Since the creep of CoronaVirus, we’ve all begun stocking up on hand sanitizers (with at least 60 percent ethanol, or alcohol); obsessively washing our hands throughout the day (for at least 20 seconds, with soap); cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces; avoiding touching our eyes, nose and mouth; and wearing gloves when out in public (New York City subway riders, head’s up!). It’s also important to think about what you can do to boost your immune system, which will increase your chances of warding off the virus in the first place.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), CoronaVirus has a special fondness for older folks, children and those whose immune systems are weak. Find your natural immune-booster of choice--traditional remedies include black elderberry, oregano oil, astragalus, echinacea, olive leaf--and stick with it.
With all the buzz around CBD these days, did you know that hemp can function as an anti-inflammatory and immune support? The added benefit, of course, is that it can also help relieve stress, which we all have plenty of. We’ve all heard about the anxiety- and stress-busting qualities of CBD, but for those what hemp’s got to do with it, we asked Stacey Gillespie, Director of Brand Strategy at Gaia Herbs, to explain.
How does hemp support the immune system?
The endocannabinoid system in the human body closely interacts with and has a vital role in facilitating a healthy immune response. In fact, immune cells in the body actually have receptor sites where endocannabinoids compounds bind, resulting in a cascade of beneficial immune responses when needed.
Although endocannabinoids are the cannabinoids the body produces itself, plant cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids) like those found in hemp, can also interact with and bind to endocannabinoid receptors found on immune cells.* Supplementation of the diet with a full spectrum hemp cannabinoid extract, may help further support health immune system and function.*
What makes the hemp different from CBD?
There are many cannabinoids produced by the hemp plant—CBD is just one of them. Some companies in the industry produce hemp products that only contain CBD, which is most frequently sold as an isolate. Gaia Herbs Hemp products use a Full Spectrum extract made with hemp flowers grown in the U.S.A. Unlike products with isolated CBD, Gaia Herbs Full Spectrum Hemp contains a wide array of cannabinoids and other naturally-occurring phytochemicals, representing the synergy naturally found in the entire hemp plant. These plant compounds work together to provide an optimal experience, also known as the “entourage effect.”
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.