which is all of the cannabinoids in the plant (especially CBD & THC) working symbiotically in the body to give users relief from so many different ailments. I will go into more detail on the Entourage Effect in a future post.
The best way to understand the way phytocannabinoids work with their receptors is to imagine a lock and key. When you consume cannabinoids (the "keys") they flood into your body in search of receptors (the "locks"). When they find their target, the result is a chemical message being sent to the rest of your body stimulating the release of your own endocannabinoids. As I mentioned earlier, our own endocannabinoids are constantly maintaining balance in our bodies, and when our body is not producing endocannabinoids efficiently then phytocannabinoids can "unlock" the system and help restore balance.
I could talk for days about this subject and not even scratch the surface of the vast information that there is to learn from it, but hopefully this clears up the muddy waters a bit for you.

PTSD

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 28 May 2021 16:15:10 GMT

Don't give up, there is hope

PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) affects up to 8 million Americans in any given year according to the National Center for PTSD. Nearly all PTSD sufferers have contemplated suicide and entirely too many do. Looking at the devastating numbers of veterans alone is enough to convince anyone that this is a serious and preventable problem. Veterans only make up 7 percent of the American population, but they account for 20 percent of it's suicides. Approximately 22 veterans a day (that is one every 65 minutes!) see no other way out from the debilitating and infinitely complex symptoms of PTSD than to take their own lives.
Unfortunately this is not a unilateral problem, anyone can develop PTSD symptoms after experiencing something that is traumatic to them. The most heartbreaking thing about this is that many people are never diagnosed because they are too afraid and ashamed to reach out for help. They feel like (and many times have been told) they have no right to these feelings because they have never been to war. This is a ridiculous misconception. I myself have dealt with symptoms of PTSD in the past due to enduring an abusive relationship. The stigma needs to be lifted from this disease. In the veteran & first responder community, you hear stories of men and women being told (or made to feel) by colleagues to "get over it like the rest of us", in the civilian community you hear stories of men and women being told (of made to feel) by others "you have never been to war or seen death, how do you have PTSD?"... It simply has to stop.
This disease does not care who you are, what your profession is, what your religion is, what your political affiliation is, etc. It's only job is to confuse, debilitate, and destroy and it does it very very well, the stigma just pours fuel on the fire.
If you have ever been through something traumatic to you ( note that I say to YOU, not something that others feel is traumatic ) and you are experiencing any of the below symptoms, I want you to do 2 things for me:

please please please reach out to someone and talk about it... do not wait... do not try to deal with it on your own... do not be ashamed, you are not alone.
Begin a CBD regimen. It may very well be that you will need other therapies that include short term medication, but CBD should be a 1st effort and not a last resort.

PTSD Symptoms
- recurring memories about the event or events
- nightmares
- recklessness
- flashbacks
- self destructive
- prolonged & intense distress
- avoidance
- trouble concentrating
- irritability
- sudden out of character behavior

If you are experiencing these symptoms, please please reach out for help.... You are not alone and there is absolutely zero shame in needing some support for a while. It will not last forever, this is not your new normal... there is absolutely hope and help out there for you. Please don't give up hope.

Thankfully there is hope and CBD (as well as cannabis) is coming out on top in study after study on PTSD. There are many many reasons for choosing this natural plant medicine, but quite possibly the biggest one is that it carries no adverse side effects. Reading the warnings on many of the medications used to treat PTSD is horrifying. The laundry list of adverse side effects is enough to say that they should not be the 1st line of defense, but the words "...which could be fatal" is enough to make a person want to cry. Adding CBD to your daily regimen could even decrease the tendency to develop debilitating PTSD symptoms and lessen the severity. Below are additional reference links to studies regarding CBD & PTSD

- C annabidiol as a Therapeutic Alternative for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Cannabinoids and CBD Research Overview
- Additional Studies on PTSD

If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255

Entourage Effect

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 28 May 2021 16:13:58 GMT

Why whole plant matters

CBD seems to have surpassed THC in popularity in the US. For years THC was the most popular and widely researched cannabinoid in cannabis science. Today, however, CBD is gaining momentum to surpass THC due to it's many many therapeutic applications; especially in children with intractable epilepsy such as Dravet Syndrome. If you have never watched any of the hundreds of videos on the internet from parents of these sweet children and the difference that cannabis has made in their lives then you absolutely should do that now. Story after amazing story of these babies getting a second chance at life when nothing else has even come close to controlling their hundreds of seizures a day.
With all this information swirling around at a dizzying pace, it's understandable that many people view CBD and THC as being in competition with each other, however this is far from the truth.
If you do a google search on the therapeutic benefits of CBD and THC, you will find hundreds of articles talking about the Entourage Effect , but what does that mean exactly? Why whole plant medicine is many times more therapeutically beneficial than THC and CBD only extractions. In this article we will be talking about not only THC and CBD, but many of the other compounds that make up the cannabis & hemp plants as well as the therapeutic indications of these lesser known compounds.

CBD : Cannabidiol (CBD) has gained popularity in leaps and bounds in the last several years, and is increasing in popularity every day. It is the 1st most abundant cannabinoid in hemp & 2nd most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis behind THC. One big and beneficial benefit of CBD when compared to THC is that CBD does not bind with the receptors in your brain, therefore is non-psychoactive and will not produce a "high", but still carries a wide array of health benefits. The non-psycho-activity of CBD makes it a preferred medicine for those who do not want the "high" feeling. Research has taken a hard turn from studying only THC to researching CBD for it's therapeutic applications including:
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-Anxiety
Analgesic (Pain Relief)
Anti-epileptic
Antidepressant
Anti-Cancer
Neuroprotectant
Antioxidant
THC : Delta(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has been the most famous cannabinoid for many years, is the 1st most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis, and a favorite to people in recreational (or adult use) states that enjoy the psychoactivity or the "high". It needs to be said, and the reason I keep putting quotations around "high" is that it carrys none of the side effects or dangers of the multitude of drugs available, both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical. THC has been the most widely researched cannabinoid for many many years. This research has concluded that THC is beneficial in the treatment of:
Parkinson's
Alzheimer's
Neuropathic Pain
Cancer
Crohn's
PTSD
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
It's true that THC and CBD are the 2 most common cannabinoids that are in the cannabis and hemp plants, but there are a variety of other beneficial compounds in these amazing plants as well. In this article we are talking about the most common cannabinoids in the plant. (See my article on terpenes here ) All of these compounds working together is what is known as the Entourage Effect. Let's take a look at some of the lesser known cannabinoids and their benefits.
CBC : Cannabichromene (CBC) is the third most common cannabinoid in cannabis. The research into CBC has found that it is to be an anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, anti-fungal, anti-cancer agent, and may even promote the growth of new brain cells. Like CBD, CBC is non psychoactive (will not get you high).
THCa : Tetrahydrocannabinolic (THCa) is a precursor to Delta(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THCa slowly converts to THC as the plant dries. Heating (decarboxylation) THCa speeds up this process.
CBN : Cannabinol (CBN) Is created when THCa (a precursor to THC) breaks down over time. CBN has been found to be an appetite stimulant, antibiotic, analgesic, antiasthsmatic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-insomnia.
CBDv : Cannabidivarin (CBDv) is a slightly degraded form of CBD. Research into CBDv is in it's infancy, but is showing alot of promise as an anti-epileptic, anti-emetic (relief of nausea), and has been shown to have bone stimulating properties.
THCv : Tetrahydrocannabidivarin (THCv) is most often used along side of THC for maximum efficacy. Some studies show that, like CBD, THCv can actually mitigate the psychoactive effects of THC. It has been shown to be an anti-epileptic, neuroprotectant, and bone stimulant.
CBG : Cannabigerol (CBG) is gaining more and more attention in research. It has a significant amount of therapeutic benefits and is fairly abundant in hemp. CBG has been found to be an analgesic (pain relieving), antidepressant, & anti cancer agent. CBG is also known to mitigate the effects of THC which can be uncomfortable for some people.
CBGa : Cannabigerolic Acid is very important because it is a precursor to many of the cannabinoids mentioned above, and without it's presence cannabis would not hold near the medicinal benefits that it has.

Hopefully this clears up (at least a little) why whole plant matters & why the Entourage Effect is important to our bodies. All of the compounds (cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavinoids ) in the plant work together to help your body to what it was designed to do. It's the Robin to your body's Batman!

CBD & Circadian Rhythm

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 28 May 2021 16:12:42 GMT

Understanding your biological clock

Ever notice how you feel sleepy and energized at around the same times every day? This is due to your Circadian Rhythm, or your body's 24 hour internal clock if you will. In this article we will discuss our circadian rhythm, disorders that can affect it, and how CBD can support your sleep cycles and help you lead a more balanced life.

What does Circadian Rhythm mean?

We all have a hardwired biological clock that determines when we sleep and when we wake. This clock is calibrated by the presence and absence of light. For most people, this clock allows us to sleep at night and be wakeful during the day. A part of your brain called the hypothalamus is the command center for your sleep/wake cycle (or Circadian Rhythm). It works by way of signals. For example: When it gets dark outside your eyes send a signal to your brain that it is night time, which in turn causes your brain to send a signal to your body to produce melatonin . This cycle is essentially repeated in reverse when the sun comes up and it's time to wake up. When exposed to first light and it's time to wake from sleep your body begins preparing by raising body temperature, blood pressure, & heart rate, as well as signaling the body to stop melatonin production and produce & release hormones such as cortisol.

The diagram below lays out the natural circadian rhythm and goes into detail about how the body responds to the day/night cycles.

What are the disorders that can affect sleep cycles?

There are many disorders that can disrupt your circadian rhythm. For the purposes of this article we will discuss the most searched disorders, but I will link the most common disorders below.

Shift-Work Sleep Disorder: Otherwise known as SWSD, shift-work sleep disorder occurs in many people who work non-traditional work hours. Like I mentioned above, a healthy human body is hard wired to get sleepy when it gets dark and feel wakeful when the sun comes up. SWSD can occur in people who work graveyard shifts, rotating shifts, or even early morning shifts. These folks are going to work when the sun is down and their bodies are sending all sorts of signals that it is time to sleep. Those who have to work rotating shifts tend to have the hardest time getting a handle on their sleep cycle because they are never able to get accustomed to the disruption in cycle. On the flip side of this, there are many people who have a naturally flipped circadian rhythm, making them natural night owls and therefore perfect for night shifts. Symptoms of SWSD can include
Sleepiness when it's time to be awake
Alertness when you need to sleep
Lack of energy
Trouble concentrating
Issues in close relationships
Mood swings and depression
Insomnia and/or fitful sleep
Here are a few things you can do to help if you are suffering with SWSD:
Start a consistent CBD dosing schedule (call me if you have questions, it's kinda my thang ;-D)
Turn on as many lights as possible when your alarm goes off to signal your body to start preparing for a wakeful state.
When you are on your way home to sleep, wear dark glasses
No caffeine at least 4 hours before time to sleep
Avoid bright lights (especially phone and tablet screens) at least an hour before sleep
Invest in good room darkening shades, the dark will help your body signal that it is time to sleep. {Editors Note: I find that covering my eyes with a sleep mask or dark colored fabric helps a lot}
CBD bath bombs before bed, especially in relaxing scents
Use white noise (such as a fan or sleep app) or wax ear plugs to drown out daytime noise
Try to get at least 48 consecutive hours off after a series of shifts
Do your best to maintain a consistent sleep cycle even on your days off. This takes discipline, but is very important.
Work out with family members or room mates to keep noise to a minimum when you are sleeping to avoid disruption of sleep
Avoid energy drinks and drink PLENTY of water.
Exercise! Even 10 minutes of aerobic exercise can help you sleep much better, however avoid strenuous exercise right before bed.
Jet Lag: Jet lag (sometimes called Jet Lag Disorder) is defined by Oxford as "Extreme tiredness and other physical effects felt by a person after a long flight across several time zones". Traveling across time zones is a pretty violent assault to your circadian rhythm. Your internal clock is synced to your original time zone, and therefore your body is going to automatically want to stick to that schedule. The greater the time zones traveled, the worse off you will most likely be. Some people experience symptoms immediately and others report symptom onset a day or 2 after the travel. This could be due to the initial excitement and activity of the day of travel. Symptoms of Jet Lag can include:
Excessive sleepiness
Disturbed sleep & insomnia
Bowel issues such as constipation and/or diarrhea. (your body naturally suppresses your bowels when you are asleep)
Moodiness
Anxiety and a feeling that your body is "heavier" than usual
Trouble concentrating and functioning at your normal level
Daytime sleepiness and trouble keeping your eyes open
Here are a few things you can do to help avoid and/or relieve Jet Lag symptoms.
Make sure you are getting plenty of good rest the week before your trip, especially if you are traveling over multiple time zones. Starting out sleep deprived will make it next to impossible to alleviate jet lag.
Stay well hydrated. Humidity levels are low on planes, so it is imperative that you stay very well hydrated. Using a hyper oxiginated alkaline water will help. Dehydration will make symptoms of jet lag much worse.
Adjust your schedule the week before you leave. If you are traveling east and will be loosing time, try going to bed an hour earlier for a few days. On the flip side, if you are traveling west and gaining an hour, go to bed an hour later for a few days to help your circadian rhythm naturally prepare.
Stick to the new schedule once you arrive. Take your meals according to local times as well as going to sleep with local nighttime.
Regulate bright light exposure. See tips above.
Plan for the plane. If it is nighttime where you are going then make sure you have the things you need (ie: sleep mask, ear plugs, etc.) & try to sleep on the plane. If it is daytime where you are going make sure you have plenty to keep you occupied and avoid sleeping on the plane.

Other Circadian Rhythm Disorders

Click any of the disorders below to learn more about them

How can CBD help support Circadian Rhythm?

Your circadian rhythm is all about a beautiful balance, and your Endocannabinoid Systems only job is balance! CBD naturally supports your Endocannabinoid System and helps bring balance back to your body at a cellular level. You can use CBD in your favorite form to help promote and balance sleep, but the way I prefer is edibles, especially gummies. As the gummy digests in your system it is releasing cannabinoids over that time period and it seems to help the most for me. As in using CBD for anything, you must find your sweet spot or therapeutic window . Start slow and work your way up.

I hope some of these tips and adding CBD to your regimen helps you if you are suffering from a disruption in your circadian rhythms and you begin to experience relief. Please feel freel to call me at Rustic Oils any time if you have questions.

What is the best carrier oil for CBD?

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 28 May 2021 16:11:10 GMT

Yes, it makes a difference

To understand what makes the best carrier oil for CBD, we must first look at why it's important to infuse CBD into oils in the first place. I mean can't you just ingest pure CBD? The short answer is yes, technically you can... however the long answer, about which we will get into more detail later, is not only is it much more difficult to dose CBD isolate crystals but also your body is unlikely to process most of the CBD that you take in because most CBD isolate is hydrophobic (does not dissolve in water). This is the reason that most CBD is infused in oil based solutions where the CBD can bind to fat molecules that your body will break down and process.

The next thing to understand is the bio-availability of the different carrier oils available. The bio-availability of CBD is largely determined by the size of the fat molecules in the chosen carrier oil. Now, let's look at several different popular carrier oils seen in today's CBD products.

MCT Oil/Fractionated Coconut Oil : MCT (Medium Chain Triglyceride) oil consists of smaller fat molecules than most oils and is easily absorbed by the body directly through the liver, thus is the most bio-available carrier oil for CBD. Fractionated Coconut Oil is quite simply coconut oil that has had the longer fat molecules removed, thus isolating the medium chain triglycerides. This is by far my favorite choice as a carrier for CBD.
Hemp Seed Oil : Many people ask me "Wouldn't hemp seed oil be the best carrier for CBD?". While I do understand why that would seem like the most logical choice, being that CBD is made from hemp, I do not agree that it's the best carrier for oral CBD. Hemp seed oil is very good for you and full of antioxidants, but it does not have the same bio-availability as MCT oil so your body will have a much more difficult time trying to absorb the CBD molecules so you will need more product to achieve the results you are looking for. It also needs to be noted that some companies try to pass hemp seed oil off as CBD oil. Always make sure that the CBD oil you are purchasing has the CBD content clearly marked on the label and that the company has lab reports that you can look at that show the CBD content.
Olive Oil : I see alot of tinctures these days made with olive oil. Olive oil is a very healthy oil that should for sure be in everyone's diet in some form. It is full of antioxidants, healthy fats, and has many proven health benefits. As far as using olive oil as a carrier oil for CBD there are a few issues that it presents. Olive oil is primarily made up of Monounsaturated fats & these are larger molecules that require more processing and may decrease the amount of CBD you absorb. Additionally, it is a relatively thick oil which could affect the measuring process & it has a fruity taste that could be noticeable in your tincture.
Palm Oil : Like Coconut Oil, Palm oil can also be used to make MCT oil which we have already discussed is (in my opinion) the best carrier oil for CBD to get the maximum absorption. Although Palm Oil is considered a good carrier oil for CBD, it's production process is often linked to deforestation. For this reason, it is better to choose MCT oil from more eco-friendly & sustainable sources like coconuts.
Other Oils : There are other oils seen in the CBD industry as well but typically in topical forms. Avocado oil is one of the most expensive oils on this list and is similar in make up to olive oil only much thicker. It can be used in skin products or added to CBD oils to increase viscosity if needed. Grapeseed oil is often seen in beauty products and skin care. It is made up of polyunsaturated fats and is not a good option for an oral tincture.

