Month: August 2017

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Endocannabinoids for dummies

This article was published last year on herb.co.  It explains the endocannabinoid system very simple and straight forward. 

Have you ever wondered how THC works? Well, it just-so-happens to be a similar shape to a compound our bodies create naturally. Thanks to its shape, THC is able to tap into a network in our bodies called the endocannabinoid system. It’s this ability that gives THC it’s psychoactive effects. But, what is the endocannabinoid system and what does it do? To help you understand, we’ve created a handy guide to the endocannabinoid system for dummies.

What is the endocannabinoid system (ECS)?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) refers to a collection of cell receptors and corresponding molecules. You can think of cell receptors like little locks on the surface of your cells. The keys to these locks are chemical molecules called agonists.  Each time an agonist binds to a cell it relays a message, giving your cell specific direction.

The endocannabinoid system is the name for a series of cell receptors that respond to certain kinds of agonists. Two primary cell receptors make up the ECS, Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1) and Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CB2). The keys for these receptors are called endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are like the body’s natural THC.  In fact, endocannabinoids got their name from cannabis. Plant cannabinoids were discovered first.  Endo means within, and cannabinoid referring to a compound that fits into cannabinoid receptors.

There are two main endocannabinoid molecules, named anandamide and 2-Ag. Funny thing, scientists wouldn’t have discovered anandamide without THC. Psychoactive (THC) was first discovered by Israeli scientist Raphael Mechoulam back in the 1960s. His finding quickly spurred a rush to figure out how THC worked, and whether or not our own bodies produced a similar compound.

More than two decades after the search began, anandamide was found. Yet, once they isolated the chemical, they faced another challenge. What should it be called? They turned to Sanskrit. Anandamide comes from the Sanskrit word Ananda, which means bliss. So, basically, anandamide means bliss molecule.

What does the ECS do?

Cannabinoid receptors are found all throughout the body, giving them a wide variety of functions. However, certain receptors are more concentrated in specific regions. CB1 receptors are abundant in the central nervous system. CB2 receptors are more often found on immune cells, in the gastrointestinal tract, and in the peripheral nervous system.

The diversity of receptor locations shows just how important endocannabinoids are for day-to-day bodily function. They help regulate the following:

Endocannabinoids are the chemical messengers that tell your body to get these processes moving and when to stop. They help maintain optimal balance in the body, also known as homeostasis. When the ECS is disrupted, any one of these things can fall out of balance. Dysregulation in the ECS is thought to contribute to a wide variety of conditions, including fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome.

The ECS theory of disease is termed Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency.  The idea is simple: when the body does not produce enough endocannabinoids or cannot regulate them properly, you are more susceptible to illnesses that affect one or several of the functions listed above.

Where do endocannabinoids come from?

If your body cannot produce enough endocannabinoids, you might be in for some trouble. But, where do endocannabinoids come from, anyway? This question has another simple answer: diet.

Your body creates endocannabinoids with the help of fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are especially important for this. Recent research in animal models has found a connection between diets low in omega-3s and mood changes caused by poor endocannabinoid regulation.

Fortunately, hemp seeds are a quality source of omgea-3s. However, fish like salmon and sardines produce a form of omega-3s that is easier for your body to put to use.

Beyond Cell Receptors

Cannabinoid receptors are often what we associate with the endocannabinoid system. But, the ECS is more complicated than that. Enzymes also have a crucial role to play in the process. In a way, enzymes are kind of like Pacman. They gobble up various compounds, change them, and then spit out the parts. In the ECS, enzymes break down leftover endocannabinoids. Enter non-psychoactive CBD.

Enter non-psychoactive CBD. While THC binds with cannabinoid receptors directly, CBD does not. Instead, it works it’s magic on an enzyme. The enzyme in question is called FAAH, and it is responsible for pulling excess anandamide out of circulation.

CBD puts a stop to this. Psychoactive THC works by mimicking the body’s own endocannabinoids. But, CBD increases the amount of endocannabinoids in your system.

CBD stops enzyme FAAH from breaking down all of the anandamide, and therefore makes more of it available for use by your cells. This is why CBD is a natural mood-lifter without psychoactive effects.

This is just a brief overview of the endocannabinoid system. Each year, new studies shed light into what this amazing network does inside our bodies. The discovery of the ECS is what makes medical cannabis such a big deal.

