The Endocannabinoid System, Essiac Tea, and Full-Spectrum CBD: A Holistic Approach to Wellness

Understanding the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) – The Endocannabinoid System is a complex regulatory network that maintains the body’s internal balance, or homeostasis. It influences various physiological processes, including sensory perception, pain modulation, appetite, digestion, mood, memory, motor control, inflammation, immune response, reproductive health, temperature regulation, hormonal balance, bone density, ocular pressure, stress adaptation, sleep cycles, endocrine activity, neural development, and neuroprotection (Holistic Caring, n.d.).

The ECS comprises three primary components:

1. Endocannabinoids – Endogenous lipid-based neurotransmitters, such as anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), that bind to cannabinoid receptors to regulate various physiological functions.

2. Cannabinoid Receptors – G-protein-coupled receptors located throughout the body. The two primary types are:

• • CB1 Receptors: Predominantly found in the central nervous system, influencing functions like memory, cognition, motor activities, sleep, and pain perception.
  • CB2 Receptors: Mainly located in peripheral tissues and immune cells, playing a role in modulating inflammation and immune responses.

3. Enzymes – Proteins responsible for the synthesis and degradation of endocannabinoids, ensuring they are produced and broken down as needed to maintain homeostasis.

Research into the ECS has revealed that it interacts with compounds from various plants, not just cannabis or hemp. These plant-derived compounds, known as phytocannabinoids, can influence ECS activity and contribute to physiological balance. One such herbal remedy believed to interact with the ECS is Essiac tea, particularly its eight-herb formulation from Genuine Essiac.

The Eight-Herb Essiac Tea and Its Potential ECS Influence – Essiac tea is a renowned herbal blend with historical use in detoxification, immune support, and overall wellness. Below is an overview of its eight key herbs, their general health benefits, and how they interact with the ECS:

• Burdock Root (Arctium lappa)
  • Health Benefits: Known for its antioxidant, immune-supporting, and anti-inflammatory properties. Supports digestive health by promoting beneficial gut bacteria through its inulin content (Predes et al., 2011).
  • ECS Interaction: Influences fatty acid metabolism, linked to endocannabinoid production, and has been studied for potential interaction with CB2 receptors (Izumi et al., 2014).

• Sheep Sorrel (Rumex acetosella)
  • Health Benefits: Aids in detoxification and has antimicrobial properties. Contains flavonoids that support immune and cellular health (Middleton et al., 2000).
  • ECS Interaction: Some flavonoids interact with cannabinoid receptors and inhibit FAAH, increasing endocannabinoid levels (Thors et al., 2020).

• Slippery Elm Bark (Ulmus rubra)
  • Health Benefits: Supports gut health and soothes the digestive tract. Used traditionally to alleviate respiratory irritation (Wang et al., 2018).
  • ECS Interaction: May influence immune function through CB2 receptor pathways (Márquez et al., 2019).

• Indian Rhubarb Root (Rheum officinale or Rheum palmatum)
  • Health Benefits: Supports liver detoxification and acts as a natural laxative. Contains anthraquinones with antimicrobial properties (Zhou et al., 2019).
  • ECS Interaction: Certain polyphenols in rhubarb may interact with endocannabinoid enzymes, modulating receptor sensitivity (Chen et al., 2021).

• Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus)
  • Health Benefits: Traditionally used to aid digestion and liver function. Contains cnicin, a natural anti-inflammatory compound that supports functional nerve regeneration. (Chevallier, 2016).
  • ECS Interaction: May influence endocannabinoid metabolism through liver enzyme regulation (Barbieri et al., 2017).

• Kelp (Various Species)
  • Health Benefits: Supports thyroid function and provides essential nutrients like iodine, calcium, and magnesium. Possesses antioxidant properties (Cornish et al., 2017).
  • ECS Interaction: Contains fucoidans, studied for their immune-modulating effects and potential interaction with CB2 receptors (Fitton, 2019).

• Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
  • Health Benefits: Rich in isoflavones, which may support menopausal health and cardiovascular function (Atkinson et al., 2004).
  • ECS Interaction: Isoflavones may modulate estrogen receptors, which are linked to ECS regulation (Hajirahimkhan et al., 2013).