CBD & NFL

Fri, 28 May 2021 16:09:32 GMT

Help & hope for NFL players

First things first... As a lifetime KC Chiefs fan I have to congratulate the Red Kingdom for the big Super Bowl win!!! Our boys did the work and turned up on Super Bowl Sunday! This fan will be riding this high for a long time, and I Can Not Wait for next season. I also want to throw a shout out to Katie Sowers ! First woman to coach in the Super Bowl!!! What a historic and exciting time we are living in!

Editors Note: This article talks about suicide and suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know is suffering from depression/suicidal thoughts please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). NFL players, coaches, staff & family members can call the NFL line at 1-800-506-0078.

Every time I watch sports, and especially full contact sports like football, I can't help but worry about the players bodys and brains. These boys bodies take punishing blow after punishing blow... The trauma is relentless and life changing for all of them, but for some it can mean total devastation. You hear story after story of current and former players living with chronic pain & debilitating anxiety & depression. Living on fist fulls of pills that either do not work or cause a lifelong struggle with addiction. For so long this has just been the price that players have had to pay to play the game that they love so so much. Recently the Pain Management Committee of the NFL went on a fact finding mission, looking into cannabinoids (namely CBD) as a way to help players with pain management that does not include addictive and dangerous medications.

The players have been begging the NFL for years to allow them to use cannabis as a form of pain managemen t, giving them an alternative to accepting their fate as life long addicts. There are many former players who claim that cannabis has saved their life and are busy blazing trails to get the word out and do all they can to change the mind of the NFL. Many players have made the decision to donate their brains to sports science to study the long term effects of a life in full contact sports.

Kyle Turley

Kyle is a former offensive tackle who played for the New Orleans Saints, St. Louis Rams, and our beloved Kansas City Chiefs. He ended his career with a few unwanted souvenirs... rage, depression, suicidal thoughts, addiction, & a failing marriage, just to name a few. He states "cannabis saved my life" He has been a very outspoken advocate of cannabis as medicine as well as speaking out against the NFLs current policy, stating in interviews that pills are handed out "like candy" by the team doctors. Having experienced many concussions over his career and suffering with mental health issues and chronic pain as a result, Kyle is on a mission to pave the way for future players. Kyle has a son who he believes will want to follow in Dads footsteps and it is imperative to him that it will be a safer sport when that time comes. He not only speaks out all over, he also launched his own CBD brand called NERO XPF and he founded the Gridiron Cannabis Coalition .

Eugene Monroe

Eugene was the first active player to speak out publicly about his cannabis use and it seems to have cost him his job with the Baltimore Ravens. If they were hoping to quiet him with this move, it was a categorical failure... His voice has only gotten louder and more powerful. Monroe throws out a call to action to the NFL on his website stating "I'm calling for the NFL to remove marijuana from the banned substances list; fund medical marijuana research, especially as it relates to CTE [Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy] ; and stop overprescribing addictive and harmful opiates" The bravery of his March 9th, 2016 statement advocating for he and his fellow teammates has caused ripples of pride in both the NFL and cannabis industries.

Other former NFL athletes who are speaking out in favor of cannabis as an opiate alternative are legendary KC Chiefs quarterback Joe Montana , retired defensive end Marvin Washington , and former Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams .

The heartbreaking reality of full contact sports such as football is the irreversible damage to the body and brain. Many players end up suffering life long chronic pain from the blows to the body and/or debilitating mental health issues due to the blows to the brain. The hardest part to swallow is the rate of suicide and extreme suicidal thoughts. Many players have lost the battle, and some like Junior Seau have made a statement even in death crying out for answers.

The time is now to find these players effective alternatives to the things that are currently killing them... they deserve that much.

Which CBD product is right for me?

Fri, 28 May 2021 16:08:10 GMT

With so many options, how do you know which one to choose?

So you have done your research and are ready to give CBD a try... Now the question is which CBD product is right for you? In this article I will give you a break down of the most popular delivery methods to help you make the choice that's right for you.

Water Soluble : One of the most bio-available methods available. Our bodies are made up of 70% water, thus we have a difficult time absorbing things well from an oil. Think about putting oil into a glass of water, and the old adage "Oil and water don't mix". Water soluble compounds travel faster and more efficiently through our bodies. You must be careful when storing a water soluble CBD, it must be stored in a dry, cool place out of the reach of UV rays. Since there is water in these products they can be subject to mold when not stored properly. You must also be careful when choosing which brand you will buy. Always ask questions. Are there lab reports available? Are the bottles a dark color to discourage UV penetration? Are you allowed to sample in store before buying? Is the CBD grown and extracted in the U.S.? You are ultimately responsible for what you put in your body & you should feel comfortable asking the questions you need answers to.
Brain = 80% water
Muscles = 75% water
Cells = 90% water
Blood = 85% water
CBD Oil Tinctures : Probably the most well known CBD preparations, oil tinctures are very popular. Some enjoy the oils due to the generally mild flavor, however I've come to notice that many people are not taking it properly for maximum absorption. Oil based CBD needs to be held under the tongue for several minutes before swallowing to allow for the absorption through the mucosa in your mouth. Another thing I've noticed is that there are many different carrier oils used in CBD preparations. I will break down the pros and cons of different carriers in a later post, but for the purposes of this post I will say that the most bio-available oil for CBD preparations is MCT oil or Medium Chain Triglyceride Oil. * For more information on the best oils for CBD preparations please look for my post titled "What is the best carrier oil for CBD?"
Topicals : Topicals are a great way to treat anything from localized pain to skin disorders and some in many forms. Creams, salves, pastes, lotions, etc. Our skin is the largest organ in our bodies and while it provides our internal organs a protective barrier against the elements, it also acts as an efficient molecular passageway and is quick to absorb lipid based oils such as the ones used in CBD creams and salves. The Endocannabinoid System (you can read about here .) is present in virtually every cell type in the human body and the skin cells are no exception. In fact, Dr. Tamas Biro, the director of immunology at the University of Debrecen in Hungary, claims that the skin is “[indeed] capable of producing endocannabinoids,” and points out the likelihood that: "... most, if not all, skin functions are controlled to a certain extent by the local skin endocannabinoid system." When our skin is attacked, our skins endocannabinoid system goes to work about restoring the balance. CBD topicals work with this system to help fight chronic conditions such as: inflammation, eczema/psoriasis, skin imbalance, & nerve pain... as well as temporary conditions such as rashes, burns, skin infections, and general muscle soreness.
Vape : Vaping has increased in popularity in the last few years and is probably the most efficient way to absorb CBD. Many who suffer from anxiety prefer this method over anything for those times when anxiety spikes. The reason for this is the low milligram absorption per draw as well as the fact that you are absorbing directly into the blood stream and brain by way of the lungs. Most vape liquid or e-juice is made with CBD, an emulsifier (Hemp Dropz uses ps80), flavoring, and vegetable glycerin and/or propylene glycol. I'm not a big fan of products that use PG (propylene glycol) because of the unknowns. It is considered "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) by the FDA but the long term effects of inhalation of PG are unknown. There are also companies that claim their vape juice that contains PG can double as a tincture (held under the tongue). Again the long term effects are unknown, however what we do know is that though the oral toxicity of PG is low, we do know that it causes stomach issues in some users. You are best suited to find a good vape brand that uses VG (vegetable glycerin) only.
Edibles : Edibles have become all the rage lately. You can get your daily dose of CBD in anything from gummies to coffee. Edibles offer some of the longest lasting effects in available cbd products. The reason for this is that edibles have other things in them for your body to break down and digest which allows for a slower absorption of the CBD. This is particularly helpful in sleep support, because as you are sleeping you are slowly absorbing small milligrams of CBD over a long period of time as your edible is being broken down by your body. Edibles are also a great way to take your CBD on the go, instead of having to fight with a dropper just pop in a gummy and you're good to go!
Bath & Body Products : Now I know that this technically falls in the topicals category, but I felt that this needed it's own category. Many of the bath & body products that many people use everyday are loaded with chemicals that are not good for your skin. I'm a big believer in supporting local businesses with hand made products and this is probably the category that I'm most passionate about when it comes to hand made in small batches. This is because there is less need for preservatives and stabilizers used in the formulas needed when these products are made in large batches for national distribution. As I mentioned before in the topicals section our skin is the largest organ in our body and is very efficient in absorbing various compounds, and this includes dangerous compounds as well as beneficial compounds. When looking for bath and body products, look for natural & safe ingredients that are good for your skin and beneficial for your health. We carry Courtneys Farm Charm Soap Company products exclusively. I know the wonderful woman who makes these products by hand and she truly is an artist. All of her products are made with the highest quality ingredients and most of her products are vegan. It also needs to be said that they are the best bath and body products I have ever used. I am very sensitive to many skin care products because of ingredient content and I have never had a single issue with any Farm Charm product. She has bath bombs, body butters, scrubs, soaps, lotions, pain creams, and soooooo much more. It also needs mentioned that her products are the best smelling I have ever used & I will never buy these products from the big companies again.

CBD for addiction recovery

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 28 May 2021 16:07:06 GMT

Can CBD help prevent relapse in recovering addicts?

A staggering 1 in 10 Americans struggle with addiction of some kind, a heartbreaking statistic that I pray will decrease with time. It is heartbreaking to me to hear all of the stories of people who struggle with addiction. Addiction has touched my life just as it has many people. I have had many family members struggle with many different types of drugs. Opiates, alcohol, even food and gambling. I myself am a recovering alcoholic.... We all have one thing in common. The addiction takes over the addicts life completely.
The addiction is in control.... No matter how much they & their families are hurt by it, the addiction doesn't care... No matter how hard they fight, the addiction always wins.
Recovery is a lifestyle for us. Many things need to change. Sometimes we have to cut people that we love from our lives... Some of us have to move geographical locations in order to manage our triggers.
Addicts that I have been around and spoken to really struggle with 2 very key things. The fear of withdrawal, and despising the side effects of the traditional medications used to treat addiction. The fear of the symptoms of withdrawal is many times enough to keep an addict in the midst of their addiction. Quitting the medications that are used to treat addiction can come with it's own set of withdrawal symptoms. And the merry go round just keeps on going round.

Many people think "addict" and think of the homeless junkie who lives under a bridge, but I submit to you that addiction does not care who you are. I have counseled so many people who fell into trouble when the doctor wrote the prescription to them in the first place has to cut back on his prescribing and pulls them off of their medication completely. The biggest problem we are facing today is that our medical system has created a huge part of this problem. Today the crackdown on opiate addiction leaves pain patients in the weeds and some turn to the black market. It's an ugly and slippery slope that can ruin lives. Addiction doesn't care if you are young, old, rich, or poor. Addiction. Does. Not. Care.

I had my own run in with the effects of withdrawal in April 2018. I quit taking prescription narcotics for back pain (you can read my story here ) & I braced myself for the symptoms of withdrawal that even accompany quitting even responsible use of any kind of narcotic. I was amazed that the symptoms were no where near what they should have been. I should have experienced at least some of the physical symptoms of withdrawal such as vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, etc. and I did not experience these at all. Don't get me wrong, I felt horrible thru it but it was absolutely not as bad as it should have been. I had been taking some combination of 4 narcotics for over 15 years, I should have absolutely suffered more than I did during the detox phase. I'm completely convinced that it is because I began taking CBD the day after I quit the meds. I say all that to let those of you who are terrified of the withdrawal that there is absolutely hope. It's not easy and you are gonna have to put in the work, but it is absolutely possible to live a healthier more productive life free from the restraints of any addictive substance.
I recently read a study published in 2018 of the treatment potential of CBD for the prevention of relapse. Project CBD is a great resource for many studies and articles regarding the therapeutic uses of CBD. They have compiled a list of various studies regarding CBD for treating addiction. Those links can be found here .
For too many years there has been so much propaganda labeling cannabis as a "gateway drug", and people I'm here to submit to you that it is quite the opposite.... It is very much an exit to gain freedom from that which haunts you.

If you are struggling with addiction and need someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to reach out to me and I will be happy to listen.

Click here for a testimonial on patients using CBD to help wean off of opiates and reduce withdrawal symptoms.

CBD dosing

Fri, 28 May 2021 16:05:28 GMT

Is more better?

Much of the research that is available today on CBD dosing for disease has centered around using CBD for epilepsy in high doses, so I have customers all the time ask me if they should crank up the dose on their daily CBD since a little seems to be helping. The answer is not necessarily. While these studies showed significant improvement in amount and duration of seizures using CBD in high doses, many people find lower dosing helps more with the relief of anxiety, chronic pain, nephropathy, etc.

Finding your therapeutic window is very important for every individual. It's all about Homeostasis . Just as Goldilocks found one bed to be too hard, one to be too soft, and the last to be just right, your CBD dose needs to be in that "sweet spot" of j ust right .

The most intriguing thing about this "sweet spot dose" is that it differs with each disorder. For Example higher doses are required to treat epilepsy, where lower doses seem to work best for relieving anxiety. Overshooting your therapeutic window can reduce the efficacy of CBD on your condition, causing frustration and costing you money.

How do I find my "sweet spot"?
When first starting CBD, be careful not to take the dosage advice of others. Their therapeutic window could be much different than yours. The best way to begin your journey with CBD is to start low and slow. Begin with just a few milligrams twice a day... do this for a few days and then increase by a few more milligrams for a few days. Continue this until you feel you are getting relief from your symptoms. Everyone's Endocannabinoid System is different, some more deficient than others.

EXAMPLE

Begin with 3 to 5 milligrams per dose, twice a day. Dosing twice a day keeps cannabinoids in your system throughout the day and night as opposed to once every 24 hours.
Stay on that starting dose for 4 to 5 days. If you are getting relief, congrats, you have found your sweet spot! If you have started to see some positive changes (i.e. - you are sleeping better, not as stiff in the morning/evening, not as nervous, etc.) but not as much as you would like, try adding one drop to each dose daily until you start getting the desired results. If you have experienced no results at all, double your starting dose and start the process all over again.
Be Patient! Just because your friend had results immediately does not mean you will. Everyone's Endocannabinoid System is different. Give your body some time to do what it was designed to do, don't get discouraged. You can always call me if you need to talk about it or have any questions, I'm always happy to help.
Stay Consistent! Once you have found your sweet spot, consistency is the most important thing to remember. Don't skip doses. Do not forget that your Endocannabinoid System needs cannabinoids to function. When you begin to feel better, that is awesome! Feel free to begin to titrate your dose down little by little. Your body will let you know when you have gone too far. Stay on that lower maintenance dose to maintain a healthy Endocannabinoid System and keep your body doing the job it was designed to do.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Homeostasis

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 28 May 2021 16:03:09 GMT

A beautiful balance

Nature demands balance .... from the tiny microbiomes (communities of bacteria and other one-celled organisms) to the vast marine ecosystem (largest ecosystem on Earth), balance is crucial for survival. In this article we are going to take a look at Homeostasis and how everything in nature, including our own bodies, is always fighting to achieve balance to live on.

What is Homeostasis?

Homeostasis is defined by Merriam Webster as "a relatively stable state of equilibrium or a tendency toward such a state between the different but interdependent elements or groups of elements of an organism, population, or group". The resulting balance is known as Dynamic Equilibrium, which means as external factors change the body works to maintain relatively stable conditions.

In the human body what this means is that without Homeostasis, our cells would die. It can get very very complex, but basically our bodies are constantly monitoring for any changes that need to be brought back into balance. A perfect example is our bodys ability to maintain a healthy, consistent temperature.

If we get a fever, our immune system ramps up and gives us what we need to bring it back down
If we overheat, our sweat glands go to work to cool us back down
If we get too cold, our bodies will shiver to produce heat

The microbiomes within our bodies are an absolute gold mine of examples of homeostasis. We have a plethora of microbes within our bodies that are in constant fluctuation depending on the state of our body and what we put into it. When we consume bad bacteria, our body gets to work purging it in many ways... vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, etc. are our body's way of restoring balance. This microbiome is established at birth for those of us who are born vaginally. A baby born vaginally gets in essence it's first inoculation when traveling through the birth canal. Exposure to this beneficial bacteria early in life is crucial to the development of a healthy immune system. Babies born via C-Section have been associated with an increased risk of developing immune system disorders and metabolic diseases. C-Section babies swabbed with microbes from thier mothers birth canal has shown promise of helping to restore the infants microbiome. Infants also get beneficial microbes when breastfed giving them much needed gut flora.