People often joke about the herbs ability to heal a wide variety of seemingly unrelated conditions. But, we now understand that these conditions are all regulated in part by the ECS. The medical implications of this finding are endless.

 

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Anxiety – how can I natually treat my anxiety?

Anxiety-related disorders affect a huge segment of our population – 40 million adults in the US alone.  Big pHARMa has developed many drugs to ‘treat’ these disorders.  These include SSRIs – Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like Prozac and Zoloft.  They also market tranquilizers like Valium and Xanax.  Side effects have a huge range.  The less serious effects may include:

  • drowsiness, dizziness, irritability
  • blurred vision, headaches, memory loss and loss of concentration
  • insomnia or light sleep
  • swelling in extremities
  • slurred speech, loss of balance and coordination
  • diarrhea, constipation, nausea or vomiting
  • increased sweating, irregular heartbeat and appetite changes
  • rashes

The more serious side effects include:

  • cognitive dysfunction
  • withdrawls and addiction
  • depression, anxiety and even suicidal thoughts (isn’t that interesting!)

What big pHARMa doesn’t want you to know is that anxiety and stress can absolutely be treated naturally. You probably won’t be surprised to see that our natural list of treatments is almost identical to that for ADHD.  I will copy and paste at the bottom of this article but they include sunshine, exercise, healthy diet, EO’s, ACV, CBD, and some supplements.  I will add to that list and suggest better time management.  Anxiety doesn’t always have a valid excuse to be present but I find that when I’m anxious it’s usually because I have too much going on.  I get overwhelmed very easily and start to really stress out.  The physical effects of this stress can be quite strong.  So, I can do one of two things – 1) prioritize and 2) learn to say no.  Take the time to find out what’s most important, what really needs to be done.  Then feel comfortable enough to admit that the rest will just have to wait until tomorrow.  This doesn’t mean leave the dirty dishes for 3 days in a row.  If you have time to read this, you have time to do the dishes!

A few other things I will add to calm your nerves are:

  1. Chamomile – this tea binds to the same receptors as tranquilizers.
  2. Hops – hops is a sedative that can be found in extracts and tinctures
  3. Valerian – take in a capsule to help you rest
  4. Lemon Balm (Melissa) – combine with the above three for a great nights rest
  5. Passionflower – we buy the natural concentrate and make a huge pitcher with chia and limes.  It’s a lovely drink for the evening to help you relax.
  6. Lavender – I know I mentioned this in the ADD/ADHD list but lavender is a life saver!  Buy the eo, plant the plants in your garden, diffuse it, drink it.  Use it however you want but you need lavender in your life!
  7. Chocolate – what?!?! It’s true!
  8. Grounding – take your shoes off and go outside.  Go to the beach or grass, or even the dirt.  It doesn’t matter just let your body reconnect with nature.
  9. Leave your phone at home – You don’t need to take a selfie while grounding.  Just stand there in the sun with your eyes closed and breathing deeply.  In and out through your nose.
  10. Meditation – this can be so hard to do in our fast paced world which makes it that much more important!  The Bible says we are to meditate on His Word (Joshua 1:8) and that our meditation should be pleasing to Him (Psalm 104:34) So choose a verse or passage and just repeat it in your mind.  Let it sink into your spirit.  I’ll give you a few examples that are good for anxiety:     Be strong, do not fear; your God will come (Isaiah 35:4a); Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you…Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid (John 14:27); Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).  These are just a few of the many verses you can meditate on to bring calm and peace.
  11. Go easy on yourself.  If you’re doing all you can do, with the information you have, then let go!  Learn to appreciate yourself.  Learn to forgive yourself!  Make changes in baby steps.  Don’t expect your whole life to change in a day. Just keep moving forward!

I would like to remind you that even though you employ these natural treatments, you CANNOT just stop your meds cold turkey.  You HAVE to taper off.  It is very dangerous to just quit taking brain meds.  I don’t care if your doctor said it’s ok, it is not.  He will not be responsible if something bad results so you need to be!

Below are the natural treatments that we suggest for ADD/ADHD which will also be extremely important in treating Anxiety.

