Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is the primary psychoactive ingredient present in the Cannabis sativa plant, consumed as a recreational drug of choice in the form of marijuana and hashish (Kocis & Vrana, 2020) (1).
It is one of the most recognized cannabinoid molecules in marijuana. In traditional ayurvedic medicine, cannabis is classified as an aphrodisiac, as it has been thought to improves ejaculatory functions and delay the time of ejaculation (Chauhan et al., 2014) (2).
To understand the association between cannabis and sexual activity in medicine, this article aims to discuss and explain facts with the help of scientific evidence.
Scientific evidence has not merely focused on THC, rather they have explored the influence of marijuana use on sexual performance. The most recognized ingredient found in marijuana is THC, so this evidence can indirectly suggest that THC improves sexual performance. A population-based study in the United States by Sun and Eisenberg (2017) (3) proposed that men and women using marijuana weekly, monthly, or daily showed significantly higher sexual frequency as compared to those who have never consumed it. Moreover, the results found no apparent sexual impairment among marijuana users.
In a similar context, Balon (2017) (4) proposed that cannabis when taken in acute and small doses improves sexual functioning including satisfaction and sexual desire. However, chronic and higher doses of cannabis negatively influence sexual performance, for instance, inhibited orgasm, erectile dysfunction, and lack of interest.
Sandoiu (2017) (5) also stated that even though the effect of marijuana is not clear on sexual functioning, but larger studies indicated that marijuana may increase sexual drive. Recent studies by Lynn et al. (2019) (6) and Kasman et al. (2020) (7) also claimed that sexual activity among women improves in terms of reduction in pain, improvement in orgasm, and enhancement in the sexual drive when they consume marijuana beforehand. The method of consumption of cannabis and the reason for use has no impact on the results (Kasman et al., 2020) (7).
One of the most common health problems among men is erectile dysfunction, which is affected by THC. However, the evidence is not clear in terms of whether it improves sexual function or contributes to erectile dysfunction. This is because some studies proposed that it boosts sexual performance while some found that it can contribute to erectile dysfunction (Holland, 2019) (8).
Higuera (2018) (9) stated that there is no definitive evidence indicating that the use of cannabis leads to erectile dysfunction. However, there is a high risk of erectile dysfunction among those who consume a mixture of tobacco and marijuana. On the other hand, a metanalysis found that erectile dysfunction is two times higher among the users of cannabis in contrast to non-users (Pizzol et al., 2019) (10).
Balon (2017) (4) also claimed that long-term use of higher doses of cannabis can lead to inhibited orgasm and erectile dysfunction. Another commonly found sexual health issue in males is premature ejaculation. Regarding this, Chauhan et al. (2014) (2) found that cannabis enhances ejaculatory functions and delay the time of ejaculation.
Some men get an erection when consuming THC because cannabinoids receptors are found in the smooth muscles of the penis (Assured Pharmacy, 2020) (11). The activation of these receptors by THC might lead to an erection. The medical use of cannabis has been legalized in several U.S. states and the United Kingdom for several health issues such as epilepsy (Higuera, 2018) (9). However, the use of cannabinoids for sexual health issues among men has not been legalized because the effect of THC has not been studied as a medical treatment.
Among women, the main sexual health issues affected by THC are arousal, desire, orgasm, and satisfaction. Lynn et al. (2019) (6) and Kasman et al. (2020) (7) both have found a positive impact of cannabis use on arousal, desire, orgasm, and satisfaction domains of sexual function of women. After the use of cannabis, the satisfaction level with the orgasm increases 2 times as compared to non-users (Lynn et al., 2019) (6).
However, the problem related to lubrication of the vagina was not affected by the use of cannabis (Kasman et al., 2020) (7). A review by Lynn et al. (2019) (6) indicated that a low dose of cannabis generally improves sexual receptivity and desire among women or has no impact, but higher doses inhibit it.
Hence, the evidence suggests that consumption of THC has a positive effect on the sexual function of females, but the effect is dose-dependent. Higher doses have been linked to negative effects. Moreover, the main sexual health issues that can be dealt with cannabis are arousal, desire, orgasm, and satisfaction.
With the legalization of marijuana, people have started using cannabis to achieve the desired sexual result. However, it is significant to understand that the type of cannabis strains used as they differ in cannabinoid profile. The two major types of cannabis are Indica and Sativa, which are now classified as chemovars (chemical varieties), instead of being referred to as strains.
Cannabis Sativa is popular for its head-high, energizing, and exhilarating effect that can facilitate the reduction of stress and anxiety. In contrast, Cannabis Indica is linked to effects on the whole body, for instance, improving insomnia and relaxation (Holland, 2021) (12). However, it is not that simple as the growing technique and chemical composition of the plants influence its effects.
Chemovars are differentiated based on their terpene (aromatic) content and cannabinoid referred to as cannabinoid profiles. This profile helps in understanding a person about the suitable chemovar according to the need. The two main cannabinoids found in cannabis are THC and cannabidiol (CBD), which are responsible for producing the majority of the effects of cannabis.
Name |
Strain Type |
THC |
CBD |
Discussion |
Trainwreck |
Hybrid (65% Sativa and 35% Indica) |
12%- 21%
|
<1% |
It causes euphoria and energizes a person. It helps in getting ready to be sexually active by increasing sexual arousal. |
Strawberry Diesel |
Hybrid |
17% and 27% |
0.22% |
It can be used for arousal because it also has a euphoric and energizing effect. It reduces anxiety and calms the body to be ready for sex. |
Locktite |
Hybrid |
18% |
<1% |
It is a calming chemovar, which gives a euphoria burst. It is effective to get in the mood after a tiring day. |
Sour Diesel |
Sativa |
20–22% |
<1% |
It can have a positive effect on sex, as the full-body high impact may increase sensitivity leading to increased arousal and pleasure. |
Hindu Skunk |
Hybrid (Indica 70% and Sativa 30%) |
22% |
<1% |
It affects the whole body, making a person relaxed a well as energized. It uplifts the mood and increases arousal after a long day. |
Name |
Strain Type |
THC |
CBD |
Discussion |
Granddaddy Purple |
Indica |
17–23% |
<0.1% |
It leaves a person with a feeling of happiness and eutrophic, which helps in boosting sexual pleasure and arousal. |
Girl Scout Cookies |
Hybrid |
17-28% |
0.09-0.2% |
This chemovar also gives a euphoric effect following the waves of whole-body relaxation. It helps to stay in the mood and relaxed through sexual activity. |
Trainwreck |
Hybrid |
12%- 21%
|
<1% |
It causes euphoria and energizes a person. It helps in getting ready to be sexually active by increasing sexual arousal. |
Northern Lights |
Indica |
16% |
0.1% |
Many women experience difficulty reaching orgasm due to insecurities, work, or stress. This strain improves the mood and arouses a female to have an intimate session. |
Green Crack |
Hybrid |
15% to 25% |
<1% |
It contains mood-elevating terpenes, which deliver ecstatic euphoria. The uplifting effect of this strain will increase the libido. |
Overall, the strains mentioned give energy, reduces anxiety, and improves the mood of the individuals, helping them to focus on sexual activity.
Another factor that might affect the use of cannabis is gender. Research has begun to determine if there is any link between gender and the effects of cannabis. Sex hormones seem to play a role. It has been shown that the effects on the brain are gender-dependent and that women have fewer cannabinoid CB1 receptors in certain areas of the brain (Cooper & Craft, 2018; Spindle et al., 2021) (13,19). Research has also shown that progesterone contributes to women's dependence on THC and testosterone can prevent men from becoming addicted (Sharma & Balhara, 2018) (14).
