CBD and Managing Stress

It's Still 2020, Folks. . .Stay Calm!

Fires, floods, hurricanes, quarantines, lockdowns, and the global pandemic Covid-19.  Could 2020 get any more stressful?  Ongoing stress is not only a disturbance, it may also lead to other complaints, including headaches, GI upset, tense and sore muscles, a weakened immune system, and sleeplessness.  CBD, or hemp-derived cannabidiol, can be a useful tool, along with a healthy diet and regular exercise, to help calm the noise and help you better cope with 2020 and beyond.

How does CBD work?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of at least 100 chemical compounds unique to the cannabis sativa or hemp plant.  These compounds are referred to as cannabinoids.  You likely have heard of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the cannabinoid most commonly associated with marijuana.  However, unlike THC, CBD is non psychoactive and has been shown to offer a myriad of wellness benefits without the "high" effect of THC.  Research and experiential evidence shows that CBD may be helpful in promoting calm, addressing muscle tension and soreness, and supporting the GI, nervous, and immune systems, among other useful applications.  Adding to these benefits, CBD is non psychoactive, non habit-forming, and well tolerated, making it a desirable supplement choice.

Cannabinoids are naturally effective in our bodies because, throughout our evolutionary development, we have been hardwired to gain the benefits of the cannabis sativa plant through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex signaling network within the mammalian body that functions as a lock and key mechanism when cannabinoids are present or introduced into the bloodstream. These receptors exist throughout the body -- nervous, musculoskeletal, digestive, immune, endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, and other systems -- and are the reason why cannabinoids can have such diverse and profound effects. [1] All mammals, including humans and companion animals, have an ECS, and the body produces "endo" (internal) cannabinoids (naturally occurring substances such as anandamide) that operate to keep the body's systems in balance. [2]  However, when an external force such as injury, illness, or stress is introduced, our body's own endocannabinoids may be depleted, resulting in an interruption to homeostasis that can manifest as anxiety, pain, inflammation, sleep disturbance, compromised immune function, and more.  CBD and related "phyto" (plant) cannabinoids are natural compounds that can supplement the body's own cannabinoids and lock into cannabinoid receptors to address the imbalance and restore homeostasis. [3]

In addition, research suggests that CBD may also interact in potentially beneficial ways with other neurotransmitter systems and receptors that support normal levels of other "feel good" brain chemicals such as serotonin. [4] [5]

How can Trove CBD help manage stress?

If you are seeking systemic relief, you may want to consider an ingestible tincture or capsule.  A daily dose of Trove CBD Oil taken under the tongue will help address stress, enhance calm and mental focus, while also providing relief from pain and inflammation throughout the body, assisting in your exercise recovery regimen, and often aiding in a restful and restorative sleep.  The specific dosage regimen will vary from person to person, and also depends upon the nature of the issue you are seeking to address.  Once you determine the amount and frequency of supplementation that works best for you, you can develop your own Trove CBD wellness routine.

Trove CBD Balm is a natural way to target a specific area of tension, making it a great choice for muscle tightness, aches, and specific areas of pain or inflammation.  It is not uncommon to feel relief within minutes following topical application, and results will often last from two to four hours.

Can CBD Also Help My Anxious Pet?

More and more pet owners are discovering the benefits of CBD products in helping to address anxiety and separation concerns, alleviate pain and inflammation, assist in exercise/injury recovery, and promote general well being for their 4-legged family members.  Dosing suggestions are provided on the packaging as well as on the website at www.trovecbd.com.

In Summary

One of the primary purposes of the ECS is to maintain homeostasis or balance of the body's physiological systems.  Most of the time, in most mammals, the body can signal and receive on its own in an effort to maintain this balance.  However, an overabundance of stress (think 2020 here) can deplete the body's own cannabinoids, resulting in an imbalance that can manifest as occasional anxiety, muscle tension, sleep disturbance, and more.  Supplementing with a high quality hemp-derived CBD product may prove helpful as part of your overall lifestyle plan to address the stress and stay well.

 Copyright © 2020 Deborah Carter All rights reserved

[1] Lutz, B et al.  The endocannabinoid system in guarding against fear, anxiety and stress, Nat Rev Neurosci. 2015;16(12): 705-718
[2] Hillard, CJ. Stress regulates endocannabinoid-CB1 receptor signaling. Seminars in immunology, 26(5), 2014, 380-388
[3] Bluet, RJ et al. Central anandamide deficiency predicts stress-induced anxiety: behavioral reversal through endocannabinoid augmentation. Translational Psychiatry (2014) vol 4, e408
[4] Bedse, Guarav et al. Therapeutic endocannabinoid augmentation for mood and anxiety disorders: comparative profiling of FAAH, MAGI, and dual inhibitors. Translational Psychiatry (2018) vol 8, 1 92
[5] https//:www.ncbi.nlm.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6161644/