The hemp plant contains hundreds of active and essential compounds, one of them being CBD. Others include CBDV, CBC, CBN and hundreds of beneficial terpenes. CBD has been the buzz word of recent, however there is far more to delve into to consider the whole of hemp’s healing potential.
As the name suggests, full spectrum or ‘whole plant extract’ is oil extracted from the hemp plant which contains all the cannabinoids found in the plant. In addition to these compounds, full spectrum hemp oil also contains essential vitamins, minerals, Omega fatty acids, flavonoids, chlorophyll and terpenes, these working in synergy together is known as the ‘Entourage Effect’.
CBD Isolateis cannabidiol in its purest singular form – it is extracted from the plant and processed to remove all of the oils, plant material, waxes, chlorophyll and more, leaving behind the pure CBD. It is most often found in the form of crystals which are then mixed with carrier oil or similar for use in products.
The ‘Entourage Effect’ is commonly used to describe the healing effect that plant materials may have by working together rather than alone. Though there are few published UK studies, many scientists and research groups have conducted exploration that have concluded that the higher efficiency of plant extract can be explained by additive or synergistic interactions between CBD, terpenes and the other non-cannabinoids presented in the extracts. This shows that a plant is more than just the sum of its individual parts when it comes to therapeutic benefit.
We will take a more in depth look at the components that make up full spectrum in a future blog, but for now here is a taste:
CBC, CBN and CBG, like CBD, are non-psychoactive but their importance lies in the fact that they have more specific benefits when combined naturally with the CBD. Benefits include: Reduced irritation, inhibits unhealthy organism growth, promotes normal bone health, releases tensions decreasing discomforts and aids in a restful sleep.
Our modern medicine is rooted in traditionalplant-based healing, and there is no doubt that in addition to the highly potent and effective CBD, many of the other compounds, vitamins and essential fatty acids found in the hemp oils of the plant together will provide a more wholesome therapeutic benefit.
In our personal experience, the best CBD oil to buy is a Full Spectrum Oil.
In our last blogs we have learnt about the benefits of CBD for humans but what about our four-legged friends? CBD can be just as an effective treatment for them, for a variety of reasons. Got a dog or a cat? Read on…