If you work with herbs, essential oils, carrier oils, or any combination of these, this is the place you can come to get the information you need on all of them.
One thing I have learned (and mentioned in prior blogs) is that when I'm creating new blends, EVERY ingredient needs to be chosen with the purpose of the blend in mind. Blends are much more effective when the herbs, EOs, and carrier oils are chosen based on coordinating the therapeutic benefits each provides. This may sound like, and should be, a simple thing. Often, it is simple because I use oils and herbs that I've studied and that are quite familiar to me. Other times, I spend hours researching in multiple books, websites, and courses to find and learn about herbs, EOs, and carrier oils that are new to me. I have bookshelves filled with notebooks and binders with all the notes I've written, all the printouts from courses I've taken, and all the recipes I've developed. I have stacks of notecards I created for quick reference. The hunt from one source to the next to the next in order to get and/or verify the details of each ingredient in a new blend can take a great deal of time. This became the reason for the creation of the membership portion of this website. I've created datasheets that include the important information that takes a ton of time to find. These datasheets are designed to be printed and saved for quick, thorough reference and will be updated periodically with any new information that comes to light. There are currently 20 Herb Datasheets, 20 Essential Oil Datasheets, 21 Carrier Oil Datasheets, and 12 Chemistry Datasheets (5 Each for EO and carrier oils, and 2 for herbs). Three more herb chemistry Datasheets will be added this week. That means 73 datasheets today and 76 by this Friday! At least one new datasheet for each category plus datasheets on specific safety topics will be added every month. In addition, you'll have access to topical and edible recipes. Future plans for the membership include short "how to" videos, chemistry videos, and blending process videos. I will also set up a members-only, private Facebook page for discussions and questions. All of this is included with your membership! The cost is $30 for a monthly subscription or $300 for an annual subscription. (That's approximately a 17% savings over a monthly subscription.) Once created, individual video classes will run from $34.95 - $149.95 for non-members, but will be included free in your membership! So, why is membership a good deal for you? To get all of this information, you would need to purchase separate memberships with herbal sites, aromatherapy sites, and carrier oil sites. These memberships, on average, cost around $25 - $50 monthly or $250 - $500 annually. With this website, you get all three fields of study plus the chemistry, the safety, the recipes, and a whole lot more! Your savings will be at least $1,000 a year! To celebrate the launch of the membership section, I'm offering an additional 15% off the price of your monthly or annual membership. That means you'll only pay $25.50 for your first monthly subscription or $255 for your first annual subscription! This special promotion is good until midnight on September 30, 2019. To join today, simply go to the Membership section on Home & Store page and choose your option. Then enter Coupon Code Welcome when prompted. I'm going to give you a preview of what you'll get with your membership. Below is one of the Carrier Oil Datasheets you'll find in the membership section. Carrier Oil Datasheet by Karen Dragoo Updated August 18, 2019 Oil: Neem Oil Latin Name: Azadirachta indica INCI: Azadirachta indica (Neem) Seed Oil INCI Soap: Sodium Neemate Other Names: Indian Lilac, Nim, Margosa Plant Family: Meliaceae (Mahogany family) Related to: Mahogany Where it’s grown: Native to India. Now grows in tropical areas of Africa and Asia. Plant Part: Seed Method of Extraction: cold pressed Therapeutic Properties: antibacterial, antifungal, antihistiminic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-parasitic, antipyretic, antiseptic, antiviral, cicatrisant, emollient, skin cell regenerative Traditional & Common Uses: Integumentary: (skin, hair, nails): acne, Athlete's Foot, burns, cold sores, dry skin, eczema, fungal conditions, improve elasticity, insect repellent, irritated skin, itchy skin, lice, mature skin, moisturize, prevent free radical damage, prevent moisture loss, nail fungus, protect and restore the skin barrier, psoriasis, rashes, reduce redness, rejuvenate cells, ringworm, salves, scars, smooth pigmentation, soaps, warts, wrinkles, wounds Skeletal: Respiratory: Digestive: Circulatory: Immune: boost the immune system, may help protect against certain kinds of cancer (more studies need to be done)., protect against Malaria Endocrine: Lymphatic: Neural: Organs: Female: Male: Other: Insect repellent -- for both skin application and/or to spray an area. Keeps mosquitoes and flies away! Safe to spray around the house to keep bugs out. Safe to spray in the garden, and around children