Going Beyond CBD: Exploring the Body's Endocannabinoid System
One of the most important medical achievements in recent history has been the discovery of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) - an intricate network of a cannabinoid receptors and signaling molecules (endocannabinoids) found in the brain, immune system and all organs throughout the entire body. From a global perspective, the ECS is focused on maintaining overall health, balance and wellbeing (homeostasis) and may be viewed as a master adaptogenic system that is involved in every physiological function in the body. Research has demonstrated the ECS is intimately involved throughout the entire body. While our bodies naturally produce internal cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) that influence the cannabinoid receptors, challenges may occur so nutritional and supplemental cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids) may prove to support balance within the ECS. While the focus has been on CBD (cannabidiol), it is only one of over a hundred important hemp based cannabinoids that may help maintain a healthy ECS. If we have learned anything from botanical medicine the focus of one of many compounds found in plants is myopic. We know that the entourage of all of the plants components give rise to the its scientific benefits no different with hemp based phytocannabinoids!
