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Is CBD an Adaptogen?

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Is CBD an Adaptogen?

Adaptogens: An Overview

Ashwagandha, lion’s mane, holy basil… these and other adaptogens are in vogue. But what are adaptogens and how do they work? How does CBD fit into the mix?

Adaptogens are plant compounds that help your body adjust to its environment. They’ve been used in holistic medicine for thousands of years, to combat a variety of stressors and bring our bodies into balance. They can fight oxidation and help our bodies respond to illness, environmental contaminants, and emotional stress.

Adaptogens meet our bodies and help them adjust. They can balance our hormones and bring homeostasis to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathoadrenal system, making us feel calmer and more energized. Many people have reported increased concentration levels and less emotional stress after incorporating them into their routine.

The Similarities Between CBD and Adaptogens

While CBD has not traditionally been considered an adaptogen, it has many similarities to other well-known adaptogens. Both are plant compounds and may have an effect on immune, adrenal, and stress responses.

Adaptogens are primarily valued for their direct effect on the adrenal system, which plays a key role in our bodies’ responses to stress. In contrast, CBD is known for interacting with our endocannabinoid systems (ECS). However, the inverse may also be true; some adaptogens interact with the ECS in a similar way to CBD, and CBD may have an impact on our adrenal function. This means CBD and adaptogens may both help regulate functions like mood, sleep, and immunity.

Are There Synergies Between Adaptogens and CBD?

Many naturopaths and herbalists believe that taking adaptogens and CBD together may lead to synergies. In other words, taking them together makes each one more effective than taking them alone.

The modern world is increasingly turning toward naturopathic approaches and botanical healing over traditional pharmaceuticals, which can have extensive side effects. As a result people are beginning to explore the integration of CBD and adaptogens like ashwaganda, ginseng, and rhodiola into their lives. Together these compounds may combat emotional and environmental stressors and boost our energy, focus, and sense of calm.

I’m New to CBD; What Can I Expect?

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New to CBD? We’re excited you’re taking the plunge. You’ll be thanking yourself soon.

CBD (short for “cannabidiol”) is a naturally-occurring compound in cannabis and hemp plants. It comes in many forms, including tinctures, topicals, capsules, vapes, smokable flower, and edibles.

While its cannabinoid cousin, THC, is responsible for the “high” from marijuana use, CBD is non-psychoactive. CBD users experience many of the same benefits of cannabis without the changes to appetite, mood, sense of time, or sensory perception associated with THC use.

Because hemp CBD doesn’t get you high and you don’t need to buy it through a dispensary, more Americans are turning to it to feel better. CBD research is in its infancy, and we don’t know much about the impact of cannabinoids on specific maladies. However, studies have indicated CBD may have positive effects on your gut microbiome, stress levels, and overall health. We encourage you to investigate.

We also encourage you to give it time. In our experience, change doesn’t usually come overnight. Certain health and wellness issues respond quickly while others can take days, weeks, or months to feel the full the effects of CBD. Each person is different, and what works for one individual may be different for another.

As MendCBD+ is a high-potency product, we recommend starting with a low dose and slowly increasing one drop at a time, until you find the optimal dose for your body. It may be helpful to use a phone app or journal to monitor your dosage, symptoms, and wellness levels. As always, we recommend consulting with your physician prior to beginning MendCBD+ or any CBD program.