and pets. Bedbug treatment that is effective, safe, and natural. Pets -- get rid of fleas, mites, other parasites, and soothe skin issues. Room spray -- use as part of an all natural spray when people in the house are sick. Absorption: absorbs into the skin easily Comedogenic rating: 1 - 2 -- moderately low probability of clogging pores Aroma: strong and unpleasant -- like a mix of strong garlic and sulfur Color: light to dark green, yellow-brown to dark brown Taste: N/A Freezing/Melting Point: 37° F 3° C Flash Point: 392° F 200° C Viscosity: Depends on the level of refining and temperature -- unrefined is thick, refined has a low viscosity. Saponification Value: 194.5 Iodine Value: 65 - 85 NaOH Value: 0.142 KOH Value: 0.200 Peroxide Value: 1.91 Unsaponifiable Portion (aka Healing Fraction): azadirachtin beta-carotene gedunin kaempferol nimbidin nimbidol nimbin quercetin Shelf Life: Kept in a liquid state (meaning at room temperature). Note: I have tried putting Neem Oil in my refrigerator. From one supplier -- pure, unrefined Neem Oil -- no problem, the oil stays liquid. From a different supplier, the oil turned solid, and when melted, formed deposits on the bottom and sides of the bottle. Fatty Acid Composition: Example: C16:0 means a chain of 16 carbon atoms with no double bonds (saturated). C18:1w9 means a chain of 18 carbon atoms with one double bond at the 9th carbon (Omega 9) from the methyl end of the chain Oleic Acid C18:1 n-9 40 - 60 % Stearic Acid C18:0 14 - 22 % Palmitic Acid C16:0 14 - 19 % Linoleic Acid C18:2 n-6 8 - 20 % Arachidic Acid C20:0 1 - 3.5 % Myristic Acid C14:0 < 3 % Lauric Acid C12:0 < 1 % Alpha-Linolenic Acid C18:3 n-3 < 1 % Other Constituents: Terpenoids 200 - 4000 mg/kg carotenoids Vitamins C, E Cautions: Do not ingest. Try a patch test on the inside of the wrist before using as there have been rare cases of contact dermatitis. Dilute to 2 - 50 %. Sources: 1. Parker, Susan M., Power of the Seed: Your Guide to Oils for Health & Beauty, Process Media, Port Townsend, Washington, ©2014 pp. 154 - 155, 260, 284 2. Janes, Damjan and Glavac, Nina Kocevar, et. Al. Modern Cosmetics: Ingredients of Natural Origin, A Scientific View, Volume 1, Sirimo dobro besedo d.o.o., ©2018, pp. 119 3. Saavedra, Karin, Comedogenic Rating of Carrier Oils and Butters, EverPhi, May 27 – June 13, 2019, https://www.everphi.com/2019/05/27/comedogenic-rating-carrier-oils/, Accessed August 17, 2019 4. Penman, Tash, The Complete List of Comedogenic Oils, Holistic Health Herbalist, ©2019, https://www.holistichealthherbalist.com/complete-list-of-comedogenic-oils/, Accessed August 17, 2019 5. The North Country Soapmaking Library, Iodine Values of Various Soap Making Oils, The North Country Soapmaking Library, Copyright © 1998-2019, http://www.northcountrymercantile.com/soapmakinglibrary/iodine-values-of-various-soap-making-oils/, Accessed August 17, 2019. 6. Just Neem, 4 Ways Neem Oil Will Improve Your Skin, Just Neem, https://www.justneem.com/4-ways-neem-oil-will-improve-your-skin/, Accessed August 18, 2019 7. Simply Health Today, 20 Benefits of Neem Oil, Simply Health Today, (c) 2019, https://simplyhealth.today/20-benefits-neem-oil/ utm_source=%2Bneem%20%2Boil&utm_medium=20BenefitsofNeemOil&utm_campaign=adw_us&msclkid=44577304d60a1051ded22e5dbe879dfb, Accessed August 18, 2019 The information on this datasheet is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The Datasheets are all set up in a similar manner so that you can easily find the information you're looking for and move on with your project. To join today, simply go to the Membership section on Home & Store page and choose your option. Then enter Coupon Code Welcome when prompted. The membership section is getting very close to completion. I finished revamping the earlier datasheets, and have now completed 20 EO datasheets, 21 carrier oil datasheets, and 8.5 herb datasheets. I've coordinated the informational format across all the datasheets to make it easy to find information.
Remaining are 11.5 herb datasheets and 15 chemical datasheets. I anticipate being able to get this done by September 6, 2019. Members are welcome to print and share these sheets. Each month, I will add at least 1 new sheet per section (6 total). Below is a sample EO Datasheet. Essential Oil Datasheet by Karen Dragoo Updated August 26, 2019 Essential Oil: Allspice Botanical Name: Pimenta dioica , L (also Pimenta officinalis Lindl.) Common Names: Allspice, Jamaica pepper, Pimento Berry Plant Family: Myrtaceae Related to: clove and myrtle Part(s) used: Berries Extraction Method: Steam distilled Flash Point: 199.94° F 93.3° C Aroma: spicy, like a combination of cinnamon, clove, pepper, and other spices -hence the common name ‘allspice’ (Note: Allspice is a spice by itself, it does not contain any of the above mentioned spices.) Note: Middle note Shelf Life: 4 years Emotional/Energetic Qualities: relaxing, calming, reduce stress and nervous tension, help with depression Therapeutic Properties: anesthetic (local), analgesic, antibacterial, anticoagulant, anti-convulsant, anti-diabetic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antihistaminic, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiulcerogenic, antiviral, carminative, circulatory stimulant, hepatoprotective, hypotensive, immunostimulant, neuroprotective, relaxant, rubefacient, stimulant, tonic, vasodilator, Traditional & Common Uses: Intergumentary: (skin, hair, nails): Athlete's Foot, bites, cuts, minor skin infections, stings, warming effect on skin, wounds Note: Phenols make up the majority of this oil, and they are very harsh on the skin. Skeletal: arthritis, numb local nociceptive & neuropathic pain, muscle pain, muscle spasms, sprains, strains Respiratory: bronchitis, colds, coughs, sinus congestion, sinus infection, sinusitis Digestive: bloating, calm stomach, cramping, gas, indigestion, nausea Circulatory: increase blood flow, lower blood pressure Immune: stimulate immune system, Endocrine: Lymphatic: Neural/CNS: anxiety, depression, headache, stress Organs: liver, heart Excretory: relieves gas, Female: Male: Other: may lower the germ count in the air when diffused Primary Chemical Families: Phenols, sesquiterpenes Main Constituents: Phenols+++ Eugenol 67 – 80 % Methyleugenol 2.9 – 13.1 % Sesquiterpenes beta-caryophyllene 4 - 6.6% (+)-limonene tr - 42% alpha-Phellandrene 0 - 1.8% Terpinolene 0.1 – 1.5 % alpha-Humulene 0.1 – 1.5 % alpha-Selinene 0 - 1% alpha-Myrcene 0 - 1% Oxides 1,8 Cineole 0.2 – 3 % Safety: According to Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, the methyleugenol content has the potential to cause cancer. There is a moderate risk of skin sensitization and mucous membrane irritation. This oil may inhibit blood clotting. Avoid during pregnancy. Do not use before major surgery. Dilute to 0.02 % if using topically. Do not take orally. Maximum dermal use levels: EU = 0.0015 %, IFRA = 0.003 %, Tisserand & Young = 0.02 % dermal limit (1 drop per 10 oz carrier oil) Phenol-rich oils should be used at low dilutions for very short periods of time. Contraindications: * Do not use if you are taking blood thinners or have a blood-clotting disorder. * As with all essential oils, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using (or inhaling) any essential oil. * Avoid using essential oils on children under the age of 6, and limit use on children from ages 6 - 10 to 0.5% or less (3 drops per 1 oz carrier oil). * Always check with your doctor before using any essential oil. * For topical and inhalation use only. * For short term use only (max 3 days). +++ Phenols are chemicals that have powerful therapeutic properties. EOs that have a high level of phenols are strongly therapeutic. It's important to note that they must be used in very low dilution and for very short periods of time only because they are also powerfully damaging to skin cells and mucous membranes. Resources: 1. Tisserand, R. Y. (2014). Essential Oil Safety Second Edition. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, ©2014, pages 392 - 393 2. Lawless, Julia, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, Conari Press, San Francisco, CA, © 2001, pages 33 - 34 3. Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, List of plants in the family Myrtaceae, Encyclopaedia Briticannica, August 2016, https://www.britannica.com/topic/list-of-plants-in-the-family-Myrtaceae-2075387, Accessed August 25 - 26, 2019 4. Healthy Focus LLC, 7 Benefits of Allspice Essential Oil, Healthy Focus LLC, (c) 2018, https://healthyfocus.org/benefits-of-allspice-essential-oil/, Accessed August 26, 2019 5. Patil, Kiran, 10 Best Benefits of Allspice Essential Oil, Organicfacts.com, last updated Apirl 18, 2019, https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-allspice-essential-oil.html, Accessed August 26, 2019 6. Butje, Andrea, Eugenol, Component Database in Aromahead Institute, © 2019 Aromahead LLC, Accessed August 26, 2019 I'm taking this week and next week off from writing my weekly blogs in order to concentrate on the membership section of this website.
My goal is to have 20 datasheets each for Essential Oils, Carrier Oils, and Herbs, and 15 under Databases -- 5 each for EO constituents, Herb constituents, and FA Profiles at the time of launch. Then, monthly, I'll add 1 new datasheet under each of the listed sections (for a total of 6 new datasheets every month). Before I had any formal training in aromatherapy, I did a ton of research on essential oils. One of the things I began to look into was using essential oils with pets. There was a reason behind this -- one of our dogs, Lady, has had chronic ear infections her whole life. She would go back and forth from bacterial to yeast infections, and finally had both bacterial and yeast infections that would never clear up. We tried changing her diet, we washed her ears, we gave her medicines - everything the vet recommended, we did. Nothing helped. As I researched, I found very controversial information on using EOs with animals - some said that the oils were toxic for pets, others said that there are safe oils to use with them.
