So what is the big deal with phytocannabinoids (ie: HEMP)?
To understand this, we must first talk about the Endocannabinoid system or ECS. 
Our ECS has only recently been discovered, yet it is millions of years old and serves as the telecommunications network for the entire body. The ECS enables the brain and central nervous system to fine tune or balance tissue activity, a process called homeostasis. As you know, anyone interested in Natural Health is always striving to regain (and maintain) balance – or homeostasis – in order to reach optimum health.
Our ECS serves as the center of the wheel that keeps all the other systems working properly. The system includes molecules that act as messengers, called CANNABINOIDS. The cannainoids are released from cells and travel to other cells , telling them to increase or decrease their activity. They must, however, attach to receptors on those other cells in order to deliver the instructions.
There are two categories of natural cannabinoids: Endocannabinoids and Phytocannabinoids.
Endocannabinoids are naturally found in our cell membranes, but they must be liberated from the membranes (by enzymes) in order to travel to other cells and do their job.
Phytocannabinoids are made by plants and we get them by eating them. Clove, rosemary, oregano, carrot and flax all contain phytocannabinoids, but by far, the greatest concentration is in HEMP (Cannabis sativa). 
A healthy ECS properly regulates; stress, memory, mood, inflammation, energy, sleep, metabolism, appetite, pain response, immune function, nerve signaling and muscle control.
Unhealthy lifestyles, environmental factors and aging, all can result in an unhealthy ECS, resulting in decreased production of endocannabinoids. We begin to produce fewer of the enzymes that liberate endocannabinoids so they begin to lose sensitivity and don’t respond well.
This is where supplementation of phytocannabinoids can be very beneficial! Hemp phytocannabinoids in particular can help improve ECS function. A few of the ways they work are: Improve the natural release of endocannabinoids our cells make; directly adhere to endocannabinoid receptors in our tissues, increase the amount of functional cannabinoids in the body and promote endocannabinoid receptor sensitivity and function.
The biggest challenge is what supplement do we choose? There are hundreds of products on the market – all claiming to be the best! Sifting through them can be a challenge because there are several factors to consider. Namely quality, purity and extraction process.
Want to learn more about ECS, Phytocannabinoids and how to find the best supplement for you? Join us for our informal “Tea and Chat”, Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at 9:00 am. Seating is limited, so please RSVP by June 19th at 352-243-3588. Class will be held at Clermont Wellness Center, 624 West Highway 50, Clermont, Fl 34711.
If you miss this meeting, please stop by the shop during normal business hours and we will be glad to help you!
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