Blog - Page 3 of 7 - Eden Organics Idaho

February 10, 2020February 14, 2020

CBD AND MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Recently we were asked if CBD would be helpful for those with Multiple Sclerosis, (MS).

I found a study written by Thorsten Rudroff and Jacob Sosnoff. I will include the link to the study at the end of this post. They describe MS as, “ Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects an estimated 2.3 million people worldwide. The symptoms of MS are highly varied but frequently include pain, muscle spasticity, fatigue, inflammation, and depression. These symptoms often lead to reduced physical activity, negatively impact functional mobility, and have a detrimental impact on patients’ quality of life.”

They also state that, “Although recent years have seen significant advances in disease modifying therapy, none of the current treatments halts or cures MS related symptoms. As a consequence, many people with MS (PwMS) look for alternative and complementary therapies such as cannabis.”

CBD CAN HELP

As we know, CBD can reduce inflammation and help with pain management. The study suggested that the use of CBD will reduce fatigue, pain, inflammation, depression, and spasticity (a condition in which certain muscles are continuously contracted. This contraction causes stiffness or tightness of the muscles and can interfere with normal movement, speech and gait. Spasticity is usually caused by damage to the portion of the brain or spinal cord that controls voluntary movement.) By reducing these symptoms for people with MS, CBD may help with their mobility. Of course, more research is needed.

MANY OF PEOPLE WITH MS ARE LOOKING TO CANNABIS FOR RELIEF.

In a web-based survey, which was hosted by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, found that 66% of PwMS (people with MS) currently use cannabis for symptom treatment. Furthermore, a study from Canada found that approximately 50% of PwMS would consider the usage of cannabis if the legal status is clear and scientific evidence is available. CBD is, of course, a cannabis plant and can help with the symptoms of MS.

CBD HELPS REDUCE THE USE OF OPIOIDS

Opioids have some serious side effects including, physical dependence, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, tolerance, constipation, and respiratory depression. Physical dependence and addiction are clinical concerns that may prevent accurate prescribing and in turn insufficient pain management.

A recent epidemiological study by Piper et al. showed that among people that frequently used opioids, over three-quarters (77%) indicated that they reduced their use since they started cannabis. Approximately two-thirds of patients decreased their use of antianxiety (72%), migraine (67%), and sleep (65%) drugs following medical cannabis which significantly exceeded the reduction in antidepressants or alcohol use. Complete or part replacement of these drugs by specific cannabis products should definitely be the long-term goal.

The study suggests that people with MS are hesitant to use cannabis because of the social stigma associated with marijuana and the high that comes from THC. They suggest the use of CBD to eliminate these negative aspects of treatment.

CBD can be a safe and reliable way to manage the symptoms of MS.

2018 study on CBD and MS.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5874292/

February 7, 2020February 14, 2020

CBD AND SKIN CARE

This is another one of the uses of CBD that requires more study and research. The existing research is very promising for a variety of uses for CBD for skin care. In a recent article on the web page, ‘Everyday Health’, by Jessica Migala, she quoted Dr. Robert Dellavalle, MD, PhD, adjunct professor of epidemiology at the Colorado School of Public Health in Aurora, “The body has two CBD receptors(that we know of): CB1 and CB2. When applied to the skin, CBD interacts with these two receptors to turn down the inflammatory response. This happens by decreasing the interleukins, which are chemicals that are like the immune system’s fire alarm that calls the fire department in an emergency. CBD may decrease the loudness of that fire alarm.”

Mona Gohara, MD, a dermatologist in Hamden, Connecticut, and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University states, “I recommend generally using a medication to put out the fire, and then using CBD to clean up the carnage.” She likes using the CBD in inflammatory skin diseases as they are fizzling out.

CBD USED TO TREAT ACNE

Findings from an article published in 2014 in the Journal of clinical Investigation and a study published in September 2016 in Experimental Dermatology would indicate that CBD influences the production of Sebum and has an anti-inflammatory component. Dr. Jeanette Jacknin, MD, and a board-certified dermatologist echoes these same findings. She also points to recent preliminary research presented in June 2019, which found topical CBD may help kill a range of gram-positive bacteria. We have discussed the antibacterial properties of CBD in a previous post. This particular bacterium is one cause of acne.