I was able to find information written by veterinarians that discussed oils that are (verifiably) safe to use with dogs. I made a very low dilution blend for Lady and sprayed it in her ears 1 - 2 times a day. It worked - her ears cleared up for about a year. Several months after I stopped using my blend on her, the ear infections returned and hot spots cropped up - not as bad as before, but still there. During that year, I had started my formal training in aromatherapy and came to realize that I am not a veterinarian and I don't have the proper veterinary training to make products for animals. The good news is that there are holistic veterinarians who integrate the use of current veterinary medicine and essential oils to help heal our pets. One of these veterinarians is Dr. Melissa Shelton. Her website is called Animal EO and the url is http://www.animaleo.info/ . Her website is easy to navigate, but most importantly, it's informative. She explains how diet plays a crucial role in animal health and how to use her products with your pets. Her website has links to past newsletters she's written with all kinds of great information. Best of all, she has created essential oil blends for many issues for different species of animals. She is able to prove the benefits of her blends with irrefutable scientific data by performing tests (like blood work) both before and after using her blends on animals. On her Facebook page (which I follow) she helps people by answering questions they have about issues their pets are encountering. Dr. Shelton has also written the book The Animal Desk Reference Second Edition which is a great resource for understanding how to use essential oils with animals. I keep this book right next to my Essential Oil Safety and Power of the Seed books for quick reference in my research. If you are interested in using essential oils with your pets, I highly recommend going to Dr. Shelton's website and Facebook page. I started delving further into phytochemistry recently. I'm already strong in the chemistry of essential oils, but the chemistry of the whole plant is where I'm headed. It occurred to me that, as we look at molecular and atomic structures, it's like looking at solar systems. The nucleus, made up of protons and neutrons, is like a star. The electrons are the planets that are revolving around the star. Now visualize a molecule. I imagine molecules as adjoining solar systems that share planets (the electrons). Below, you see images I drew to demonstrate this. First, there is a Hydrogen atom which has 1 proton for the nucleus and 1 electron in orbit. Second, you see a carbon atom with 6 each protons and neutrons in the nucleus and 6 electrons in orbit. Finally, you see an ethylene molecule: C2H4 : 2 carbon atoms double bonded (attached by 2 electrons) together and each carbon bonded to 2 hydrogen atoms. The bonds are electrons that are shared by both atoms. How does this apply to essential oils, carrier oils, and herbs? The chemicals comprising each of these substances start with carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) backbones (as do all living things on Earth). In some, there are other types of atoms attached (i.e. nitrogen, sulfur). Differences in the number of C and H atoms and how they are arranged determine therapeutic properties, ability to absorb, safety, toxicity, aroma, energetics, etc. of the chemicals. The pictures below demonstrate both small and large molecules. Carbon atoms are black, Hydrogen atoms are white, and Oxygen atoms are red. Believe it or not, each of these 3-D molecule models represents a structure I've encountered in my studies. Shown first is Methane. It has 1 carbon and 4 hydrogen atoms. Chemically, it's written as CH4, and is a gas formed from the decay of organic matter. I model this molecule because it's the simplest hydrocarbon.
Second is a Butyric Acid molecule. Butyric Acid is a Short Chain Fatty Acid found in small quantity in dairy products like milk and butter. Scientific studies show it can be of benefit in gut health, digestion, reducing inflammation, diabetes, insulin resistance, and fighting cancer. The third molecule is Thymol which is a phenol found in abundance in Thyme herb and essential oil. Thymol is responsible for the aroma, flavor, antiseptic property, and other therapeutic properties. (See my brief explanation of phenols under the Weekly Tidbits tab.) I'll touch on some of the chemistry basics from time to time, but want to end this blog with an extension of the whimsy: Our bodies are like galaxies with billions of these atomic 'solar systems' -- and each system has its own form and function! What exactly is CBD?
CBD is a chemical constituent from the Cannabis sativa L. plant. It's the shortened form of the word cannabidiol. This constituent is extracted from the leaves and flowers of the plant. How is it extracted? Methods of extraction include: Liquid solvent, Oil solvent, CO2 extraction. Terms to know: Cannabinoids = natural chemicals made by all vertebrates and cannabis plants. When made by plants, they're called phytocannabinoids. When made by humans, they're called endocannabinoids. Raw Hemp Extract = the product obtained after first extraction of Hemp essential oil. It contains chlorophyll, waxes, terpenes, and other cannabinoid chemicals. CBD Concentrate = CBD Distillate = the product obtained after raw hemp extract has been filtered to remove the chlorophyll and waxes Full Spectrum CBD Oil = Hemp extract that consists of CBD and all the terpenes and other cannabinoids found in the plant (including the small amounts of THC) Broad Spectrum CBD Oil = Contains all the terpenes and cannabinoids of Full Spectrum with the exception of the THC which has been filtered out. CBD Isolate = solid crystals of only pure CBD CBD Infused Oil = a plant oil (i.e. Olive Oil) that has been infused with a CBD product. If it was infused with Concentrate, Full, or Broad Spectrum, it will contain all of their properties. If infused with Isolate, it will only have CBD. How does CBD work? In this section, I'm discussing Broad Spectrum CBD (with no THC). CBD works with our endocannabinoid system (ECS) - specifically with our CB2 receptors. CB2 receptors work with our immune system and have an impact on pain and inflammation. What scientists believe is that CBD prompts our bodies to use a greater quantity of our own cannabinoids, thus balancing pain and inflammation signalling. What are the benefits of CBD? The benefits obtained are not necessarily coming directly from CBD. Rather, CBD interacts with our ECS which triggers our bodies to return to a balanced state. