Do you ever wonder how CBD and CB receptors work together in our bodies? In this blog, I’ll break it down for a look at the intricate dance of CBD, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and CB receptors.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a component of the cannabis plant. In the case of Lost Remedy CBD topicals, the hemp plant. CBD is a nonintoxicating element of hemp, so you won’t experience a high when you use it. Through the centuries, CBD has been used for its medicinal and therapeutic properties. Used for chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, depression and many other conditions, CBD has few, if any side effects that often occur with pharmaceuticals.
As CBD has gained recognition and popularity, more research is being done to learn which conditions to use it for and how to use it. In the case of CBD topicals, it’s use is pretty clear. As a lotion, cream, balm or salve, CBD is applied directly to the skin to relieve specific conditions.
Some conditions CBD topicals can benefit:
- Acne
- Arthritis
- Bacterial infections
- Burns
- Dry skin
- Eczema, psoriasis, rash
- Itchy bug bites or poison ivy
- Inflammatory skin conditions
- Neuropathy
- Pain
What is the ECS?
Let me tell you first; everyone has an ECS. It’s standard equipment in our bodies. Remember I mentioned how CBD has been used for millennia to treat various health conditions? Apparently previous generations knew intuitively about the ECS. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that modern-day scientists discovered it. There is still a great deal to learn about the ECS, but according to the UCLA Health Cannabis Research here is what we know about it:
“In the 1990s, scientists discovered endocannabinoids, the natural cannabis-like molecules produced by the human body. Scientists began to realize cannabis exerted its effects, in part, by mimicking our endocannabinoids. It appears the primary function of the endocannabinoid system is to maintain bodily homeostasis – biological harmony in response to changes in the environment. Taxonomic investigation revealed that the endocannabinoid system is incredibly old, having evolved over 500 million years ago. Moreover, it is present in all vertebrates – mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, etc. – all produce endocannabinoids.”
When sickness, inflammation or injury occurs, the ECS gets to work resetting balance. Here are some functions the ECS helps regulate:
- Pain perception and inflammation
- Digestive processes
- Immune system function
- Mood and emotional responses
- The lifecycle of healthy cells
- The reproductive processes
- Thermal regulation and metabolism
- Sleep and sleep cycles
- Neuroprotection and muscle movement
ECS and CB receptors
The ECS can be broken down into three components: endocannabinoids, receptors and enzymes. Here is what each does.
Endocannabinoids are molecules produced by your body. Two key endocannabinoids, anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglyerol, are produced on demand to keep your internal functions operating smoothly.
Endocannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, bind with cannabinoids to help regulate a deficiency. For instance, CB1 receptors found in the central nervous system may bind with a cannabinoid to relieve pain. CB2 receptors, on the other hand, manage the immune system. They bind with cannabinoids to reduce inflammation, which is the culprit in many diseases.
Enzymes break down the endocannabinoids once their work is complete.
How do CBD and CB receptors interact?
To understand the effects of CBD, we need to examine the relationship between receptors and endocannabinoids.
Within the ECS, the patrolling CB1 and CB2 receptors, help maintain balance in our bodies. They regulate appetite, mood, pain and other body processes.
- CB1 is found primarily in the central nervous system, including parts of the brain and spinal cord.
- CB2 is found mainly in immune system tissues.
- Interesting, both have been found in skin.
Our ECS is always regulating balance and watching for imbalance. When an imbalance occurs, the ECS produces cannabinoids that interact with receptors. The chemical process that occurs targets and resolves the imbalance to restore perfect balance.
Sometimes, however, the receptors need a little help. That’s where CBD comes in. It’s a known anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, analgesic and antioxidant. For skin care, wounds, burns, arthritis, pain, sore muscles, etc., apply CBD topicals directly to the skin. Your skin absorbs all of the hemp-derived nutrients, allowing a quicker, more focused effect. Researchers believe that CBD doesn’t attach directly to the receptors. Instead, it activates them, which therefore, allows for many of the health benefits that people associate with the CBD.
How can I find CBD topicals?
Don’t assume just because a product says CBD on the label, it’s what it claims to be. Because CBD is not regulated, almost anything goes. So, choose wisely and know what you are getting.
Read the label. What’s in the product in addition to CBD? Are there just natural ingredients, or have chemicals been added? Where was the hemp grown? Is it organic? It should be. Is the CBD made from the whole plant or is it an isolate? Remember, FSHO has all the beneficial cannabinoids and compounds. Was the CBD tested? A product should be tested by a third-party lab to ensure that the CBD is what its label claims. A company willing to undergo scrutiny by an independent lab has nothing to hide. Look for high levels of CBD, with trace levels of several other cannabinoids such as CBD, CBG and CBN to name a few.