  • Food color and preservatives.  As hard as you may find it, it is super important to avoid both preservatives and food dyes and colors.  That means all the packaged food.  All the chips, candy, all of it.  Especially the red dye no 40.  You will see a huge change in both behavior and concentration just with this one tweak.
  • Allergens. Elimination diets can be fruitful when managing behavioral issues.  Try a few weeks cutting out each and keep notes on how behavior is affected.  Meat, dairy, eggs, chocolate, chemical additives could all have an effect on your child.  Try eliminating one at a time.  Also consider eliminating berries, apples, grapes and oranges, just temporarily while you watch their reactions.
  • Calming activities and exercise.  Breathing techniques, meditation, yoga or martial arts.  Exercise releases endorphins and helps calm.  It relieves anxiety and hyperactivity in the young and old.  There is nothing that can improve behavior more than a healthy, active lifestyle
  • Get outside.  Vitamin D is not produced naturally by your body.  You need a minimum of 20 minutes outdoors every single day.  No sunscreen and not in the shade.  If you live in an extremely hot area, go out in the morning or afternoon.
  • Supplements.  Vitamins and minerals play a huge role.  Our moods and emotions do not come from our brain only but from our gut.  It is important to balance both.  My suggestions are DAILY usage of the following:
  • CBD oil – CBD helps to level out our emotions.  It is known to greatly reduce stress and anxiety as well as depression.  CBD has less than .03% THC and is non psychoactive, making it safe for kids.  If you have questions please read the other articles here on our website and email us directly at bajahempco@gmail.com
  • Magnesium – daily mag spray and supplement in a capsule.  At least once a week bathe in Epsom salts with lavender eo.  I recommend Thorne mag capsules and spray.
  • L-carnitine and L-theanine –  Both supplements are known to help focus and concentration, as well as lift spirits.
  • Vitamin B 6 and B 12
  • Zinc
  • ACV – I strongly recommend Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar for mood and behavior.  Make a big ‘lemonade’ each morning.  In a large glass of ice water squeeze two limes and a tablespoon of ACV.  After a week or so you should see dramatic changes.
  • Essential Oils.  I use oils daily for all sorts of reasons.  In this case lavender is very beneficial.  Lavender can be used topically or in a diffusor to calm and soothe.  I also recommend the Serenity blend by doTerra.  Consider switching out your beauty and cleaning products for natural oils. Start simple.  Ditch the beach and instead use white vinegar.  Leave some orange peels soaking in it for a few weeks.  Add lemon, orange or thieves oil and use that on floors and surfaces.

At BajaHempCo we want to see you happy and healthy and off the meds.  Please contact us at bajahempco@gmail.com or message our page on facebook.  I will be happy to share any insights or information I may have with you.

BajaHempCo #naturallyhealing

 

 

 

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ADD / ADHD – Our suggestions for treatment without pHARMa

At Baja Hemp Co we are committed to natural healing, not just selling a product.  We believe that God already gave us the plants and resources necessary to heal many, many diseases without pharmaceuticals.  Today we are going to discuss ADD and ADHD.  Many parents are completely overwhelmed with this diagnosis and have already chosen to medicate.  Others are looking for natural alternatives and trying to avoid drugs at all cost.  I think most of us can agree that ADD / ADHD is over diagnosed and over prescribed.

There are two types of drugs that are prescribed to children with ADHD: stimulants and non-stimulants.

Stimulants include amphetamine and Adderall.  Non-stimulants include Strattera or Wellbutrin.  As you can imagine, there are many potential side effects including:

  • Sleep problems
  • Mood swings
  • Loss of appetite
  • Heart problems
  • Suicidal thoughts or actions

ADHD diagnoses have increased by 41% between 2003 and 2011.  I have many ideas on why that is, but let’s look at what should be avoided and what can be done.  There are quite a few natural ways to improve attention span, organizational issues, lack of self-control and memory.

1)      Food color and preservatives.  As hard as you may find it, it is super important to avoid both preservatives and food dyes and colors.  That means all the packaged food.  All the chips, candy, all of it.  Especially the red dye no 40.  You will see a huge change in both behavior and concentration just with this one tweak.

2)      Allergens. Elimination diets can be fruitful when managing behavioral issues.  Try a few weeks cutting out each and keep notes on how behavior is affected.  Meat, dairy, eggs, chocolate, chemical additives could all have an effect on your child.  Try eliminating one at a time.  Also consider eliminating berries, apples, grapes and oranges, just temporarily while you watch their reactions.