The varying effects of cannabis between genders may also be partially related to differences in muscle mass and fat distribution between men and women. Since cannabinoids are easily lipid-soluble and accumulate in fat cells, and women tend to have a higher percentage of body fat, they may experience the effects of cannabis in different ways.
In a similar context, the effect among obese people might vary also. Men are more likely to be diagnosed with cannabis use disorder (Kerridge et al., 2018) (15), but research shows women are more concerned about cannabis use and dependence. Young women tend to become addicted to cannabis faster than men (Nia et al., 2018) (16). Hence, it can be said that age, gender, and weight are some of the factors that might affect the impact of cannabis.
It is not necessary to get luckier finding sex when consuming marijuana. However, a study by Andrade et al. (2013) (17) indicated that cannabis use is linked to risky sexual behaviour, for instance, unprotected sex, having a high number of sexual partners. This means that people under the influence of cannabis are more likely to be available for sex due to their risky behaviour.
THC is better for sex because of its psychoactive properties. It helps in feeling high during sexual activity. Whereas CBD does not possess psychoactive properties; however, it can facilitate pain alleviation and relaxation, which may indirectly lead to improved sexual performance due to related underlying conditions. CBD is less euphoric, so it is best suitable to use after sex as a recovery regime. It does not provide a psychological or mental shift like THC to directly affect sexual performance.
Delta-8 THC is a slightly smaller molecule than delta-9 THC, making it less potent than normal THC. Similar to delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC also reduces the anxiety that helps in relieving stress-related to sexual performance. The scientific evidence to support Delta-8 THC for sexual performance is scarce while certain blogs and articles claim these effects of Delta-8 THC.
THC in combination with CBD is available in different forms to improve sexual experience. THC+CBD ingestible drops are available that affect the entire body. The product reduces anxiety and uplift mood.
On the other hand, massage oils are available that have a localized effect on the specific sexual organ on which it is applied. THC+CBD-based oils increase blood circulation, which improves erection among males as well as reduces pain and increases arousal among women.
Another way to consume THC is via vapes, which is an effective and fast way to experience the effect of cannabis. A study at the John Hopkins University revealed that vaping cannabis delivers a higher amount of THC than smoking (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2018) (18). Consumption of vapours develops the desire and may help the individuals to improve arousal and experience intense orgasm.
In conclusion, it can be said that there is a need to conduct more scientific studies to explicitly say whether THC is a sexual enhancer or is detrimental. The present available presently indicates that the consumption of cannabis increases sexual performance among females and produces no side effects. On the other hand, there is conflicting evidence related to the impact of THC among men.
Some studies claim its beneficial effects irrespective of their doses while some show association between negative effects with higher doses. This shows that further longitudinal and randomized controlled trials are needed. Hence, cannabis users are advised not to use it in high doses for getting improvement in sexual performance.
Please note that this article was written by a 3rd-party author who is a specialist on the topic of CBD, hemp and cannabis. Any information or recommendations contained within this article, are independent to the opinion of RUDERALEX CBD and our employees. We make no claims for any of our products, please read our disclaimer for additional information.
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The market for organic foods is on the rise - and for good reason! There are many wonderful benefits to eating organic foods and using organic products. As organically grown foods become more popular and widely available, we continue to learn more about the benefits of using these more natural alternatives.
When it comes to food, the term organic refers to the process of producing foods without contaminants, including chemicals, artificial additives, hormones, antibiotics, or genetically modified organisms.
Organically farmed crops are usually grown using natural fertilizers, such as manure, as they cannot use chemical-based fertilizers. Organic farmers often utilize natural pesticides, such as salt spray, cayenne pepper, using predatory insects, neem, or various teas and oils. [1]
Animals which are raised for organic meat, or which produce organic food products, such as milk or eggs, are not given antibiotics or hormones. [2]
In order for these packaged foods to be organic, they must contain ingredients which were raised organically and cannot include any artificial products, such as artificial sweeteners, preservatives, colouring, flavouring, or monosodium glutamate (MSG). [2]
Processed foods may be partially or completely organic. Some foods will be labelled as “Made with Organic Ingredients,” “Contains Organic Ingredients,” or similar wording. These products are using some organic ingredients but also likely contain some ingredients that are not organic. Foods that contain more than one ingredient but are completely organic will usually say “Made Using Only Organic Ingredients,” or “100% Organic Ingredients” or similar wording. Many products made with organic ingredients will list which specific ingredients are organic within the full list of ingredients on the packaging.
The popularity of organic eating is on the rise, and it does not seem to be slowing down. In 2016, the market for organic produce was more than $38.9 billion and the market has increased by around 10% globally each year since. In 2018, the worldwide market for all organic foods surpassed $100 billion. One projection of market statistics claims that the market will reach nearly $150 billion by 2022 and surpass $375 billion by 2025. [3]
According to a survey of American consumers, 83% said they prefer organic foods, despite the fact that only 5.7% of food produced in America is grown organically. Additionally, the survey found that 62% of consumers said they would purchase more organic foods if the prices were lower. Despite the low numbers of organic products produced in the United States, spending on organic foods in the states is still the highest overall, although this does not take into account the population size or the high prices of organic foods in America. [3]
In European countries, organic foods are more widely grown and consumed. The top five countries for organic food consumption per capita are Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Luxembourg, then Austria. [3]
Many people are also looking for organic and healthier options for their pets. In 2018, the market for organic pet food sales grew by 10.2%. [3]
Over the last two years, another trend has dramatically increased in popularity - shopping online for groceries. Researchers claim that the market for organic foods has increased because of online shopping and found that consumers purchased about 10% more organic products when shopping online. [3]
Organic foods are grown without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, artificial and synthetic additives, and exclude genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Bio Suisse is an organization which oversees many organic farmers and organic farming practices in Switzerland. Bio Suisse has special regulations which are particularly strict. In addition to the complete lack of genetic engineering, additives, and chemically synthesized pesticides and fertilizers, they have additional regulations to meet their organic certification. These include natural diversity, ethically sound practices for raising livestock, and specific requirements for food processing. In order for a product to achieve the Bio Suisse certification, no less than 90% of the materials used in the product must come from a farm located in Switzerland which adheres to all of the practices outlined by Bio Suisse. [4]
In short, any product which carries the Bio Suisse certification is made with materials which were produced using superior and sustainable farming practices.
Organically grown foods are healthier than conventional processed foods. They are better for the consumer, the farmer, and the environment. Additionally, organic foods have been found to contain not only higher levels of good nutrients, but also reduced levels of some harmful compounds. They do not contain chemical fertilizers or pesticides which are harmful to you and to the environment.
Organic foods are the superior choice for healthy eating. When crops are sprayed with fertilizers and chemicals and foods have artificial and synthetic ingredients added in, you are left to consume these non-food items. Most people do not want to eat chemicals with their food, and even after washing produce, these chemicals can remain. Choosing organic options reduces your exposure to artificial additives and chemicals.
