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Common Questions About CBD.

With the ever-increasing popularity of CBD, the marketplace is flooded with hype-filled claims and benefits of this natural miracle drug. We can now find CBD-infused lattes at coffee shops, CBD facials at the spa, CBD candy and baked goods, and loads of lotions and potions containing CBD oil. So, what exactly is CBD, and why all the hype? Is it really the miracle drug your anxious coworker and your achy mother-in-law claim it is? Here are some answers to top questions about CBD.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a chemical compound from the cannabis plant  (Cannabis sativa). Hemp and marijuana are both varieties that come from the same species of plant. CBD is typically the second most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis plants, next to tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. A cannabinoid is a compound that interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) via receptor sites. There are 2 receptors in this system: CB1, and CB2. The way cannabinoids affect our bodies depends largely upon the way they interact with these two receptors.

How is CBD Oil Obtained?

There are two main extraction methods for CBD oil. CO2 Extraction involves the use of carbon dioxide, which is subjected to extremely low temperatures and increased pressure. This causes a phase change from a gas to a liquid. When reheated and pressurized, the CO2 becomes “supercritical”, which basically means it has properties of a gas and a liquid. Next, the supercritical fluid passes through a chamber containing the raw cannabis material. As it does so, it gently dissolves the membrane of the plant to release its active compounds. Then the CO2 and cannabis oil particles funnel into a pressurized cyclonic separator, where the CO2 evaporates from the mixture. The cannabis oil, waxes, and resins descend into a collection vessel and are ready for further filtration and purification. Solvent Extraction is a method of soaking raw cannabis material in ethanol to pull compounds into the solvent. Following extraction, the plant material is then removed, and the alcohol is evaporated out.

So Which Extraction Method is Better?

Well, that depends on who you ask. Because CO2 involves the use of high pressures and temperatures, some people contend that it destroys more of the chemical constituents of the plant. Others prefer the CO2 method because solvent extraction destroys the cannabis waxes, which contain beneficial flavonoids and carotenoids. Additionally, there is a limited risk that some of the solvent chemicals remain in the final product.

Is CBD Oil Considered an Essential Oil?

In short, no. An essential oil, by definition, is obtained by steam distillation. Therefore, CBD is not an essential oil. The main reason for this is that the high temperatures required for steam distillation would degrade most of the fragile compounds of CBD. CBD essential oil would have far fewer therapeutic properties than the whole oil.

What About Aroma, Viscosity, and Volatility?

Of course, the characteristics of the CBD oil you use depend on the extraction method, the producer, and any additives that it may contain. In general, as a whole oil, CBD oil is heavier and thicker than an essential oil, but not quite as thick and slick as carrier oils, such as olive, coconut, or almond oil. The oil does have the natural aroma and flavor of the cannabis plant; however, it is not as aromatic as an essential oil and will not evaporate as readily.

Using CBD to help your pets with Seizures

When your pet has a seizure, it is a traumatic experience. Seizures can occur for various reasons:

  • A once-in-a-lifetime event
  • A reaction to ingesting poison
  • A residual effect of a head injury
  • An illness

Seizures in young pets are often caused by a condition called epilepsy. If your pet has epilepsy, understanding this disorder and how to make your pet more comfortable can improve your pet’s quality of life. Epilepsy is a condition involving multiple seizures occurring over a period time and is often the diagnosis when underlying health issues such as a brain tumor have been ruled out. Epilepsy is a common neurological disease in dogs and occurs less in cats and other pets.
Sometimes you can tell when your pet is about to have a seizure. He or she may:

  • Act nervous
  • Whine
  • Hide
  • Pant

When your pet does have a seizure, he or she may:

  • Shake uncontrollably
  • Paddle the arms and legs
  • Drool

It’s not uncommon for your pet to lose control of their bladder or bowels during a seizure. It is important not to stick anything in your pet’s mouth while he or she is having a seizure, because they can bite down hard without realizing what they are doing. Right before or during a seizure, make sure your pet isn’t near a pool, stairs, or in any position where falling is dangerous.
One important step you can take to help your epileptic pet is to start a seizure log. This will not only help you keep track of the frequency of your pet’s seizures, but it will also be beneficial to aid your pet’s veterinarian with treatment. You will hopefully be able to recognize any patterns or trends that emerge and any possible seizure triggers. The log will also let you know if your pet’s seizures are improving or getting worse with time. Things to include in a seizure log are:

  • Date and time of the seizure
  • Length of time of the seizure
  • What your pet was doing
  • How she was acting before the seizure starts
  • A description of the seizure
  • Your pet’s behavior after the seizure ends

Be sure to include what medications your pet is taking and any changes to those medications

Treatment of seizures is very important as even short seizures can cause lasting brain injury. Unfortunately, there is no cure for epilepsy, but seizure activity can be controlled with treatment. Both the number of seizures your pet experiences and the frequency at which they occur can be minimized. Your pet’s veterinarian may prescribe antiepileptic drugs.
While these drugs may be useful in controlling seizure activity, they can cause undesirable side effects such as:

