Demystifying CBD (Cannabidiol) Health Benefits for Us & our Dogs. {Partner}

Via James Sharkey, Ph.D

This is a post written by Aseco and Therabis—an elephant partner. We’re honored to work with anyone who is this dedicated to using natural ingredients (hemp!) and providing more mindful ways to reduce stress, anxiety, and everyday aches and pains—for us, and our dogs. ~ Ed.

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We keep hearing more and more about a somewhat mysterious and definitely controversial health supplement CBD, but what is it—really?

Unfortunately, the first association most people have when they hear about “CBD” is one that is far from therapeutic. So commonly exclusively associated with marijuana, CBD often gets the shaft when it comes to being recognized for its remarkable health benefits for humans and pets alike. But that association is only a small part of a much larger story about this remarkable cannabinoid.

Cannabis explained:

Both marijuana and hemp are part of the Cannabis family. While CBD is certainly found in marijuana, it can also be derived from hemp, which is legal to ship and consume most places in the world and is completely non-psychoactive.

In layman’s terms, you don’t get high from hemp-derived CBD and neither does your dog.

This is exactly why you’ve probably come across hemp products like protein powders or non-dairy milk on the shelves of your local grocer.

So, now that we know it is non-psychoactive and legal to ship/consume when derived from industrial hemp, let’s take a look at what CBD actually is and how it can benefit your health (as well as your furry friends’).

What’s CBD?

CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, is a type of cannabinoid with potent anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety effects. Cannabinoids are a family of naturally occurring compounds produced by the Cannabis genus of plants. In hemp supplements, CBD is extracted from the hemp plant and combined with other natural ingredients to make a tincture or powder.

Once consumed, the cannabinoid molecules bind receptors on the body’s cells and can change the way cells function to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, lessen gastric distress, stimulate appetite, ease anxiety and more. Recently, CBD has also become a hot topic of scientific research in the treatment of seizures.

We are all currently making cannabinoids in our body.

Believe it or not, all of us humans and animals are organically creating our own cannabinoids within the body through a lesser-known but major bodily system—the endocannabinoid system. As a central regulatory system, the endocannabinoid system regulates major functions, such as appetite, mood and sleep.

Research has shown that small doses of cannabinoids help keep the endocannabinoid system functioning in top shape. So, in addition to nourishing our endocannabinoid system, how else can we use these magic little compounds to support wellness?

Stress and Anxiety Relief.

Ah, stress. In today’s fast-paced, digital world, it’s no wonder we feel more and more stress and anxiety. On a scientific level, when we experience a state of anxiety, what’s actually going on in the body?

Studies on the electrical activity of the brain have shown that anxiety may be the result of hyperactivity of the nerve cells, also known as neurons, in the part of the brain that controls our emotions, fear and anxiety. That’s where CBD comes in. CBD has the ability to interact with these neurons, calm the hyperactive nerves and redistribute the blood flow in this part of the brain, which then eases anxiety and produces a calming effect.

Anxiety isn’t fun for anyone (for us or our dogs), and CBD can be a powerful natural solution to relieve stress and anxiety. Natural is the keyword here. Of course, there are many manufactured pharmaceuticals available that do help with anxiety, but many come with a bevy of side effects.

CBD has no known side-effects.

Use the discount code EJ20 at checkout for 20% off at Aceso and Therabis! Give Aceso Calm a try for stress relief or Therabis Calm and Quiet for your dog.

Fighting Inflammation.

Inflammation is all over the news as the root cause of many diseases, like arthritis, allergies, gastrointestinal disorders, and even cardiovascular disease, but what does it really mean? Simply put, inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury and foreign invaders. When our inflammatory system is not regulated properly, that’s when chronic inflammation can occur and we can develop serious health conditions.

Cannabinoids have a dual-purpose role in fighting inflammation—they can reduce the severity of inflammation and speed up the body’s natural response to heal. CBD in particular increases the level of other molecules in the body responsible for ending the inflammatory response. In other words, in the body, CBD acts like taking the foot off the accelerator and putting on the brakes of the inflammatory response.

For chronic conditions, like arthritis, or for just acute use, like muscle soreness after a hard workout, CBD can help lessen inflammation and pain while expediting the healing process. Dogs also often experience allergies, which can result in excessive itchiness, and this is also a type of inflammation that can be reduced with CBD.

Hemp-Derived CBD Supplements.

There are many options now available for hemp supplements, and two products in particular, Aceso for humans and Therabis for dogs, both harness the therapeutic power of CBD and other natural enzymes, botanical extracts and superfoods to specifically support wellness. Aceso’s three formulas help fight inflammation, lessen anxiety and boost overall wellness while Therabis veterinarian-created sachets can be sprinkled on your dog’s food to reduce stress, help with itchiness and support joint mobility.

Use the discount code EJ20 at checkout for 20% off at Aceso and Therabis!

CBD is a powerful natural product of Mother Nature that can be used by people and pets to help treat many common ailments without any psychoactive effects.

As we look to improve our wellness, fitness, diet, mental state and overall health in 2017, will you add CBD to your wellness toolbox this year?

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Editor: Catherine Monkman