3)      Calming activities and exercise.  Breathing techniques, meditation, yoga or martial arts.  Exercise releases endorphins and helps calm.  It relieves anxiety and hyperactivity in the young and old.  There is nothing that can improve behavior more than a healthy, active lifestyle

4)      Get outside.  Vitamin D is not produced naturally by your body.  You need a minimum of 20 minutes outdoors every single day.  No sunscreen and not in the shade.  If you live in an extremely hot area, go out in the morning or afternoon.

5)      Supplements.  Vitamins and minerals play a huge role.  Our moods and emotions do not come from our brain only but from our gut.  It is important to balance both.  My suggestions are DAILY usage of the following:

  • CBD oil – CBD helps to level out our emotions.  It is known to greatly reduce stress and anxiety as well as depression.  CBD has less than .03% THC and is non psychoactive, making it safe for kids.  If you have questions please read the other articles here on our website and email us directly at bajahempco@gmail.com
  • Magnesium – daily mag spray and supplement in a capsule.  At least once a week bathe in Epsom salts with lavender EO.  I recommend Thorne mag capsules and spray.
  • L-carnitine and L-theanine.  Both supplements are known to help focus and concentration, as well as lift spirits.
  • Vitamin B 6 and B 12
  • Zinc
  • ACV – I strongly recommend Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar for mood and behavior.  Make a big ‘lemonade’ each morning.  In a large glass of ice water squeeze two limes and a tablespoon of ACV.  After a week or so you should see dramatic changes.
  • Essential Oils –  I use oils daily for all sorts of reasons.  In this case lavender is very beneficial.  Lavender can be used topically or in a diffusor to calm and soothe.  I also recommend the Serenity blend by doTerra.  Consider switching out your beauty and cleaning products for natural oils. Start simple.  Ditch the beach and instead use white vinegar.  Leave some orange peels soaking in it for a few weeks.  Add lemon, orange or thieves oil and use that on floors and surfaces.
  • Probiotic – personally I’ve only used Garden of Life and doTerra’s.  I’ve also heard good things about Plexus.  For my family I didn’t notice any difference when we took probiotics, but we were already following a very healthy diet.  Look into them and see if it may be something that could work for you.

6) Fruits and Veggies – I cannot stress enough how important this is.  Kids NEED to be eating healthy food.  You can’t feed them junk and expect them to behave.  Switch out the fruit snacks and granola bars for fresh fruit and nuts.  This will improve brain function and attitude.  Smoothies are a life saver.  Keep fresh fruit sliced and diced and easily accessible.

Please try the above suggestions before deciding to medicate.  The side effects can be completely avoided and your child can still feel free to express his or her own personality.  These products can help your child feel in control but NOT like a zombie.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have in regards to these products or treatment.  If you have a natural product to add to this list, please let us know!  We have dedicated ourselves and our business to constantly learn how nature can heal us.

BajaHempCo #naturallyhealing

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STONED SCIENCE: INTERACTIONS BETWEEN THC AND CBD

High Times Magazine is a wealth of information on medical marijuana and CBD.

BJ Schmidt wrote an interesting article on the effects of THC and CBD together. How CBD can take the edge of paranoia and anxiety away from using THC as medication. This is great news for people that want the benefit of THC medicinally but do not want the effects of the “high” that goes along with it.

Read the full article here

 

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Study Shows Nearly half of CBD users stop taking traditional meds!!!

Great article by Maureen Meehan – she wrote in High Times Magazine the following ……

Summarizing what Maureen had to say is that in a survey of over 150,000 members, with 55% of users are women while the men preferred the THC tinctures, that a growing number of patients are finding more relief from CBD products than traditional  Pharma meds!!   Read the entire article here

 

More and more people are finding relief from pain, anxiety, stress, memory, depression and cancers etc from CBD – Keep spreading the word people – It’s growing in popularity and the most important point is that it is working!!  I love plants!!

Baja Hemp Co #naturallyhealing

Meagan & Roxanne

 

 

 

 

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CBD & Parkinson’s

Evidence suggests that cannabis could potentially slow the progression of Parkinson’s by providing neuroprotective effects. The cannabinoids found in cannabis are able to suppress the excitotoxicity, glial activation and oxidative injury that cause the degeneration of the dopamine-releasing neurons. In addition, they improve the function of cell’s mitochondria and activation of cellular debris clearance, further encouraging neuron health 6,7,9,16.

