As in any human activity, there are also trends in medicine that come and go. Since science and technology are advancing, new drugs and evolutionary solutions for various diseases are constantly being invented. Yet, things are often simpler than we see them.

Not like we don’t need modern medicine and pharmacy, but cures for most diseases can be found in nature, among quite ‘ordinary’ plants. One of those that gained people’s trust and has many health benefits is hemp.

For millennia, hemp has been used in alternative medicine to treat many ailments: from common headaches to glaucoma to cancer. Of course, no one claims it’s miraculous, but neither does underestimate its many healing properties. You can check my blog – The Hemp Collect, and see that for yourself.

Hemp has a highly complex composition, and some compounds are unique to this plant. These are cannabinoids, which give this plant its medicinal properties. Also, there are terpenes and flavonoids, which can improve your health in unique ways.

CBD

THC and CBD are two common cannabinoids derived from hemp plants. However, these two have very different effects on the body. The former is a major psychoactive ingredient, whereas the latter is not. That’s why CBD has become increasingly popular as a natural remedy for various ailments, including anxiety and depression.

Researchers have proven that CBD has no mind-altering action nor affects consciousness. Yet, its effects on human health still need to be fully understood. Still, most studies show the positive impact of this compound as a natural painkiller and anti-depressant. Also, CBD has antiviral properties, which can help prevent certain infections.

Researchers also found that CBD regulates blood sugar levels. That’s useful for those who have diabetes. Because this compound binds to insulin receptors, it reduces the amount of insulin required to maintain a normal blood sugar level. Plus, it improves cholesterol levels and regulates lipid uptake.

CBD can be synthesized from hemp in several forms. It can be isolated or processed along with other compounds into broad or full-spectrum CBD oil. Moreover, these will be used in their pure form or in different CBD products, from edibles to topicals.

THC

Just like CBD, THC belongs to cannabinoids. Both compounds have the same chemical formula but differ in their atom arrangement. That results in distinct effects on the body. For example, CBD and THC interact with the same brain receptors differently. But when they work together in a so-called entourage effect, they can do wonders for your health.

Check the following link for more info on the entourage effect:

https://www.cannabistech.com/articles/what-is-the-entourage-effect-in-cannabis/

Unlike CBD, THC can have some less desirable effects that make it a bit controversial. In fact, it’s not that THC is harmful; it’s just used in the wrong way, which usually leads to some adverse effects. But despite its bad rep, many studies prove THC’s therapeutic value.

Unlike marijuana, hemp contains low amounts of THC and high concentrations of CBD. That’s because hemp products shouldn’t have more than 0.3% THC, which is a legal regulation in most countries. So despite the potential benefits of CBD and THC, you should always check their levels in hemp products.

Terpenes

Despite being left in the background because of the cannabinoids’ growing popularity, terpenes are still important hemp compounds. Each has a different effect on the body and varies in potency. Also, these varying amounts of terpenes in different hemp strains can affect their healing potential and smell.

For starters, terpenes have many bioactive properties. They can have a variety of pharmacological and psychological effects, depending on their concentration, which differs from one hemp strain to other.

These compounds reach the bloodstream and interact with different body processes, like metabolism and digestion. Also, they can help you reduce stress and have a calming effect. They can even alleviate pain and have some anti-cancer properties. Finally, these compounds also have antimicrobial properties and can help fight infections.

Certain terpenes are more beneficial than others. For example, linalool is known for promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. It also has anticonvulsant properties, which may benefit people suffering from seizures and epilepsy. Myrcene can be an excellent anti-inflammatory. It may also have potent antidepressant effects.

Flavonoids

Regarding this compound, hemp is unique, too. That’s because it contains several flavonoids found nowhere else in nature. They’re named cannaflavins and give the plant its pigmentation.

But besides providing color to hemp plants, flavonoids have been shown to have numerous benefits. They are potent antioxidants that fight off harmful molecules. And when they work with other hemp compounds, the healing potency of this plant is remarkable.

Flavonoids are antioxidants that fight the effects of free radicals in the body. Free radicals can cause cellular damage and even cause premature body aging. However, they also possess anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties and can strengthen the immune system. That’s why flavonoids have been linked with a decreased risk of cancer.

Flavonoids can help to prevent the onset of chronic diseases. For instance, they can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders. They may also help reduce the symptoms of headaches, migraines, and PMS. Flavonoids are a part of broad-spectrum hemp products, about which you can read on this page.

Hemp is an excellent source of many beneficial compounds. Each has specific health benefits, but they don’t interfere with each other. In fact, they’re most potent when working together, making the most of hemp usage as a natural remedy.