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory: The human CBD ligands in our ECS travel backwards to the synapses to stop or slow down the excitation of the nerve cells. Phytocannabinoids support and help stimulate our endocannabinoid ligands anandamide and 2-ag. As a result, our bodies are then able to control/reduce pain and swelling. Scientific studies have been on-going for over a decade to try and understand exactly how this works and to determine what conditions can be helped. Studies on arthritis (both OA and RA), MS, fibromyalgia, and IBS are showing promising results in reduction of pain and inflammation as well as improved range of motion. For those suffering from chronic pain, CBD can be an effective tool in pain management. Studies on migraine compared Amitriptyline to CBD that contains THC. The studies found that CBD/THC had a slightly higher percentage of reduction in the number of migraines than Amitriptyline. They also found that the intensity of the migraine pain was reduced by 43.5%. Antitumoral/cancer: Aside from potentially being able to help with nausea, pain, and appetite during cancer treatments, CBD may eventually have a place in a cancer treatment protocol. In vitro and animal studies are currently small and preliminary, but they are promising. Some of the studies are focused on CBD's potential to inhibit tumor growth. Other studies focus on specific Cancer cell types. * A test-tube (in vitro) study demonstrated that CBD induced apoptosis and programmed cell death in estrogen receptor-positive and receptor-negative breast cancer cell lines, but didn't harm normal breast cells. * Other ongoing CBD - Cancer research that is showing promise include: glioblastoma multiforme cells, non-small cell lung carcinoma cell lines, CBD as a potential preventative in colon cancer, and CBD as a potential preventative to cancer metastasis. Many more studies are required before we'll know for sure whether CBD can be an effective agent in a cancer treatment plan, but what has been done looks promising. Sleep: a small amount of CBD may provide energy, a larger amount just before bedtime may help with natural sleep cycles. Neurological: Anandamide is a human endocannabinoid ligand made by our CNS to get our brains to use serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that lifts the spirits. If anandamide levels are low, serotonin uptake in the brain may also be low. CBD inhibits the enzyme that breaks down anandamide (the FAAH enzyme), so using CBD allows anandamide to stay in the body longer. In turn, that allows anandamide more time to balance the serotonin levels in the brain. Implications for this include relief from stress, depression, OCD, schizophrenia, withdrawl from addictions, and loss of appetite. Studies have also demonstrated that CBD is able to reduce muscle spasticity for those with MS, and reduce the number of seizures for those with severe epilepsy. Other studies have found positive links between CBD and addiction recovery, CBD and reduction of brain degeneration, and CBD and improved brain function. There are studies implicating that CBD may be able to help slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Skin : acne - Overactive sebaceous glands lead to acne. CBD reduces over-activity in the sebaceous glands. This, combined with its anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce acne when used topically. What are the side effects of CBD? Repeated over and over again, the only side effects I can find for CBD oil include trouble sleeping, tiredness, irritability, diarrhea, and nausea. In each source, these are stated as usually being mild, and often as a result of using too much CBD. CBD may interact with certain medications so be sure to discuss with your doctor before using it. Bioavailability/Methods of application: Bioavailability refers to how much of a product that you use can be used by your body. For example, if you ingested 1 mL of a 500 mg CBD tincture, that 1 mL would contain 16.7 mg of CBD. The bioavailability of that 16.7 mg ranges from 10 - 40%. This means your body actually uses between 1.67 mg and 6.68 mg. When you inhale CBD, the bioavailability is even higher and more immediate because the molecules are going straight to your brain and lungs where they pass into the bloodstream. Inhalation has a 25 - 60% bioavailability. Topical application bioavailability (for essential oils) is up to 10% with an average of 5% getting into the bloodstream. I'm surmising here that it is similar with CBD. Final Notes: * Research on CBD and the endocannabinoid system are still in, IMHO, infancy stages. Scientists have learned a lot, but there's even more to learn about both. More studies need to be done with CBD in all aspects of potential benefits to the human body. *It's important to note that the FDA is not recommending using CBD to cure or mitigate any condition or disease. Like the use of herbs, fixed oils, and essential oils, it is up to individuals in conjunction with their doctors to determine their best approach to living a happy, healthy life. *As with the use of essential oils, I strongly recommend doing a small skin test on the inside of your wrist or elbow with any CBD oil you may try. If you get a skin reaction, wash the area with whole milk, then soap and water. Sources: 1. Haze, Sarah, How is CBD Extracted from Hemp?, MeetHarmony.com, March 7, 2017, https://meetharmony.com/2017/03/07/how-is-cbd-extracted-from-hemp/ Accessed July 29 - 31, 2019 2. Joy Organics, The Ultimate Guide to CBD Oil, chapters 1 - 2, JoyOrganics.com, https://joyorganics.com/ultimate-guide-to-cbd-oil/#Chapter2CBDHealth Accessed July 29 - 31, 2019 3. MontanaBio Tech, Cannabinoid Facts: THC, CBD, CBN, CBC, THCV, CBG and Other Unique Phyto Cannabinoids, MontanaBio Tech, March 25, 2013, https://montanabiotech.com/2013/03/25/cannabinoid-facts-thc-cbd-cbn-cbc-thcv-cbg-and-other-unique-phyto-cannabinoids/ Accessed July 29 - 31, 2019 4. Johnson, Jon, Everything you need to know about CBD oil, Medical News Today, Last updated July 27, 2018, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317221.php Accessed July 29 - 31, 2019 5. Grinspoon, Peter, MD, Cannabidiol (CBD) -- what we know and what we don't, Harvard Health Publishing, August 24, 2018, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476 Accessed July 29 - 31, 2019 6. Welty, Timothy, PharmD, et. al., Cannabidiol: Promise and Pitfalls, NCBI Resources, Epilepsy Curr Sep-Oct 2014, PMCID:PMC4189631 doi:10.5698/1535-7597-14.5.250 PMID: 25346628, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4189631/ Accessed July 29 - 31, 2019 7. CBD SCHOOL, 10 Interesting Facts About CBD, CBD SCHOOL, March 15, 2017, https://www.cbdschool.com/10-interesting-facts-about-cbd/ Accessed July 29 - 31, 2019 8. leaf science, 10 Facts About Cannabidiol (CBD), leaf science, October 11, 2017, https://www.leafscience.com/2017/10/11/10-facts-cannabidiol-cbd/ Accessed July 29 - 31, 2019 9. Kubala, Jillian, MS, RD, 7 Benefits and Uses of CBD Oil (Plus Side Effects), healthline, February 26, 2018, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits, Accessed July 29 - 31, 2019 10. Burgess, Lana, Can CBD oil relieve arthritis pain?, Medical News Today, Last updated August 2, 2018, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319796.php, Accessed July 29 - 31, 2019 11. Whiteman, Honor, Cannabinoids could prevent migraine, study finds, Medical News Today, June 28, 2017, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318145.php, Accessed July 29 - 31, 2019 12. Cannabis Law Report, Understanding anandamide, and how it's influenced by CBD, https://cannabislaw.report/understanding-anandamide-and-how-its-influenced-by-cbd/, Accessed July 29 - 31, 2019 13. Johnson, Jon, CBD for Cancer: Everything you need to know, Medical News Today, Last reviewed March 19, 2019, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324745.php, Accessed July 31, 2019 14. Morris, Michael, CBD and Cancer, CBD Education Online, copyright 2018, https://cbdeducationonline.com/cbd-and-cancer/, Accessed July 31, 2019 15. PDQ® Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies Editorial Board. PDQ Cannabis and Cannabinoids. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute. Updated <MM/DD/YYYY>. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/cannabis-pdq. Accessed <MM/DD/YYYY>. [PMID: 26389198], Accessed July 31, 2019 16. Tisserand, Robert, Essential Oil Safety Masterclass: Presentation Handout, Tisserand Institute, 2018, Lesson 3, slide 12 We've been exploring products made from industrial Hemp -- so far, Hemp Seed Oil and Hemp Essential Oil. Logically, the next item is CBD, but before we dive into CBD, it's important to understand the Human Endocannabinoid System. If you studied basic health in school, you learned that we have several systems in our bodies. They include the respiratory system, endocrine system, cardiovascular system, digestive system, nervous system, and (discovered in the 1990's) the Human Endocannabinoid System (ECS). That's right, our bodies have their own cannabinoid system (as do all vertebrates). In one of my herbal courses, the professor referred to the digestive system as as a "second brain" because of its autonomy in function. Based on what I've learned, I think I would refer to the ECS as a 'third brain'. I say this because our ECS is designed to know when something (anything) in the body gets out of balance, and then signal the appropriate mechanisms to initiate procedures which will return the body to a balanced state. What are the components of the Endocannabinoid System? First, within the cells of our nervous system, there are molecules which bind to proteins. These molecules are called ligands. The function of a ligand is to initiate a signal response. Anandamide (AEA), 2-arachidonoylgycerol (2-AG), N-arachidonoyldopamine (NADA), Virodhamine (EOE), and noladin ether are endocannabinoid ligands found in the nervous system. Next, there are receptor cells called CB1 and CB2. receptors. CB1 receptors are found primarily in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), and CB2 receptors are found in the peripheral nervous system (everything outside of the brain and spinal cord) with a large concentration found in our immune cells. They receive the ligands like a catcher's mitt receives a pitched ball. Enzymes called Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) break down the ligands when they are no longer needed. Now we know what the ECS is made of, how do these parts work in our bodies? In the illustration above, we see (my rendition) of two nerve cells. In a normal process, the presynaptic neuron receives some kind of stimulus. It then sends neurotransmitters (chemical and electrical messengers) to the next cell (called the postsynaptic neuron). Each cell then passes those messengers through to the next cell in the nerve pathway until the message gets to the spinal cord where it is passed up to the brain. Sometimes, a nerve cell gets overstimulated. One example of this would be in the case of acute injury. The nerve cells send a message to the brain to send immune cells to the site of injury to start the repair process. Those immune cells then trigger the neurons to send more immune cells. The signaling for more and more immune cells would continue without stopping except that the body has a mechanism to recognize when to halt the signaling and calm down the neurons. Otherwise, an