Additionally, organic foods have been found to contain higher levels of micronutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. [5,6,7,9,10]
Organic farming has been found to improve soil quality and aids in the conservation of groundwater. Organic farming produces less pollution than other methods. [2]
Some sceptics have said that organic farming is worse for the environment. They argue that organic pesticides are worse because some organic farmers must use a greater amount than non-organic farmers. However, organic pesticides are typically less harmful (and in some cases not harmful at all) for the environment, so the argument that farmers are doing damage by using more is not a strong one. [1]
Researchers have also found that organic crops contain higher levels of antioxidants. While this means better nutrition for you, researchers also believe that this reduces the need for pesticides in some cases. Researchers theorize that the increased levels of antioxidants work as a natural insecticide, reducing the need for anything to be added to the crops. [5]
In order to be labelled as organic, foods cannot be genetically modified. This means that they cannot be genetically modified and in some cases that nothing which has been genetically modified can be part of the food production. For example, animal products that are labeled as non-GMO usually must be raised on a diet of foods that are also non-GMO.
Organic foods cannot use chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Organic farmers use natural substitutes, such as animal manure for fertilizer and natural insecticides, such as salt, teas, or oils. Crops which have been genetically engineered to not require pesticides are not organic as they do not meet the requirement of containing no GMOs.
Organic foods which come already prepared are typically minimally processed. They are processed without artificial ingredients or synthetic preservatives. Some processed food products are more heavily processed and may be made with a combination of organic and conventional foods. Be sure to read the label carefully if you do not want a combination of conventional or GMO ingredients used in your food.
In order to earn the organic designation, crops grown for supplements, teas, and other products must meet the same requirements as crops grown for food.
For example, we examined the rigorous standards used by Bio Suisse to designate products made with materials that originate from organic farms in Switzerland. The use of GMOs is banned in Switzerland, even for non-organic farmers. Because of this, crops grown in Switzerland are not only non-GMO, but they are also less likely to be contaminated with genetically altered materials, a problem which is becoming more common in countries that allow GMOs.
RUDERALEX® CBD is a non-food product which has 100% ingredients that are organic through the certified Bio Suisse farming practices. In order to obtain this certification, the farmers are adhering to the strict standards of Bio Suisse. This means that the hemp used to extract the CBD is not genetically engineered and was grown without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizer. [4] This translates into a safer, healthier, and more natural hemp product for you.
Yes, organic foods are generally healthier than their non-organic counterparts. Although some studies have produced mixed results, the overall conclusions show that organic foods are healthier.
Several studies have found that organic foods contain higher levels or micronutrients, such as iron and zinc, when compared to conventional foods. A team of researchers examined a total of 66 studies which took place between 1980 and 2007 and compared organic foods to inorganic foods using a whopping 1440 micronutrient comparisons. They concluded that organic produce not only contained more micronutrients, but also that the variation in nutrient levels in organic foods was greater than the variation of conventional foods. [6] This conclusion points to the idea that different methods of organic farming may provide even greater results than other methods.
A 2014 study found that organically produced foods are up to 69% higher in antioxidants than non-organic foods. Researchers concluded that simply changing the normal fruit, vegetables, and cereals in one’s diet to organic options which continue to eat the same amount of food each daily would produce the equivalent nutritional value of eating an extra 1-2 portions of vegetables each day. [5]
A separate study examined the antioxidant levels of fruits and berries which are known to contain high levels of antioxidants. They found that the organic produce contained an average of 58% more antioxidants and about 52% more vitamin C. [7]
The 2014 study also found that the organic produce in their study had required significantly less pesticides than conventional foods raised with chemical pesticides. The researchers theorized that the high level of antioxidants serves as the food plants’ natural defence mechanism against pests. [5]
Nitrates occur naturally in many types of crops and the juices and powders from these crops are used as a preservative in other foods. High nitrate levels are linked to an increased risk of certain medical conditions, including several types of cancer and methemoglobinemia, an infant disease which restricts the body’s ability to carry oxygen. [8]
The consumption of nitrates is inevitable as they are naturally occurring in many foods and typically do not cause harm at normal levels. Organic crops have been found to contain reduced levels of nitrates, lowing the risk of problems linked with high nitrate levels in the body.
A study of different types of produce found that organically grown foods contain about 30% less nitrates than their conventionally grown counterparts. [5]
Organic milk and other dairy products have been found to contain a higher concentration of micronutrients, such as iron, vitamin E, and carotenoids. Additionally, they were found to contain a significantly higher level of omega-3 fatty acids. Researchers did note that organically farmed milk is typically not iodized, as conventional milk is, so it does not contain the high levels of iodine that non-organic milk does. [9] However, for people who prefer to get iodine from natural sources and not from artificially iodized sources, this may not be seen as a negative factor.
Additionally, a 2016 review of 67 studies found that organically farmed meat contained significantly higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked with many health benefits including a decreased risk of heart disease, yet produced lower levels of saturated fats, which are linked to an increased risk of heart disease and health problems. [10] This study appears to support the claim that replacing conventional meats with organically produced animal products may help to lower the risk of heart disease.
Some studies have found little to no difference in markers of nutrition levels between organic and non-organic foods. One study found that while organic consumers had higher levels of nutrients than inorganic consumers, the findings were more likely the result of the organic consumer eating a higher overall amount of vegetables than inorganic participants. [11]
Another study completed in 2009 found that the organic foods they tested were not higher in nutrients than the conventional foods they tested, although they found that the organic foods were in fact lower in nitrates. [12]
The difference in these studies could be caused by various factors. This may be accounted for by differences in testing measures or the products being tested. When dealing with crops and animal products, there are some inherent variations in nutrition. For crops, the levels of nutrients are impacted by the soil, temperature, location grown in, and more. For animal products, variation occurs in what the animals ate. Even two animals that both ate organic wheat could have consumed wheat that was grown in different soil levels. The nutrient levels in foods can also be impacted during harvest, handling, production, and packaging. All this leads to a wide range of factors that can impact the foods used in a particular study.
Because of this, it is more useful to assess the overall results of many studies instead of focusing on a small sample. When considering the comprehensive data for many organic foods studies, the results favour the claim that organic foods are indeed healthier and more nutritious than conventional processed foods.
In addition to having a healthier nutritional profile, organic products also are free of chemicals and synthetic additives. Conventional farmers use chemical fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides. All that adds up to a combination of harmful substances which get ingested by the consumer. Organic crops use all-natural methods to achieve these results, leaving your food cleaner and more natural.
This is true even for non-food products. Take our earlier example of RUDERALEX® CBD which is made from 100% organic ingredients certified by the Swiss Bio Suisse standards. The CBD product is made from organic raw materials which protects you from ingesting toxins that may otherwise have been present. In this example, the RUDERALEX® brand takes an extra step in keeping their products away from pollutants and toxins, the hemp is hand-picked when it is ready and use the discarded portions of the plant as part of natural fertilizer. [4]
The use of organic non-food products raises another important issue, not all products are regulated in the same fashion that food products are. Using the above example, the CBD industry is not regulated in the UK. Because of this, it is possible for companies to mislabel and mislead their customers. However, because RUDERALEX® CBD ingredients are certified by the Bio Suisse agency, the products are carefully regulated. This means that not only is the products held to a higher standard, so is the labelling of their products. This translates into an assurance that the farmer knows the genetics of the plant, can ensure the correct legal cannabinoid profile, and has combined the CBD extract with other organic raw materials, such as the carrier oils used to create the final product.
