CBD is all the rage. 

If you are already using CBD, then you probably know why.  But did you know there is a very simple way to make your CBD oil even MORE effective?

Depending on the type of CBD you are using, you may be missing out on something CRITICAL.

In this blog post, you will learn WHY CBD is so beneficial, a little more about the types of CBD available  (it’s important you know the difference), and HOW to experience a more robust and purposeful CBD oil.

I'm NOT a doctor of any kind, nor am I a scientist  I am not prescribing or advising in any professional capacity.  After reading this, I strongly encourage you to continue to read and research for yourself.  All of this information is readily available on the web.

 I’m going to give you a crash course on some things I have been learning about the Endocannabinoid System and talk about the different types of CBD available on the market.

The Endocannabinoid System

The Endocannabinoid SystemT is a biological system composed of endocannabinoids, which are endogenous lipid-based retrograde neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors (CB1 & CB2) and cannabinoid receptor proteins that are expressed throughout the vertebrate central nervous system (including the brain) and peripheral nervous system. Whoa. That’s a lot of big words! Ha!    I'm not very science savvy but it is fascinating to learn what scientist are continuing to discover about how God has created our bodies and the way they function!

In layman's terms, which is what I need, the ECS is linked to your central nervous and peripheral nervous system to help the body maintain homeostasis.

In a general sense, homeostasis refers to stability or balance in a system.  It is the body's attempt to maintain a constant internal environment.  Maintaining a stable internal environment requires constant monitoring and adjustments as conditions change.

If the body gets out of homeostasis, the ECS sends out natural endocannabinoids and enzymes to regulate the body and bring it back into homeostasis. For example: 

• When you get too hot, your ECS kicks into gear and you start to sweat to bring your body temperature down. 
• If you get too cold, you shiver.
• When you get hungry, your stomach growls.
• When you get tired, you yawn. 

CBD primarily interacts with the ECS making it a highly effective supplement for our body's wellness!

                        Take a second to think about your body's homeostasis.                                                      Do you feel like your body tells you what it needs and adjusts accordingly? 

THC vs. CBD

Now that you know what the ECS does, let’s take a look at the difference between THC and CBD in regards to the cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. 

CB1 receptors are in the central nervous system (brain and nerves of the spinal cord). 

CB2 receptors are found all over the body in the peripheral nervous system (nerves in your extremities), the digestive system, and specialized cells in the immune system.

THC acts on CB1 and CB2. When they attach to CB1 in the brain, it causes the intoxicating effects that are experienced when people use hashish, cannabis, and marijuana. It also affects the peripheral nervous system when it attaches to CB2, which is why some people smoke marijuana to feel calmer or to decrease pain. It’s also why cancer patients receiving chemotherapy are prescribed medical marijuana; the effects on the digestive system help prevent nausea. 

It is important to note that exposure to THC does have its risks, such as developing schizophrenia, failure of a drug test, or participation of illegal activity (based on your state’s legal position on the topic).  Some people are genetically more sensitive to THC as well. 

CBD does not bind directly to either of these receptors but instead impacts them indirectly by modifying the receptors' ability to bind to cannabinoids. These indirect actions include activating another receptor called TRPV1 which is an intrical part in the endocannabinoid system.

If you want a CBD isolate, that does NOT have THC - then Nature’s Ultra through Young Living is one heck of a product and I highly recommend it for some more reasons I am about to cover! 

                                That was pretty science-heavy but chock-full of information.                                                                            What did you take away from it?

While full-spectrum CBD can be more effective due to the combination of CBD, THC, and terpenes, it is harder to regulate the exact composition of the cannabinoid profile, depending on the strain and classification used for extraction.  

Also, since this product contains THC compounds, although less than .3% per law, if you are overly sensitive to THC or want to avoid THC all together, then you will want to avoid a full-spectrum CBD.  Full-spectrum is not recommended for pregnant or nursing moms. 

Fortunately, there is an even better option! 

A CBD isolate is made by taking a full-spectrum product and then using supercritical CO2 extraction to break it down into JUST CBD. Since the only component is CBD, you know exactly what is in it.

