By Jonathan Evans
Herbal Information Specialist for the Herbarium
Happy Holidays to all! Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Pagan and anyone else I have missed. I have not forgotten the vitamin series. The last installment will come soon, I promise.
CBD oil’s growing acceptance
Recently Prime’s sister publication, The Reminder, did an article featuring The Herbarium addressing CBD oil and its uses. I have to say, the response to this article was astounding! Not only are many people interested in CBD, but a goodly number of customers have also told us that their doctors have suggested it. And not just for younger people, either. We really have come a long way, baby!
For those of you who are not familiar with the subject: CBD is shorthand for cannabidiol, one of about
80 different cannabinoids found in cannabis, or marijuana. Of those 80-plus cannabinoids, only one, THC, is psychoactive. The remainder of them have no intoxicating effect, but have been found to aid in many conditions – from opioid withdrawal, seizures, inflammation, anxiety, pain relief, nausea and vomiting – plus anticancer activity to name a few. CBD oil is legal to sell and does not require a medical marijuana card to purchase.
Be a wary CBD consumer
However, there are also other compounds found in the cannabis plant that have other benefits, called terpenes. A terpene, more specifically a monoterpene, is a hydrocarbon molecule (C10H16) found in the essential oils of plants. This is as far as I am going in the chemistry.
I bring this up to explain and warn people when they are searching for CBD oil. My wife, Kathleen Duffy, has taught essential oil chemistry for more than 20 years. I had done some online research pertaining to terpenes and showed her my information. She informed me, “It’s wrong.” After proper chastisement, she went on to give me a crash course in chemistry and pointed out where the many mistakes were online:
Some of the sites she visited had glaring errors in their information. The misuse of terms, misidentification of terpenes, terpenoids, alcohols, ethers, ketones, and the list went on and on. Diagrams were mislabeled. It was shocking! It appears that someone may have done some research, but did not understand what they were looking at, or had no chemistry background.
The truly frightening thing was some sites that claim they are selling true terpenes are selling the wrong stuff (not even terpenes) and some of these products are being used as flavoring agents, and could cause serious harm.
I was upset with the Cannabis Control Commission for taking so long to open up retail shops (again, The Herbarium will not be selling recreational marijuana, I just want to see some of the tax money) but after looking at the incorrect information on the Internet, and seeing some of the products people have bought, I am glad they are making sure everything is tested. Edibles are the items that concern me most, especially the flavoring agents. I have found several products that were highly touted, even by Boston news reports that do not even tell you what is in the bottle. No CBD strength, mislabeling as hemp extract oil (There is no such thing) and don’t even get me started on the pricing of some of this stuff.
Do your own research on CBD
If you are so inclined I can suggest searching out the Tisserand Institute or Rob Pappas for safe and intelligent information on the chemistry of the plants. Robert Tisserand and Pappas are recognized for their research and information. We have Tisserand’s books on essential oil chemistry and safety here at The Herbarium.
Prepare for cold & flu season
Lastly, this is the season for colds and flus. Whether you are getting a flu shot or not, it is best to increase your chances of avoiding illness.
The Creator has blessed us with an extraordinary number of plants that can keep us healthy and our immune systems functioning at peak performance.
Vitamin C is one of the most widely used items for colds. When combined with elderberry syrup or tincture, it packs a one-two punch to knock out flu virus. Elderberry contains compounds that dissolve the virus’s protein spike, and vitamin C strengthens the cell walls making it very difficult for the virus to penetrate your cell and pump in its own DNA. Echinacea is an immune system modulator, meaning it will help adjust your system. If your immune system is run down, the Echinacea will help get it back up to speed. If it is overactive, Echinacea can help to bring it back into line.
Astragalus is another immune booster. Many people will add Astragalus root to their soups and stews. Mushrooms, such as Chaga, Reishi, Shitake and Maitake can really help protect you in the cold and flu
season. Medicinal mushrooms pack more healing power pound for pound than most other foods. Garlic is well known for its many benefits. Ginger, goldenseal, white willow bark, colloidal silver and in the holiday spirit, Myrrh, are some of the many natural substances that will help you through the season.
Stay healthy and we will talk again in the New Year!
— Jonathan
Send questions on botanical remedies to: Natures Rx: Jonathan Evans at herbarium258@gmail.com, or by regular mail to: The Herbarium, 264 Exchange St., Chicopee, MA 01013. If requesting additional info, include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