Examples of balance in nature and how important that balance is

Predator vs. Prey: Predator and prey populations ebb and flow and follow a cycle. When the food for prey decreases prey population decreases, predator populations also decrease due to lack of food. When prey populations begin to increase, predators have more food to feed their young - increasing the predator populations. This continues in a cycle of environmental balance
Deforestation: A heavy decrease in forest flora leads to drought, drought causes a decrease in food sources, which leads to death and can lead to a complete extension of a species.
Water Cycle: The sun takes water from large bodies of water, the water falls to the earth & waters the plants, excess water goes back into the large bodes of water.... and so on and so on
Plants: Plants go to great lengths to maintain homeostasis. For example, sunflowers "turn their heads" following the sun to maximize photosynthesis. Another great example is the fight plants face against gravity. They put down roots with the gravitational pull, while at the same time pushing their shoots up against it.
Animal microbiome: All I can say about this one is thank goodness that we humans are born with the proper bugs we need to maintain homeostasis in the gut. Some young animals eat the feces of their parents to obtain and maintain their microbiome... YUK!

No matter how you look at it, my first statement stands very true.... Nature. Demands. Balance. Your Endocannabinoid Systems only job is to promote and maintain balance and it needs cannabinoids to function properly. You do not have to have some sort of "ailment" to need cannabinoids like CBD, your body is designed to run on it. It's all about that Homeostasis!

CBD Crystals (AKA: CBD Isolate)

Fri, 28 May 2021 16:00:59 GMT

What are CBD crystals and how do you use them?

CBD crystals, otherwise known as CBD isolate, are isolated & purified extractions of the cannabis/hemp plant. But, what exactly are they and how do you use them? Let's take a look at the multiple ways to use this form of CBD.
CBD comes in so many extracted forms:

Oils
Water Solubles
Creams/salves
Inhalants
Edibles
Bath & Body
Pet products
and so much more

Normally these products contain various amounts of other cannabinoids and compounds called terpenes and flavonoids ( Read my post on terpenes here ) which are known as broad or full spectrum. All of these compounds together create what is called the Entourage Effect and many (including myself) feel that broad and full spectrum products are superior to isolate in many ways. However, if you are looking to add CBD into your life for overall health, wellness, and homeostasis, then CBD isolate might be a fine place for you to start.
CBD crystals are created after Cannabidiol has been separated from all the other compounds in the plant, resulting in CBD in it's purest form between 98 and 99 percent.

Let's look at 5 easy ways to use CBD crystals...

1) DIY CBD Vape Juice
You can make your own vape juice at home using CBD isolate crystals taking care to heat only to 140 degrees. Find the full recipe from Cannabidiol 360 here .
2) DIY Edibles
This is one of the easiest ways to use CBD Isolate. The isolate is fat soluble, so it's best to infuse it into your favorite cooking oil (butter, coconut oil, etc.) and use these infused fats to make your favorite food. You can find some wonderful full recipes from Discover CBD here .
3) DIY Skin Care
CBD is a powerful antioxidant & also helps your skin to balance it's processes. Many say it brings relief to acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, etc. Your skin is a living breathing organ, the largest of the human body and needs the same care and concern given to the rest of our bodies. Find 5 CBD isolate skin care recipes here .
4) DIY Oil Tincture
CBD Oil tinctures are quite possibly the most widely recognized form of oral CBD preparations. MCT oil and olive oil are the most popular carrier oils when making a CBD tincture. Watch this short video on DIY CBD oil tincture here .
5) Dabbing
Dabbing has become all the rage in the last few years. Dabbing is technically classified as the flash vaporization of CBD concentrates when it is applied to a hot surface and inhaled. You will need to make an investment in a dabbing rig to use this method.

No matter what method you prefer for consuming CBD isolate, one of the most important things to consider when you are first starting CBD is to go low and slow until you find the dosage that gives you the most benefit. Whether it's anxiety relief, pain relief, or benefit/relief from a host of other diseases and disorders; it's important to remember that everyone's endocannabinoid system is different so a dose that works for one person will not necessarily work for another. Start your dose low & give that a week to see what results you are experiencing. If you achieve relief from that dose then stay there.... that is your "sweet spot"... if not, then increase by a few milligrams a day until you start to see results.

Hormones... Can CBD help?

Fri, 28 May 2021 15:58:58 GMT

Understanding hormones and how CBD can help bring balance back to your body

Our bodies produce all sorts of hormones for all sorts of different functions. In this article we will take a look at hormones, the endocrine system, and how CBD could be the answer you are looking for to bring you back to center.

To understand the world of hormones and how they affect our bodies, it is first important to understand the Endocrine System, a fascinating and complex system of glands in our bodies who have all sorts of responsibilities in our bodies with one of the primary functions being our reaction to stress.

What is the Endocrine System?

The Endocrine System is defined by Miriam -Webster as "The glands and parts of glands that produce endocrine secretions, help to integrate and control bodily metabolic activity, and include especially the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroids, adrenal, islets of Langerhans, ovaries, & testes"

Now that we know the definition, lets break these glands and their functions down

Pituitary Gland : The Pituitary Gland is the master gland of the Endocrine System. This tiny little pea sized gland secretes hormones responsible for managing the other glands in the Endocrine System. It is not always the boss of everyone though, the hypothalamus is located near the pituitary in the brain (they are actually connected) and sometimes gives signals the pituitary. The hormones produced in the pituitary are:
ACTH - signals adrenal glands
FSH - works with LH, ensuring normal function of the testes and ovaries
LH - works with FSH, ensuring normal function of the testes and ovaries
Prolactin - stimulates the production of breast milk
TSH - stimulates thyroid hormone production
Growth Hormone - in children this hormone is essential for growth and healthy body composition, and in adults affects fat distribution and helps maintain healthy bone density & muscle mass.
Hypothalamus : Located near the pituitary and also appx. the size of a pea, the hypothalamus produces hormones that interact with pituitary hormones to regulate body functions. It is responsible for many things including regulating body temperature, controlling appetite, regulating emotional response, managing sexual behavior, and maintaining overall physiological cycles. The hormones produced in the hypothalamus are:
CRH - stimulates adrenal gland to produce cortisol (Cortisol is known as the stress hormone which some believe is responsible for fat storing)
TRH - produces thyroid stimulating hormone
Oxytocin - This hormone controls emotions and behaviors including maternal drive, sex drive, recognition, trust, and arousal. It is also involved in functions such as childbirth and lactation of new mothers.
GnRH - Stimulates the pituitary to secrete reproductive hormones such as FSH & LH
Somatostatin - sends a stop signal to pituitary gland to manage production of growth hormone & thyroid stimulating hormone.
Vasopressin - Signals kidneys to absorb water, regulating water levels in the body
Pineal Gland : This tiny rice grain sized gland is sometimes called the "Third Eye" and was believed by Rene Descartes to contain the soul. The pineal gland is responsible for secreting melatonin and maintaining a healthy body "clock". The pineal gland is responsible for secreting hormones (like melatonin ) that regulate your body's circadian rhythms. Circadian rhythms are the natural rhythms of the body responsible for signals that make you sleepy, go to sleep, wake up, and feel awake and rested at around the same times every day. Maintaining healthy circadian rhythms is crucial for overall health.
Adrenal Gland : Your adrenal glands are 2 little triangular shaped glands that sit atop your kidneys. They secrete hormones such as Corticosterone, Hydorocortisone, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine (also known as Noradreneline), & Cortisol (thought by some to increase body fat storage). These hormones help to regulate blood pressure (by regulating potassium & sodium), blood sugars, metabolism, and your reaction to stress just to name a few.
Thyroid Gland : Your thyroid gland is a little butterfly shaped gland that is located in the throat nestled against your windpipe. If you could see it through the skin it would look like you have a little bow tie on. It secretes hormones that regulate your metabolic rate by stimulating your cells to produce proteins and increasing the amount of oxygen that your cells use. It is also helps to regulate heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, body temperature, menstrual cycles, & mood. You can read more details on your Thyroid & CBD here .
Ovaries : The ovaries are the part of the female reproductive system that produce egg cells called ovum. They are about the size of a grape and are located on either side of the uterus. They secrete the 2 hormones Estrogen & Progesterone responsible for reproduction and menstruation.
Testes : The testes are 2 of the male sex organs that are housed in the scrotum. The primary hormone they secrete is testosterone, responsible for many functions in the male body including production of sperm cells, bone density, muscle mass, & sex drive.

How can CBD help with hormonal imbalance?

Now that we understand the glands of the Endocrine System, it's clear to see that all of these hormone secreting organs are vitally important in out overall health. The fact that the hormone production of one of these glands has an effect on the production of hormones in another shows us that having balance in all of these hormones is crucial to so so many functions in our body. Balance is the key in this and your Endocannabinoid System is responsible for balance throughout our bodies, and activating our Cannabinoid Receptors is the key to unlocking this system.

Many many people suffer from whats known as Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency . What this means is our bodies are not producing enough endogenous cannabinoids (cannabinoids that we make in our bodies), thus leaving many of our Endocannabinoid Receptors without signals to do their job...... which is balance. You have cannabinoid receptors on nearly every cell type in your body (all mammals do!) and they are constantly trying to fight for cellular balance to maintain homeostasis in your body. This is where phytocannabinoids come in to interact with your receptors, stimulate endogenous cannabinoid production, and bring your body back into balance.

Migraines

Fri, 28 May 2021 15:56:30 GMT

Take back control of your life

People who suffer from migraines know full well the debilitating symptoms that accompany them... nausea, photo-phobia, mind numbing pain, just to name a few. But what is a migraine? What are it's causes? What can you to do treat and even prevent them? This article will dive deeper into this subject & explain how CBD helps to modulate the signals that lead to migraines as well as promote healthy sleep which can prevent them in the 1st place.

What is a migraine?
Science is still searching for absolutes regarding what causes migraine, however, current technology that shows us how the brain works is shaping new and exciting understanding. In the past, it was believed that the constriction and dilation of blood vessels was the primary cause for migraine. Researchers now believe that migraine is a neurological disorder involving complex brain chemistry and neuro pathways. Migraines are now known to be caused by genetics, extreme stress, and external/environmental factors.

Isn't migraine just another word for bad headache?
No. A migraine is not just a bad headache, it is a long lasting (sometimes lasting days) set of neurological disturbances that cause throbbing, and many times debilitating pain. Migraine attacks typically present on one side of the head, however one third of sufferers state that they experience the throbbing pain on both sides of their head. There are a host of other symptoms that typically accompany migraine.

Nausea - Many migraine sufferers report nausea and vomiting when experiencing a migraine attack.
Aura - These are visual disturbances that can occur prior to the headache coming on.
Seeing spots
Flashes of light
"Zig-Zag" lines
Loss of vision (in one or both eyes)
Dizziness or lightheaded feeling
Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
Phonophobia (sensitivity to sound)
Sensitivity to smells (this can sometimes be a trigger for migraine in some sufferers)
Numbness or tingling (most commonly in the face)

Are there different types of migraine?
Yes. There are 2 main types of migraine and several "sub-types".

Migraine without Aura (AKA-Common Migraine): This is the most common type of migraine. It typically comes on without warning and with it brings pulsing/throbbing pain typically on one side of the head lasting anywhere from 4-72 hours. Other symptoms that accompany this form of migraine include: nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to smells, sensitivity to sound, confusion, blurred vision, mood changes, & fatigue. These attacks can come on several times a year and attacks can be made worse by frequent use of symptom managing medications.
Migraine with Aura (AKA-Classic or Complicated Migraine): This type involves neurological and visual disturbances that precede the headache and typically last an hour or so. Sufferers can loose part or all of their vision & many times the aura is experienced without the headache symptoms.
Hemiplegic Migraine (a subtype of Migraine with Aura): This type is a very rare, but extremely serious type of migraine that causes paralysis on one or both sides of the body, sometimes lasting days. This paralysis can precede a headache or be present during the headache. Sufferers report extreme vertigo, trouble speaking, trouble seeing, trouble swallowing, and a stabbing sensation. These symptoms typically come before the headache pain and cease shortly after the pain begins.
Migraine with brain stem aura (AKA-Basilar Migraine): This type of migraine presents mainly in adolescents and teens, many times in teen girls surrounding their menstrual cycles. The pain typically comes on suddenly & is felt on both sides and the back of the head.
Retinal Migraine : This is a very rare type of migraine that is characterized by attacks of vision loss and visual disturbance. Painful headaches usually accompany this type of migraine.
Chronic Migraine : Migraines are classified as chronic when headaches occur 15 or more times a month for more than 3 months. Often disabling, these migraines require preventative medication, lifestyle changes, and in extreme cases surgical intervention.

Can CBD help with my migraines?
Many scientists believe that migraines are a result of a deficient Endocannabinoid System . One study in 2007 published in the Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology found that their chronic migraine patients had significantly lower amounts of Anandamide in cerebrovascular fluid than normal. Their conclusion was that this finding "may reflect an impairment of the Endocannabinoid System in these patients, which may contribute to chronic head pain"
The theory around Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency was developed by Dr. Ethan Russo, neurologist and cannabinoid researcher. Watch this very informative interview about Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency with Dr. Russo here .
Unlike THC which binds with cannabinoid receptors, CBD interacts with and activates endocannabinoid receptors but also with other non-cannabinoid receptors. This is why Dr. Russo credits CBD with bringing balance to the endocannabinoid system, stating "... if there is too much activity in a system, homeostasis requires that it be brought back down. If there is too little, it's got to come up. And that's what cannabidiol can do as a promoter of endocannabinoid tone. "

Sleep

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 28 May 2021 15:53:58 GMT

A good nights sleep is so important for your health

A good nights sleep is more important than most of us know... Bad sleep habits can lead to all sorts of troubles in the body. You will be surprised at how much better you feel when you begin a balanced sleep schedule. In this article we will discuss the role of CBD, foods, and routines that can help you finally get a good nights sleep.

CBD for sleep support
As we know, your Endocannabinoid System is a network of receptors throughout your body designed to accept endogenous as well as plant cannabinoids and responsible for Homeostasis (Balance) in all other systems in your body. CBD directly interacts with these receptors and supports homeostasis. Using CBD in your daily routine helps your body in its fight to reach and maintain balance in your entire body. CBD helps to quiet anxiety, and regulate your neurotransmissions resulting in your bodys ability to calm it's self and ready your brain for sleep. There are many opinions on the form of CBD one should use for certain applications, but my favorite for sleep support is the gummy. Gummies, when taken properly, provide a sort of time release effect as they digest in your gut. The key is to swallow the gummy as whole as possible. I take a little 25mg gummy bear every night. I let all of the sugar dissolve, bite into it once to squish it a bit and then swallow it without chewing it up. As it dissolves during digestion it delivers cannabinoids on a steady basis for the duration of digestion. Gummies work best for me, but I always encourage people to experiment with what works best for them.

Habits for good sleep
We have to do our part in developing good habits (and breaking bad ones) that help with sleep support. Consider the following list

Establish a nightly routine
Avoid bright lights
Avoid stress/excitement inducing activities. Establishing a relaxing activity such as reading a good book, taking a warm bath or shower, or listening to/playing music can help your brain to calm and begin releasing chemicals that are essential for a good nights sleep
Stick to the schedule that works for you, even on the weekends. This can help regulate your bodys internal clock.
Avoid long naps : If you require a nap during the day, take a 30 minute power nap. Short naps can provide significant benefit for improved alertness without making you feel groggy or interfering with sleep cycles.
Invest in a good & supportive mattress & bedding : Bedding is not designed to last forever and needs to be replaced when worn. Of course it depends on the quality of mattress and bedding you own, but as a rule of thumb your mattress should be turned every 6 months & replaced every 7-15 years. Pillows should be replaced every 6 months to a year depending on the material.
Wash your sheets and pillowcases a minimum of every 2 weeks : Clean, pleasant smelling bedding induces a feeling of well being and relaxes the mind.
Use a fan or a sound machine : white noise, rainfall, ocean waves, etc. can create a calming environment and minimize background noise, helping you fall peacefully to sleep. I sleep with a fan every night and even carry one with me when I travel. This "white noise" is wonderful for those of us who are very light sleepers.
Eat sleep inducing foods : Eating wholesome foods and having a balanced diet are important for overall health, but there are certain foods that are rich in tryptophan and potassium that aid in sleep support. See a list of great sleep inducing foods here .
Avoid the use of caffeine at least 4 hours before bed : Caffeine is a very powerful stimulant that increases brain activity, sometimes to a fever pitch. It is also a diuretic and can cause unwanted sleep interruptions getting up to take a bathroom break. If you are a person who has severe or chronic insomnia, it's possible that you need to cut caffeine from your diet all together. For everyone else, you should cut out all caffeinated foods and beverages at least 4 hours prior to bed time to allow the caffeine to leave your system. Having a warm beverage or having a warm bath before bed can stimulate the production of melatonin, so grab yourself a cup of herbal tea or sugar free/caffeine free hot chocolate before bed. Other great ways to boost melatonin can be found here .
Turn down the thermostat : Your body temperature naturally lowers during sleep, so introducing your body into a cooler environment can stimulate sleep and help your body transition through healthy sleep cycles all night long. The ideal temperature for sleep is between 67 & 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Introduce CBD into your life : CBD helps your body reach and maintain Homeostasis. A balanced body is a happy & healthy body

Terpenes

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 28 May 2021 15:51:36 GMT

What are terpenes and what do they do?