CBD AND ANTI-AGEING.

CBD contains two fatty acids, Omega 6 and Omega 3, that help stimulate the production of collagen. This prevents excessive water loss and helps keep your skin hydrated, thus making it look better. In addition, CBD is an anti-inflammatory that helps to keep your skin looking better. It can reduce the redness and wrinkling that can come with age. CBD helps keep your skin healthy and, in that way, helps it look its best.

CONCLUSION

With the existing research and studies, we can get a good idea of the efficacy of CBD and skin health. A healthy skin will look better and will have fewer wrinkles and inconsistencies of color, rendering a better look. There are many skin care products on the market that have CBD as a major ingredient. As always, we recommend you as the buyer to ensure the product has the advertised amount of CBD and that the other ingredients are beneficial for skin health.

February 6, 2020

WHERE TO BUY YOUR CBD

Once you have decided to try CBD, you are faced with a decision as to where to buy the product. There are many outlets that sell CBD, including gas stations, individuals, online, or a health food store. The fact there are so many places to buy CBD, can make finding the right place rather difficult.

LOOK FOR THE SPECIALISTS

One idea is to stick to the places that specialize in CBD. In this way you can ensure you are getting the correct information about the product and how to use it. The places that specialize in CBD can direct you to the product that will best suit your specific situation and can advise you on what to expect from the product. They can answer questions such as, should you use a topical or a product that is systemic? Or, which would better suit your particular condition or ailment?

WATCH OUT FOR PRODUCTS THAT ARE NOT WHAT THEY SAY THEY ARE.

A friend of mine called me and asked if I had a topical product. I answered that I did but quizzed him about what he was trying to accomplish. After talking with him for a few minutes, I determined a tincture would be the better product for him. He explained he had already tried a tincture and that it had not worked for him. As we talked further, I discovered he had purchased a product that had little CBD in it. In fact, it was mostly hemp oil, which is good for the skin, but will not work the same as CBD oil. He had purchased the product from a door to door salesman who really didn’t know what he was selling. Such is the case often when CBD is purchased from places or individuals who really don’t know enough about the product to be helpful.

BUYER BEWARE

The previous story illustrates why it is so important to visit with the specialist who can help you find the right product and to insure you are getting what you are paying for. As we have stated before in this blog, always ask to see the Certificate of Analysis (COA) which will list all the elements in the product and will have the exact amount of CBD that the product contains. The specialists will always have COA’s for each product they offer. In addition, they will be knowledgeable about their products and can help you find the best one to suit you and all your needs.

February 5, 2020

CAN CBD REDUCE CHOLESTEROL?

We hear so many claims of what CBD can do that we often have to stop, take a breath and rely on actual research to determine the efficacy of CBD and the claims surrounding it.

As to whether or not it reduces cholesterol, there is no definitive evidence to indicate that it does. However, having said that, I do have to mention that CBD does aid in promoting a healthy heart.

CBD AND HEART HEALTH

According to an article on the web page Healthline, “CBD’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties may be able to reduce risk factors that can lead to heart disease, like high blood pressure. It may also be able to reduce the risk of related conditions, like stroke. In a 2017 study, healthy human volunteers were subjected to stress and then given a dose of CBD. The CBD lowered their blood pressure, as compared to volunteers given a placebo. However, non-stressed individuals saw no such improvement.”

Heart disease increases the risk of stroke. A hemorrhagic stroke is when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. An ischemic stroke happens when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain.

A 2010 review found that CBD may help protect stroke patients from brain damage and even aid recovery by boosting brain function.

It is important to note that the findings of studies on stroke recovery were on animals and that we need more research on the effect of CBD on human stroke patients.

A 2016 study showed that CBD may reduce autoimmune myocarditis. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties are important for a healthy heart. Myocarditis is inflammation in the heart which creates a condition where the heart can not pump properly. Since CBD in effective in reducing inflammation, it can help with myocarditis.

The study also found that CBD reduces oxidative stress, which is a condition related to inflammation.