In order to become certified as organic, products must meet the criteria of the certifying agent in their country. In the United States, foods must meet the criteria of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In the UK, the Soil Association is a trusted accreditor of organic products. They follow both the EU’s organic regulations as well as some additional higher standards for certain areas, such as livestock, genetic engineering, additives, and packaging methods. [13]
Switzerland has perhaps the most stringent rules for farming in general as well as for organic farming. In Switzerland, organic certifications come from the Swiss Ordinance on Farming and the additional Bio Suisse certification can be awarded to products made using no less than 90% raw materials. The materials must meet the Bio Suisse standards of being grown in Switzerland on a farm, which adheres to their strict and sustainable policies. [4]
Foods and other products raised through organic farming methods are the superior choice. These products have been found to be better for the consumer, the farmer, and the environment. Organic farming is more sustainable, uses less chemicals and synthetic materials, and creates a more nutritious product for the consumer.
Depending on where the foods were grown, different accrediting agencies will use different standards to decide if the food meets the criteria to be considered organically farmed. One of the most demanding certifications is the Bio Suisse standard. RUDERALEX® CBD products are made to Bio Suisse standards, meaning these products are made from 100% organic hemp raised in Switzerland. In order to meet this criteria, not only is the hemp from which the CBD is extracted 100% organically farmed, but also the other materials used to produce the end product must also meet these standards. Because of this, the carrier oils are also grown and harvested using sustainable and ethical organic farming methods.
References
Please note that this article was written by a 3rd-party author who is a specialist on the topic of CBD, hemp and cannabis. Any information or recommendations contained within this article, are independent to the opinion of RUDERALEX CBD and our employees. We make no claims for any of our products, please read our disclaimer for additional information.
Yoga is a combination of physical, mental, and spiritual practices meant to improve your overall well-being. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit work “Yuji” which literally means union, as in the union of mind, body and spirit.
There are many different styles of yoga, but they all incorporate breathing exercises, meditation practices, and physical poses which are designed to improve physical health, encourage relaxation, and reduce stress.
Within Western societies, when people talk about yoga, they are oftentimes referring to Hatha yoga as a form of exercise. This style of yoga focuses heavily on poses called asanas and is generally less meditative than other practices used more commonly, in other parts of the world.
Researchers have found many physical and mental benefits of practicing yoga. (1)
In addition to studies repeatedly finding that participants report reduced feelings of stress after practicing yoga, researchers have found that yoga also reduces the physical markers of stress in the brain. Multiple studies have found that yoga reduces the secretion of cortisol, the primary stress hormone secreted by the brain.
One such study examined female participants who self-reported as experiencing chronic emotional distress. The participants practiced Iyengar yoga for three months during which time the researchers measured their cortisol levels and the participants self-reported their feelings of stress. The researchers concluded that yoga provided “rapid” stress reduction and anti-anxiety effects, or anxiolysis. Their findings included significant improvements in perceived stress, anxiety, overall emotional well-being, vigour, fatigue levels, depression, physical well-being, reduced headaches, reduced back pain and reduced salivary cortisol levels. (2)
A study completed by the University of South Australia followed 131 participants as they completed a weekly hatha yoga session for ten weeks and compared them to a control group which completed a relaxation program over the same time period. The researchers found that yoga was as effective as the relaxation program in reducing stress and anxiety, and more effective than relaxation in improving overall mental health. (3)
One of the common tenants of yoga across many differing practices is a sense of mindfulness, finding inner peace, and being present in the moment. Researchers hypothesize that this may be linked to the anti-anxiety benefits of practicing yoga. There is a significant amount of research showing that yoga helps to reduce and relieve the symptoms of anxiety.
A 2009 study followed 34 women as they attended yoga class twice a week for two months. Compared to the control group, they had significantly reduced levels of anxiety. (4)
In a study by the Trauma Center at Justice Resource Institute in 2014, women with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who were experiencing severe anxiety followed a yoga program for ten weeks. The women in this study experienced reduced levels of anxiety and these improvements were maintained during follow-up measures after the ten weeks of yoga had ended. In fact, an astonishing 52 percent of participants no longer met the criteria for PTSD diagnosis following the study. (5)
One of the ways that yoga relieves stress is by reducing the amount of cortisol secreted by the brain. Cortisol affects serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for mood, memory, social behaviours and other functions. Low levels of serotonin are directly related to depression. It is therefore no surprise that yoga has also been found to reduce symptoms of depression.
In a 2006 study of participants diagnosed with depression and alcohol dependence, participants completed two weeks of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga, a type of yoga focused on breathing exercises. Researchers found that after just two weeks of yoga, the participants had improved scores on the Beck Depression Inventory standardized testing as well as reduced levels of cortisol and prolactin in the brain. They concluded that yoga had produced beneficial effects through measurable biological mechanisms. (6)
A 2005 review of five studies which examined yoga-based interventions for people with depression concluded that yoga was found to produce beneficial effects for people with depressive disorders. They noted that these findings were not as dramatic in people who had reduced or impaired mobility, but that modified therapeutic yoga can still be used in combination with other treatments for people who do not have full mobility. (7)
Chronic pain affects millions of people around the world and can be caused by injuries, physical disease and mental conditions. Much research has been conducted to examine the relationship between yoga and reduced levels of chronic pain, particularly in people with chronic back pain. However, researchers have found that yoga can improve pain levels caused by a variety of other conditions as well.
In one study, people with carpal tunnel syndrome were either placed in wrist splints or participated in a yoga practice for eight weeks. Researchers reported significant improvements in grip strength, pain reduction, sleep improvements, and motor and sensory nerve response in the group that completed the yoga practice. They concluded that yoga was more beneficial in reducing pain and regaining use of the wrist than using wrist splints. (8)
Another study looked at participants with osteoarthritis of the knees. None of the participants in the study had practiced yoga before and more than half of the participants in the study were obese. The study found that yoga led to reduced levels of pain and stiffness across multiple forms of measurement and created no adverse effects in any of the participants. They concluded that yoga was a viable treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee, even in patients who are yoga-naïve, obese, or over the age of 50. (9)
A 2007 study of individuals with chronic migraines entered into either a yoga program or a guided self-care program for three months. Researchers found that the yoga group experienced reductions in headache intensity, frequency and pain when compared to the self-care group. (10)
Inflammation and pain often go together, however inflammation is also linked to inflammatory diseases, such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease.
A 2015 study followed more than 200 participants as they completed strenuous exercises to induce physical stress in the body. Although all the participants completed the same exercises during the study, individuals who reported regularly practicing yoga had lower levels of inflammatory markers during the study when compared to individuals of similar physical condition who use other forms of exercise and do not regularly practice yoga. (11)
A small 2014 study of breast cancers survivors with persistent fatigue had participants complete either 12 weeks of Iyengar yoga or a 12-week health education program. Researchers measured several markers of stress through blood, plasma and salivary samples. They examined cortisol levels, pro-inflammatory proteins and receptor expression and tumour necrosis receptor activity. They found that the group which completed the yoga practice had reduced markers of stress in all measured markers, including inflammation protein, receptors and anti-inflammatory activity. The study included a follow-up three months after the study had concluded and researchers found that the reduced stress and inflammation levels stayed consistent at that time. (12)
There are many different styles of yoga and choosing the right style can depend on many factors including your level of experience, flexibility and fitness. Additionally, some styles have specific benefits for your goals or even for mental or physical conditions. Here we will examine at some of the most common styles of yoga and the benefits of each. (13)
The most popular form of yoga in North America, Hatha yoga focuses on structure and postures. Hatha is a gentle form of exercise which aims to create long muscles and increase flexibility. Hatha yoga utilizes simple movements and a slow pace which focuses on breathing, meditation, and postures. It is an excellent choice for anyone but is particularly good for beginners and people who want to clear their minds and de-stress.