What is a Terpene?
Terpenes are what give the cannabis plant distinctive aromas & flavors. Many many plants in our world produce these terpenes. Produced in the same glands as CBD and THC, terpenes as well as the other cannabinoids in the plant work in symbiosis together to produce the Entourage Effect .
To date there have been over 100 terpenes found in the cannabis plant and it's worth noting that they in themselves produce different effects in the body. Two different strains with the exact same THC and CBD concentrations can produce different results due to the terpene content. Of the over 100 terps found in cannabis, we are going to look at just a few, the most common found in cannabis/hemp.

Myrcyne
Myrcene is the most commonly found terpene in cannabis/hemp & many say it smells of cloves. Myrcene is known for it's sedative, calming, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and analgesic (pain relieving) properties.
Other plants containing Myrcene: Siamese ginger, Rosemary, Cardamom, Oregano, Black Pepper...

Limonene
Limonene is the second most common terpene found in cannabis/hemp & as it's name suggests it has a citrus smell. Limonene is known for it's anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, but it's ability to enter the blood brain barrier also means that it is beneficial for mental focus, attention, and overall feelings of well being. This makes it a great terpene to be used in anxiety and depression applications. It's also worth mentioning that there is developing research suggesting that Limonene works as an anti-carcinogenic and can help slow the growth of tumors.
Other plants containing Limonene: Agnus-castus, Lemons, Celery, Dill, Fennel...

Beta-Caryophyllene
Beta-Caryophyllenehas a very spicy smell and flavor very similar to black pepper. It is known to have strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain relieving) properties and is often found in topical salve and cream applications. Some even suggest that it helps fight symptoms of anxiety & depression.
Other plants containing Beta-Caryophyllene: Beggar Ticks, Clove, Black Pepper, Beefsteak Mint, Rosemary...

Linalool
Linalool has a very floral scent with hints of spice. It has calming and sedative effects and is used in the application of treating anxiety, nervousness, and depression. It is also said to have anti-epileptic and analgesic (pain relieving) properties as well as research into treating certain types of cancers.
Other plants containing Linalool: Cilantro, Basil, Oregano, Grapevine, Black Tea...

Pinene
Pinene has as the name suggests a very woodsy pine/fir scent. It is known for it's anti-inflammatory & antiseptic properties. It has a great effect on the bronchi and is also used in applications as an expectorant. Pinene has been shown to positively affect our memory and protect against Oxidative Stress.
Other plants containing Pinene: Benguet Pine, Parsley, Scotch Pine, Nutmeg, Celery...

Terpineol
Terpineols unique scent can sometimes be lost in many strains because it's often found with Pinene and is overpowered. It has a pleasant lilac/lime blossom scent. It has calming and sedative effects and is often used to treat anxiety/depression.
Other plants containing Terpineol: Thyme, Marjoram, Cardamom, Oregano, Scotch Pine...

Delta 3 Carene
D3 Carene has a pungent woodsy/lemony aroma. It gives off a lemony flavor without the sour punch of an actual lemon. It's most widely used as a natural insect repellent, giving a much better smell than DEET without the unwanted side effects. Many do not know this terpenes remarkable ability to reduce inflammation and its use in ancient eastern medicine. Carene is also showing great promise in promoting strong bone growth, bone remodeling after injury, and reversing the effects of osteoporosis. When used in conjunction with Terpineol, the enzyme acetylcholinesterase is inhibited stimulating memories and increasing memory retention.

Other plants containing D3 Carene: Pine, Black Pepper, Lepechinia Calycina, Thyme, Wild Parsnip...

Sarcoidosis

Fri, 28 May 2021 15:49:43 GMT

Add CBD to your fight

It is estimated 10 to 15 out of every 100,000 Americans develop Sarcoidosis annually. According to the Mayo Clinic, Sarcoidosis is characterized by the growth of tiny collections of inflammatory cells called granulomas in any part of your body. It can affect your skin, eyes, heart, and other organs but is most typically seen in the lungs and lymphatic system. Sarcoidosis affects every age, sex, and race and is typically diagnosed between the ages of 20-40.

What is a granuloma?
A granuloma is a structure formed by the collection of immune (inflammatory) cells. These are typically benign . Granulomas form when your body is unable to eliminate a substance perceived as foreign. The granuloma forms a wall around the foreign substance and triggers an inflammatory response. While granulomas are typically benign (non cancerous), if they grow large enough they can damage organs and tissue, causing chronic organ inflammation, and sometimes needing surgical intervention. When a granuloma stays in place after the "invader" has been expelled it is called Sarcoidosis.

What causes Sarcoidosis?
The exact cause of Sarcoidosis is unknown, but most research points to abnormal immune system response. Researchers are still trying to answer questions such as how heredity, environment, lifestyle, etc. affect the development, length, and severity of the disease.

Some of the things research is looking at as possible causes for Sarcoidosis are

Fungi
Bacteria
Chemicals
Dust/Pollution

Is Sarcoidosis a chronic condition?
Sarcoidosis is typically not disabling and most people with this disease go on to live completely normal lives. In about 20-30% of cases there is long term damage to the lungs, and in about 10-15% of people the disease is chronic. Many times Sarcoidosis will develop and resolve on it's own, sometimes without ever being properly diagnosed.

What are the risk factors for Sarcoidosis?

Age : Sarcoidosis most commonly affects people between the ages of 20-40
Race/Ethnicity : Reported rates of Sarcoidosis among African-Americans is an estimated 3 to 4 times higher than Caucasian people.
Family History : This is still a hotly debated topic, but those with a family history of Sarcoidosis may be at a higher risk than those with no family history.
Sex: It is pretty common for women to be affected more by most inflammatory conditions and Sarcoidosis is no exception. Women, especially those over 50, are at a higher risk of developing Sarcoidosis.

What are the signs and symptoms of Sarcoidosis?
Symptoms of Sarcoidosis can vary wildly from person to person and can vary depending on the size and location of granulomas and the size of the organ involved. You will only notice symptoms when granulomas have become invasive. Some other signs and symptoms of Sarcoidosis include:

Joint Pain & swelling
Rash/Bumps on the skin that can be tender
Red/teary eyes and blurred vision
Cough
Shortness of breath/wheezing
Fever
Weight Loss
Abnormal heart rhythm
Fever
Depression
Weight loss

In some people, symptoms can be severe and appear suddenly and subside just as quickly. Some people may have organ involvement and never experience symptoms. It can vary wildly with each person.

What are the long term affects of Sarcoidosis?
The long term affects of Sarcoidosis are different with each person but for some people the diagnosis can lead to long term problems. The following are some of the complications that can occur with a Sarcoidosis diagnosis.

Lungs: Left untreated, Sarcoidosis can lead to pulmonary fibrosis which is a permanent scarring of the lungs. This can make it hard to breathe and lead to pulmonary hypertension .
Eyes: Inflammation can affect any area of the eye and cause damage. In rare cases Sarcoidosis can lead to damage to all or part of the eye, cataracts, glaucoma, & blindness.
Heart: Granulomas can develop in the heart leading to abnormal heart rhythm, and blood flow. In rare and/or untreated cases it can lead to death.
Kidneys: Granulomas can affect the way our bodies process calcium. This can lead to kidney stones in some cases.
Central Nervous System: It is rare, but some Sarcoidosis patients develop granulomas in the brain and spinal cord that can interrupt vital signals going to the body. This can result in neuropathic pain, facial paralysis, numbness, etc.

Can CBD help ease the symptoms of Sarcoidosis?
If you ask my customers who suffer with Sarcoidosis, the answer is yes. First of all CBD is a very powerful anti-inflammatory and at the very least can help your body to keep inflammation down all over your body on a cellular level helping to reduce pain. Many people are able to drastically decrease medications such as steroids and methotrexate, decreasing the stress on the liver that can also lead to inflammation. CBD also protects and supports your immune system. This can reduce the amount of immune cells that form granulomas. Immune system support & protection can also lower oxidative stress and cell death that can lead to widespread inflammation. The bottom line is if you or someone you know suffers from Sarcoidosis, adding CBD to your life will aid your body to be in better balance. We all have an Endocannabinoid System that is amazing in it's complexity beautiful in it's simplicity. A body in balance is a body that is happier.

Silencing the Anxiety Beast inside you

Fri, 28 May 2021 15:47:40 GMT

Finding a muzzle for your anxiety is within your reach

Anxiety......
Where does it come from?
Why can’t we shut it off?

Anyone who has ever suffered from anxiety knows that it can be debilitating and for some... earth shattering. Terrified to fail, but no desire to be productive... Hating to be alone but dreading social situations, or on the flip side wanting to be alone, but feeling so lonely that you could crawl under a rock..... going from feeling ALL the feelings at once to feeling completely numb.

Most people who struggle with anxiety also struggle with the medication options available. The side effects can be worse than the condition itself and most don’t want to be “zombies” all day. Let's take a look at some of the most common medication types used for anxiety.

Antidepressants
SSRI (Selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors)
SNRI (seratonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors )
Beta-Blockers
Benzodiazepines
Buspirone
Hydroxyzine

Within these categories there are sub-categories that work differently and carry their own risks and side effects.
SSRIs affect the chemicals that nerve cells in the brain use to communicate called neurotransmitters. SSRIs block the reabsorption (or reuptake) of the neurotransmitter seratonin . These medications are most commonly used to treat: moderate to severe depression, panic disorder, anxiety disorder, OCD, eating disorders, and social anxiety disorder. The most common SSRIs prescribed include: Celexa, Prozac, Paxil, Lexapro, & Zoloft.

Side effects of SSRIs include (but are not limited to):

Nausea
Agitation/Restlessness
Weight Gain or Loss
Vomiting and/or Diarrhea
Reduced Sexual Desire or Inability to Perform
Insomnia
Headache
Dizziness
Dry Mouth

SNRIs block the reabsorption (or reuptake) of the neurotransmitters seratonin and norepinephrine . These medications are most commonly used to treat: depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, fibromyalgia, nerve pain, and other pain disorders. The most common SNRIs prescribed include: Cymbalta, Effexor, Fetzima, Savella, & Pristiq.
Side effects of SNRIs include (but are not limited to):

Nausea
Aggitation/Restlessness
Weight Gain or Loss
Vomiting and/or Diarrhea
Reduced Sexual Desire or Inability to Perform
Insomnia
Headache
Dizziness
Dry Mouth
Sweating
Tiredness
Constipation
Inability to urinate
Loss of appetite

Both of these two types of medications also carry risk of dependency and have a long list of withdrawal related symptoms when trying to stop taking them.
SSRI withdrawal can include: Dizziness, vertigo, confusion and irritability, lethargy, flu like symptoms (chills, muscle aches, muscle twitching, etc.), and worsening or increased depression. Some patients report suicidal thoughts.
SNRI withdrawal can include: Anxiety, urgent need to urinate, diarrhea, dizziness, flu like symptoms(chills, muscle aches, muscle twitching, etc.), and worsening or increased depression. Some patients report suicidal thoughts.

Now, all that said, I am in no way saying that one should not ever be on these medications or that there is never a need for them. What I am saying is that CBD should be a 1st resort and these potentially damaging medications should be the last resort. CBD has had so much success treating the same symptoms that these medications treat without the nasty side effects. I myself have seen a drastic decline in my anxiety/depression as well as ADHD. (See my other Anxiety post for more details of my story) I was able to completely quit all prescription medications and now only take CBD and vitamin B daily. It's rare that I even need an ibuprofen, and when I do I only take one. It's still amazing to me that most days I live pain free after living at a minimum of a 5 on the pain scale since I was a teenager.

Are you at your last resort??? Come stop by, let’s talk. We have some pretty amazing stories of success with CBD, both personally and from our customers. We can help!! Honestly the only thing you have to loose is the anxiety itself. Don't let your social anxiety keep you from visiting our store, I have been exactly where you are right now and completely understand how you are feeling. Sometimes just having someone to talk to that actually understands is half the battle. I have a comfortable couch that you can sit on and talk to me about anything you want.

Here is another wonderful article that lists some simple things to do to calm your mind and spirit.

Below is a fun (although accurate) little video called " Me vs. Anxiety " from Juggling The Jenkins

https://youtu.be/FdSIjZGWW7w

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease

CBD for PMS

Fri, 28 May 2021 15:45:11 GMT

The one thing you haven't tried yet.

Ever woke up bloated wanting to cry uncontrollably while strangling everyone who dares to speak to you? If you are lucky enough to have suffered with PMS , chances are you connect with this first sentence on a primal level. Most of us have experienced PMS and the beast it turns us in to. A few days after ovulation your hormone levels drop drastically if you don't get pregnant. This can cause all sorts of emotional and physical shenanigans!

What are the symptoms of PMS?
While PMS symptoms differ from person to person, many women report many of the same symptoms to differing degrees. These can include:

Physical Symptoms

Cramping
Bloating
Constipation and/or diarrhea
Lowered tolerance for noise and light
Headaches and backaches
Tender& swollen breasts
Weight fluctuations
Acne flare ups

Emotional Symptoms

Fatigue
Depression, crying spells
Food cravings
Anxiety
Trouble concentrating & moodiness
Irritability & hostility
Sleep disturbances (too much or too little)
Loss of libido

For those of you reading this who have a Y chromosome, hopefully this will help you understand at least a little more why we can turn into crying, fire breathing, Gila monsters once a month. We don't want to go through all of the things you read above, but our bodies are hard wired to prepare for pregnancy once a month and we can't help it.

What causes PMS?
The exact cause is unknown, but most research points to changes in hormone levels as the body prepares for pregnancy and the extreme downswing in hormones when pregnancy does not occur. Factors that may contribute to PMS severity are:

Cyclic changes in hormone levels - these typically disappear with pregnancy or menopause
Depression - Many women suffering with severe PMS may have undiagnosed depression
Fluctuating neurochemistry - It is believed that fluctuations in the neurotransmitter seratonin play a big role in mood stability. Insufficient seratonin can cause depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and food cravings.

PMS symptoms affect most women who have begun their periods in some form, but for the unfortunate few the symptoms can be extreme & debilitating. This is known as PMDD.

What causes cramps?

Every month your uterus works hard, triggered by a rise in estrogen levels, to prepare itself to host an embryo by building up endometrial tissue. A boost in progesterone causes the tissue to plump up with blood. Once your body realizes it will not be incubating, it puts up the closed sign and goes to work cleaning house. Triggered by a drop in progesterone your body pulls the blood supply from the endometrium and your uterus contracts to shed the endometrial tissue. Typically this sends us running for pain relievers, the heating pad, and of course ... chocolate.

What is PMDD?

PMDD stands for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. It is an extreme form of PMS that causes:

Extreme sadness, hopelessness, & despair
Debilitating depression, tension, and anxiety
Extreme moodiness
Extreme Irritability & anger

What causes PMDD?
The exact cause of PMDD is largely unknown, however it is likely that hormonal changes are the culprit. PMDD treatment is focused on symptom management. Many times a doctor will prescribe antidepressants or birth control pills to manage the sometimes debilitating symptoms. PMDD symptoms can start one to 2 weeks before your period & typically subside a few days after your period starts. This means that people who suffer from PMDD spend too much of their precious time suffering from what can be absolutely debilitating symptoms and are likely trying multiple cocktails of medications trying to find relief. Some studies also suggest that consuming foods that help to raise levels of tryptophan could also help ease the symptoms of PMDD. Tryptophan is a precursor to seratonin and other neurotransmitters. Foods that help increase tryptophan include: turkey, fish, complex carbohydrates, etc.

How can CBD help with PMS symptoms?
Pain Relie f: CBD is a powerful and natural anti-inflammatory and can ease the cramping & headaches associated with PMS. Before you reach for your ibuprofen, which can cause all sorts of internal organ irritation and damage, try CBD instead. Many of my customers also like to use a topical CB D on the abdomen when suffering from cramps.
Anxiety/Depression : CBD is known for it's positive impact on mental health. Many of my customers report that the gnarling red eyed monster is quieted with their daily CBD.
Constipation & Diarrhea: CBD naturally balances the enzymes that trigger smooth muscle contractions. Many people suffer from constipation and diarrhea during their menstrual cycle & find relief with CBD. Many of my customers keep CBD suppositorie s around for just this reason.

The bottom line here is that there is hope for an easier period without throwing handfuls of pills at it. If you are looking for a natural solution with no dangerous side effects, consider silencing the beast with a CBD knockout!

