Buy Vegan Friendly Full-Spectrum Hemp Calm Oral Spray

by June 1, 2021

Terpenes are some of the most abundant compounds in plants and other living organisms. While many CBD or cannabis product users may be aware of the aromatic profiles that terpenes give to different hemp or cannabis strains, recent studies have begun to highlight the potential for numerous health benefits. In fact, research suggests that non-cannabis terpenes can actually enhance the effect of cannabinoids, in addition to providing their own effects supporting relief and recovery, a sense of calm or focus, a better night’s sleep or even an energy boost. 

Here, we’ll walk you through five benefits of terpenes, and some of the science behind them.

1. Soothes Inflammation and Pain

Some terpenes, such as eucalyptol, are widely effective at soothing inflammation. Found in the eucalyptus plant as well as tea tree, wormwood and sagebrush, eucalyptol has been shown to demonstrate powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in cell and animal models as well as in patients with chronic diseases. Other studies point to eucalyptol’s potential to relieve cold symptoms such as nasal congestion and headaches by decreasing mucus buildup and inflammation. Research also indicates that another terpene, humulene (which you can find in hops, sage, basil and other herbs), provides marked anti-inflammatory effects when taken by mouth or inhaled. You can find eucalyptol in our Relief Balm and humulene in both our Relief Nighttime Oral Spray and Calm Oral Spray. Healthcare professionals and wellness minded consumers are increasingly using terpene-rich CBD products.

2. Provides Relief From Itches, Rashes and Minor Aches

Terpenes can provide targeted relief that penetrates the skin and alleviates itches, rashes and minor aches. Our Relief Roll-On with Lidocaine can be applied directly to the skin throughout the day to soothe minor aches and pains or itching resulting from bug bites. It contains over a dozen terpenes, including alpha-pinene which has anti-inflammatory benefits, and d-limonene, which studies have shown reduces nitric oxide production (a signalling molecule in inflammatory pathways) and exhibits antioxidant activity that inhibits free radicals. The formulation also features beta-caryophyllene, found commonly in black pepper and cloves, which is a pungent terpene whose ability to bind to the CB2 receptor in your body’s endocannabinoid system has been studied for its calming, anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, it contains myrcene and has also been found to have anti inflammatory properties, making it a great addition to topical products

3. Calm Your Nerves

Terpenes such as limonene and pinene have been well studied for their calming effects. Found in oranges and citrus fruits, limonene is a potent agent in aromatherapy, and when ingested can help relax your nerves. In one study, rats that were given limonene experienced less anxiety during a high-stress maze sequence. Another study found that inhalation of limonene (from lemon oil) had anti-stress and antidepressant-like effects. Pinene, which is found in pine trees, Cannabis sativa and other plants, is also a potent calming terpene. A study on mice found that pinene, when inhaled over the course of several days, accumulated in several organs to keep its anti-stress properties constant during high-stress situations. Everyone can benefit from a calm and relaxed mood. Try the Gaard Labs Calm Oral Spray and benefit from this daily supplement.

4. Supports Focus and Energy

Terpenes such as pinene and limonene can have a significant impact on your focus and mood. In one double-blind, placebo-controlled study, an essential oil blend containing pinene, limonene and other terpenes was given in the form of capsules to a group of healthy adults, and researchers found that the blend markedly improved their focus and mood. When combined with CBD, which can help with nervousness, stress and other mood-related problems, these terpenes can amplify CBD’s effects for even greater focus and mood-supporting benefits. If you’re feeling unproductive or lethargic, try the Gaard Labs Focus Oral Spray.

5. Help You Sleep Better

Struggling to fall and stay asleep is unfortunately a problem for many people. Luckily, the terpene linalool, which is found in some hemp strains as well as lavender, has been well-studied for its ability to help you relax and sleep. Researchers in 2014 noted that its sedative properties are related to its ability to decrease activity in your sympathetic nervous system and, conversely, increase activity in your parasympathetic nervous system (Your SNS is responsible for the fight-or-flight response, whereas your PNS seeks to maintain balance in the body and oversees its “rest and digest” function). Another study observed that even inhaling linalool could decrease motor activity. Other terpenes that can help you relax include myrcene, which is the active sedating component of hops and lemongrass. Both linalool and myrcene are the primary terpenes of our Sleep Oral Spray, which is perfect for relaxing before bed and a good night rest.