injury would continue to swell out of control. This is where the Endocannabinoid System kicks in. Fat cells in the postsynaptic neuron create cannabinoid ligands and send them backwards to the synapse. From there, the ligands attach to a CB receptor on the presynaptic neuron and 'calm down' the messaging activity. Once balance is achieved, the ligands are no longer needed, so the FAAH and MAGL enzymes break down the ligands. This sounds simple, but billions of neurotransmitters are being sent through our nervous system every day, so our ECS is constantly relied upon to maintain balance in every part of our bodies. It helps regulate the immune system, sleep, reproduction, focus, memory, pain, inflammation, digestion, brain chemistry, mood/attitude, gross and fine motor control, bone health, sensitivity to heat and cold, etc. What happens if the ECS gets out of balance? An out-of-balance or malfunctioning Endocannabinoid system can be a big problem and lead to many chronic diseases like fibromyalgia, IBS, migraines, anxiety, and even chronic pain that continues after an injury has healed. Poor diet and lifestyle may cause deficiencies in the ECS. Such deficiencies may be a significant factor in feelings of chronic fatigue and depression. Scientists are studying all of this to try and understand more clearly just how much of an impact our EC system has on our overall health. Remember, this system was only discovered 20 - 30 years ago, so what we do know is far less than what we don't know. Many studies being performed are trying to determine how phytocannabinoids, like CBD, and terpenes that act like cannabinoids (i.e. beta-caryophyllene) interact with the ECS and how they can be used to support it. Next week's blog will discuss what scientists have learned about CBD and its impact on the Human Endocannabinoid System. Sources: 1. UCLA Health: Cannabis Research Initiative, Human Endocannabinoid System, UCLA Health, https://www.uclahealth.org/cannabis/human-endocannabinoid-system Accessed July 22 - 23, 2019 2. Maimonides, Rambam, The Endocannabinoid System, Cannabinoids, and Pain, NCBI, Medical Journal PMCID: PMC3820295, Published online Oct 29, 2013 doi: 10.5041/RMMJ.10129, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3820295/ Accessed July 22 - 23, 2019 3. Scholastic, The Science of the Endocannabinoid System: How THC Affects the Brain and the Body, First published 2011, http://headsup.scholastic.com/students/endocannabinoid Accessed July 22 - 23, 2019 4. Dellwo, Adrienne, What is the Endocannabinoid System: How the system works and its role in disease, verywell health, Updated April 26, 2019, https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system-4171855 Accessed July 22 - 23, 2019 5. Sulak, Dustin, DO, Healer.com, Introduction to the Endocannabinoid System, NORML, Copyright 2019, https://norml.org/library/item/introduction-to-the-endocannabinoid-system, Accessed July 22 - 23, 2019 6. CBD OIL review, Endocannabinoid Production in the Human Body, Copyright 2018, https://cbdoilreview.org/cbd-cannabidiol/cbd-oil-endocannabinoid-production-human-body/, Accessed July 22 - 23, 2019 7. wiseGEEK, What is the Endocannabinoid System, Copyright 2003 - 2019, https://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system.htm Accessed July 22 - 23, 2019 8. Trent, Stacy, The Endocannabinoid System [Explained], NaturalWellness CBD Oil, Updated July 8, 2018, https://naturalwellnesscbdoil.com/blog/the-endocannabinoid-system-explained/, Accessed July 22 - 23, 2019 9. Leaf Science Team, The Endocannabinoid System: A Beginner's Guide, leaf science, March 17, 2017, https://www.leafscience.com/2017/03/17/the-endocannabinoid-system-a-beginners-guide/, Accessed July 22 - 23, 2019 10. Sandro, Pietraszko, What is the Endocannabinoid System? Human Cannabinoid System, The Hemp Cannabinoid Oil Benefits: Information Platform, February 11, 2018, https://thehempoilbenefits.com/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system-2, Accessed July 22 - 23, 2019 11. CBD School, The Endocannabinoid System Explained, CBD School, May 17, 2017, https://www.cbdschool.com/the-endocannabinoid-system-explained/ Accessed July 22 - 23, 2019 Last week, we discussed how Hemp Seed Oil is made and what its therapeutic properties are. Today's blog will do the same for Hemp Essential Oil.
Hemp Essential Oil is derived from the aerial parts (leaves and flowers) of the Cannabis sativa L. plant. CBD and THC are not present in the essential oil because they do not come through the steam distillation process. The chemical constituents found in this oil in significant quantities are Beta-Caryophyllene, Beta-Myrcene, Limonene, Alpha-Humulene, Alpha-Pinene, Terpinolene, and Beta-Pinene. Overall, these monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes comprise 85% of the composition of Hemp Essential Oil. Therapeutically, all of these components have been scientifically proven to reduce inflammation and both nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Several constituents are antiviral and antibacterial, and can strengthen and/or balance the immune system. They tend to help calm anxiety, relax muscles, and reduce stress. All of these properties make Hemp Essential Oil a superb addition to blends for muscles, joints, injuries, colds, flu, anxiety, sleep, and stress. When I first heard about Hemp Essential Oil, I didn't know if it would be legal (like Hemp Seed Oil), or legal only in certain states (like CBD). Hemp Essential Oil is legal in every U.S. state because it does not contain THC or CBD. For those of you in states that restrict the use of CBD, Hemp Essential Oil may be a good option for your topical and/or inhalation blends. Hemp Seed Oil is considered to be "Nature's most perfectly balanced oil" -- so why isn't it on every grocery store shelf? Is it because of a short, 8 - 12 month shelf life or it's intolerance to heat? Or is it because it comes from the hemp plant? Perhaps it's all three. Then, what makes it such a perfect fixed (carrier) oil?