Water Soluble CBD

Fri, 28 May 2021 15:41:47 GMT

It's all about the bio availability

There are so many forms of CBD for you to choose from on the market. Traditional CBD oils, creams, salves, vapor products, bath & body, edibles,... etc.... etc... etc. Everyone has a favorite method of taking their daily CBD but the most bioavailable forms are water soluble and is quickly becoming a very popular way to integrate CBD into the lives of many.
Bioavailability is the measure of the amount of a measured dose that reaches the blood stream, and represents the amount of the dose that escapes first pass elimination because it is absorbed into the blood stream via the mucosa in your mouth, & soft tissues of the esophagus and stomach. Any medication, supplement, vitamin, etc. takes these paths to the bloodstream unless administered intravenously.

The human body is comprised of mostly water :

Our brain is appx. 80% water
Our blood is appx. 85% water
Our cells are appx. 90% water

It doesn't take a degree to conclude that our body has a difficult time absorbing anything that is not water soluble. Vitamin studies have routinely shown that only about 10% of non-soluble vitamins are absorbed by the body, thus the more bioavailable the product, the less you have to take for the desired result. As an example, I have found that I need appx. 40 to 50 milligrams a day (I break that up in a morning dose and evening dose for maximum efficacy). I can take When I take an oil instead of my Hemp Dropz water soluble CBD, I need to take the equivalent of 50 to 100 milligrams or more of the oil to get the same results.

That said.... What does water soluble CBD mean to you?

Affordability : Quality CBD is not cheap and you most certainly get what you pay for. Consuming a more bioavailable product means you can use less to get your desired result.
Finding your therapeutic window : Everyone's cannabinoid receptors are different. One person may only need 5 milligrams a day and another might need 50 milligrams a day. Finding your "sweet spot" and remaining consistent is key when taking CBD. By using a more bioavailable product, it is much easier to figure out how many milligrams a day you need to get relief.
Taking the least amount for maximum benefit : Taking too much of anything is not good for your body. Your body is always working to maintain homeostasis , which is the job of your Endocannabinoid System . Again when you are consuming something that is not water soluble, your body has to work much harder than necessary to process all of the compounds and sort out what your body needs vs. what needs to come out as waste.

The bottom line when beginning your CBD journey is that your body is designed to make it's own medicine. The human body is literally built to manufacture all of the compounds that we end up taking in the forms of medicine, vitamins, etc. The trouble is that between internal unbalance and external factors such as stress, environment, nutrition, etc. we don't do this as efficiently as we were designed to. Thus the need to add a multitude of things to our bodies that can be everything from addictive to toxic. Many of the medications that we as humans are prescribed are not very bioavailable and we end up having to take an actual dose that is way more than what we need to absorb & it's up to our bodies to get rid of the byproducts and toxins that are left over. That is a lot of unnecessary work and stress put upon our systems that are fighting for balance every second.

Hopefully this clears up some of the most common questions that y'all have regarding which CBD product is going to give you the best bang for your buck! :-)

CBD for Arthritis

Fri, 28 May 2021 15:38:26 GMT

Reduce inflammation and decrease pain

Millions of Americans suffer with some form of Arthritis. This disease can be very destructive, and degenerative, but it almost always carries pain, many times debilitating and life-changing pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one third of all adults who suffer from arthritis report that it limits their leisure activities and work. 25 percent of these people report that it causes severe pain (a seven out of 10 on the pain scale) This can lead to further conditions such as anxiety & depression. Inflammation and cell miscommunication are the key causes for this pain.

The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD have been well documented, and many people have found relief using CBD instead of pharmaceuticals with unpleasant and sometimes dangerous side effects.
There are over 100 different forms of arthritis and related diseases. Let's take a look at some of the different types of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) : Osteoarthritis is a breakdown of the protective cartilage inside the joint, making the movement of the joint more painful. Over time the bones that make up the joint can begin to rub together (known as bone on bone) causing severe pain. Other than the cartilage, other parts of the joint can be affected as well such as bone, synovium (soft tissue that lines the joint, tendon sheaths, and bursae), and ligaments. Arthritis pain can vary from person to person. Sufferers report the intensity of pain from mild to severe.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) : Rheumatoid Arthritis is is an auto-immune disorder caused by the bodies own immune system attacking joints, and other organs. A normal immune system attacks invaders, protecting the person from virus, bacteria, and other invaders. In people with auto-immune disease like, Rheumatoid Arthritis, the immune system becomes over active & attacks healthy tissues and organs. In RA cases, the immune system primarily attacks the lining of the joints called the synovium.
Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) : Psoriatic Arthritis is an auto-immune disease where the immune system attacks the body on many fronts, causing pain. PsA affects the joints, causes arthritis; the connective tissue where ligaments and tendons connect to the bones; and the skin, causing psoriasis.
Fibromyalgia : Fibromyalgia is considered a central pain syndrome, meaning that the brain and central nervous system process pain differently. It causes allodynia & hyperalgesia. Allodynia is characterized as central pain sensation following normally non painful stimulation, meaning a person suffering from Fibromyalgia can experience pain from a touch or movement that would otherwise not cause pain. Hyperalgesia is characterized by an increased response to painful stimulus, meaning that something that may be mildly painful to someone without fibromyalgia would be extremely painful to someone suffering from this disorder. People suffering from Fibromyalgia often report widespread, whole body pain that can come and go, move around, or be constant. Besides pain, Fibromyalgia is often associated with other symptoms including: fatigue, mood problems, inability to concentrate, depression, and sleep problems.

You can read more about sources of arthritis pain and treatments in this article from arthritis.org.
A 5 week study , published in 2008 showed great potential for CBD as a viable option for arthritis pain relief.
Based on the feedback of our customers, our pain cream is extremely effective in quieting arthritis pain and reducing inflammation. It is recommended for chronic pain to add an oral CBD to your topical application to strengthen your Endocannabinoid System.

Diverticulitis and CBD

Fri, 28 May 2021 15:37:05 GMT

Diverticulitis is defined as inflammation in the diverticulum , especially in the colon, causing pain and disturbance of bowel function. It is a chronic and difficult disorder to live with. In this article we will take a look at what causes diverticulitis, foods to avoid and foods to add to your diet, and how CBD can help.

What is Diverticulitis?
To understand diverticulitis we first need to understand diverticulosis. Diverticula are abnormal pouches that develop at weak spots in your intestines, the presence of diverticula without inflammation is called diverticulosis.

What are the symptoms of Diverticulitis?
Interestingly enough, the majority of people with diverticulosis never experience symptoms. Other people develop diverticulitis and experience a whole host of symptoms including:

Pain during/after eating, passing bowels, or passing gas (typically on the left side, but occasionally on the right). When diverticula are severely inflamed or infected, pain can be constant and severe.
Changing bowel habits or change in stool
Constipation and (less commonly) diarrhea
Blood in stool
Rectal bleeding
Nausea/Vomiting
More frequent urination and/or painful urination

What causes diverticulitis?
Researchers don't know exactly why diverticula develop, however one school of thought points to lack of dietary fiber. This makes sense when you think of muscles and the old adage "If you don't use it, you loose it". A diet right in fiber helps your colon to work more efficiently by helping your body produce softer stools that are easier to pass. Not having enough fiber in your diet leads to harder stools that put more pressure on the colon as it moves the stool down leading to weak spots in the muscle wall that allow diverticula to develop. This theory has been widely debated, but many researchers believe that the anecdotal and circumstantial evidence is convincing. There was a school of thought for many years that nuts and seeds in the diet became lodged in the diverticula causing flare ups, but a recent study in 2008 found no link between nuts/seeds & diverticulitis .

That being said, may people experiencing a flare up may be advised to limit fiber intake. Fiber adds bulk to stool, causing an increase in colon contractions. This can be very painful for someone experiencing a diverticulitis flare up.

Are there risk factors for diverticulitis?
Although there is no smoking gun cause for diverticulitis, there are some risk factors to take into consideration.

Genetic
Being over 50
Low fiber diet
Vitamin D deficiency
Certain medications
Smoking
Lack of exercise

Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms and have any of these risk factors.

What should I eat if I have diverticulitis?
The discussion on this is all over the map and is a hotly debated topic in some circles. Some doctors say to avoid fatty foods and foods rich in sugar, others say to avoid red meat and fried foods. The thing to remember is that this is more widely seen as an individual choice and that each person has a different experience with foods and their symptoms. No matter which diet you decide is right for you, make sure you stay well hydrated, especially during an attack. Hydration is something a lot of people overlook and pay the price for. A dehydrated digestive tract is an unhealthy digestive tract that has to work extra hard to push toxic waste out of your system. It is wise for anyone experiencing frequent symptoms or is in the midst of an attack to avoid high-FODMAP foods such as beans, dairy, fermented foods, cabbage/brussels sprouts, onions and garlic.

How can CBD help with my diverticulitis symptoms?
Just like you have a digestive system, you also have an equally important body system called the Endocannabinoid System . Your ECS is the air traffic controller in your body that regulates homeostasis in all other systems of the body. There are many many functions of the ECS, however one to look at when it comes to issues in the gut are the cannabinoid receptors in between the gut and the brain. The vagus nerve is the communication highway between the gut and the brain and is loaded with cannabinoid receptors. What this means for people who suffer from diverticulitis is activating these receptors can reduce the pain signals going to the brain. CBD also helps your body to modulate inflammatory response and is a powerful anti-inflammatory. CBD elevates the endocannabinoid 2AG, which mainly binds with CB2 receptors which your gut is loaded with. This study shows that CBD was able to reduce inflammation in the gut. It can take some time to find the right product for your personal needs, but many of my customers are loving the full spectrum oils and suppositories for diverticulitis.

CBD & Thyroid Health

Fri, 28 May 2021 15:35:19 GMT

January is Thyroid Awareness Month, so seeing as how this post is going up in January (2018), it's a great time for me to talk to you a little about CBD for thyroid disorder.

What is my thyroid and what does it do?
The thyroid is an endocrine gland that secretes hormones that affect every single cell, tissue, and organ in the body. It wraps around the front of the windpipe towards the base of the neck. It helps your body maintain and regulate bodily functions like metabolism, heart rate, internal body temperature and emotional response. It has always been known that the thyroid is in constant communication with the brain to help regulate homeostasis, however, recently connections have been made between the thyroids communication with the brain and the ECS ( Endocannabinoid System ). This suggests that the ECS may have a direct influence on efficient thyroid hormone release and ultimately overall homeostatic health. One study in 2009 found that our CB1 receptor directly influences the neuro activity that controls the thyroid.

Hyperthyroidism : This condition is marked by an overactive thyroid gland producing too much of the hormone thyroid. Hyperthyroidism can accelerate your body's metabolism, causing unintentional weight loss as well as rapid heart beat.
Some symptoms of Hyperthyroidism include: unintentional weight loss(even when your food intake remains the same or even increases), rapid or irregular heartbeat, increased appetite, increased sensitivity to heat, anxiety, fatigue, thinning of the skin, brittle hair/hair loss.

Hypothyroidism : This condition is marked by an under active thyroid gland that is not producing enough of crucial hormones needed for thyroid health. The signs and symptoms vary depending on the severity of the deficiency. Issues tend to develop slowly over time making it more difficult to diagnose. Many people attribute the changes of Hypothyroidism to getting older because the changes can be so subtle over a long period of time.
Some of the symptoms of Hypothyroidism include: weight gain, fatigue, sensitivity to cold, facial edema, hoarseness, elevated blood cholesterol, depression, enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)

Can CBD help?
The thyroid releases hormones that control, brain development, growth, metabolism, etc. thus a thyroid out of balance can be catastrophic to the body. There is such a wide variety of thyroid disorders with a massive array of physiological and emotional symptoms. It can be very difficult to pinpoint what pharmaceutical measures need to be taken to induce positive changes.This is why CBD has been adopted as a viable treatment option for thyroid disorders. CBD acts on the ECS (Endocannabinoid System) to regulate internal homeostasis on a whole body level as opposed to the isolated chemical pathways employed by pharmaceutical medications. CBD also carries no side effects as seen with prescription medications.

The CB1 receptor is most predominant in thyroid and adrenal glands. Certain endocannabinoids as well as phytocannabinoids (such as CBD and THC) dials up the release of certain biochemicals that do many amazing things for our bodies such as:
- Reduces depression
- Helps induce sleep
- Reduces anxiety
- Lowers blood pressure
- Lowers inflammation
- Alleviates PTSD symptoms

There have been no formal studies done as yet on exact dosing and it can be a trial and error process to find your therapeutic dose. Many people report that they manage their symptoms well using between 30mg and 50mg per day, however it's best to start low and work your way up to find your "sweet spot"

CBD for Oral Health

Fri, 28 May 2021 15:33:56 GMT

Oral health is more important than you may think

Dentistry is one of the oldest medical professions with evidence of dental work done with tools as early as 7000 BC.
I can't imagine having a tooth drilled with a bow drill , but that was the technology of the day.... OUCH! In this article we are going to take a look at how far dentistry has come over the years, how your mouth health can affect your overall health and the many ways CBD can help you not only to calm your nerves at the dentist, but also possibly reduce the amount of visits you need to make to the dentist other than your check-up/cleaning visits.

The history of dentistry

7000 BC: Evidence suggests that primitive dentistry was performed using a hand/bow drill
5000 BC: The ancient Sumerians write about tooth decay caused by tooth worms, a theory that was adopted by many other cultures spanning centuries. Treatments included magic spells, potions, and attempts to lure the worms out with various applications.
2600 BC: Hesy-Re, an Egyptian scribe, known to be first dental practitioner. He was celebrated as "great one of the ivory cutters"
500 - 300 BC: Aristotle (known as the godfather of evidence based medicine) and Hippocrates each wrote about dental health. Writings included topics such as tooth eruption, decay, gum disease, even methods on how to wire and stabilize loose teeth and fractured jaws.
200 AD: The Etruscans used gold crowns and gold banded bridges to replace missing teeth.
700 AD: Ancient Chinese practitioners used silver fillings that were the ancestor to our modern amalgam fillings. Ancient China is also credited with the first bristled toothbrush.
1400 AD: Can you imagine going to your local barber to have your dental work done? Well in the Middle Ages, that is exactly where you went. In these early times of dentistry and medicine, barbers were tasked with much more than hair cuts and shaves.
1530: A little book with a long name. The first known book about dentistry came out of Germany with the title Little Medicinal Book for All Kinds of Diseases and Infirmities of the Teeth .
1723: French surgeon Pierre Fauchard , writes the first comprehensive book on dental care. His writings on teeth restoration, oral health, and creating/fitting dentures became the basis for practice since that time and earned him the title Father of Modern Dentistry .

While we have come a long way since the days of old, the dentist still ranks very very high on the list of phobias for most people. As high as 75% of adults in the US have some level of anxiety when faced with a dental visit, and 5 to 10% of those have crippling fear of the dentist. This is caused by many factors not the least of which is bad childhood experiences that lead to fear in adulthood. For many people this fear is intense enough to cause them to avoid the dentist all together. This is the first thing I'm going to address when it comes to CBD and oral health. I was one of those people who had a very bad dentist in childhood (the man was literally ran out of Missouri). For years I was unable (and dentists were unwilling) to have dental work without being sedated. Every instance of major dental work I've had done in adulthood has been under sedation, typically requiring me to come in on a day when no other patients were scheduled. I could not even go to a cleaning or check-up without taking a tranquilizer to get through it. Last year was the first time I have ever even tried to go to the dentist without taking medication. I put CBD to it's ultimate test in my life when I went in to have a crown put on and was so super excited that I did it! I got through a 3 hour appointment with shots, drilling, & fitting without taking prescription medication. I took a dose of CBD prior to the appointment and another small dose halfway through. Even though it was still not a pleasant experience, I felt a strong surge of pride that I was able to do it completely pharmaceutical free.

How does oral health affect overall health?
Your mouth is the gateway to your digestive and respiratory tracts & teams with bacteria that can be beneficial as well as harmful to your overall health. A healthy oral microbiome is essential for your overall health. Your gums are an entry point into your bloodstream, so when a person with poor oral health and oral care develops gum disease, this can lead to toxins and bad bacteria being carried all over your body & that can cause a whole host of medical issues. The most severe are called periodontitis & necrotizing periodontitis . Periodontitis develops when gingivitis is left unchecked. Periodontitis can include symptoms like, red/swollen gums that are tender or painful, bleeding, bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth, etc. Necrotizing periodontitis goes even further causing ulcers, tooth loss, jaw bone loss, & loss of the tissues that hold your teeth in. This can lead to serious infections that can threaten your overall health.

There are several diseases & conditions that can be linked to poor oral health. These include, but are not limited to:

Pneumonia - harmful bacteria living in the plaque in your mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, causing pneumonia.
Pregnancy & birth complications - Periodontitis has been linked to low birth weight and premature labor
Endocarditis - This infection of the inner lining of your heart is linked to bacteria carried from other parts of your body (like your mouth) to the heart, causing infection.

How can CBD help with oral health?

