Education Archives - Ellys Remedies

3 Reasons CBD shouldn’t be expensive

ellysremedies — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 22:41:40 +0000

Why does one of the most promising ingredients in decades cost as much as high end face creams?

I’ll never forget my mom’s first reaction to using CBD last year. My mother, late in her 70’s has had every ache and pain that you can imagine. A decade earlier she had her shoulder replaced due to the overwhelming pain. As she has gotten older, she has struggled to manage through the aches and pains of growing old while staying active and relevant for her aging children and grandchildren. So when I was building a CBD brand last year, I thought CBD might be helpful. I gave my mom two bottles of CBD softgels and told her to tell me how she felt in a week.

My mom called me back raving about the product. After taking the 25mg soft gels two times a day, she had felt a big difference in her pain. Then I told her that the two bottles that I gave her had a retail value of $160. She practically spit out her coffee. “$160? That’s crazy,” she said, “that CBD works great, but why does it cost so much? There’s no way that I can pay $160/month!”

It’s inevitable that new ingredients start off at a higher price and as more competitors come into the market that the prices will drop. However, CBD pricing has been able to defy gravity even as many new competitors have jumped into the market. I see this as a massive problem for the industry as well as consumers.

But first, what is CBD? In short, CBD, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid of the cannabis plant that has been used by increasing numbers of people to treat a variety of different conditions and ailments. It has exploded in popularity in large part because it doesn’t have the intoxicating qualities of THC, but has been reported to help with pain and anxiety.

So what’s the problem with CBD being expensive? If a product like CBD has such fantastic benefits shouldn’t it have a high cost? Doesn’t the benefit justify its high price? My answer is absolutely not for a few reasons:

The price of CBD is being kept artificially high. When CBD first came on the scene, after the 2018 farm bill passed, the legal supply of CBD was low. Although everyone had suspected that federal action on industrial hemp (from which CBD is derived) was coming, the inclusion in the farm bill took many by surprise. And because industrial hemp is an agricultural product, you can’t just whip it up in a lab – you need a good growing season to get the raw material produced. However it is now 2021 – over 2 years since the farm bill passed, yet CBD retail prices have not budged. Why? Because manufacturers have been passing the savings to investors instead of consumers
One dose is not enough. For many people to feel the benefit of CBD, you must use the product regularly – whether that is an oral tincture or a muscle rub. It’s only after 4-5 days of regular use that many people begin to feel the effects of CBD. So if you purchase a 1oz bottle of CBD tincture that lasts for 30 days for $60-$70, that adds a significant expense to a family’s monthly health care spending.
The population that benefits most, has the least disposable income. For aging senior who wish to be active like my mom, CBD can be a real lifeline. It’s ability to treat the aches and pains of aging can help aging seniors to continue to garden, play sports, and go walking with friends. This has the ability to increase the quality of life of many seniors. Unfortunately, many seniors on a fixed income have even less flexibility to spend an additional $60-100 a month on CBD products.

So what’s the solution? Well, it’s inevitable that with CBD prices so high, much like other supplements like St. Johns Wort or Echinacea when they were new, companies will inevitably enter the market with lower cost options. Unfortunately, some of these companies will get to the lower price with lower potency (fewer mg of CBD per capsule or tincture bottle) or lower quality – neither of which is good for consumers.

Fortunately, Elly’s Home Remedies was created with the vision to substantially help our parents and grandparents through natural products like CBD. Elly’s was named after my partner’s grandmother who would grow medicinal herbs in her backyard and then blend them into oils and creams. Elly’s oils and creams were used to treat a range of ailments – from headaches to sore muscles to anxiety. We were inspired by Elly’s story and by the unusual ability for CBD to positively impact our parents and grandparents so we formulated and launched a line of product that 1) has CBD sourced from local farmers 2) is lab tested to ensure purity and potency and 3) very competitively priced and targeted at the active senior community.

It’s inevitable that the CBD market will continue to grow and develop as farmers and new companies jump into the industry. However, I would like to make a plea to everyone in the market to think of CBD less as the new “gold rush” and more as a product that has the potential to significantly impact the lives of our loved ones – our parents and grandparents – who can most benefit.

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What Are CBD Terpenes? What to Know About These Healthy Plant Compounds

ellysremedies — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 10:01:51 +0000

By Anne Harding – November 18, 2020

What are terpenes?