CBD CAN HELP WITH KEEPING YOUR HEART HEALTHY

CBD can help us keep a healthy heart; however, it is no substitute for a healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced, healthy diet, exercise, a good night’s sleep, and a reduction of stress. CBD can help with some of these but is not a panacea.

February 4, 2020

HEMP USED FOR BUILDING MATERIALS

A New York Times article explained another use for the hemp plant. Hempcrete is a building material used primarily for insulation but can be used to build walls if there is a weight bearing structure and it is made from hemp.

ADVANTAGES OF HEMP FOR BUILDING MATERIAL

From the article: “The most sustainable building material isn’t concrete or steel — it’s fast-growing hemp. Hemp structures date to Roman times. A hemp mortar bridge was constructed back in the 6th century, when France was still Gaul.

Now a wave of builders and botanists are working to renew this market. Mixing hemp’s woody fibers with lime produces a natural, light concrete that retains thermal mass and is highly insulating. No pests, no mold, good acoustics, low humidity, no pesticide. It grows from seed to harvest in about four months.”

As one can see, the material is versatile and has many advantages over traditional building materials, the most obvious is that it is sustainable and easy on the environment, not only as a building material but also as a plant.

FRANCE WAS THE FIRST TO USE HEMPCRETE

In modern construction, France was the first to use hempcrete as they looked for a substance that would help in the restoration of old structures. They developed it in the mid -1980’s to use for repair of the extensively damaged buildings that had been repaired using ordinary Portland cement. Using the Portland cement to replace the vapor-permeable earth and lime mortars and natural cements in historic buildings prevented the building fabric from ‘breathing’, thus causing the retention of moisture which damaged the timber frames.

HEMP IS A BREATHABLE INSULATION MATERIAL

One of the major considerations of using hemp as an insulation is its breathability. It captures moisture and air but is not a solid vapor barrier. In addition, it is eventually biodegradable and will return to the earth. However, it is also durable.

We can not be surprised to find that humans have been using hemp as a building material for centuries. An historic hemp house in Maisa village in the Nagano prefecture of Japan, was built in 1698 and is still in good condition.

WE WILL SEE MORE USES FOR HEMP AS A BUILDING MATERIAL.

As we continue to experiment with hemp, we will find more uses for its amazing versatility in the building industry.

February 3, 2020

CBD AND LUPUS

Recently we had a customer come into the store and ask about CBD and its effect on Lupus. Since CBD is effective in helping to reduce inflammation and aiding in pain reduction, we suggested the customer try it. Subsequently to that occasion, I have been researching the efficacy of CBD on Lupus symptoms. Here is what I have found so far.

NOT A LOT OF RESEARCH SPECIFIC TO LUPUS

From a web site entitled ‘Lupus Corner’, we have, “Studies on cannabis have found potential for using CBD oil as a way to reduce lupus symptoms. Many of these studies are conducted with small numbers of participants or rely on anecdotal reports. However, the research is beginning to paint a compelling picture regarding the efficacy of CBD.

A 2010 review published by the HHS government agency details the effects that cannabinoids have on the body. CBD goes directly to the immune cells and cause weak or damaged cells to die off. They also suppress T-cell responses, a major source of inflammation. This weakens the immune response, protecting cells from being attacked by the overactive immune systems of people with lupus. A 2015 report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association that looks specifically at multiple sclerosis implies that CBD may also directly protect nerve cells from autoimmune damage.” Later in that article they stated, “There are many clinical trials in the works on how CBD oil might help with inflammation. For now, though, we have a plant extract with a high potential to help and a low potential for habit formation and side effects. As interest and funding increases for using CBD oil to treat autoimmune disease, this evidence will come.”

ANOTHER TESTIMONY

Janeen Qadri Board Member – Lupus Alliance of Upstate New York, has a degree in health sciences that she uses on a daily basis. She stated, “I thoroughly research it, speak to professionals in the field, and use CBD and cannabis myself. Cannabis education is one of my passions!” She continues, “Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural game-changer for anyone suffering from chronic inflammation, chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, and even cancer. Lupus sufferers find cannabis and CBD to work a million times better than any other medication and there are no side effects that will hurt us.”