CBD is great for anxiety - As I mentioned before, anxiety and the dentist go hand and hand for many people. Studies show that taking CBD prior to a dental appointment can help to ease that anxiety, one of those studies can be found here .
CBD can help with inflammation in the gums - Inflammation can lead to all sorts of ugly problems, in fact it has been said many times that inflammation is the cause of most diseases. CBD has been shown to be a powerful anti-inflammatory.
CBD can help improve your sleep - Wondering what sleep has to do with your oral health? When you are getting poor sleep, chances are you are mouth breathing. Mouth breathing drys out the mouth and mucosa and allows bacteria to thrive. Oxidation from mouth breathing can also cause quickly aging teeth that yellow quickly. Most of my customers notice better sleep quality as one of the first benefits of starting CBD.
CBD reduces inflammation in the mouth and may help to heal gum disease - CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory and is showing promise in animal models as an aid to healing of gums that are suffering from periodontitis. CBD has also been shown to prevent bone loss .
CBD helps with pain relief - CBD interacts with your pain receptors and helps to modulate pain signaling. Along with the fact that it is a powerful anti-inflammatory, helping your body to modulate the signals results in "turning the volume down" on pain. Bottom line on this one is give CBD a try before and after a dentist appointment instead of opting for addictive and sometimes harmful medications.
CBD can help ease nausea - Many dental patients experience nausea, either from anxiety or from the anesthetic. Your tummy is loaded with cannabinoid receptors & CBD can help ease the symptoms of nausea and vomiting .

I will probably never, ever be excited about going to the dentist, but I can say that now I have something I know from experience helps so much with my anxiety, nausea, and pain during and after the appointment. Try it for yourself, you have nothing to loose but your dental anxiety.

CBD & Guillain Barre

Fri, 28 May 2021 15:31:10 GMT

Take your life back from this rare disorder

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is defined by NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) as post-infectious, immune-mediated neuropathies. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), an estimated 3,000 to 6,000 people develop GBS each year.

What is Guillain-Barre Syndrome?
Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a very rare disorder that causes the immune system to attack parts of the network of nerves outside the spinal cord and brain called the peripheral nervous system. This syndrome can strike anyone at any age, but is more common in adults and the elderly. We have a complex network of nerves throughout our bodies that carry signals to and from the brain. Just like in electrical wiring, there is a protective covering or sheath called the myelin. This protective covering is what protects & speeds up the electrical signals, allowing them to travel over long distances. As this insulation breaks down, the nerve experiences trauma, the signals are interrupted and do not do their job as they should be. The muscles are no longer receiving a clear signal and are unable to respond to the commands the brain is giving them. In most cases, these symptoms are symmetrical (occurring on both sides of the body).
Another widely reported symptom in advancing cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome is sensation changes. This is due to the damaged nerves sending the wrong signals to the brain. Symptoms can range from pain, tingling, and shock sensations; to the feeling of "bugs" crawling around under the skin.

What causes Guillain-Barre Syndrome?
Guillain-Barre Syndrome was discovered over a century ago, but scientists are still uncertain of the exact cause or why some people are affected and not others. It is thought that, at least in some cases, that the attack is brought on by the body fighting infection, and some of the chemicals on the bacteria or virus are biologically similar to those on the nerves. In some people, this causes the immune system to attack and damage these nerves. Another school of thought theorizes that the infecting virus or bacteria changes the chemical structure of some nerves causing the immune system to mistakenly attack it.

What are the symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome?
Guillain-Barre typically presents as unexplained sensations in the extremities. Many people report tingling or stinging sensations in the hands and feet. Children will sometimes have trouble walking or refuse to walk. These symptoms are usually the beginning symptoms and many times will disappear as the longer term, more serious symptoms begin to present and take their place. Symptoms begin to spread and worsen, presenting as weakness that moves up the extremities and sometimes to the face. This is evidence of worsening nerve damage. These worsening symptoms tend to occur quickly, generally in the first couple of weeks after onset. Weakness is most often at its peak after the first 2 weeks. There are other tell tale symptoms that spring up during the weeks after onset, these include:

Moderate to severe pain that worsens at night
Trouble with coordination and/or staying steady on your feet
Persistent eye twitching and/or vision problems
Digestive problems and/or bladder control issues
Difficulty speaking, chewing, and swallowing
Blood pressure changes and abnormal heart rate

What are traditional treatments for Guillain-Barre Syndrome?

Guillain-Barre is typically treated with plasmapheresis and/or immunoglobulin therapy which can help reduce the severity of the illness and even speed recovery. Other treatments can include immunosuppressive drug therapies.

Plasmapheresis : This is a treatment where the liquid part of your blood (called plasma) is separated from the blood cells to remove the antibodies that are attacking healthy cells in the body. The blood cells are then returned to your body so they can manufacture more plasma. This process is used for many autoimmune disorders to help slow the damage of the immune cells attacking healthy cells.

Immunoglobulin Therapy (IVIg) : IVIg is used to strengthen the immune system. Immunoglobulin is taken from the blood of healthy donors, screened, purified and given intravenously to hemodynamically compromised patients. It is often used in the treatment of Guillain-Barre.

How can CBD help with Guillain-Barre Syndrome?

As we discussed earlier, there are many symptoms associated with Guillain-Barre. Pain, inflammation, sensation changes, muscle spasms, etc. can be debilitating. CBD has been talked about for years for it's neuroprotective properties, in fact the US government took out a patent on CBD in 1996! You can also find many videos of CBD being given for Parkinson's & epilepsy and watch it diminish symptoms in seconds. The most widely talked about benefit from CBD for Guillain-Barre when you ask the patients is relief from pain and inflammation from the damaged nerves and muscle reactions.

CBD stimulates your Endocannabinoid System , which is a group of receptors found on nearly every cell type in the human body. These receptors are responsible for dispatching signals to all body systems to promote and sustain homeostasis. CBD activates the receptors to lower the sensitizers within the damaged cells. This can help in a couple of different ways;

Help to stabilize the nerve and keep it from excessive firing of pain signals
Help reduce existing inflammation in nerve cell and surrounding tissues
Help to relax immune responders in surrounding areas, preventing the discharge of inflammatory chemicals

Bottom line is that your Endocannabinoid System is an amazing thing and is always working to maintain balance in your entire body, and keeping this system healthy is key to maintaining homeostasis .

Parkinson's and CBD

Fri, 28 May 2021 15:29:09 GMT

A wide range of symptoms

I have a beloved family member suffering from this disease, so this article is a very personal one to me. Parkinson's can be a very sneaky and difficult to diagnose disease and there is no cure. In this article we will discuss the many symptoms of Parkinson's and how CBD can help manage these symptoms.

What is Parkinson's?
Parkinson's Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately the centers of the brain that produce dopamine. Most Parkinson's diagnoses is described as idiopathic , meaning that the cause is unknown, and although there is an enormous amount of research on the subject an exact cause has not yet been identified. Most medical scholars believe that it is due to genetics and/or environmental causes. There have been specific genetic markers associated with the triggering of Parkinson's. While Parkinson's itself is not fatal, the complications that arise with the progression can be very serious.

What are the symptoms of Parkinson's?
The symptoms and progression of Parkinson's can differ wildly from person to person and typically develop slowly over years. This is why it's very important to know the signs and symptoms so you can discuss it with your doctor if you begin experiencing them. There are many different symptoms of Parkinson's that I will break down by Motor and Non-Motor categories.

- Motor Symptoms

Tremor : A rhythmic, involuntary shaking that typically occurs in the hands, arms and fingers. Many times this tremor is what's known as a resting tremor and disappears with voluntary movement.
Muscle stiffness or rigidity
Bradykinesia (Slowness) : This is defined as being a decrease in voluntary & spontaneous movement. This can range anywhere from shuffling gait to decreased blinking and facial expressions.
D ifficulty with balance and coordination : This is most common as the disease progresses, but can occur at any time.

The most common symptom at diagnoses is tremor but not all people who suffer from Parkinson's presents with tremor. T he only motor symptom that is always present with a diagnoses of Parkinson's is Bradykinesia. While slowness is always present, not everyone with Parkinson's will experience all 3 motor symptoms.

- Non-Motor Symptoms
Non-motor symptoms include mental changes as well as autonomic dysfunction. We will start with mental changes.

Disturbances in Mood : Anxiety, depression, sadness, uncontrolled worry.
Apathy : Lack of interest & motivation in daily activities
Memory or Thinking : These symptoms can vary wildly from person to person and be as mild as loss of concentration to as severe as dementia.
Psychosis : The most common presentations of psychosis are hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), & delusions (false, paranoid beliefs)
Excessive Perspiration : Sweating profusely even when not exerting energy, hot, or anxious/
Constipation : Difficult to pass and/or decreased bowel movements
Urination Problems : This can include difficulty passing urine, inability to urinate, frequent urination, & involuntary loss of bladder.
Low Blood Pressure : Called orthostatic hypotension, this is a loss of blood pressure when changing positions like standing or sitting and can cause dizziness or feinting. Low Blood pressure can cause sexual issues such as erectile dysfunction or loss of libido.
Other symptoms include: Swallowing problems, drooling, speech changes, skin changes, pain, excessive daytime sleepiness, vision changes, weight changes, loss of smell (called anosmia ).

What are the current medical treatments?
There is no "one size fits all" treatment for Parkinson's & all current treatments are aimed at managing the many symptoms of Parkinson's. A physician will tailor each treatment plan to each individual patient when their symptoms reach a point of affecting their every day lives. For example: Someone who is suffering with tremors, constipation, and erectile dysfunction will have a completely different treatment plan than someone suffering with gait issues and dementia. Many times doctors are treating symptoms rather than Parkinson's itself.

How can CBD help?
Although the research into cannabis for many disorders is in it's infancy, there has been alot of attention for many years on the potential brain and nervous system benefits. The research into CBD is only a few decades old so the information available is limited. There is however quite a bit of anecdotal evidence that it helps many people manage the symptoms of Parkinson's. One video that has made waves can be watched here . It's amazing to watch the symptoms improve before your eyes.

Tremors
As we discussed earlier, tremors are a common symptom for Parkinson's, however there are other medications that are prescribed for other Parkinson's symptoms that can trigger tremors in patients or even make an existing tremor worse. The few studies that have been done on Parkinson's related tremor have trended toward improvement, but more study needs to be done. Again there is an abundance of anecdotal evidence out there from patients who sing the praises of cannabis in many forms.

Pain
Here is a study published several years ago that addresses pain relief in people suffering from Parkinson's. This study was conducted with medical marijuana which contained both CBD and THC. There have been many more studies that you can find that suggest that CBD alone can provide significant relief for pain. When I first quit taking narcotics for pain management, I was on a CBD only regimen and had impressive improvement in my chronic pain.

Sleep
People suffering from Parkinson's often report very poor sleep, vivid nightmares, and movement that keeps them awake. The brain never gets much rest and is less and lee able to recover and do it's job. This study discusses the use of CBD for sleep improvement in Parkinson's patients.

Psychosis
Psychosis causes delusions and even hallucinations in nearly half of Parkinson's sufferers . Another study published in 2008 suggests that CBD improved psychosis symptoms in Parkinson's patients.

Final Thoughts
It deserves mentioning that all of these studies point to a better quality of life for users. With all of of the people using it (including myself) stating benefits from relief from pain to anxiety & depression it is a no brainer that this relief could help people living with Parkinson's to live a fuller and more fulfilled life. I personally feel that everyone should be consuming cannabinoids in some form. Your body is equipped with a system called the Endocannabinoid System that are receptors found on nearly every cell type in your body. Your body is literally designed to accept this plant to help it work at peak performance. Anyone with a genetic link to Parkinson's (as well as literally anyone else... yes even you) can only help their body to work better by introducing cannabinoids like CBD into your life.

CBD for Inflammitory Bowel Disease

Fri, 28 May 2021 15:25:43 GMT

Crohns, IBD, Colitis, etc.... Your gut is full of Cannabinoid receptors

Intestinal issues are uncomfortable for most people to talk about, but not half as uncomfortable as living with them.Inflammatory Bowel Disease is an umbrella term under which lives Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Both of these diseases are characterized by chronic inflammation in the intestinal tract. In this article we will take a look at the differences between these two disorders, symptoms, and how CBD can help alleviate the painful and sometimes debilitating symptoms of these diseases.

What is Crohn's Disease?
Named after Dr. Burrill B. Crohn , Crohn's is an autoimmune response that causes chronic inflammation and erosion in the intestines. Crohn's is most typically found in the ileum (end of the small intestine), however it can be found in any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus and can affect any of the layers of tissues. Another hallmark of Crohn's is that healthy parts of the intestine can be next to inflamed tissue.

There are 5 types of Crohn's disease:

Ileocolitis - This is the most common type of Crohn's, affecting the end of the small intestine that connects to the colon. Symptoms include: diarrhea, pain/cramping in the mid and lower right quadrant of the abdomen.
Ileitis: Like Ileocolitis, this causes inflammation of the ileum. It also causes abscesses called fistulas to form in the lower right section of the colon. Symptoms include: diarrhea, pain/cramping in the mid and lower right quadrant of the abdomen.
Gastroduodenal Crohn's: This form of Crohn's affects the stomach and the first part of the small intestine called the duodenum. Symptoms include: nausea, lack of appetite, & weight loss
Jejunoileitis: This form affects the second part of the small intestine called the jejunum. Symptoms include: fistulas, abdominal pain ranging from mild to severe, cramps after meals, diarrhea.
Crohn's (Granulomatous) Colitis: This form of Crohn's affects the main part of the large intestine (colon). It can cause fistulas, & ulcers to develop around the anus. Symptoms include: diarrhea, abscesses & bleeding from the rectum and anus, skin lesions, & joint pain

What is Ulcerative Colitis (UC)?
Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic inflammation and sores (or ulcers) of the innermost lining of the large intestine. Unlike Crohn's, it is hallmarked by a constant state of inflammation in the affected area.

There are 5 types of UC:

Ulcerative Proctitis: This form of UC tends to be the mildest form. The inflammation is limited to the rectum/anus. Rectal bleeding may be the only symptom of this form of UC, but some sufferers report pain as well.
Proctosigmoiditis: This form involves the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) & rectum. Symptoms include: abdominal cramps & pain, bloody diarrhea, rectal bleeding, feeling the need to move bowels despite them being empty ( tenesmus )
Left-Sided Colitis: In this form, inflammation extends from the descending colon, through the sigmoid colon, and down to the rectum. Symptoms include: abdominal cramps & pain on the left side of the abdomen, bloody diarrhea, rectal bleeding, & unintended weight loss.
Pancolitis: This form involves the entire colon with inflammation spreading throughout. Symptoms include: bloody diarrhea that can be quite severe, severe abdominal cramps/pain, significant weight loss, & fatigue that can be severe.
Acute severe ulcerative colitis: This form is rare and affects less than 20% of people suffering from UC. It also affects the entire colon and can require hospitalization. S ymptoms include: severe pain and cramps, excessive and uncontrollable diarrhea that is often bloody, profuse rectal bleeding, inability to eat, significant weight loss, fatigue, & fever.

Crohn's and UC diagnoses and conventional treatments
Crohn's and UC carry many of the same symptoms that are equally as miserable for people suffering. Diagnostic tests are required to make a good diagnoses. Your doctor will do any combination of tests including: stool samples, blood work, x-rays, CT scans, & colonoscopy. Both Crohn's and UC require many of the same treatments as well which can include: pain relievers, anti-diarrhea drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids, antibiotics, & imunosuppressive drugs. The excessive bleeding may cause the sufferer to become anemic as well so many times a doctor will also recommend or prescribe an iron supplement to help your body make more red blood cells & replace the depletion.

How does CBD help with Crohn's and UC symptoms?
Your gut is absolutely full of cannabinoid receptors that interact directly with CBD and other cannabinoids. Although there have not been enough studies done on CBD & IBD, we do know that it is a powerful anti-inflammatory and helps many many people with cramps and pain. Many of the people I speak to are very thankful for CBD suppositories for help with their IBD symptoms, putting the CBD right where they need it.
For more information on CBD and IBD, please take a look at this study by clicking here -----> Therapeutic Use Of Cannabis In Inflammatory Bowel Disease .

CBD & Menopause

Fri, 28 May 2021 15:22:52 GMT

You don't just have to suffer through it

Menopause, "The Change, Birth of the Crone, Feminine Maturity.... Whatever you call it, menopause can be miserable for you and everyone around you. If you have been through it, it can seem hard to believe that it is celebrated in so many cultures Millions of women a day enter menopause and all the delightful symptoms that accompany it. Even though it may not feel like it sometimes, we will survive it. Let's take a look at the stages of menopause, the many symptoms, some habits to employ to manage symptoms, and how CBD can help! Strap yourself in, this is gonna be an info packed article.

What are the stages of menopause?
Menopause comes in 3 stages (because one would just be too easy), and can vary wildly from woman to woman.