There is 0% THC in a CBD isolate. This can be beneficial if you are extra sensitive to THC or any other compounds found in a full-spectrum product. This is a safer option for nursing and pregnant moms and the only type I will personally use.

CBD Isoloate . . . the answer?

Why are terpenes such a big deal? Terpenes give plants their aroma. The fragrant imprint of each plant is a result of different combinations of terpenes. 

Cannabis is unique in that each strain has a unique profile of terpenes. Terpenes are believed to have many positive effects on the body. These properties can act independently as well as in addition to what cannabinoids offer. 

There are several known and studied terpenes that all exhibit different medicinal effects. Overall, terpenes contribute to the medicinal properties of cannabis - a phenomenon known as the “Entourage Effect.” Think of a team of players versus a single player; the team is the entourage effect of terpenes + Cannabinoids.

But we just removed the Terpenes to get the CBD isolate. So . . . how do we get those Terpenes back? 

The answer . . . essential oils!

We can add essential oils to the CBD to create a synergistic effect and thereby increase the benefits of CBD isolate!  Nature’s Ultra has done just that! They have combined organic CBD isolate and terpenes to create an amazing SMART Spectrum CBD product!

Essential oils contain a variety of different terpenes, which means they can have a variety of benefits. 

For example, Vetiver and Frankincense are often used for calming and grounding. Lemon and Peppermint are known to be very uplifting. Wintergreen and Ginger are known to be physically soothing to the muscles and the stomach, respectively.

In a nutshell, by adding the terpenes found in essential oils to a pure CBD isolate, you are increasing the overall efficacy of the product. That means that a SMART SPECTRUM product gives you a broader, more robust, purposeful terpene profile than CBD alone, meaning more benefits for you!  Plus its backed by the same Seed to Seal quality commitment that backs all the Young Living oils and products!   It’s a CBD oil you can trust.

 *SMART SPECTRUM is a term trademarked by Nature’s Ultra. Nature’s Ultra is the first to combine and sell their CBD isolate infused with Young Living essential oils.  If you don't use Nature's Ultra - OR if you want to further enhance it's benefits - you can pair CBD with essential oils.

                                    Think about why you are using your CBD oil.                                                                    Which oils would be the most beneficial to pair with your CBD oil? 

All the essential oils mentioned in the chart above come in the Essential Oils Premium Starter Kit… that is the BEST way to start. There is also a CBD Starter Kit.  As you can see, there are plenty of ways you can begin implementing them in your life and of course, alongside your CBD.

My personal favorite from Nature's Ultra is the CBD Joint & Muscle Balm.    I keep it by my bed and use it almost nightly on my neck.  It is infused with the following essential oils:  camphor, clove, helichrysum, lemon, peppermint, tea tree, wintergreen, and more and has 0% THC. Another Nature's Ultra bedside favorite is the Calm CBD Roll On which is infused with eucalyptus, frankincense, lavender, orange, vetiver, and ylang ylang - #goodnight'sleep!  Both of these come in the CBD Starter Kit along with CBD Citrus Oil.

The starter kits come with a Young Living membership, which gives you access to the wholesale pricing of Nature's Ultra CBD!

Premium Starter Kit with Diffuser - $165

And the best part? The Premium Starter Kit is heavily discounted - you’re only paying around $9 an oil…that’s a deal!  I recommend signing up for  Essential Rewards as you begin using essential oils because you get product credit with each order and can qualify for free monthly promos with your monthly customized box!   I signed up in my first month because there were so many oils I began using in my daily routine.

OR ...  you might like the

CBD Premium Starter Kit - Standard -$165                                               (New member discounted pricing)             

Get Your Starter Kit HERE

Hope that was helpful and wasn't information overload !    I'm so thankful for the quality product of Nature's Ultra and the enhancement of pure essentials oils and I like to share about the products that I'm finding beneficial.  If you want to sample products or learn more about using essential oils in your daily routine - feel free to email, text, or call. Please leave a message if you call since I may not answer if I don't recognize your number.  #TooManyTelemarketerCalls!  

I'm here to help in your wellness journey if I can!  Blessings!