CONCLUSION

Well, actually, we don’t really have a conclusion on the efficacy of CBD on lupus. Without the actual research to give us a definitive answer, we are left to anecdotal evidence and some studies that can report on the ability of CBD to reduce inflammation and aid in pain reduction. We can extrapolate the evidence from those studies that CBD will have a positive effect on the symptoms of lupus. We can find a plethora of anecdotal evidence indicating that CBD has a positive effect on the symptoms of lupus, however, the best course to take if you have lupus is to talk with your doctor about taking CBD. If the two of you are comfortable with trying it, then give it a try and see how it works for you. Since there are no serious side effects from using CBD, it will be worth trying.

January 31, 2020

FEAR AND PREJUDICE IN MAKING LAWS

When we look at the laws pertaining to hemp and CBD in Idaho, we discover fear and prejudice. When a reasonable person examines any aspect of hemp production and the use of CBD, they find nothing but beneficial facts and information. And yet fear raises its ugly head and we have antiquated laws and law makers.

FEAR OF MARIJUANA SPLASHES OVER TO HEMP AND CBD

So often I hear that if we allow hemp production in Idaho, marijuana will slip in and before we know it, the entire state will be growing marijuana. Such foolishness has no place in law making. The most cursory investigation will uncover the truth. There have been several news stories that contain information contradicting the notion that producers will grow marijuana with hemp. In states where marijuana is grown legally, the growers are up in arms when a hemp producer grows their product too close to the marijuana producer. The reason? Hemp cross pollinates with the marijuana plant and renders it impotent, making the crop useless. That being the case, anyone who tried to grow marijuana amongst their hemp would be wasting their time and effort.

LAW ENFORCEMENT AND HEMP

We also hear that law enforcement will be perplexed when encountering hemp as they try to determine of the product is hemp or marijuana. The 4-AP test can indicate whether the substance in question has more CBD than THC. If the liquid in the test turns blue, the substance is likely marijuana. If it turns pink, it indicates the CBD is greater than the THC. That seems fairly straight forward and not real difficult to differentiate the two compounds. It is too bad that the State of Idaho isn’t aware of that test. Here is a link to a video explaining the test. youtube.com/watch?v=4PL_6bfaBlQ&feature=youtu.be.

CBD AND HEMP BRING EXTENSIVE BENEFITS

As we have written before, CBD has so many benefits to people’s health that it is silly to have the extent of limits on it. That goes double for hemp. We have listed the many benefits of hemp in previous posts, paper production, clothing, fuel, medicine, wood products, plastic, to name a few. Added to the list is the fact that one acre of hemp produces the same amount of paper as four acres of trees and only takes six months to regenerate as opposed to thirty years minimum for trees. Hemp uses significantly less water than cotton and has a smaller carbon footprint. Hemp would reduce the use of single use plastic and save a great deal of the plastic pollution.

WHAT INFORMATION ARE THE LAW MAKERS LOOKING AT?

All this makes one wonder what information our lawmakers are looking at. It certainly isn’t the facts or any scientific research. How sad for Idaho that we are led by fear and prejudice and not by enlightened open thinking.

January 30, 2020

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TAKE CBD?

This is a question we often get asked at the store. There are many answers since there are many ways in which CBD benefits the body. How best to use CBD depends on the ailment or condition that has brought you to CBD. However, let us assume you are wanting to take CBD systemically, in other words, internally for your entire body.

HELP WITH INSOMNIA, ANXIETY OR ACHES AND PAINS.

If these are the conditions you are wanting help with, then you will likely want to take the CBD internally. How then, is that best accomplished? The answers are varied and are dependent on what works best for you. Let’s examine our options.

EDIBLES SUCH AS GUMMIES, HONEY STICKS, OR PILLS

We need to be aware of bioavailability of CBD. When consumed into the stomach, it can lose some of its potency because of the first pass metabolism incurred in the stomach. One of the best ways to increase the bioavailability of CBD is to take it with fatty acids (long and medium chain triglycerides); when consumed with fatty acids, the CBD oil is able to bypass some of the first pass metabolism, thus preventing major structural alteration. This way, you can retain almost all of the potency of the CBD you are consuming orally. This fatty acid can be in the form of vegetable oil, fish oil or the like and generally all meats, especially red meat.