If you’ve never heard of terpenes, you’d be surprised to know they’re everywhere in your daily life. Think of the enticing aroma of flowers from your garden, the smell of fresh fruits in your kitchen, or your body fragrance of choice. (Here’s how to sharpen your sense of smell and taste.)

Terpenes, “terps” for short, are pungent compounds that plants produce to repel pests and attract pollinators. They’re responsible for the uplifting scent of citrus from fruits and the soothing aroma of lavender. Terpenes are also antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.

One of the richest sources of terpenes in the plant kingdom: Cannabis sativa, the plant that includes both marijuana and its related cousin, hemp. (They are different varieties of the same plant.)

Every chemovar—the botanically correct term for a cannabis “strain”—has a different terpene profile, which influences its effects, says Bonni Goldstein, MD, medical director and owner of Cannacenters, a medical practice in Los Angeles, and author of Cannabis is Medicine: How Medical Cannabis and CBD are Healing Everything from Anxiety to Chronic Pain.

The response to terpenes varies from person to person.

Knowing the terpene profile of a CBD oil or a CBD edible lets you know what effects to expect, and can also help you narrow down what works for you, Dr. Goldstein says.

Here’s what you need to know about CBD terpenes, whether they can get you high, and their overall effect on health.

Terpenes in CBD oil

There’s a difference between terpenes and terpenoids. Terpenes are the natural compounds in the flower or bud of the cannabis plant. Terpenoids, meanwhile, are terpenes that have been chemically altered. The process of drying and curing a cannabis flower leads to the formation of terpenoids.

CBD oil that is full- or broad-spectrum—meaning it contains other components of the cannabis plant besides CBD—will contain terpenoids. CBD isolate doesn’t, but some product makers will add terpenes back in to allegedly enhance the effects of CBD. (More on this later.)

“It’s better to get oils that are less processed because that means it’s closer to the original that’s in the plant,” says Martin A. Lee, the founder and director of Project CBD and author of Smoke Signals: A Social History of Marijuana–Medical, Recreational, and Scientific.

The effects of terpenes

Terpenes don’t produce the “high” associated with delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), although some have sedative, anxiety-reducing properties. Here are the main terpenes found in CBD oil. (Also, find out whether CBD gets you high.)

Myrcene: This type of terpene is named after a Brazilian shrub, Myrcia sphaerocarpa, that’s used in traditional medicine to treat diarrhea, high blood pressure, and even diabetes. Myrcene has a sedative effect. It’s found in most cannabis chemovars, as well as hops, mangoes, lemongrass, and basil.

Beta-caryophyllene: The unique scent of black pepper comes from this terpene, which is also present in most cannabis plant varieties. It was recently shown to interact in the body with cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), suggesting it can reduce pain and inflammation. A study, published in an October 2020 issue of Neuropsychopharmacology, found that beta-caryophyllene reduced addictive behavior in mice.

Alpha-humulene: Most cannabis chemovars contain this earthy, fruity-smelling terpene, which is also found in hops, sage, and ginseng. Alpha-humulene has anti-inflammatory effects. There’s some evidence it may help suppress appetite.

Limonene: Found in citrus rinds, limonene is used to add a lemony aroma to many products including foods, perfumes, and household cleaning products. It’s also an effective pesticide and solvent. A study, published in April 2020 in Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, suggests that limonene also has anti-anxiety effects.

Linalool: This terpene is responsible for the scent of lavender, and is also found in spices like cinnamon and coriander. It has sedative and relaxing properties and is an anticonvulsant, meaning it may help to prevent seizures.

Pinene: This type of terpene is found in pine needles and a number of citrus fruits. Pinene is popular in traditional Chinese medicine as an anti-cancer agent that suppresses cancer cells, according to a study published in 2019 in Biomolecules. It’s also believed to possess anti-inflammatory properties.

Understanding terpenes and the “entourage effect”

CBD products with these types of terpenes are believed to help create what’s known as the “entourage effect.”

This theory holds that substances in cannabis, like CBD and THC, have synergistic effects that make the overall CBD product more effective.

For example, cannabinoids and terpenoids may work together to provide pain relief, reduce inflammation, and alleviate mental health issues like anxiety, and even bacterial infections, according to Project CBD.