Benefits of Gaard Labs Terpene-Rich Products – Keys and Locks

The Gaard Labs team brings a deep understanding of the cannabis plant to product development, creating safe, consistent and effective CBD products rooted in the latest science. Dr. Howard Rubin, Gaard Labs Chief Science Officer, was one of the first to grow, extract and manufacture medical cannabis products under state license in Nevada. Together with Dr. Jon Greenfield, he leads the five-person medical and scientific board.

In order to understand why Gaard Labs products are superior to others found on the market, it’s worthwhile to describe the “keys and locks” of cannabis products. Formulations can range from simple (i.e., less keys) to advanced (i.e., more keys). On the simplest level, CBD products are based on one key, a single CBD isolate. These products are easy to create and understand, given they are based on one primary molecule. Unfortunately, they tend to be less effective than products containing a more significant spectrum of compounds. Strain-specific formulations tend to have a broader cannabinoid and terpene profile, or more keys, native to the selected strain. These formulations tend to be more effective than single isolate-based formulations. However, their keys are smaller (lower concentrations) and more limited (less keys). That is to say that the presence of individual and aggregate terpenes in strain specific formulations are generally low. Plus, because the range and concentration of their compounds depend on nature, they tend to vary based on geography, weather and nutrition. 

Gaard Labs Terpene Rich CBD Products 

Gaard Labs starts with a premium full spectrum hemp extract (no more than 0.3% THC). But the real difference comes in when they add rich blends of purified terpene isolates. Each of their products gets a different blend to promote varying desired effects. The determination of which isolates get included into which blends is made based on a deep understanding of cannabis science, medicine and chemistry. 

On top of a 1000mg base of cannabinoid extract, their topical products contain up to 3500 mg of a wide variety of beneficial terpenes, whereas their oral sprays contain up to 300 mg of beneficial terpenes. Following our analogy above, the team at Gaard Labs uses more and bigger keys to unlock desired benefits. It is much easier said than done, which is why we don’t see this approach too often, yet. Their game-changing advanced formulation and manufacturing methodologies are clearly leading the CBD industry in safe and consistently effective consumer experiences with CBD product innovations.

To learn more, visit the Gaard Labs blog.

Sources:

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology – Eucalyptol and Its Role in Chronic Diseases

Healthline – 7 Impressive Benefits of Eucalyptus Leaves

The Derm Review – Bisabolol

HelloMD – Know Your Cannabis Terpenes: Camphene

Project CBD – CBD for Mood Disorders

Biomolecules – “Therapeutic Potential of α- and β-Pinene: A Miracle Gift of Nature

Physiology and Behavior – “β-Caryophyllene, a CB2 receptor agonist produces multiple behavioral changes relevant to anxiety and depression in mice

Flavour and Fragrance Journal – “Linalool: a review on a key odorant molecule with valuable biological properties

Natural Product Communications – “Linalool – A Review of a Biologically Active Compound of Commercial Importance” 

Nutraceuticals – “Cannabis sativa: an overview

Harvard Health Publishing – Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t

Scientific Reports – “Essential turmeric oils enhance anti-inflammatory efficacy of curcumin in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis

British Journal of Pharmacology – “Preventive and therapeutic anti-inflammatory properties of the sesquiterpene α-humulene in experimental airways allergic inflammation

Healthline – What Is Limonene? Everything You Need to Know

Iranian Journal of Microbiology – “Antiviral activity of monoterpenes beta-pinene and limonene against herpes simplex virus in vitro

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy Journal – “Mechanism of antifungal activity of terpenoid phenols resembles calcium stress and inhibition of the TOR pathway

Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior – Anxiolytic-like activity and GC-MS analysis of (R)-(+)-limonene fragrance, a natural compound found in foods and plants

Behavioural Brain Research – Lemon oil vapor causes an anti-stress effect via modulating the 5-HT and DA activities in mice

Phytotherapy Research – Daily inhalation of α-pinene in mice: effects on behavior and organ accumulation

Terpene-rich CBD products Consumer Needs To Know

by May 16, 2021

Cannabis consumers are increasingly becoming more sophisticated and knowledgeable about hemp-based cannabis.  They learn about plant’s components and potential effects of phytochemicals known as phytocannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes.  This article addresses the importance of terpene profiles in hemp cannabis products and what a consumer should look for when considering the purchase of such products.