Similar to Hatha yoga, Anursara is an excellent choice for beginners and more experienced people. Anursara tends to be more fast paced than Hatha, but with less emphasis on holding the postures with perfect form. Anursara yoga typically includes a range of difficulty levels within one practice/class, and it is up to each individual in the group to decide how they need to modify moves that are beyond their ability level.
Iyengar yoga focuses heavily on holding each pose with precision and proper alignment. Practitioners of Iyengar yoga often use blocks, straps, and other props to help them achieve proper form. This form of yoga is supportive of people with chronic injury or conditions that benefit from proper alignment and healing.
Using a combination of holding poses for a shorter period of time and flowing smoothly between each pose, Vinyasa yoga is the perfect choice for people with a wandering mind. This intense exercise is especially appealing to people who are easily bored or dislike repetition as each class tends to be different.
This stabilizing and grounding yoga practice is focused on the root chakra at the base of the spine. Kundalini yoga is focused on feeling connected and building strong core strength. It tends to be a more advanced and challenging workout. Kundalini is an excellent choice for people who feel dissociated, ungrounded, or unfocused.
A common style for one-on-one yoga instruction, beginners, and people recovering from injury or surgery, Viniyoga is focused on gentle movements which warm up the body and stretch the muscles.
Taking place in a room with temperatures set to more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, Bikram is a form of yoga with growing popularity. It is focused on a standard set of 26 poses and is suitable for people of all skill levels. You might want to check with your doctor before signing up for a Bikram class, as it might not be recommended for people with certain medical conditions.
This simple form of yoga tends to be calming and relaxing and is used for people who are recovering from injury or surgery. Restorative yoga involves holding each pose for a long period of time, allowing you to support injured or weak areas and rebuild muscle and strength.
People who want to experience the physical benefits of yoga movement without the spiritual experience may enjoy power yoga. As the name implies, it is a powerful form of exercise which moves quickly, allowing for a cardiovascular workout.
Incorporating CBD into your yoga practice can produce amazing results, leaving you feeling more relaxed and allowing you to experience greater physical and mental results from your practice. The benefits of using CBD include (14):
CBD can be used to reduce pain response and relax the body when completing any form of exercise, however, yoga is a particularly good choice to pair with CBD because it encourages focused and controlled movements, inner peace, calm and relaxed feelings, controlled breathing, and meditative thoughts.
If you are recovering from surgery or an injury, or if you experience an area with unusually tight muscles, CBD balms and oils can be used topically on the affected area, easing pain and allowing the body to relax. You can also use CBD massage oils or lotions over a large area of the body for an all-over relaxing sensation that should allow you greater range of motion and relaxed muscles. When your body relaxes, you may experience greater flexibility and increased strength. That is not to say that CBD makes you stronger. Rather, when you release tension that is held in the body, it allows your muscles to work in other ways, such as focused strength in the movements you are working to accomplish.
If you are looking to experience a calming, relaxing sensation, a CBD capsule or tincture may be the right choice. When taken sublingually, usually a dropper of tincture under the tongue, CBD is quickly absorbed, allowing you to quickly experience the benefits. This is the recommended method for people who want to experience the benefits of CBD quickly for a short yoga practice, such as a group class. When taken orally, like in a gummy or capsule, CBD tends to release more slowly in the body, allowing for longer relief that might not be as intense.
The combination of yoga and CBD is not a new idea. Yoga originated in India about 3,000 years ago, in a region with a long history of cannabis use. In fact, many ancient practitioners of yoga, known as yogis or rishis, were believed to meditate and practice yoga under the influence of cannabis. They believed that yoga and cannabis enhanced each other’s properties, providing relief from stress and pain and allowing for the management of injury and disease. (15)
CBD is non-psychoactive, allowing you to experience the mental, emotional, and physical benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive properties. Depending on where you live, cannabis products containing the psychoactive compound THC might not be legal, so CBD provides a legal way to experience cannabis plants for many people as well. (16)
I have used yoga in combination with CBD for about five years now. My preferred method is a dropper of tincture under the tongue before attending a group class or utilizing a small vaporizer pen when I practice at home. I also have impingement in my right shoulder, the result of a childhood spent playing sports and pushing my limits, so I usually rub a CBD balm all over my shoulder and neck as well.
CBD works wonders for physical pain. I can feel my muscles loosen and relax. I carry a lot of tension and stress in my shoulders and neck throughout the day, and I can quite literally feel my muscles loosen within minutes of applying the balm. It allows me to breathe more deeply, and I naturally feel my breath come from deep within my diaphragm after taking CBD.
My body not only feels physically able to perform during my practice, but I also feel the benefits of CBD for hours after my workout is over. When I take CBD oil before a sunrise yoga flow, I feel more energized and focused throughout the remainder of the day. When I take it before a relaxing bedtime session, I fall asleep more quickly when I do get into bed. This is not because CBD wakes you up or makes you sleepy, it is because I am more focused on my intentions as I flow through my practice. Whether my intention is to begin my day on a productive note by working out immediately in the morning or my intention is to relax and prepare for sleep, my mind is processing that intention more fully when I take CBD.
This leads me to what is my most decisively positive benefit of using CBD with yoga, mental relaxation. I spent many years of my life as an anxious perfectionist with more commitments than I could manage and a complete lack of mindfulness or ability to acknowledge any sense of presence in the moment.
While yoga and CBD work together harmoniously, CBD can be used in conjunction with other methods of physical activity to produce some of the same results, like relaxed muscles, reduced pain and inflammation, and a focused mind. In fact, some businesses that focus on workouts and exercise classes are creating a new experience focused on bringing CBD into the physical experience.
One such business is Gym Box, which features on their website a class called Cannabliss. During the Cannabliss class, participants are given a CBD patch on the skin before beginning the guided physical therapy session, aimed at muscle and joint recovery for the average person. The class uses blocks, balls, and other equipment to focus on stretching and massaging deep, tight muscles that affect many people, such as the glutes, back, and shoulder blades. The practice is similar to a deep tissue massage - it can be somewhat painful during the process as it aims to release tension and toxins and leave you feeling more relaxed, healed, and experiencing less pain for an extended period of time afterwards. While the final results make the pain experienced during the class worthwhile to many people, the addition of the CBD patch can ease the pain, allowing not only for a more pleasant experience, but also a more effective approach. (17)
Classes like Cannabliss use CBD to improve the practice, bringing more positive benefits of CBD to a greater scope of people. However, it does not bring the same meditative sense of connectedness and inner peace that will forever be most closely associated with yoga. To many practitioners of yoga, there is no other activity that brings the same feeling of joining mind, body, and spirit. The multiplicative benefits of bringing CBD into your practice produces results that you just cannot get from other forms of exercise.
Yoga is not the most intense form of exercise. People burn less calories performing yoga than they would lifting weights, performing aerobics, bicycling, running, rowing, swimming, or even using an elliptical machine. (18) Yet yoga is more closely linked with prolonged weight loss and maintenance of healthy weight than practically every other form of exercise. Researchers have examined this connection and concluded that prolonged practice of yoga creates behavioural, physical, and psychosocial changes to mindset and behaviour that promote weight loss and healthy lifestyle.