Hemp Seed Oil is a cold-pressed oil made from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa L. plant. While the areal parts of this plant contain CBD and a small amount of THC, the seeds don't have either substance. It's the 3 to 1 ratio of Omega 6 Linoleic Acid to Omega 3 Alpha-Linolenic Acid that makes this an ideal oil for both ingestion and for topical use. This is a very unsaturated oil which means it is delicate (as oils go). It doesn't tolerate heat, and will oxidize (spoil) easily with exposure to light, heat, air, and time. As a result, Hemp Seed Oil is best stored in the refrigerator. Therapeutically, Hemp Seed Oil has been proven effective in treating skin irritations and conditions like eczema. Likewise, it can help improve and maintain healthy skin and hair. It has both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties which are useful for conditions like RA and MS. Ingestion: Hemp Seed Oil needs to be used in cold preparations, i.e. included in salad dressings. As I'm writing this, I'm coming up with some of my 'mad scientist' ideas! LOL. I think I'll have to try some food experiments with Hemp Seed Oil: perhaps Cottage Cheese with Hemp Seed Oil and a variety of fruits or vegetables; hmmm, what about a custard pudding or flan with Hemp Seed Oil; instead of dipping bread into Olive Oil, dip it into Hemp Seed Oil. It has antiviral properties, so the next time I have a cold or flu, I may try making a cold Marshmallow-in-water infusion, then add Hemp Seed Oil. I know that some of these may turn out disgusting and some may turn out to be tasty, the only way to find out is to experiment. Topical use: I add Hemp Seed Oil to several of my topical essential oil and herbal blends. It absorbs easily and enhances their therapeutic properties. It's antibacterial properties can be used to help fight acne, while its antifungal properties make it good in Athlete's Foot blends. Try mixing it with Coconut Oil for this purpose. (No heat is needed as the solid Coconut Oil will melt in the Hemp Seed Oil.) Its ability to moisturize and protect skin makes it perfect in facial serums and soaps. You can discover more about Hemp Seed Oil in the membership portion of this website. What is your first mental association when you hear the word Cannabis? Is it Marijuana? Drug? Addiction? Or, more recently, CBD? What do you know about the differences in the plants of the Cannabaceae family? For the next few weeks, we'll focus on products made from Industrial Hemp plants -- what they are, how they are made, how they are used, cautions, and legal status.
Cannabis sativa is the Latin name for this species of plants -- certain strains are grown to be used as a drug (Marijuana) while others are grown to make products that we use on a daily basis (Industrial Hemp). Products we make with Industrial Hemp include (but are not limited to): paper, fabric, animal feed, health foods, biodegradable plastic, biofuels, scratch posts for cats, skin care products, essential oil, etc. The list is quite long. Frankly, I wonder, if it hadn't been banned because of the THC content, how much greener the whole world be if Industrial Hemp had been used to make products that are typically made with petroleum. The good news is that we can start using this easily renewable resource to replace non-renewable (or difficult-to-renew) resources and leave a lower carbon footprint at the same time. Both drug and industrial strains contain a chemical called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which binds with (CB1) receptors in the Human Endocannabinoid (EC) System. These receptors are located in the Central Nervous System (brain and spinal cord) which is why THC is psychoactive. Industrial Hemp has a much lower content of THC and a higher level of of a chemical called Cannabidiol (CBD). CBD attaches to CB2 receptors in our EC System. These receptors are found throughout our bodies and work with our immune systems to help achieve balance (homeostasis) throughout our body systems. (This balance is the primary goal of Holistic Medicine, herbalism, and aromatherapy because balance is necessary for optimal health.) This series of blogs will focus on specific products from Industrial Hemp that we can use to help ourselves attain physiological and psychological balance. Part 2 will cover Hemp Seed Oil. Part 3 will discuss Hemp Essential Oil. Part 4 will diverge and explain what our Endocannabinoid System is and how it functions. Part 5 will examine CBD oil. Sources: 1. HempEthics, What is Industrial Hemp, and Industrial Hemp vs. Cannabis, HempEthics, https://hempethics.weebly.com/what-is-industrial-hemp.html Accessed June 29 - July 1, 2019 2. Lobello, Carmel, 8 products made from industrial hemp, The Week, 2019, https://theweek.com/articles/463671/8-products-made-from-industrial-hemp Accessed June 29 - July 1, 2019 3. Ministry of Hemp, 73 Real Life Amazing Hemp Products to Try Today, Ministry of Hemp, January 3, 2017, https://ministryofhemp.com/blog/hemp-products-list/, Accessed June 29 - July 1, 2019 4. Wikipedia, Hemp, Wikipedia, Last edited June 17, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemp, Accessed June 29 - July 1, 2019 5. National Hemp Association, How Industrial Hemp Can Reduce Our Carbon Footprint, National Hemp Association, July 13, 2016, https://nationalhempassociation.org/cannabis-and-climate-change-how-industrial-hemp-can-reduce-our-carbon-footprint/ Accessed July 1, 2019 6. European Industrial Hemp Association, Natural fibres show outstandingly low CO2 footprint compared to glass and mineral fibres, European Industrial Hemp Association, April 18, 2019, http://eiha.org/document/natural-fibres-show-outstandingly-low-co2-footprint-compared-to-glass-and-mineral-fibres/, Accessed July 1, 2019 7. Digital Journal, Press Release: Cannabis and Climate Change: How Industrial Hemp Can Help Reduce Our Carbon Footprint, 2019, http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/3003257, Accessed July 1, 2019 8. Lawrence, Mike , Growing our way out of climate change by building with hemp and wood fibre, The Guardian, September 25, 2014, https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2014/sep/25/hemp-wood-fibre-construction-climate-change, Accessed July 1, 2019 |
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February 2021
CategoriesAuthorKaren Dragoo |