The Entourage Effect Explained Fast
Full Spectrum CBD products have been launched into the mainstream. In recent years people have begun to experience the many health benefits derived from them. You’ve probably heard terms like terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids and their connection to the cbd “entourage effect.” But what exactly does is it all mean?
Background
In 1998, a couple of Israeli scientists first used the phrase “entourage effect,” when they were studying the benefits of the hemp plant. Their findings revealed that using the full spectrum of chemicals from the plant versus an extracted compound was more effective.
Think of it as being similar to the way herbalists and ancient medicinal practices. The Chinese and Ayurveda healing arts use the entire plant rather than simply a small portion. In alternative medicine, it is referred to it as whole-plant medicine and the method has been used for millennia.
In fact, as research continues to progress in this area, the evidence is clear that Full Spectrum is more effective than the use of isolated chemicals.
The Power of the Entourage Effect
The hemp plant contains more than 100 natural therapeutic compounds that include cannabinoids, terpenes, fatty acids, and flavonoids. These various components work synergistically together to produce many of the therapeutic effects of CBD. Hence full spectrum CBD is much more powerful than isolate CBD.
As these compounds work in tandem with one another, the body’s natural endocannabinoid system (ECS) responds in a positive manner.
Here’s how:
- Cannabinoids: Trigger the body’s ECS system and help promote beneficial functional effects within the body.
- Flavonoids: Produce the plants colors and contain natural antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
- Terpenes: Oils of the cannabis plants that dictate the various fragrances, which enhance the entourage effect by triggering the olfactory senses. Working in the same way as aromatherapy, these scents can promote feelings ranging from calmness, elation, alertness, and so on.
- Fatty Acids: These lipids support healthy cells.
The complex ECS system has receptors throughout the entire body. Receptors are found in the cells, tissues, organs, and nervous system. Essentially, it helps keep the body in balance, through the natural production of endogenous cannabinoids.
When the ECS system is performing optimally, it helps to regulate many internal functions including the ability to learn, memory retention, sleep, mood, appetite, cardiovascular function, hormonal balance, and more. However, the cannabinoids found in Full Spectrum CBD mimic those naturally produced and have been shown to support the ECS functions, which we refer to as the “entourage effect.”