One study concluded that prolonged yoga practice led to “less stress eating, reduced appetite, flower cravings, a shift towards healthier, more mindful eating” as well as “increased muscle tone, improved metabolism, reduced stress, as well as increased awareness, improved mood, and greater self-acceptance and self-esteem.” By the conclusion of the study, researchers reported that yoga provided better results than other forms of exercise, even if the other forms were more intense physically. They reported that the participants who had tried to lose weight before the study using other methods experienced easier weight loss that was maintained after the study had concluded. (19)
Both yoga and CBD are effective against stress, anxiety, and pain. However, when combined, these benefits are magnified, working together to create a potent remedy as well as supporting overall health and well-being. Yoga works to create balance and improve both physical and mental health, and various types of yoga offer different benefits depending on what your personal goals are. CBD infused yoga practice can help you to more fully relax and experience the benefits of yoga, in addition to providing health benefits of its own. The combination of CBD and yoga can be used as an effective treatment against stress, anxiety, pain, and related symptoms.
References
Please note that this article was written by a 3rd-party author who is a specialist on the topic of CBD, hemp and cannabis. Any information or recommendations contained within this article, are independent to the opinion of RUDERALEX CBD and our employees. We make no claims for any of our products, please read our disclaimer for additional information.
]]>There are many different definition for meditation and they are all tricky and hard to understand, but let’s make it simple: meditation is being present in the moment, it’s a moment you dedicate to yourself to disconnect and reconnect.
Here comes a list of the main benefits of meditation for mental health with some useful sources for you to use to learn more about this incredible practice and also to choose what’s the best practice for you.
This is the conclusion of more than 20 controlled studies drawn from the PubMed, PsycInfo, and Cochrane databases, involving techniques of meditation, meditative prayer, yoga and relaxation response. Research concludes that mindfulness meditation can be effective in treating anxiety at a similar level to antidepressant drug therapy.
Sources: The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Jama Network
A study conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison observed how "Open Monitoring" meditation practices (such as Vipassana) reduce the density of gray matter in areas of the brain related to anxiety and stress. Those who meditated were able to "follow the flow of stimuli to which the group was subjected moment by moment and showed a lower inclination to 'get stuck' on any stimulus." Open Monitoring meditation involves non-reactive monitoring of the meditation experience from moment to moment, this is mainly used as a means of recognizing the nature of emotional and cognitive models. There are other studies with very similar results, all of which can be found in the links to the sources below.
Sources: NCBI, Wiley Online Library, The American Journal of Psychiatry, ScienceDirect, American Psychological Association, American Psychosomtic Medicine Journal, Medical News Today
A group of Harvard neuroscientists conducted an experiment in which 16 individuals underwent an eight-week mindfulness course, using guided meditations and integrating awareness into their daily activities. The results were reported by Dr. Sara Lazar. At the end of the experiment, magnetic resonances showed an increase in the concentration of gray matter in the areas of the brain involved in learning and memory. Similar findings were found in other areas that regulate emotions, sense of self and perspective. Other studies, similarly, show an increase in gray matter in the hippocampus and frontal lobe in people who meditate regularly.
Sources: Psychiatry Research Neuroimaging, ScienceDirect
A study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University indicates that mindfulness is useful in reducing feelings of loneliness, consequently mitigates the risk of obesity, mortality and the expression of pro-inflammatory genes.
A simple method to meditate in one of its popular guides, the Harvard Medical School in Boston proposes a simple method for meditating, carving out ten to twenty minutes every day, if possible always at the same time. The commitment should go on for a week, at the end of which a balance is made and a decision is made whether to continue or give up the practice.
Here are the indications of the American manual: «To begin, sit or lie down comfortably, closing your eyes if you like. Silently repeat a word, sound, prayer or phrase, such as "peace", "Om" or "breathe in calmly". Let your thoughts wander, silently repeating your sound. Now slowly relax your muscles, gradually shifting your attention from your face to your feet. Keep repeating the sound silently and breathing effortlessly and naturally for 10-20 minutes. After you are finished, sit, still in silence, for a minute or so with your eyes closed. So, open your eyes and wait another minute before getting up. '
Meditation is amazing not only for better mental health but also for all of us who want to start their day on the right foot, with a calm energized and focused mind!
Surely the attitude with which you start your days will have a great impact on the progress of the activities you will have to carry out, whether they are related to study, work, family, etc. Anticipating the moment of awakening and carrying out activities that charge you with positive energy and direct your thoughts towards the set goals, is certainly a winning strategy.
Ring the alarm and start your day. You decide whether to get out of bed already in a bad mood because you are still sleepy and would like to turn over on the other side of the bed or if you want to start on the right foot, full of energy and motivation to better face a new day.
The truth is that it takes very little to start the day badly by getting carried away by the weight of daily activities and commitments: take the children to school, reach the office in the midst of traffic, run to the gym on lunch break, remember to do the shopping and to prepare dinner to feed the family before putting everyone to bed. Is this the day that you too find yourself facing on average? In truth there are not many solutions, the days are 24 hours, at least 7-8 we have to rest and in the remaining hours we have to fit a certain number of activities, pleasant and less pleasant.
What you can change is the way to deal with all of this, starting right in the morning in the best way possible: relaxing and breathing deeply, that is, dedicating part of your time to meditation. To meditate you don't need to wake up at 4am in the morning, just 5 minutes can be enough to start the day in the right way and prepare your mind for everything that awaits you in the following hours!
As soon as you wake up, sitting on the bed, sit cross-legged with your back straight. Place your hands on your knees with your palms facing up and your thumb and forefinger touching. Begin to inhale and exhale. As you breathe deeply, you can also do an exercise in gratitude: be happy because today is a new day and is a new opportunity to take an extra step towards your goals.
After your meditation, try another exercise to exercise mindfulness: while sipping your breakfast coffee, while brushing your teeth, while doing your exercises in the gym, but also while walking to your children's office or school.
It may happen that you forget to do it, but try to do it as many times as possible because it will allow you to remove the daily stress and live in a brand new mindful way!
Why not enhance your quest for better mental health by supplementing your new daily meditation with CBD? Cannabidiol will work together in harmony with practices such as meditation and other holistic therapies. Simply 30 minutes to 1 hour before you meditate, take several drops under the tongue and enjoy a meditation session on steroids.
We have one of the CBD oils on the market which will be complimentary to your mental health journey, click here to choose your product today!
Please note that this article was written by a 3rd-party author who is a specialist on the topic of CBD, hemp and cannabis. Any information or recommendations contained within this article, are independent to the opinion of RUDERALEX CBD and our employees. We make no claims for any of our products, please read our disclaimer for additional information.
]]>While sex isn’t the most important part of a relationship, it is incredibly significant to the strength of your connection. Our physical and sexual connection can not merely be a make or break of some relationships but can also have a negative effect on us as a whole. If you take away the intimacy, you take away a large and important chunk of yourself. This in turn, takes away from your significant other, which could be detrimental to the future of your relationship.
When we feel we aren’t worthy, good enough or feeling insecure in the bedroom, it can make such a magical experience feel so uncomfortable and frustrating. If this is something that resonates with you, then let us dive further into what the benefits of sex are, why we may be feeling off in the bedroom and see if CBD can really aid in better sex for yourself and your partner.