Perimenopause - This refers to the time leading up to menopause and can last anywhere from 8 to 10 years for some women. I will list symptoms in more detail later, but during perimenopause your levels of estrogen rise and fall unevenly causing hot flashes, irregular periods, sleep disturbance, vaginal dryness, mood swings etc.
Menopause - This refers to the time where you have reached the end of your menstrual cycle. If you have been without a period for at least a year, you are considered in menopause. Some of the symptoms in this stage can begin to subside, but for some women other symptoms can begin or worsen.
Postmenopause - This refers to the time after your periods have stopped for over a year. Persisting symptoms during this phase is known as post-menopausal syndrome.

What are the symptoms of menopause?
There are many symptoms that women experience to varying degrees. Some of these symptoms can present years before menopause during the perimenopause phase and some can last for years after during the postmenopause phase. The wild fluctuations in hormones during menopause can trigger a variety of these symptoms which include:

Hot flashe s: These are probably the most well known symptom of menopause and affect typically half of all menopausal women. It presents as an intense heat, typically a feeling in the trunk of the body that spreads throughout the body and can cause flushing.
"Electric shock" sensation : Many women experience a feeling of shock in various parts of the body. It sort of feels like someone snapped you with a rubber band and is many times a precursor to hot flashes.
Mood swings, depression, anxiety, & panic attacks : These can be very extreme and can last for weeks at a time. The change in hormones can have an intense impact on the brain and neurotransmitters, making it difficult for these transmitters to regulate the centers of the brain responsible for calm, pain, pleasure, etc. This can be as mild as being moody or as intense as full on panic disorder .
Night sweats : Who loves waking up with the feeling that you are right next to a fire in soaking wet clothes? No? Me either... The hormonal imbalance can trick your brain into believing that the body is in need of cooling, triggering sweat to cool the body. Super fun stuff.
Vaginal Dryness : This occurs because the loss of estrogen causes a significant decline in the natural lubrication and can make sexual intercourse difficult and painful. Many times using a water based lubricant can help alot.
Urinary tract & yeast infection : The vaginal dryness throws off your Ph balance and causes changes in your "good bacteria" which can lead to an increase in UTI and yeast infection.
Loss of libido : Some women experience a complete loss of libido during menopause, sometimes this can be caused by pain during sex due to the lack of natural moisture... other times it can be the perfect storm of mood swings, depression, etc. taking it's toll on a relationship. It is important to realize that this is natural and many things can be done to restore a healthy sex life.
Weight gain : Another delightful little nugget. The hormonal changes experienced during menopause cause women to gain weight, especially in the middle, and can diminish lean body mass & muscle. Exercise and dieting can be less productive than it was pre-menopause.
Fatigue & sleep disorder : Insomnia can be caused by many other symptoms of menopause. Anxiety & depression, night sweats, and nightmares (even as serious as night terrors) can interrupt sleep.
Thinning hair and brittle nails : Hair and nails need estrogen to stay healthy & strong. A decrease in estrogen can cause nails to become brittle and hair to fall out or change texture
Skin issues : The change in hormones causes collagen production to decrease, causing the skin to become dry, thin and itchy. Women may also notice a change in body odor due to the increased production of sweat.
Incontinence : Lower estrogen levels can cause the urethra to thin out, causing incontinence. Most women experience 2 types of incontinence. Stress incontinence occurs when the pelvic floor muscles are weakened where you might leak a little when you laugh or sneeze. Another common incontinence is overflow incontinence where you have lost the sensation of having a full bladder & without this brain/bladder communication, accidental urination can occur.
Osteoporosis : Bone density relies on estrogen, as this drops many women see a decrease in bone density making the chances much higher for a break. You can maintain your bone density by taking a good calcium supplement, weight bearing exercise, and eating a healthy diet with plenty of plant based foods.

How can CBD help with menopause?
Decreasing estrogen causes all sorts of imbalance in our bodies. Everything from mood to bone density is impacted by estrogen. There is no stopping menopause, it's a part of every woman life at some time or another but being proactive can for sure help. In my opinion of course everyone should use this amazing little plant for overall health, and women over 30 could decrease the intensity of menopause symptoms throughout the whole process. Let's take a look at just a few of the key symptoms and how CBD can help.

Mood Swings: The changes in hormones greatly impact seratonin and other neurotransmitters and cause big changes in our neurochemistry. CBD interacts with your Endocannabinoid receptors as well as other neurotransmitters in the brain, helping your brain chemistry to achieve a more balanced state.
Bone Loss and Osteoporosis: As we enter perimenopause our bodies start throwing chemical signals to increase bone resorption and inflammation. CBD helps to lower inflammatory TNFa levels that lead to bone loss.
Night Sweats and Hot Flashes: Our temperature control system resides in the hypothalamus of the brain. The big changes in hormones during menopause can cause this system to misfire a bit. Even small changes in temperature can trigger this system to believe that it needs to turn on the bodys cooling system, causing increased sweating and feelings of intense heat. Many doctors will prescribe an SSRI for hot flashes and again CBD has an impact on the brains seratonin system which could help.
Joint & Body Pain: Without estrogen, our bodies produce more inflammatory chemicals such as TNFa. This translates to many many women developing joint and muscle pain during and after menopause. CBD has proven anti-inflammatory properties and also helps lower your levels of TNFa.
Vaginal Dryness & Bladder Control: Estrogen helps keep balance in blood flow to the pelvic region. After menopause that blood flow is more restricted and less oxygen is delivered to those tissues reducing the elasticity and overall tissue health. All women should take good care of their pelvic region, but after menopause it is especially important to keep a healthy blood flow. Many of my menopausal customers who suffer from this like to use CBD suppositories.Read more about sexual health after menopause here .

No matter what stage of life you are in, you should always be thinking of and taking care of all of your lady parts to maintain a healthy and happy body.

CBD & Lyme Disease

Fri, 28 May 2021 15:21:18 GMT

The CDC estimates that appx. 300,000 people in the US are diagnosed with Lyme Disease making it the most commonly diagnosed tick borne illness. In this article we will take a look at Lyme Disease, how you can protect yourself, and how CBD can help ease the symptoms.

What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme Disease is transmitted by ticks infected with a bacteria called Borrelia. It progresses in 3 distinct stages:

Early localized stage : This stage typically produces symptoms within hours or days following the initial bite. Many times the site where the tick attached looks similar to a bulls eye, but not always. This is the best stage to catch it because many times it can be cured if caught early enough because at this stage the bacterial infection is localized and has not spread throughout the body. Symptoms at this stage can include:
Bulls eye shaped rash (rash is not always shaped like a bulls eye)
Pain, itching, and/or swelling at the site of the bite
Swollen lymph nodes and/or sore throat
Stiff neck and headache
Inflammation, joint pain, deep muscle soreness, etc.
Fatigue
Flu like symptoms (fever, chills, restlessness)
Early disseminated stage : This stage may present weeks or even months following the initial bite. At this point, the bacteria have spread throughout the body which makes it harder to treat. Flu symptoms at this stage are typically more intense, and other symptoms accompany it such as:
Headache
Spreading rash that can be painful
Chronic or worsening fatigue
Weakness, numbness, and worsening pain in the extremities
Changes in vision
Bell's Palsy (facial paralysis)
Heart problems including tachycardia, palpitations, chest pain, etc.
Late disseminated stage : If Lyme is not treated effectively in the early stages, the bacteria can do some real damage throughout the body. Symptoms are very hard to treat at this stage and can include:
Chronic arthritis, especially near the initial bite site
Neurological symptoms including general fogginess, concentration issues, trouble following conversations, depression, etc.
Worsening cardiac issues
Severe vertigo (dizziness)
Joint pain that migrates throughout the body (Some people are diagnosed with Fibromyalgia at this stage)
Severe fatigue that can make it hard to get out of bed
Severe headaches and/or migraine symptoms
Severe insomnia
Numbness and neuropathy in hands and feet

How is Lyme Disease diagnosed?
You would think that the best way to diagnose would be to test for the bacteria in the early stages, but diagnoses can be much more complex than that. The CDC recommends a test that looks at the immune response to the bacteria and, since it can take weeks for your body to mount an immune response, the test can be negative in the early stages. With the expense and danger that long term antibiotics can pose, my opinion will always be to take a holistic approach including lifestyle changes to help your body be healthier and able to fight the infection more efficiently. But that's just this girls opinion... ;-)

How can CBD help with Lyme Disease symptoms?
Well, first of all CBD and other cannabinoids have natural antibacterial properties that will begin to help you fight the infection. Second, CBD can help so much with the other symptoms of Lyme. The natural antibiotic, anti-nausea, anti-anxiety, anti-epileptic properties (Just to name a few) of CBD can help you with the symptoms while you are fighting the infection. With all that said, prevention is the best place to start.

What are the risk factors for Lyme Disease?

Spending time in the woods or grassy areas : Being outdoors is so good for your mental and physical health, but if you do not take proper precautions it increases your risk of Lyme Disease. Ticks are found in abundance in these type of areas in the Midwest and Northeast regions of the US.
Failing to cover and protect exposed skin : Ticks love our bare skin and covering up (long sleeves, pants, etc.) at least makes it more difficult for the little buggers to find purchase.
Failing to remove ticks properly & promptly : Checking for and removing ticks soon after they bite greatly decreases the chance of infection. Bacteria can enter your bloodstream in as little as 12 hours, so check your body thoroughly every time you have been outdoors in tick prone areas.

How can I prevent Lyme Disease?
Just like any other disease, prevention is key!

Cover up & use insect repellents: If you are going to be in tick prone areas protect your skin. Wear shoes, long pants, long sleeves and hats whenever possible. If you must have exposed skin, protect it with an insect repellent. There is some debate over what sorts of things to use as insect repellent. Some people say that you must use a repellent containing DEET (not to be confused with DDT that was banned in 1972), and others value a more holistic approach using essential oils and other plants. No matter which you choose, just make sure you choose something to put a layeWellr of protection between you and these little infected blood suckers.
Try to discourage ticks from your yard: Keep that lawn mowed & keep debris (that tick carrying critters love) out of your yard.
Check bodies (including those fur babies) often and ongoing when outdoors in tick prone areas: Deer ticks can be super tiny, sometimes as small as the head of a pin, so they can be very easy to miss if you do not check every nook and cranny thoroughly. Ticks LOVE warm, moist areas so do not forget to check the bathing suit bits, & scalp very well.
Shower as soon as you are able to after coming in from tick prone areas: Ticks will sometimes search for hours before they find the spot they decide to call home, so many times showering can wash them off of your skin before they bite.
Remove ticks very carefully with tweezers: I always take an alcohol soaked cotton ball and push it on the tick right before I remove it, but whatever method you decide to use just be very careful and make sure you don't leave part of it's little nasty body attached to your skin.

CBD for your pet

Fri, 28 May 2021 15:15:46 GMT

Your fur babies have an Endocannabinoid System too!

I have had alot of requests to write an article on CBD and pet health. I'm super excited about this one because I have personal experiences to share.

Our pets are our family & we would do anything to protect them and keep them healthy... It breaks our hearts when they are hurting or anxious and we are unable to comfort them... The good news? Our pets (along with all other mammals) have an Endocannabinoid System just like us humans so they can experience the same benefits of CBD that we do! Now, that being said, there are differences in our ECS and our pets ECS. They have more receptors than we do, especially in the brain, which is why too much THC can be catastrophic for them. CBD for your pets, in my opinion, should be an absolute no brainer. It can help with anxiety, epilepsy & seizures, inflammation, focus, bone protection and overall health... truly the list goes on and on. Most of us would raise our hands when asked if we felt like these things were important to us for our pets, and many of us would do what ever we could to bring comfort and health to our pets. To some of us, our pets are absolutely a family member.

That brings me to my personal stories with my pets and how CBD has made a huge difference their lives.

Abbey
We have an adorable, anxious, hyper little ball of fur named Abbey. She is a Boxer, and anyone who has ever met a Boxer knows how challenging they can be. When we first got her and were trying to crate train her we realized that she had severe separation anxiety. Everyday we would come home to a poop covered Abbey who had covered every inch of her enclosure. Even when she was in the crate when we were home she was very anxious and upset. When she was about 6 months old was when I first discovered CBD for myself (you can read my story here ). It was not long after that I realized that CBD was also being used by many people for their fur babies , so I jumped at the chance to bring her some relief. After her very 1st dose I noticed that she was not near as anxious. She was able to lie down with us and relax instead of pacing, she didn't get startled at every sound... we were making progress. We still had some growing pains with the typical puppy problems, but we saw light at the end of the tunnel. Today we have a very happy and healthy Abbey... We can go on long car trips without the pacing and whining, she lays down and naps on car rides now. I can bring her to the store with me and she stays in her crate in my office happily chewing on her antler and napping. We can leave her to roam the house when we are gone... no accidents, none of our things chewed or destroyed... Eureka!

Zoey
Zoey is my little Chihuahua (and by Chihuahua I mean the troll from Billy Goat Gruff). She is 13 years old & currently living with my sister in Tennessee. In December I got the call that I had been dreading for a long time. My sister called me and said she was pretty sure that Zoey had suffered a stroke or something catastrophic because she was unable to walk or even hold herself upright. She sent me a video that was heartbreaking. My Mom would try to stand her up and she would just fall over and clap her little back legs together. She looked scared and very confused. They were unable to take her to the vet to be put down that day because my sisters son was having a procedure done so I told them to give her a big dose of my Moms water soluble CBD to at least keep her calm while they did what had to be done. The next day I expected a video call from my sister so I could say goodbye, what I got was amazing. My sister sent me a video of my little Zoey prancing around like "look at me!". Even though I have done tons of research and had so many customers tell me extraordinary stories of how CBD helped their dogs, I was absolutely flabbergasted. That was over 6 months ago and she is still going strong. My sister just came to my house for a visit recently with her 2 kids, Zoey, and 3 other dogs in tow. Even though she is the smallest by far, she is absolutely the boss and can hold her own like a champ! We call her the troll because if another dog comes near her or her things and she is not in the mood she will run out, bite, and run back in (which is why we call her the troll).

This first video shows Zoey prior to getting a dose of CBD
This second video shows Zoey 24 hours after receiving 2 doses of CBD . You can tell that she is still having a little trouble with her paws and staying steady, but the difference was astounding!

Since writing this article, we lost our old girl Zoey at 17 years old 5 years after these videos were shot.

These are just my personal stories, not to mention the countless stories I hear from my customers. I have heard countless stories from customers using CBD to stop and prevent seizures, seeing their dogs finally out of pain and acting like a dog again, stopping OCD behavior such as excessive licking & pacing, taking their pet off of harmful pharmaceuticals, and being able to enjoy the 4th of July without completely loosing it.

There is no doubt that CBD is just as good for our fur babies as it is for us!

Anxiety

Fri, 28 May 2021 15:14:18 GMT

It doesn't have to be a life time burden

To anyone who has never experienced anxiety before it is very hard to understand... however, to anyone who has, the above photo contains emotions and actions that are very familiar.

I struggled with anxiety for years when I was a child. So many things would cause me to have what I now know was a sometimes debilitating anxiety response. I would get physical as well as emotional symptoms, and I had no ability to deal with things that frightened me. Dentist? Lost it..... Doctor? Lost it.... Big Storms? Lost it.... There were so many things that made me nervous that I can't even list them all. It was really hard being around so many people who didn't know how to deal with me and had no idea what I was going through. I was labeled "drama queen", "attention seeker", and just an overall bad kid. It was humiliating and scary to not be able to control my emotions. As I got older I developed various coping mechanisms but many of them were unhealthy. I hated the way the pills made me feel so i stopped taking them all together. The one healthy thing that I did find was exercise. I got addicted to going to the gym & it seemed to help the symptoms. When I was put on narcotics in my 20s for pain, my physical anxiety symptoms seemed to get better.... Now that I'm off of them I realize that I was just numbed to my emotional, physical, and spiritual pain so it seemed easier to deal with. Turns out it was just a band-aid on a bullet hole...

Cut to April 3rd 2018 when I made the best decision I've ever made and quit the medication and went on a mission to find a healthier way to manage my pain. (You can read my story here .) April 4th: Enter CBD... I was so happy to realize that CBD did even more to manage my pain than the medications I was on, but the anxiety was now awake and angry as ever. It literally came back in like a tsunami and took a hold of me more violently than ever. I had not yet figured out my CBD dosing and was taking way too much, so the pain was under control, but the anxiety was not. I tried really hard not to get too discouraged, after all I had just put my body in extreme shock by quitting narcotics cold turkey. I became acutely aware of my body and every tiny change happening within. Anything tangible that I could hold onto like a lifeline. I could tell that each day was a little bit better than the last. Of course there were a few days that felt like 2 steps forward and 3 steps back, but for the most part I was determined to celebrate every minute victory. If you are reading this and you experience extreme anxiety, you know that even the most menial task seems like a mountain that you simply don't have the energy or the will to climb. I will never forget the celebration in my house when I made a goal to get up and check the mail that day and accomplished it..... The high fives and tears the first time I was able to go to the grocery store. Day by day, it got better. I acquired more and more coping mechanisms and got my CBD dosing dialed in. I was gonna make it.... You can too...Don't give up.