TINCTURES WORK BEST ESPECIALLY AFTER A MEAL

Another effective way to increase bioavailability is to allow CBD oil to first be absorbed sublingually under the tongue. CBD oil products like pure CBD oils, tinctures, and liquids can be held under the tongue to allow the CBD to be absorbed through the mucous membranes. This allows the CBD to bypass the digestive system altogether in its journey to your bloodstream. Once the CBD oil is swallowed, some of the absorption process will still take place along the digestive tract.

A study investigating the bioavailability of a cannabinoid product that was absorbed sublingually and then in the digestive tract after being swallowed found that bioavailability of the cannabinoids was four times higher when taken after a meal. The study did find that taking the product with food delayed peak cannabinoid concentration in the blood by a couple hours.

CONCLUSION

What this all means is taking CBD with, or just after a meal, will help the CBD get into your system better so that you can get the full impact of the product. Take CBD at least within thirty minutes after eating. For additional information about using CBD, please contact Eden Organics at 208 970 9171 or stop by the store, 1619 Curlew, Ammon. You can also find information on our web page at edenorganicsidaho.com

January 24, 2020

CBD AND NEONATAL ARTERIAL ISCHEMIC STROKE

As most of you know, Arterial Ischemic Stroke occurs when blood flow in an artery to the brain is blocked due to narrowness of the artery or the formation of a blood clot. A particular unfortunate condition known as Neonatal Arterial Ischemic Stroke (NAIS), specific to infants, can lead to lifelong disabilities and or brain injury.

LITTLE IS KNOW ABOUT NEONATAL ARTERIAL ISCHEMIC STROKE

Unfortunately, little is known about this condition and, currently, there is no effective treatment. As one would imagine, this is a devastating condition for a small infant and its family, especially since there is little that can be done to treat the condition or mitigate its effects.

A STUDY INDICATES CBD CAN REDUCE THE EFFECTS OF NAIS

This study, performed on rats, indicated that CBD can reduce brain damage and improve recovery. Researchers found by analyzing the effects to the brain via MRI, behavioral tests, and other system studies, that administering CBD after induced artery blockage led to “long term functional recovery.” CBD reduced the loss of neuronal structure and function, the abnormal increase of astrocytes (a certain type of cell in the brain), cell death and damage, and inflammation of the nervous tissue.

CONTINUED STUDIES NEEDED

With more clinical studies this treatment could become a reality for human newborns. As time goes on, we will see more studies that will indicate the use of CBD in treating NAIS and strokes involving adults. This is just one more reason to encourage further research in the use of CBD to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions.

January 23, 2020

CBD AND EXERCISE

Image by Valsan Fox Valsan Fox from Pixabay

CBD has many benefits to those who exercise. Because it helps reduce inflammation and is useful in pain management, it can aid in recovery after a strenuous work out.

Dr. Murdoc Khaleghi, an emergency medicine physician stated, “Athletes are limited by the extent to which they can train and how much time their muscles need to recover. CBD, through its ability to decrease pain and inflammation, it helps accelerate recovery.”

CBD CAN REPLACE NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAID)

As many athletes know, the use of NSAIDs can lead to unwanted side effects, especially stomach problems. CBD use does not have those side effects and can be used safely over an extended length of time. After a heavy work out or exercise regimen, one often needs to take something to relive the pain and inflammation.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS TO USING CBD BEFORE AND AFTER A WORKOUT.

CBD can help in getting a good night’s sleep and that can be crucial for recovery after a strenuous work out. Without a rested night’s sleep, the muscles have difficulty recovering, making the next workout troublesome. Studies have shown CBD to be extremely helpful in fighting insomnia.

CBD SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY ANYONE WHO IS SERIOUS ABOUT WORKING OUT.

Anyone who is a serious athlete or one who works out on a regular basis should consider having and using CBD to help them achieve more and reach new goals.