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What Is a CBD Carrier Oil and Why Is It Important?

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A carrier oil is a little bit like what it sounds like, a vehicle to deliver another substance.

If you’ve ever used essential oils, you may know about using another oil to help dilute the very strong effects of the pure essence of a plant. Some oils may harm you if they are not put with another substance which usually helps you absorb it. Kind of like lemonade… which is a delicious drink but sucking on a lemon is a bit uncomfortable. Hemp and CBD oils are the same way. Pure CBD oil of a very high concentration can often be a solid crystalized mass if not diluted. This is important because you can’t put a dropper of something solid under your tongue and it wouldn’t absorb well if you did. It may also burn the back of your throat a little (we know, we tried it.)

Most CBD oils in the marketplace today use one kind of carrier or another. Some use hemp oil, olive oil, avocado oil or coconut oil. At Mend, we’ve chosen a unique form of refined coconut oil that contains only the smallest particles of oil, called ‘medium chain triglycerides’ or MCT. There are various grades of MCT, but we have selected a sustainable organic MCT that contains only the two smallest particle types (C8 & C10) and not any of the larger c12 particles.

They’re called carrier oils because they deliver the CBD and botanical extracts directly to your cells.

MCT Coconut oil, especially C8, is such a small particle, that your body can absorb it directly into your bloodstream where it can be used for fuel directly, bypassing your liver and digestive system, making it an altogether more efficient carrier. If you’ve heard of Bulleproof Brainfuel, that product is made entirely of C8 coconut oil because it’s so accessible by your body and can ‘fuel your brain’ and other energy needs without waiting for a meal to be digested. We’ve taken this same concept and applied it to the delivery of CBD so that you can absorb as much of it as possible without the loss that occurs when substances are metabolized. This how we avoid ‘First Pass Metabolism’ which refers to the way your liver filters the things you eat and converts them to useable elements.

Another import aspect of our both our carrier oil and our hemp oil extracts is that they are certified organic. This is important because of how chemical fertilizers and pesticides ride in on the botanicals and produce we consume. Organically grown oils don’t contain these noxious chemicals and are likely healthier, more robust plants which allows them to contain more nutrients and flavor. (Now you know why they’re so much more expensive.) At Mend, we always source organic ingredients whenever possible so that we’re creating the most beneficial plant medicines possible.

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.