Whether you are looking to have sex every day or a few times a week; there will inevitably be great benefits to getting lucky. Not only will the connection between you and your partner strengthen and your confidence grow, but you can become comfortable in being vulnerable and open. This vulnerability and openness can deepen your relationship outside of sex too.
In saying this, there has been plenty of research completed, and it’s safe to say there are many things we can benefit from when having regular sex. These include:
• Strengthen the immune system.
• Relieve stress.
• Aids in heart health.
• Boost our libido (our desire for sex).
• Strengthen our muscles.
• Lower blood pressure.
• Help us sleep better.
• Relieve headaches.
• In women: improve bladder control, reduces incontinence, relieves menstrual and premenstrual cramps, improves fertility, builds stronger pelvic muscles, helps produce more vaginal lubrication and potentially protects you against endometriosis. (1)
• In men: reduce risk of prostate cancer. (1)
Emotionally, we benefit a lot from connecting with our partners. When we have so many feelings that can take over our days like anxiety and depression; being able to enjoy sex to the fullest is a major bonus for our overall mental health. This is where the stress relief from sex becomes a benefit to us, as any stress can lead to a host of ailments in the future.
Unfortunately, with the list of benefits of having sex, there is a list of reasons why we may not be performing or feeling comfortable in the bedroom. It can generally be summed up to issues in either our heads or physical circumstances. These generally include:
We live in a world full of anxiety and stress. If not dealt with properly, these constant negative emotions can lead us to depression. This in turn could give us low libido or performance anxiety and the loss of desire to have sex, putting ourselves in a helpless situation. However, even though sex may not seem like that big of a deal, it can actually increase our “endorphins and other hormones that boost mood. As a form of exercise, it can also help calm you down. In addition, a Scottish study published in the journal Biological Psychology found that sexual activity prevents increases in blood pressure during stressful events.” (2) Essentially, sex = less stress!
Understandably, our mental health can take a toll on our physical self. As a result, it’s good to work on things that can encourage us to keep the stress low and keep confidence high. This could involve taking romantic trips away from your reality to spice things up or developing a routine outside of work and life's stresses where you can connect without sex, leading to closeness in the relationship. Whatever you end up doing, just remember communication is always key and if you are afraid of not performing well enough, you already want to please your partner and that is a great thing!
Unfortunately, sometimes our physical causes are often not the ones we have much control of. For some of us, not feeling sexy enough or good enough in bed is the issue, for others, physical disabilities or medications can affect our time in the bedroom. Cleveland Clinic states sexual dysfunctions can occur from “diabetes, heart and vascular (blood vessel) disease, neurological disorders, hormonal imbalances, chronic diseases such as kidney or liver failure and alcoholism & drug abuse. In addition, the side effects of some medications, including antidepressant drugs, can affect sexual function.” (3)
If your issue sits in the physical part of your body, know you have options. There are medications you can take to boost hormones, mechanical aids, sex therapy, behavioural treatments, psychotherapy and of course, living a healthy style. Once again, communication is of the utmost importance in any sexual frustrations that are occurring in your relationship.
While CBD has been an emerging market for many products, we can now find great products to help us improve our sex life. A very interesting article by Healthline spoke to Allison Wallis who has a condition that causes severe muscle spasms and subluxations (a joint that doesn’t work the way it's supposed to). With the inclusion of cannabidiol infused lubricant, she was able to have her muscles relax and enjoy her sexual experience with her partner.
But why is this happening? Alex Capano, the medical director for Ananda Hemp and at the Thomas Jefferson University states, “There are so many cannabinoid receptors in reproductive organs and sexual tissue. CBD increases blood flow to tissues, which increases sensitivity and promotes the body’s own natural lubrication.” (4)
The most common and most talked-about benefit seems to be the relaxation process of muscles which allows for women to have more pleasurable sex and for overall anxiety levels to drop.
*psst.. a survey also showed a majority of CBD users found their orgasms to be more intense! (5)
While CBD is a bonus in the bedroom, it is also important to understand that there is anecdotal studies that show CBD is beneficial for the relief of stress, anxiety and depression, acne and heart conditions. These conditions can come into play for those with erectile dysfunction and performance anxiety in the bedroom. While THC could increase anxiety, CBD could decrease anxiety to help us perform better. (6)
In saying this, while CBD in bed will help, CBD in your everyday life may give you some relief from any of these ailments you may have above. Which, of course, may help you more in the bedroom.
Don’t be afraid to grab some CBD massage oil for foreplay, some CBD lubricant to get yourself ready for a night of full enjoyment with your partner or even use some for your self-pleasure. With a pandemic still very much around, it is not the most comfortable situation heading out on tinder dates and meeting someone new. You also have the opportunity to work on what CBD product works best for you and how you like it to be used!
Alternatively, you could time your oral cbd oil dose 30 minutes before sexual activity to help relax yourself and enjoy pleasure by yourself or with a partner.
You could even take a holistic approach and combine taking oral drops and also use the cbd massage oil, to enjoy one of the most blissful sexual experiences ever!
Remember, CBD products will relax your mind and body, communication will allow you both to be comfortable throughout your whole experience and if you already stress out about pleasing your partner, you are on the road to being a great, and pleasing, partner.
References
Please note that this article was written by a 3rd-party author who is a specialist on the topic of CBD, hemp and cannabis. Any information or recommendations contained within this article, are independent to the opinion of RUDERALEX CBD and our employees. We make no claims for any of our products, please read our disclaimer for additional information.
]]>Hemp seeds have been used as food for centuries, experts believe that hemp could have been the first commercial crop (1). We have evidence of hemp plant playing a major role in building the most expansive civilizations in history (2).
Cannabis prohibition has demonized anything related to THC, even the production of hemp seed oil. Before cannabis prohibition hemp was a common cash crop, now that the tides have turned, we are seeing the many applications of hemp being utilized once again.
The rise in access to CBD products has allowed unethical retailers to take advantage of new CBD users. Hemp oil is often marketed by some unethical companies as a CBD oil, most commonly online. Understanding the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil is vital to becoming an educated consumer. Both have health benefits and can promote overall wellness.
Hemp seed oil is commonly referred to as hemp oil, has been used for thousands of years orally, topically and to cook with. It is packed with nutrients and easy to produce due to the simple extraction process.
Hemp seeds are a superfood worthy of the name as they are unusually dense in protein by weight and have nearly the same amount of protein as beef or lamb. Only 2-3 tablespoons of raw uncooked hemp seeds contain 11 grams of protein. (3)
CBD is one of the chemical compounds derived from the flowers of the hemp plant. When it is extracted, the result is either a distillate (full/broad-spectrum) or fine crystalized power (isolate).
CBD drops contains both CBD (distillate or isolate) and a carrier oil such as hemp seed oil which are commonly sold in small glass bottle. Oil and water don’t mix; therefore a carrier oil is necessary, however advances has also led to the production of water soluble CBD drops. CBD manufacturers most commonly use MCT oil or seed oil to mix with CBD distillate or isolate.
It is important to note that only the flowers contain cannabinoids, however all parts of the plant can be purposed for an impressive variety of industrial uses (4).