  • Lethargy
  • Agitation
  • Drowsiness
  • Central nervous system depression
  • Weight gain
  • Anxiety
  • Liver toxicity

CANNABIDIOL OR CBD
CBD has an important role in the future of medicine. CBD is a primary component of the cannabis plant. It is non-psychoactive, which means that it doesn’t produce the “high” commonly associated with marijuana.CBD is currently used by many patients (human and animal) who seek an alternative form of therapy without the unwanted side effects of typical drugs.Compelling research has shown that CBD may inhibit both seizure activity and the severity of such activity. Study results have “point[ed] to CBD being of potential therapeutic use…in the treatment of epilepsies.”3 Studies also indicate that the use of CBD in conjunction with certain anti-seizure medications may enhance the anticonvulsant effects of those drugs. Furthermore, studies indicate chronic use of CBD has not been shown to elicit negative side effects and does not induce tolerance.
Continue to explore and learn more about cannabinoid therapy right here, as we update you on the latest research and findings.

What is the skincare powerhouse, MSM?

Applying a MSM cream will benefit your skin in almost every way. Here’s how you can use to get healthier, smoother, more beautiful skin.

When shopping for healthy skincare products, usually a good rule of thumb is to avoid ingredients you can’t pronounce. The nutrient we’re discussing today, however, may be the exception to that rule.

Let us introduce you to methylsulfonylmethane. While it’s quite the tongue twister, MSM is almost as necessary for the body as water and salt. Read on to see exactly how it’s used and why your skin will love it!

What Is MSM?

The abbreviation for methylsulfonylmethane, MSM is found in all living organisms and is formed organically of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and sulfur. In the human body, it acts as the “glue” that holds together our amino acid chains – aka the building blocks of all tissues.

Not only is it essential in the proper function of amino acids, it’s a necessary nutrient used throughout the entire body. In fact, when combined with water and salt, MSM forms up to 90% of the human body.

As widespread and beneficial as it is, it’s a water-soluble nutrient that needs plenty of vitamin C in order to be used most effectively.

What Are the Benefits of MSM?

Most MSM benefits stem from the chemical’s role in building nearly every cell in the body. However, it’s also famous for inhibiting the breakdown of collagen, making it a key player in anti-aging treatments.

Its high sulfur content, which represents a whopping 34% of its composition, reduces inflammation and detoxifies the body.

Not impressed yet? MSM also improves cell wall permeability, allowing vital nutrients to flow through to cells.

As for the fight against aging, MSM enhances antioxidant usage, helping to decrease free radicals and providing numerous other anti-aging benefits.

Use MSM Cream to Fight Acne, Smooth Wrinkles & So Much More

Due to the sulfur content in MSM and the chemical’s enhancement of antioxidants in the body, MSM has an impressive list of uses. When used topically, MSM has an almost miraculous effect on the skin.

Because of its positive as wrinkles by decreasing the breakdown of collagen beneath the skin.

Thanks again to its sulfur content, it even improves hair and nail growth, fights against cracked or thinning nails and improves the overall health of cuticles.

Those dealing with chronic or acute acne may also find relief with a cream containing this powerful ingredient. To explain, MSM limits androgen hormones and helps the skin become more permeable. This means that the toxins leading to blackheads, whiteheads and cysts have a better chance of being released. On top of that, MSM can even help reduce acne scars by boosting collagen growth.

As great as these MSM benefits are, it does far more for the skin than simply smooth wrinkles and fight acne. It also soothes itching, hydrates dry skin, reduces scar tissue and improves wound healing from cuts and burns. Oh, and good news for rosacea sufferers – it also helps soothe and decrease redness in the skin.

MSM is available in supplement form and can be found in many beauty creams as well as serums and oils designed specifically for hair and nails. The type you use should be carefully chosen based on brand, safety, dosage and intended purpose.

While some oral MSM makes it to the skin, hair and nails, it may not be enough to create noticeable changes in these areas. When addressing these specific zones, MSM should be applied directly to the desired area – ideally in the form of an MSM cream.

No matter which form you choose, be sure your product or supplement is made with high-quality MSM – preferably in pure, organic form. The safest option, organic MSM won’t contain other ingredients that could harm you.

How to Use MSM + A Few Quick Tips

Fortunately for your skin, MSM can be applied as little or as much as you want – always with remarkable results. We use it as part of our cream because it speeds healing and soothes irritated skin. It works amazingly well for rashes, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, and more.

Summary

While it may not be well-known to most people, MSM plays an essential role in the human body.

Since our very cells need MSM to function properly, it’s easy to see how supplementing with MSM or using an MSM cream can treat a variety of issues.

With so few risks and side effects associated with it, MSM is quickly becoming the go-to solution for everything from aches and pains to aging skin and scars.  As well as:  acne, damaged skin, dermatitis, eczema, natural skin care, psoriasis, rashes.

 

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