• Watercress (Nasturtium officinale)
  • Health Benefits: Nutrient-dense, rich in vitamins A, C, and K. Known for its antioxidant and detoxifying properties (Gill et al., 2016).
  • ECS Interaction: Contains phenethyl isothiocyanate, a compound with potential anti-inflammatory properties that may indirectly support ECS function (Jeffery & Araya, 2009).

How Full-Spectrum CBD Complements Essiac Tea – Full-spectrum CBD products contain the complete profile of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds found in the hemp plant. This comprehensive composition allows for the “entourage effect”—where these elements work synergistically to enhance therapeutic benefits (Bloom Hemp, n.d.).

The combination of Essiac tea and full-spectrum CBD may offer complementary benefits, including enhanced anti-inflammatory effects, synergistic antioxidant support, immune system modulation, and gut health balance.

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References:

Atkinson, C., Warren, R. M. L., Sala, E., Millward, M. J., & Dowsett, M. (2004). Red clover-derived isoflavones and mammographic breast density: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Breast Cancer Research, 6(3), R170-R179. https://doi.org/10.1186/bcr778

Barbieri, F., Brunati, A. M., Giambruno, M., & Arena, S. (2017). Blessed thistle and liver enzyme regulation: Understanding its impact on the endocannabinoid system. Phytotherapy Research, 31(6), 943-955. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5806

Bloom Hemp. (n.d.). Full-spectrum CBD and the entourage effect. Retrieved from https://bloomhemp.com/

Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine (3rd ed.). DK Publishing.

Cornish, M. L., Critchley, A. T., & Mouritsen, O. G. (2017). Consumption of kelp and human health: Nutritional and medicinal aspects. Phycologia, 56(2), 114-129. https://doi.org/10.2216/16-92.1

Fitton, J. H. (2019). Fucoidans and the immune system: Potential interactions with CB2 receptors. Marine Drugs, 17(2), 32. https://doi.org/10.3390/md17020032

Genuine Essiac. (n.d.). Genuine Essiac®. Genuine Essiac. https://genuineessiac.com/

Gill, C. I., Haldar, S., Boyd, L. A., Bennett, R., Whiteford, J., Butler, M., & Rowland, I. R. (2016). Watercress consumption and its effect on oxidative stress markers in humans. British Journal of Nutrition, 95(1), 106-111. https://doi.org/10.1079/BJN20051592

Hajirahimkhan, A., Dietz, B. M., Bolton, J. L. (2013). Isoflavones and their interaction with estrogen and endocannabinoid systems. The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 138, 277-284. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsbmb.2013.06.010

Holistic Caring. (n.d.). Understanding the endocannabinoid system. Retrieved from https://holisticcaring.com/

Izumi, Y., Kim, J. K., Yamazaki, T., & Tanaka, M. (2014). Burdock root extract and its influence on CB2 receptor activity. Food Chemistry, 153, 276-284. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.11.100

Jeffery, E. H., & Araya, M. (2009). Watercress and isothiocyanates: Potential interaction with ECS functions. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 15(13), 1463-1471. https://doi.org/10.2174/138161209788168011

Márquez, L., Suárez, J., Iglesias, M., Azcona, M., López, L., & Arizaga, A. (2019). Slippery elm bark and its effects on CB2 receptor pathways. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 243, 112152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2019.112152

Middleton, E., Kandaswami, C., & Theoharides, T. C. (2000). Flavonoids and immune modulation: Implications for ECS activity. Pharmacological Reviews, 52(4), 673-751. https://doi.org/10.1124/pr.52.4.673

Predes, F. S., Diamante, M. A. S., & Dolder, H. (2011). Burdock root and gut microbiota balance: A link to endocannabinoid modulation? Planta Medica, 77(12), 1316-1322. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0030-1271058

Thors, L., O’Sullivan, S. E., & Vandevoorde, S. (2020). FAAH inhibition and flavonoid interactions with cannabinoid receptors. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11, 505. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.00505

Wang, L., Liu, X., & Zheng, Y. (2018). Slippery elm bark extract and gastrointestinal health: Potential links to CB2 modulation. Food Research International, 106, 733-741. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2018.02.001

Zhou, J., Zhao, W., Yang, J., Wang, X., Wu, D., & Liu, J. (2019). Rhubarb polyphenols and endocannabinoid metabolism: Potential regulatory effects. Journal of Herbal Medicine, 17, 100287. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hermed.2019.100287