I was so very blessed to have an amazing husband who was an absolute God send. He had no clue what I was going through inside, but he was just unconditionally supportive & never ever, made me feel anything other than safe and loved. It breaks my heart when I talk to people who are experiencing this kind of extreme anxiety with seemingly no support. To these people I want to say, please please please reach out to me. I will sit and talk with you as much as you need. Come by the store, call me at the store 816-434-5284, or message me on Facebook at Rustic Oils or CBD of Lee's Summit. This is something that can be managed and I promise that you will not feel this way forever. Give yourself permission to not be ok some days, but at the same time celebrate every victory.

Brain Science & The Endocannabinoid System

Fri, 28 May 2021 15:11:52 GMT

Project CBD Interview with Greg Gerdeman

Project CBD is an excellent company dedicated to Cannabinoid awareness. Lots of great interviews with some of the top players in Cannabinoid research & application. Below is an interview with Greg Gerdeman, a neuroscientist and one of the few professors who actually teach classes on the Endocannabinoid System.

Watch the video here .

CBD & The Brain

Fri, 28 May 2021 15:08:02 GMT

How cannabinoids interact with our brains

The human brain is the most complex super computer found in nature. It is the command center for the human nervous system. It contains about 86 billion nerve cells (neurons) & billions of nerve fibers, connected by trillions of connections called synapses. On these cells in the brain are cannabinoid receptors that accept and directly communicate with the compounds in cannabis and hemp. Cannabinoids help your brain with so many functions in your body & CBD is like an air traffic controller for cellular communication and facilitating Homeostasis!

Until the late 1980's cannabinoid research only involved a handful of scientists in the United States and abroad. The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) undermined these efforts by only subsidizing studies designed to prove only the adverse effects of cannabis in any form, while blocking inquiry into it's potential benefits. As it turns out, NIDA inadvertently helped to facilitate some pretty major discoveries about the extraordinary workings of the human brain. Dr. Raphael Mechoulam is the father of cannabis research, best known for identifying, isolating and synthesizing Delta-9 THC in 1964. He said it best when he stated "By using a plant that has been around for thousands of years, we discovered a physiological system of immense importance. We would not have been able to get there if we had not looked at the plant"

This discovery launched a myriad of questions... It was known that smoking cannabis caused a psychoactive effect causing users to be "stoned", but at that time what was actually happening on a molecular level in the brain remained a mystery. How did it work to relieve nausea and seizures? How did it stimulate appetite and relieve pain? How was it that smoking cannabis relieved an asthma attack in seconds? So many unanswered questions revolving around this seemingly miraculous little plant. It wasn't until many years later that the answers began to emerge. In 1992, Dr. Mechoulam and his team discovered an endogenous (meaning "made internally") cannabinoid that attached itself to the same brain cell receptors as THC. They named this neurotransmitter Anandamide which is derived from the Sanskrit word for bliss. This discovery ultimately led to the discovery of the Endocannabinoid System .

These early days of cannabis/brain research has spawned an explosion of scientific research into the many many benefits of this amazing plant and new studies emerge every day. The US government even stood up and took notice, & holds a patent on Cannabidiol (CBD) as a neuroprotectant and antioxidant. Two very specific things that the patent covers:

Cannabidiol (CBD) as a Neuroprotectant : The language of the patent states Cannabidiols effectiveness in limiting neurological damage following trauma, stroke & treatment of neurodegenerative disease.
Cannabidiol (CBD) as an Antioxidant : The patent effectively claims that Cannabidiol is "useful in the treatment and prophylaxis of a wide variety of oxidation associated diseases such as ischemia [stroke related], age related, inflammatory and auto-immune disease"

More clinical trials are needed to satisfy the scientific community, but the bottom line is: Cannabinoids are good (I would argue "needed") for the health of your brain. Each of us has a brain fighting every second to achieve and maintain homeostasis.. that is the job of your Endocannabinoid System... and your Endocannabinoid System is perfectly supplemented and empowered with the use of cannabinoids.

Anxiety

Fri, 28 May 2021 15:03:31 GMT

If you are experiencing extreme anxiety, please please reach out to me... I'm here to talk any time. I have been right where you are and I'm telling you that it is not going to feel like this forever.

I have an Endocannabinoid System?

Fri, 28 May 2021 15:02:27 GMT

Understanding your Endocannabinoid System

I talk to customers about the Endocannabinoid System

The first cannabinoid was discovered in 1964 by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, professor of medicinal chemistry & natural products at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel. Fast forward 30 years to 1992, Dr. Mechoulam and his team identified a naturally occurring cannabinoid in the human body. They named it Anandamide after the Sanskrit word ananda , which means "bliss" or "delight". This endogenous cannabinoid (endogenous means its produced within the body) led to the discovery of the Endocannabinoid System.

This widespread systems made up of endogenous cannabinoids and receptor sites throughout the body is found in nearly every system in the body.

To fully understand the importance of the Endocannabinoid System, we need to first understand it's primary purpose of maintaining balance in the body called Homeostasis .

Homeostasis is is the process in which the human body maintains steady levels of temperature and other vital conditions such as the water, salt, sugar, protein, fat, calcium and oxygen contents of the blood. Similar processes dynamically maintain steady-state conditions in the Earth's environment. Your body is in a constant battle to maintain homeostasis whether it's blood sugar levels, maintaining cardiac rhythms, or the delicate processes in pregnancy. Your body absent homeostasis is in real danger. As an example lets look at one of your body's abilities to maintain homeostasis in regulating your temperature. A normal adult body temperature is around 98.6 (some people are a little higher or lower). When your internal temperature rises your body compensates by producing sweat to cool the body, when your internal temperature lowers your body compensates by reducing blood flow from the extremities to protect your vital organs.... This is a perfect example of your body maintaining homeostasis.

The Endocannabinoid System is found in every vertebrate and has been a part of us since the very beginning, we are just starting to fully understand how widespread and vital it is to our functioning. Researchers are now finding out that by modulating the Endocannabinoid System a great number of conditions and diseases may be alleviated. Conditions such as inflammatory disorders, cancer, stroke, metabolic syndrome, Huntington's disease, hypertension, seizure disorders, Parkinson's, auto-immune disorders, and chronic pain is just a small sampling of the diseases helped and there are many many more.

Many systems in the body require supplementation when out of balance. For instance, the nervous system may be firing excessively resulting in chronic or acute pain making a pain medication necessary, or hormonal system dysfunction causing diabetes and requiring the patient to use insulin. Likewise, a person suffering endocannabinoid deficiency (which is proving to be a large portion of the human population) should also be given what they need to relieve their suffering, giving them a chance to find relief and regain function in a healthy way. The cannabis family of plants is the absolute best (and many say only) option for a phytocannabinoid medicinal to bolster your ailing Endocannabinoid System.

CBD for pets? YAS!

Fri, 28 May 2021 14:48:54 GMT

CBD is changing the game for pet parents everywhere!

Our family includes a Boxer, and any Boxer parent out there knows they can be a definite challenge especially when it comes to high strung anxiety. Prior to CBD we were unable to leave her alone in the crate for even an hour to go to church, car trips were miserable, and forget having anyone in our home without the exhaustive efforts to calm her. Today she gets CBD daily and is a completely different dog. She even stays happily chewing on her bone and napping in her crate at the store and you would never even know she is here. :-)

Amazing Little Plant

Fri, 28 May 2021 14:47:28 GMT

I Am Hemp...

I have an Endocannabinoid System?

Fri, 28 May 2021 14:44:03 GMT

Understanding the basics of one of the most important systems in our bodies.

Every human being (and other mammals) have an Endocannabinoid System. This system is in place to regulate one of the most fundamental concepts in biology: Homeostasis.

Homeostasis is defined by Cambridge Dictionary as "the process by which a living thing or a cell keeps the conditions inside it the same despite any changes in the conditions around it". This balance is essential for the health of all other systems in our bodies. Our systems are always striving for balance, keeping neuro transmissions, blood sugars, body temperature, etc. from going to far in one direction or the other. When our Endocannabinoid System is deficient, other systems fall out of balance. The absolute beauty of CBD (as well as all other plant cannabinoids) is that the cannabinoid receptors in our bodies accept them as if they were a key to unlock the potential of this amazing system.

Read more here in a wonderful article from Leafly:

https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system

Let's talk about anxiety

Fri, 28 May 2021 14:41:55 GMT

thoughts from someone who has been there in a big way...

Anxiety, stress, nervousness, etc...... Call it what you will, but anyone who has suffered from anxiety &/or depression calls it hell on earth.

I was always an anxious child, stressed about everything. Dentist, Doctors, storms, it seemed like I was fearful of everything and would get so worked up I would end up making myself sick. I tried many different medications, therapies, and coping mechanisms over the years but nothing ever seemed to quiet the constant nagging in my head saying that I wasn't good enough, I was crazy, and worst of all that my family would be better off without me.

At 10 years old I was diagnosed with scoliosis, & when I found out that I needed to wear a brace .... I lost it. I fought every step of the way and ended up "winning" that war. No brace, my life wasn't over...

Cut to my 20s when I was first prescribed narcotics for the chronic back pain that had taken over my life.... I was told by my doctors that they were relatively safe, although they did have a potential for addiction they were the best option for me to control my completely out of control pain. Never was I told that opiates have so very many devastating side effects. Organ damage, out of control mood swings (for which they tried to prescribe even more meds), digestive issues, and the scariest of all was the brain damage and something called opioid-induced hyperalgesia . The opiates were making the pain worse.

As you might have already read in an earlier post (read that post here ), after being told by a pain specialist I would never be off of the meds and needed to be on Fentanyl or Morphine, I was fed up with the medical system and made the decision to quit taking the meds completely. I would find another way. I was fully prepared for the pain and possible withdrawal that would come with this decision, what I was not prepared for was the extreme anxiety that would flood in without warning. For years I had been unknowingly medicating my underlying anxiety disorder with the narcotics I was using to control my pain. Opiates make you numb to nearly everything in your life so it makes total sense but I was completely unprepared for the tsunami of anxiety and depression that threatened to consume me.

On one hand I was 100% determined to never take another pain pill, but on the other I was all of the sudden crippled with all of these dark and scary thoughts, & all I wanted to do was curl up in a ball and disappear. The thought of even getting up to walk to the bathroom seemed too much to accomplish Several times the panic would set in so much that I literally thought I was going to die. What was wrong with me? All I wanted was to feel normal again and all my brain kept saying was "This is it.... This is your life now... You will feel like this forever".

When I tell you that CBD saved my life, that is not a metaphor it's exactly what it did. Even though it took months for my brain to heal from the years of poison, little by little I could feel the changes taking place within me. I taught myself new coping mechanisms, learned the foods and vitamins my body needed to heal, took my CBD consistently and religiously, and rose like a Phoenix.

I'm telling you this story to let you know that you can overcome pain and anxiety. It takes some work, sheer force of will and CBD is an amazing and non toxic tool to help your body do what it was designed to do. Don't be afraid to take your life back & your health into your own hands.

My Personal CBD Journey

Fri, 28 May 2021 14:37:55 GMT

By Rachel Crawford

April 3rd, 2018..... My personal Independence Day. Forgive me, I am no author, but to keep a very long story short, here are the facts in a condensed version.

I have scoliosis and have struggled with chronic pain since adolescence. Years ago I was prescribed narcotics to manage the pain. They never really worked to relieve the pain, and the longer I took them the more it seemed like my pain was actually getting worse.
I visited a pain “doctor” in search of alternative pain control. I thought surely there had been advancements in pain control since I was first prescribed narcotics. I was met with the words “I can not help you” in one breath and then offered the “alternatives” Morphine, Suboxone, Methadone, and Fentanyl and told that since they were longer acting they were a better and safer alternative to Hydrocodone and Tramadol. At that moment I lost all of the faith I had ever had in the medical systems ability and desire to not only help people with actual chronic pain by offering more than pharmaceutical treatments, but also to gain any sort of control on the opiate epidemic in this country. I wondered how many other people had sought out help to gain freedom from narcotics and were met with the same infuriating “solution”.
I made the decision that day I would not take another pill, and I would find some other way to control my pain on my own. My husband went and purchased my first bottle of CBD, and quite literally the rest is history. I have not taken another narcotic since that day.
Within the 1st 15 minutes I realized that my anxiety had decreased & my shoulders had relaxed. A week later I realized that I no longer had a constant stream of pain in my back and it was better than it had been in years. A few weeks later I was asked by a nurse I worked with what I would rate my pain at and I teared up when I was able to answer zero for the first time ever. A month later I decided to try and quit my ADD, and GERD medications.

Today I no longer rely on prescription medications. I have completely quit them all. The only things I take on a daily basis now are: my CBD, a multi vitamin, & extra vitamin B complex. In the spirit of full disclosure I do still occasionally need a couple of ibuprofen (typically when I have over done it), and when I eat something that I know might cause acid reflux I will take an acid reducer.

CBD has quite literally changed the course of my life. As I was monitoring the positive changes this amazing plant medicine was making in my body, I made a drastic decision.... I told my husband “If this is what CBD does for people, then this is what I want to do”, and CBD of Lee’s Summit was born. I’m so excited to see and experience with you the difference CBD will make in your life. :-)

My First Blog Post

Fri, 28 May 2021 14:33:24 GMT

It's official, I have a blog and I know how to use it.

I have finally decided to take the plunge and add a blog to my site. I always wanted an easy way to share information with visitors and I'm super excited to start this journey. Keep coming back to my site and check for updates right here on the blog.

Rustic Oils CBD Of Lee's Summit LLC Blog

CBD for Shingles

CBD can help where other medications fail

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Lumps and Bumps": Why I switched Abby to Turkey Tail & Reishi Mushrooms

From Lumps to Lifestyle: How Medicinal Mushrooms Support Your Dog’s Immune System

What is Thieves Oil?

A simple guide + DIY cleanser recipe

What Is Thieves Oil and How Is It Used?

Where Thieves Oil Came From

How I Personally Use Oil of Thieves

Cleaning

In Aromatic & Steam Routines

In Oral Care Formulations

A Note on Strength & Responsibility

Oil of Thieves in Our Toothpaste Powder

Is Thieves Oil Safe for Skin?

Home Remedies

Explore the Healing Salve →

How Oil of Thieves Is Used in Formulated Products

Oil of Thieves in Our Healing Salves

Why Oil of Thieves Matters for Eczema-Prone Skin

Thieves Oil vs. Thieves-Infused & Formulated Products

Simple DIY Oil of Thieves Recipes for the Home

DIY Thieves-Style All-Purpose Cleaner

Final Thoughts

Professional Recommendations for Celtic Sea Salt®

Let's hear from the experts

What is CBG?

CBG: The mother of all cannabinoids

Agarikon Mushroom Benefits

The mushroom that loves your lungs

Reishi Mushroom Benefits

"The plant that nourishes the spirit"

Cordyceps

Caffeine Free Energy

Beginners guide to nutritional mushrooms

Lions Mane, Turkey Tail, Reishi, Cordyceps, Agarikon, & Chaga. What are they and what are the associated health benefits?

Cannabinoids. Much more than CBD & THC

THC & CBD have many, many friends...

First off, what are cannabinoids?

What are other cannabinoids besides THC & CBD?

THC & CBD are indeed the most abundant cannabinoids in the cannabis plant but there are other cannabinoids in this sacred plant that have a wonderful impact on our bodies as well. We are just going to talk in depth about a few of these lesser known cannabinoids.

Some of the benefits that are currently being studied are as follows:

People enjoy raw cannabis by:

It seems like we have covered a lot of ground, but the truth is we haven't even scratched the surface of this sacred plant and its mission to heal. Below is a list of known major and minor cannabinoids (Source: cheefbotanicals.com)

Cannabicyclols

Cannabichromenes

Cannabielsoins

Cannabitriols

Cannabidiols

Cannabigerols

Cannabinols and cannabinodiols

Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinols

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinols

Other Cannabinoids

Cannabimimetic Plants

Many plants and super foods are cannabimimetic, meaning that they have properties that mimic cannabinoids in our bodies.

10 Most Common Questions About CBD

Answering the most common questions ﻿

CBD & The Skin

Why CBD is important for the health of your skin

Psoriasis

How CBD could be the relief you could be looking for

CBD & ADHD

Symptom management has never been so healthy

History of Hemp

Over 10,000 years of history and healing

CBD & Lupus

Schizophrenia & CBD

Schizophrenia & CBD

Can CBD help with OCD?

Taking control of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

CBD vs Asthma

Can CBD help with your asthma symptoms?

Your Immune System

A healthy immune system has never been so important

Eating Disorders & CBD

CBD for Acne

CBD & Neuropathy

It seems like we have covered a lot of ground, but the truth is we haven't even scratched the surface of this sacred plant and its mission to heal.
Below is a list of known major and minor cannabinoids (Source: cheefbotanicals.com)

Answering the most common questions

Gout risk factors, causes, prevention, and how CBD can help

Is CBD good for your ticker?

A good nights sleep is so important for your health