However, more research needs to be done to understand how exactly the entourage effect works.

What to look for before you buy

To find out about terpenes in CBD oil, make sure the product has been tested by a third-party lab and has a valid certificate of analysis, or COA. That will give you a better chance of knowing whether it contains terpenes, and if so which ones.

The COA will include a phytocannabinoid profile listing levels of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids, as well as terpenes.

Read the full article via: The Healthy

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CBD: A Versatile Natural Remedy

ellysremedies — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 10:15:00 +0000

By Avery Reekstin

CBD oil is everywhere now. There are stores that exclusively sell CBD products. There are people who swear by it and its medicinal properties and even some use it on their pets. But what is it?

Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is derived from the flowers of marijuana and hemp plants and used as a natural remedy for many different ailments. It can be taken in many forms, most commonly ingested as a tincture or an oil mix, but it is also put into gel caps, gummies, edibles or lotions and salves.

Most CBD oil does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is a psychoactive compound that causes the high one would get from smoking or ingesting marijuana. CBD oil usually has less than 0.5 percent THC. CBD is federally legal in all states, but each state law is a little different. Most vary on how much THC is allowed and some have laws about how CBD is used. If you are unsure of the laws in your state, it is advised to do some research before purchasing.

As a natural remedy, cannabidiol has many different uses and may be used to alleviate or treat the following conditions or health issues:

Reduces anxiety or depression. CBD has been found to interact with and alter the serotonin levels in the body. Low levels of serotonin are known to have a role in depression and anxiety. Many antidepressants help raise serotonin levels but can have unpleasant side effects. CBD can be an alternative, more holistic option for some people.

Stimulates appetite: CBD has been known to help stimulate appetite, which is used often with cancer treatments.

Pain relief: CBD oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce pain.

Reduces acne. Sebum, an oil the skin makes naturally, can mix with dead skin cells and clog pores if the body produces too much. CBD oil can help the body reduce the amount of sebum it creates. And along with its anti-inflammatory properties, it can reduce acne in some people.

Treats neurological disorders such as epilepsy. Scientists have studied the use of CBD with epilepsy in children probably the most out of all the other uses and have found evidence that CBD oil can help reduce the amount of seizures or even stop seizures altogether.

Heart health benefits. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties CBD oil has can help reduce one’s risk for heart disease and reduce risk of stroke.

Helps treat diabetes. Not only can CBD play a role in maintaining healthy insulin and blood sugar levels, its anti-inflammatory qualities can also reduce one’s risk for diabetes.

When taking CBD oil, most people place the oil under the tongue to allow the body to absorb it. Some choose to just swallow it as is. It can also be mixed in tea, coffee, juice or smoothies. Salves or lotions can be rubbed on the body, which works well if there is pain from an injury or overuse that you’d like to directly apply it to. It can also be ingested by pill, gummies or other edibles.

Make sure to start at a low dose and slowly take more until you’ve reached a desired effect. CBD has been found to be non-addictive and it usually stays in the system for about three to five days.

Pets may also find some benefits from using CBD oil. Similar to humans, it can help treat pain and seizures, as well as anxiety. It is often used for dogs who may have anxiety while owners are gone, or it is given to them before events such as fireworks, to ease the anxiety of the loud noises. There are pet treats with CBD in them, and some people mix the oil in their pets’ favorite food.

Because CBD is unregulated, it is important to do your research on the products you are buying, and make sure to talk with your doctor (or vet) about using CBD oil.

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Is Using CBD for Arthritis a Good Idea?

ellysremedies — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 10:21:00 +0000

By Nasir Rajpoot

CBD oil contains extracts from cannabis plants. Recent studies suggest that it could play a role in relieving pain linked to chronic conditions like arthritis. However, there are many questions on whether CBD for arthritis is effective. what the correct dose is, and whether there are side effects or not; all of these need some answers.

What is CBD & How Can It be a Helpful Remedy for Arthritis?

Also known as cannabidiol, CBD is one of the many cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plants like hemp and marijuana. This chemical compound works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system to help with conditions like pain, sleep disorder, anxiety, and more.

Unlike medical marijuana, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning that it doesn’t get you high. This is because it doesn’t contain a large portion of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) which is a chemical compound found in marijuana that makes people high.

