As we prepare for the daylight savings shift and the slow emergence into spring, one thing is for sure: colds and flus abound. It always seems that there are little spikes in sickness as we transition between seasons. Maybe it’s the weather, maybe it’s the blooming flowers, or maybe it’s the stress of what’s ahead (stress, in fact, is a MAJOR contributor to sickness). Either way, there is no time like the present to make sure your immune system is at its best. That’s why we’re going to talk about how to support your immune system with hemp!
We continually hear questions about hemp and what effect it has on our immune system. We’ll discuss the important role that our endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays with regards to immune system function, and how plant-based cannabinoids like those found in whole-flower hemp support optimal function of our ECS and immune system. We believe that hemp can support your immune system so that it is running at its best, helping you stay healthy!
ECS and Immune System Communication
Our ECS communicates with receptors in every system in our body, and plays a role in numerous daily functions. Perhaps the two most important systems with which the ECS interacts are the nervous system and the immune system. Of course, these two systems also have a very intricate relationship, as the immune and nervous systems work in concert to regulate important functions like body temperature, sleep, and feeding behavior. So, every day, these three systems are continually communicating to maintain health and homeostasis.
In short, our immune system is unimaginably complex. It is continually monitoring the onslaught of foreign substances we contact, from the food we eat and the water we drink to the air we breathe and anything that is contained therein. While I won’t go into great detail here, suffice to say that the number of immune-related cells and their various functions is frankly mind-boggling.
The interplay between cannabinoids (both in our body and from plants), our ECS, and our immune system is well-documented. Particular attention is being paid to inflammation, a key immune response that, when not kept in check, can lead to many conditions. As we continue to learn more, researchers postulate that endocannabinoids (the cannabinoids we produce in our body) play a pivotal role in the “fine-tuning” of our immune system.
Support a Healthy Immune System with Hemp
There are lots of natural remedies that come to mind when you think of supporting your immune system: echinacea, vitamin C, zinc, elderberry, fire cider. All of these are well-known and researched remedies to help us fight off the bad stuff.
We believe that hemp deserves to be on that list as well!
Cannabinoids found in hemp flower help our own endocannabinoids function more effectively and for longer periods of time, and may also help our immune system stay alert. Hemp cannabinoids also help the production of important immune cells and regulate complex immune system pathways, from inflammation to allergic responses. In essence, hemp cannabinoids support a well-functioning ECS. And a healthy ECS is essential for a strong immune system.
Of course, don’t forget about all the other important behaviors that help reduce your risk of exposure to foreign antigens. Wash your hands thoroughly and often, drink plenty of water, get frequent moderate exercise, and if you don’t feel well, stay home and rest. Give your body the time and energy it needs to fight off viruses and infections, so you can return to well-being.
Reducing your risk of exposure is very important, but we also know that life goes on and we can’t stay locked indoors. So make sure your body is ready! Support your immune and endocannabinoid systems with healthy behaviors and natural remedies, like those found in whole flower hemp.
So the next time you reach for a cup of echinacea tea or a shot of fire cider, add some Danodan and keep your body happy and healthy!
Resources:
- Steinman L. Elaborate interactions between the immune and nervous systems. Nat Immunol. 2004;5(6):575-81.
- Cabral GA, Ferreira GA, Jamerson MJ. Endocannabinoids and the Immune System in Health and Disease. Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2015;231:185-211.
- Acharya N, Penukonda S, Shcheglova T, Hagymasi AT, Basu S, Srivastava PK. Endocannabinoid system acts as a regulator of immune homeostasis in the gut. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2017;114(19):5005-5010.
This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