Researchers have found evidence that one specific cannabinoid found in cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), helps with  the treatment of Parkinson’s disease by assisting in the prevention of damage caused by free radicals and activating a receptor that encourages the formation of new mitochondria16.

Another major cannabinoid found in cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD), has also demonstrated its ability to support the health of neural cells mitochondria, causing the researchers to conclude that CBD should be considered as a potential therapeutic option in neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s because of its neuroprotective properties3,4.

Studies have also shown that cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system’s cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, to modulate the release of dopamine.13

Research also shows that cannabis can help patients with Parkinson’s disease manage their symptoms. One study observed that after smoking cannabis, Parkinson’s disease patients saw significant improvements in motor disability and impairments, tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, sleep, and pain 8. Additional studies have confirmed cannabis’ ability to reduce bradykinesia and tremors6,7. Most recently, a clinical trial found that cannabis significantly reduced pain and motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease patients after 30 minutes11.

Significant improvements in well-being and quality of life scores were found in Parkinson’s disease patients that were given daily doses of CBD for one week1. One case study found that patients treated with CBD, though they didn’t see significant improvements in motor measures or general symptoms, experienced prompt and substantial reductions in the frequency of REM sleep behavior disorder events1. In one survey, despite only 4.3% of Parkinson’s disease patients responding that they used cannabis to treat their symptoms, it was ranked it as the most effective treatment option out of vitamins, prayer, massage, art therapy, music therapy and relaxation5. An anonymous questionnaire sent to patients with Parkinson’s disease found that 25 percent of 339 respondent’s had taken cannabis, with 45.9 percent of those reporting some type of benefit 14.

In addition, CBD may help with those Parkinson’s’ disease patients experiencing psychosis. Four weeks of CBD caused Parkinson’s disease patients with psychosis to experience a significant decrease in psychotic symptoms as evaluated by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Parkinson Psychosis Questionnaire17.

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Baja Hemp Co #naturallyhealing

Roxanne & Meagan

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Why Are Cannabinoid Receptors Important?

Cannabinoid receptors play a vital role in our bodies; several vital roles, in fact. While the government likes to tell us that “stimulating our receptors” is bad for us, the truth is exactly the opposite. Let’s take a look at their history and why these receptors are so important.

By

Check out full article here 

 

 

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CBD & Anxiety

Recent studies have confirmed that CBD can improve anxiety and stress in most individuals.  It has been studied in relation to:

  • Panic disorder
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Social phobia
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
  • Mild to moderate depression

 

5-HT1A agonist: 5-HT1A is a subtype of the serotonin receptor, which is important because anxiety and depression can sometimes be treated with medications that target the serotonin system. This is why drug companies developed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac and Zoloft. SSRIs work by blocking reabsorption of serotonin in the brain, which increases the availability of serotonin in the synaptic space. This helps brain cells transmit more serotonin signals, which can reduce anxiety and boost mood in certain cases (although the full biological basis for this is more complicated and not fully understood).

Similar to SSRIs, CBD may boost signaling through serotonin receptors. In an animal study, Spanish researchers found that CBD enhances 5-HT1A transmission and may affect serotonin faster than SSRIs. Researchers noted:

“The fast onset of antidepressant action of CBD and the simultaneous anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effect would solve some of the main limitations of current antidepressant therapies.”

 

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Baja Hemp Co #naturallyhealing

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Studies on Alzheimer’s & CBD

Alzheimer’ s  disease is very frightening and alarming, however,  new research is hopeful. And trials have begun for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease involving CBD and the body’s receptors.

Scientists believe that there is increasing evidence that the endocannabinoid system may be regulating the neurodegenerative processes.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are age-related dementia associated with impairments in learning and memory accompanied by neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration. 

Over the past few years, there has been a growing interest in the therapeutic potential of medications that target the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

Every day we are finding out more about the disease and how to prevent it, and possibly change the outcome. More research is becoming available with the research of CBD and this insidious disease.

Currently, this website is for informational purposes only. Please contact us directly at bajahempco@gmail.com for ordering, as our site is not completely up and running at this time Do not use Paypal. Please remember prices vary by Country and State. and do not include shipping.