There are common herbs that work well for many different ailments or discomforts, but did you know that there are some that work really well with cannabis? Let’s take a look at my top five, that are highly recommended for use in tinctures, salves, and tea brews.
Cannabis and Lavender
It is common knowledge that lavender is a relaxing herb, but did you know how well it works with an indica? Besides the fact that they both have a pleasant scent and are great in aromatherapy and massages, lavender and
cannabis have something else in common; they are both abundant in the
terpene linalool. A terpene is a fancy word for an aroma molecule. When combined with THC, linalool has potential as a muscle relaxant. It’s amazing that it would magnify the potency of lavender, right?
When combined with CBD, linalool heightens the cannabinoid’s anticonvulsant properties. On its own, linalool has anti-inflammatory properties. So that means that they both also reduce sensitivity to pain.
Nice!
If you’re making a cannabis topical, adding in a little lavender oil may boost the relaxing and pain reducing qualities of the herb. You can also add lavender to edibles or cannabis tea to get the maximum benefits of both herbs.
And who doesn’t love some raw cannabis lavender chocolate…
Cannabis and Rosemary
Did you know that rosemary, cannabis, and black pepper all contain a terpene called beta-caryophyllene (BCP)? Recent research has found that
this terpene interacts with cannabinoid receptors, which is why some of the
heavy duty players in the CBD world are using black pepper to make CBD
more readily available to the system. When this specific binder is added to a cell receptor called the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), it magically helps regulate immune function and inflammation.
There is specific evidence that BCP can relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety. We all know how good rosemary is for mood regulation, stress, blood flow and memory. Can you image the potency when you combine the two? Maybe try adding plenty of rosemary and black pepper to your infused goodies. It’s a great way to amplify the therapeutic effects of all three herbs.
Cannabis and Holy Basil
The plant tulsi, commonly known as holy basil, is another stress-reliever.
You can make a simple extract of this herb by cooking it in oil, as you would when making cannabis oil. This can be applied topically for pain. For a yummy salve try avocado oil as the base.
The combination of cannabis, specifically one with high amounts of THCa, and holy basil have been shown to help with anxiety and stress-reduction.
Holy basil has also been found to reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels. We could all benefit from creating a self care regimen focused on stress relief!
Cannabis and Echinacea
Another amazing herb, Echinacea, contains compounds that are similar to CBD. These compounds are called N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) and interact with the enzyme which breaks down endocannabinoids in the body. Certain N-alkylamides in Echinacea also engage the CB2 receptor. These are cannabimimetic compounds, meaning that these compounds are like cannabinoids and engage the endocannabinoid system.
Echinacea is often used for the common cold to boost the immune system and we now know that cannabis does the same. Boosting your immune system helps to fend off infection. Echinacea is also thought to reduce inflammation and act as an antioxidant. The herb may have pain-relieving effects as well. Combining it with a nice indica based CBD could do wonders, especially as a tincture.
While it’s best to consult a healthcare professional before consuming high quantities of any medicinal herb, incorporating more plants into your life is a wonderful way to promote health.
Cannabis and Black Cohosh
This one is for all of the menopausal ladies out there. Thank goodness cannabis has the potential to ease mood swings and hot flashes during
menopause, so does black cohosh. This herb is known to promote balance in the endocrine system, which regulates hormones, and is ideal for women seeking a natural solution. Black cohosh contains a phytoestrogen, which is thought to naturally replace some of what is lost during menopause. You can find it commonly used as an extract, which you can drop under your tongue or mix into a drink.
While it’s best to consult a healthcare professional before consuming high quantities of any medicinal herb, incorporating more plants into your life is a wonderful way to promote health.
Enjoy! Until next time…
Go forth, Go Cannabis…
Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, CNHP
Nutritionist, Cannabis Therapy Consultant, Holistic Health Naturopath
For more info on Dr. Hernandez check out DrPepperHernandez.com
All information in this article is for educational purposes only.
Please check with your Educated Primary Health Care Physician, Raw Food Nutritionist
or Holistic Care Provider before beginning any new diet or lifestyle change.
Lavender raises estrogen.