CBD has been linked to several health benefits, one of them being arthritic pain management. Arthritis has been associated with many cases of disability in the United States, and it has two types:

Osteoarthritis (OA) – This is a common type of arthritis that is related to injury, overweight, and aging. This degenerative disease often affects the bones and joint cartilage including the knee, hip, and thumb joints.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – This type of arthritis is autoimmune which occurs when the immune system attacks the joints, particularly the thin tissue lining. RA usually affects the joints of the hands and feet, causing them to be warm, swollen, and red.

In both cases, CBD can be used to alleviate joint pain without any evident side effect. As for OA, research has shown that CBD can relieve the pain, damage, and inflammation that comes with it. On the other hand, patients of RA benefit from pain alleviation and reduced immune damage. This is because CBD also acts as an immunosuppressive agent.

Taking a Deep Dive: How CBD Interacts with the Human Body?

Although research for CBD continues, it has been determined that it reduces pain both directly and indirectly. After interacting with the human endocannabinoid system, CBD attaches to the cannabinoid receptors found in the body.

It specially attaches to the CB1 and CB2 receptors. The CB2 receptor particularly plays a role in the immune system in terms of managing inflammation and pain.

Researchers also believe that CBD can produce natural cannabinoids that may attach to the CB2 receptors. They believe that when it enters the body, CBD can affect how the receptors respond to the signals they get. This may help in the reduction of pain and inflammation.

Moreover, CBD can work by altering the shape of the receptor juts a little bit. This change prevents the transmission of pain to the brain.

What Do the Researchers Say?

There are several animal studies that suggest CBD can be used for arthritis pain. According to a 2017 study that was published in the Journal of Pain, CBD was found to reduce joint inflammation and pain in rats. The study found that it helped with symptoms of pain and neuropathy in the rats.

A 2006 study found that a CBD mouth spray known as Sativex helped alleviate arthritis pain. Additionally, a 2018 compilation of studies showed that there is a large body of evidence suggesting that CBD can be used for different clinical conditions like pain, sleep disorder, inflammation, and others.

According to a 2019 review by Harvard Health Publishing, studies on CBD have reportedly revealed how CBD hinders neuropathic pain and chronic pain. The Harvard Health Report also suggests that CBD applied on the skin could help lower inflammation and pain that is associated with arthritis.

However, the report says that there’s a need for more human studies to establish the effects of CBD for arthritis. More studies are also required to establish a safe and correct CBD dose for arthritis patients.

Best CBD Products for Arthritis to Look Out for

CBD comes in various forms including CBD oils, creams, gummies, and tinctures. You can search online review for each item to understand their benefits, side effects and more. Also, you will be aware of the best cbd brands out there in the market as most of the reviews are unbiased specially if they are from reputed website or blog.

How to Use CBD for Arthritis Relief

Because of the wide variety of CBD products, it may not be very clear how to properly apply CBD for arthritis patients.

Arthritis patients can get great relief by taking CBD oils which offer long-lasting relief. It is highly recommended to take CBD oil products sublingually under the tongue as it has a higher rate of absorption than taking CBD products orally.

While CBD gummies come in precise doses, they may have long-term effects and bioavailability problems. This makes it difficult for the body to use and absorb all the CBD content found in them.

People with arthritis can also apply CBD creams or take CBD as oral spray or in its capsule form. In addition, it has been found that combining different CBD products can provide greater relief for arthritis patients. For instance, you can combine a CBD oil with CBD cream for enhanced effectiveness.

In terms of the dosage, experts suggest starting with a low dose and see if you experience results. If not, slowly increase the dose weekly.

Are There Any Side Effects Involved with CBD for Arthritis?

Some studies have shown that most people tolerate CBD well. However, some users report mild side effects like:

Dry mouth
Drowsiness
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Change in weight
Change in appetite

Before taking CBD, it is important to consult your doctor, especially if you are taking it alongside certain medications. This is because it may interfere with prescribed medications and over-the-counter dietary supplements.

Final Thoughts

Although CBD oil is still a topic for research, it is still considered an effective and safe treatment for arthritis. High quality CBD oil affects the brain receptors to reduce pain and inflammation that are linked to arthritis. For best results, it is advised to take a tincture sublingually and slowly increase your dosage until you attain your desired effect.

Read the full article via: Big Easy Magazine

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