If one had to look at the wellness industry at this time, it would be next to impossible to not hear the words CBD or adaptogens mentioned somewhere or the other. And it really should not come as a surprise to anyone at all; they are both credited with imparting feelings of calmness albeit through slightly different methods.
But what if I told you that the best way to actually get the most of these plants could be through combining them. Well, that is precisely what we will be having a look at today.
Before we begin however I would like to caution you about a couple of things. The first would be that CBD – the compound found in both cannabis as well as hemp has very limited research backing the very extensive claims that it is making. The second is that a large number of people have been using plants with adaptogens in kind of an extreme manner, So, everything that you hear or see needs to be taken with a pinch of salt.
But as long as there is anecdotal evidence and consumer demand, brands are going ahead with formulating products that feature both CBD with adaptogens.
Adaptogens: An Overview
This is a term that encompasses all the plant-based medications that people indulge in a manner to make the body more resistant to stressors.
All these plants have been around forever, but the term itself has come up in the 50s and 60s. The term has been put into place to describe compounds that will help us wade off stressors.
Every adaptogen has a different effect to work towards, but all of them have one end goal-reducing the impact that stress has on the body. People often take their help to navigate life’s highs and lows.
Most research albeit very limited does support claims regarding the reduction of anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
Additionally, there are certain adaptogens that seem to help people work better and more efficiently in the midst of stress and fatigue as well.
Under completely normal circumstances, there are absolutely no major side effects of adaptogens. But it is best to work with a licensed medical professional as there are some herbal supplements that are known to interact in a negative manner with other medicines.
Combining CBD With Adaptogens
Now here is where the fun begins. Most of the effects of CBD are similar to those that are attributed to adaptogens. There are, not limited to but including
- Reducing feelings of anxiety
- Management of fatigue
- Bringing homeostasis to internal systems
- Giving a boost to the immune system
- Combating fatigue
CBD has been shown in various studies to help with stress and related issues. In 2011 a study went to the extent of demonstrating CBD’s effects on stress by checking the subject’s anxiety during a public speaking stress test.
Apart from just reduction of anxiety, subjects also reported effects of better cognitive function, reduced discomfort while delivery, and increased anticipatory alertness.
This aligned with other studies that had found similar results in both humans as well as animals.
CBD is helpful because of how it helps in boosting serotonin signaling, a common characteristic of the SSRIs that are commonly prescribed as a way to help manage anxiety and depression.
So, the learning here is that both CBD and adaptogens are helpful in increasing our resistance to stress. Some people have gone to the extent of categorizing CBD as an adaptogen, which is a debatable stance to take.
You see, adaptogens are actually plant extracts whereas CBD itself is a molecule found in the hemp and cannabis plant. Making them very different on a cellular level. But what it does give rise to is a number of people believing that they might have synergistic effects.
But we have very little to go on as there are no studies regarding the outcome of these pairings. Only anecdotal evidence in this sphere. But since there is no reason to believe that there are any negative effects, people continue to experiment.
Effects of CBD and Adaptogens in Synergy
As I mentioned above, there is no scientific evidence backing the claims but tests and trials combined with a number of anecdotal findings have been used by companies to come up with products to help people manage different conditions.
Here are some of the most common ones in the market right now.
Ashwagandha
This is an adaptogenic that on its own helps the body adapt to stress a little better. It is famous for its neuroprotective, anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, and anti-inflammatory properties. When used in combination with CBD you get support to deal with conditions like anxiety, depletion, insomnia, and depression. Another surprising place where it is pretty effective is for people suffering from burnout due to their work or anything else.
Chamomile
This is a gentle nervine that is helpful in relieving anxiety, restlessness, and stomach pains. When it comes to CBD, chamomile can in synergy help people manage their insomnia, migraines, and anxiety
Damania
Another nervine relaxant that is actually famous as an aphrodisiac. This on its own is pretty famous for helping in managing anxiety and depression, boosting libido, and helping strengthen the nervous system. In association with CBD, it becomes a great concoction to manage tension.
Holy Basil
Also known as tulsi, this is a herb that showcases anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps in reducing stress and anxiety, lowers blood sugar, and regulates cortisol levels. When you combine it with CBD, it can be useful in helping in reducing pain, stress, and balance the sleep cycle.
Lavender
This herb is famous for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. There are a number of terpenes present in both cannabis as well as lavender giving them both the ability to give anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and anti-anxiety effects.
When combined with CBD you are looking at anxiety relief, sleep disorders, and body pain.
Lemon Balm
With anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, lemon balm is a herb that is usually used to help people suffering from spasms in the digestive tract and helps manage anxiety, depression, and insomnia. With CBD it is used to manage digestive distress, menstruation cramps, and nervous tension.
Tips On How To Take CBD With Adaptogens
When it is time to actually take the two together, the best way to proceed is by talking to a trained herbalist. Adaptogens can restore balance back to your body but they can also throw it off-balance if not used with care. A consultation with a herbalist is thus the best way to begin your foray into this world.
Also, talk to your doctor beforehand as you want to be sure that none of the medication you are taking has an interaction with CBD or any adaptogen.
If you want to keep it simple, start with one of the many products available in the market, to begin with, and you can come up with your own formulations later.
