If you are researching cannabidiol, also known as CBD, you may come across the word “phytocannabinoids”. Known for being the active ingredient in cannabis, the term is found on product packaging — but many remain unaware of it’s actual purpose. So, what are phytocannabinoids, and what is phytocannaboid function in the body?
What is a Phytocannabinoid?
There are two main categories of cannabinoids: endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are made by mammals, while phytocannabinoids are produced by plants. Our bodies produce endocannabinoids naturally – they help regulate a variety of body functions. When phytocannabinoids are introduced, those functions can be assisted – increasing the benefits.
What is a phytocannabinoid specifically? It’s any cannabinoid produced by a plant (most commonly the hemp or marijuana plant). In the case of the hemp plant, these are extracted from the plant and processed to create non-psychoactive CBD products. Researchers have also found over 100 other phytocannabinoids beyond CBD and THC.
Extracting Phytocannabinoids from Hemp
When creating cannabis products like CBD, the process begins with extracting those phytocannabinoids from the hemp plant. The hemp’s trichomes are covered in cannabinoids, which are used to maintain homeostasis. The hemp plant uses cannabinoids to protect itself from outside threats – such as insects or intense weather conditions.
Many plants contain some sort of phytocannabinoid, but hemp-derived phytocannabinoids have been shown to have significant medicinal and therapeutic effects. Once the plant has matured, hemp biomass is harvested and sent through a winterization and remediation process to become CBD products.
How Cannabinoids Become CBD Products
When harvested, the hemp biomass is shredded. Phytocannabinoids are then extracted from the plant trichomes and sent through a crude distillation process. This removes the cannabinoids from the other waxes, lipids, and plant material. The remaining compounds are refined to create a full-spectrum cannabidiol. Full spectrum CBD still contains some plant compounds and may contain extremely small amounts of THC. It is often consumed as an oil. In addition to the CBD, there are often other compounds known as terpenes. These are added notes that may affect the taste or smell of a CBD oil. They also may amplify effects of some CBD benefits (for example, adding lavender to a sleep-enhancing CBD).
If further refined, the CBD is sent through a remediation and isolation process – bringing the hemp to a single cannabinoid, creating an isolate or broad-spectrum CBD. This is often sold as a powder, allowing for easy dosage and consumption. It is a highly pure CBD or crystalline powder – which can increase cannabidiol’s efficiency in the body. That powder can then be easily dosed and added into drinks, oils, and other consumables.
What is Phytocannabinoid Interaction in the Body
What is Phytocannabinoid Interaction in the BodyWhat is phytocannabinoid interaction with the body? The human body has an entire endocannabinoid system (ECS). It has receptors throughout the bloodstream, brain, spine, skin, and more. When ingesting cannabis, the compounds interact with the endocannabinoid system. This system helps mammals maintain homeostasis, affecting energy, mood, stress, and appetite. Endocannabinoids act as messengers to different areas in the body.
This is an essential function for survival. Endocannabinoids regulate these processes automatically, but ingesting plant-derived cannabinoids can help improve the results of system processes. That means phytocannabinoids found in CBD can help maintain homeostasis and stability within the body.
How Those Interactions Get Results
Results from those processes come into play when the cannabinoids bind with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body. The CB1 receptors mostly connect to the central nervous system, while the CB2 receptors are found in the peripheral nervous system and immune cells. The receptors are located throughout the body and interact in cannabinoids (endocannabinoids naturally or phytocannabinoids when ingested) to assist in treating issues or instabilities.
When ingested, phytocannabinoids can have a therapeutic or psychotropic effect. If an individual experiences pain or irregularity within the body, the ECS may send endocannabinoids to the source to regulate it. They interact to reduce inflammation in a particular body part or stabilize it. The results are dependent upon the location of the receptor and what type of cannabinoid is binding to it.
Benefits of Phytocannabinoids
What are phytocannabinoids’ benefits? Phytocannabinoids are used to create CBD products known for having many health benefits. CBD has been shown to help with mood, often decreasing stress and anxiety for those who use it. It is used to treat conditions like epilepsy, chromes disease, insomnia, and many other conditions.
Physically, it reduces inflammation in the body, easing pain in areas affected. Many people who suffer from chronic pain have touted the benefits of CBD. It can help with muscle aches in athletes or injured individuals. Some studies show that CBD can help treat addiction – other studies indicate CBD can even treat cancer symptoms and stimulate appetite.
Incorporating CBD into Your Routine
Reaping the benefits of phytocannabinoids is easy. With access to CBD, it can be easily measured and administered for results. There are plenty of other ways to introduce CBD into your routine, with incredible edibles, topicals, and other products on the market. If you’re looking for a convenient way to incorporate CBD into your routine, try HenepHealth’s CBD stix – which can be added to any beverage, making it a CBD-filled wellness drink.
When consumed, the phytocannabinoids in these products can begin working with your body to decrease pain, anxiety, and other ailments. Certain types of CBD work better for specific symptoms. It can be taken regularly or as symptoms appear. Choosing the right CBD for your needs requires a little research; learn more about hemp powder and what hemp powder is used for.
Where to Buy CBD with Phytocannabinoids
Buying CBD has never been so easy. With access to CBD online stores, phytocannabinoid-filled products can be delivered right to your home. The best way to see the results of phytocannabinoids is to try out high-quality, organic CBD products. Keep in mind that not all CBD is created equal – it’s important to ensure your CBD is third-party tested for safety and quality.
Henep Health’s process of creating CBD powder provides optimal surface area, containing hemp droplets under 100 nanometers. This process enhances bioavailability and allows cannabinoids to be absorbed up to 60% more efficiently. This translates to more effective products and also makes dosing more accurate compared to other CBD products.
Interested in adding CBD to your routine? Shop the H&H Lab’s hemp product manufacturer’s online store.