Hemp oil is created by cold pressing the seeds using an oil seed press machine. Raw seeds are crushed by the press, extracting their oils which are then collected. Cold pressing seeds serve as a pure, natural way to create hemp oil, the same method is used to produce: olive, peanut and grape seeds oil. (5)
Hemp oil can be used topically and orally. Each hemp seed is packed with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, gamma-linolenic acid, and other healthy antioxidants. Hemp seeds also contain other vitamins and minerals essential to overall wellness, such as vitamin C, vitamin B, calcium, iron, arginine, and magnesium. (6)
Consuming antioxidants is believed to lower the risk of many diseases, where antioxidants scavenge free radicals from the body cells and prevent or reduce the damage caused by oxidation.
One of the most common reasons why people use CBD is to reduce inflammation. A 2011 study suggests that adding healthy fats like omega-3s to one’s diet could also help balance the immune response. A placebo-controlled, double-blind study was conducted to test if adding omega-3 to diets of healthy young adults could decrease proinflammatory cytokine production and depressive and anxiety symptoms. The results included a 14% decrease in production molecules associated with inflammation and a 20% decrease in symptoms of anxiety. (6)
A diet with a healthy ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 could lower the risk of skin disorders. Hemp seeds have a ratio of 3:1, which falls in the optimal range(7). Diets consisting largely of trans fat and unsaturated fat have a ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 that is considered unhealthy. Adding hemp seed oil to your diet can keep your body in balance, reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, and stroke (8).
Along with healthy fats, hemp oil also contains a substantial number of vitamins and minerals. The array of nutrients present in hemp seeds is impressive, including iron, zinc, and B vitamins. They are especially dense in vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium.
While hemp seeds offer a tremendous source of nutrition for our bodies, hemp seed oil has been shown to have great benefits for our skin and nails. This is due to the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that also include omega – 3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The great thing about hemp seed oil is it contains the “perfectly balanced” 3:1 ratio of these fatty acids that we should be consuming daily. This, plus the anti-inflammatory gamma linoleic acid (GLA), can potentially aid in skins inflammation and various skin conditions. These include acne, eczema and psoriasis.
While more research is required, studies based on the use of hemp seed oil for hydration and pain relief have been confirmed. A study by NCBI found that hemp seed oil “is externally applied to relieve pain in itchy skin diseases. Hemp seed oil is useful for the treatment of eczema and a host of other skin diseases like dermatitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis/cradle cap, varicose eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus and acne roseacea. By using hemp seed oil, the skin is strengthened and made better able to resist bacterial, viral and fungal infections.” (9)
When it comes to hemp seed oil and our nails. It’s firstly important to understand that our nails thrive on B-vitamins, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, protein, zinc and healthy fats. What’s great is that while hemp seeds themselves host all of the proteins 10 essential amino acids as well as five of the 8-B vitamins, hemp seed oil contains magnesium, iron, zinc and of course, healthy fatty acids. The Hemp Foundation states that “Hemp seed oil can be used thoroughly on the cuticles and nails to strengthen your nails and prevent them from breaking. Also, it has antifungal properties.” (10)
Dryness, itchy scalp and hair breakage are all a part of unhealthy hair and more common than you may believe. Although not many studies have been conducted on the benefits of hemp seed oil in our hair specifically, studies on the use of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids have been more efficiently looked into. A study in 2015 examined 120 healthy females to determine the effects of hair loss throughout a 6-month trial. They concluded, “A 6-month supplementation with omega 3&6 and antioxidants acts efficiently against hair loss in improving hair density and reducing the telogen percentage and the proportion of miniaturized anagen hair. Objectively measured improvements were confirmed by the subjects' perception of efficacy”(11). Although this wasn’t uniquely a study on hemp seed oil, when we look at the fatty acids present and the perfect ratio, we can see that hemp seed oil could provide positive effects on hair health.
With the density of nutrition found in hemp seeds themselves, it's hard to believe there haven’t been more scientific studies carried out on its further benefits on the human body. With the long list of vitamins and minerals available, we can already guess it can have some great effects on our bodies, specifically our hearts.
In an article published by NCBI, they discuss the excellence of hemp seeds and go on to discuss the benefits that hemp seed oil can have on our heart.
“Hempseed oil contains all of the essential amino acids and also contains surprisingly high levels of the amino acid arginine, a metabolic precursor for the production of nitric oxide (NO), a molecule now recognized as a pivotal signalling messenger in the cardiovascular system that participates in the control of hemostasis, fibrinolysis, platelet and leukocyte interactions with the arterial wall, regulation of vascular tone, proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, and homeostasis of blood pressure“ (12).To put it more simply, hemp seed oil may reduce your risk of heart disease.
On top of this, we can also find more benefits from the polyunsaturated fatty acids in hemp seed oil as it can “inhibit inflammatory responses” (13).
Whether in seed format or pressed into an oil, it has become pretty prevalent just how beneficial hemp seeds are for our health. Which makes it more understandable as to why hemp seeds are seen as brain food. Before diving into the scientific information of it all, it is substantial to understand that hemp seeds can not only improve our memory but can aid in anxiety and depression.
This can be due to our connection between our brain and our gut. The gut is considered to represent the second brain. So, while there are always environmental or lifestyle issues to our brain, our gut can also be the reason we aren’t feeling 100%.
In 2011, new research was found on the link between omega-3 fatty acids and the reduction of anxiety symptoms. Medscape Medical News showed that this new research “may lower both anxiety symptoms and proinflammatory cytokines in healthy young adults” (14). This particular study trialled medical students over the course of 3 months. Students showed a “20% reduction in anxiety scores and a 14% reduction in stimulated interleukin 6 (IL-6) production” (15). Interleukin 6 is a pro-inflammatory protein.
On the same note, the brain benefits immensely from B vitamins, and hemp seeds contain a host of those. More specifically, of all 8 B vitamins found in hemp seeds, B6, B9 and B12 are the most beneficial for brain health. Despite most research being focused on these three specific B vitamins, NCBI states “the closely inter-related functions of the eight B-vitamins and marshals evidence suggesting that adequate levels of all members of this group of micronutrients are essential for optimal physiological and neurological functioning (16)”
Another study found that hemp oil may help with optimal brain function and also provide protection due to the polyphenol content (17, 18); however more studies are required in this area.
Furthermore, other minerals found in hemp seed oil can be highly beneficial for our brain. Magnesium: helps with memory, increases learning abilities and aids in healthy brain development. Iron: aids in overall normal neurological function. In particular, the synthesis of neurotransmitters and myelin.
While olive oil and vegetable oil sit comfortably in our cabinets, we should really be adding another friend to the group, hemp seed oil.
Hemp seed oil is darker in colour, has a little more of an intense flavour and a low smoking point meaning it can’t be cooked at high temperatures.
However, making a creative salad with vegetables, rice or grains, drizzling it over roasted vegetables or pasta, using it as a vinaigrette or diving into a homemade mayonnaise can all be done perfectly with hemp seed oil.
Even with the amazing benefits, adding some to your smoothie or hummus is also a great idea.
Hemp seeds are packed with essential vitamins, nutrients, protein, and healthy fats. They are a great option to use as a carrier oil or as an addition to one’s diet. Shifting to plant-based foods is beneficial to an individual and the environment, hemp seed oil is an efficient, organic source of protein, a component that is often missing from vegan and vegetarian diets.
SOURCES:
Please note that this article was written by a 3rd-party author who is a specialist on the topic of CBD, hemp and cannabis. Any information or recommendations contained within this article, are independent to the opinion of RUDERALEX CBD and our employees. We make no claims for any of our products, please read our disclaimer for additional information.
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