Terpenes were first analyzed in the early 1800’s and found to be present in all plants.  Botanists found that terpenes were a major constituent of the plant’s essential oils responsible for its unique aroma.  The early research also found that some terpenes were responsible for the plant’s protective mechanisms involving defense against predators, bacteria, and viruses, while other terpenes attracted bees for pollination.

People don’t realize how frequently we are exposed to terpenes.  When you walk through a pine forest and take a deep breath, that smell and the feeling it elicits comes from terpenes.  When you are chopping basil, the aroma is from the terpenes that are being released.  These scents initiate a cascade of responses such as increased saliva, appetite stimulation, a sense of relaxation, and a feeling of well-being.

The cannabis industry and medical community continue to study the impact that terpenes have on human physiology, pathology, and its potential for therapeutics.  Currently, we know that each cannabis strain has different combinations and ratios of terpenes and cannabinoids.  These combinations and ratios of terpenes and cannabinoids can create a cascade of beneficial desired effects on how one feels.

In botanical medicine, specific herbs with distinct combinations of terpenes are known to correlate with certain healing benefits.  Data and information from thousands of studies on individually isolated terpenes and essential oils with terpene constituents have been cataloged since 1923.  While more scientific research is needed, the information and studies thus far have demonstrated many promising benefits.

Clinical studies are needed to complement the early research that has been conducted on how the interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes promote health by helping to remedy deficiencies of endocannabinoids (cannabinoids produced by our bodies).  An area of particular interest is how terpenes can play a role in pain management.  Early research has indicated a potential for anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving responses from terpenes.  Clearly, there is a need for more in-depth clinical studies on how terpenes influence phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids produced by plants or vegetation) that bind to various receptors in the endocannabinoid system affecting the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, the gut, and the immune system.  In addition to pain relief and anti-inflammatory responses, early research has demonstrated how specific terpenes and their interaction with cannabinoids show promise with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties among other health benefits.

What should a consumer look for when buying a hemp cannabis product that contains terpenes?  Knowing what is in your product is key to having a successful hemp cannabis product experience.  Things to look out for are whether companies are transparent about providing independent laboratory results regarding cannabinoid and terpene levels in the product.  Does the company provide information on the testing of their product for contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, microbes, or other toxins?  A responsible hemp cannabis company should furnish such information by either having a QR code that can be scanned on their box, or by posting test results on their website.

Terpenes are very volatile chemicals and depending on whether their extraction uses techniques involving heat and pressure, they may not survive the production process in their stable form. While some companies have begun adding terpenes to their products, most only use a few terpenes, and at volumes that are generally too low to provide a full beneficial experience.  More advanced companies have learned to create specific and repeatable profiles in their products.  Such products are more likely to give consumers the same desired effect with each product purchase.  Make sure the terpenes in your product are derived from natural sources, as synthetic terpenes have been shown to lack efficacy.  If you are looking to enhance your experience with hemp derived CBD products by using products enhanced with natural terpenes, following the above easy guidelines will result in a higher likelihood of achieving beneficial effects without unpleasant surprises.

Terpenes: Interactions and Effects With Cannabis

by May 13, 2021

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7181184/

When we think of cannabis, THC is one of the first words to pop into our heads. You might also know about CBD, or you may have read about some of the other major cannabinoids like CBC, CBG, and CBN. However, you may not have heard about other molecules in cannabis that give it a specific aroma and flavor. These important compounds are called terpenes. Terpenes are incredibly diverse, yet less of an understood and appreciated part of the cannabis plant, and in all plants in nature.

 

The idea that the therapeutic properties of major and minor cannabinoids like THCV and CBDV are enhanced by their interaction with each other ties into what Raphael Mechoulam famously dubbed “the entourage effect”.  Ethan Russo’s research leverages this theory by further contemplating how these major and minor cannabinoids interact with terpenes. If the terms Limonene, Myrcene, Pinene, Terpinol, and Linalool don’t mean much to you yet, don’t worry, you come across these compounds every day when you eat a piece of fruit, smell a flower, or walk through a pine forest.

 

This April 2020 study researched the impacts of cannabis, terpenes, their interaction and medicinal properties. The study was led by Elaine Goncalves out of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, who has published several studies on the subject. To find out the latest research into terpenes, cannabis, their relationship, and more, click here.

 

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