Inflammation is a natural protective reaction the immune system has in response to infection or physical damage. The purpose of inflammation is to remove pathogens (germs) or damaged tissue. The inflamed area is produced by fluid and immune cells moving into the area to do the dirty work and return things to their natural state.

It’s important that inflammation be limited to the location of damage and doesn’t persist longer than needed, which can cause harm. Chronic inflammation and auto-immune diseases are examples of the immune system getting activated inappropriately. When this happens, the inflammatory response lasts too long, which results in chronic inflammation, or gets directed toward healthy cells, which is known as auto-immunity.

In general, endocannabinoids seem to suppress or limit the immune system's inflammatory signals. By tightly regulating inflammation, the immune system can destroy germs or remove damaged tissue and then stop. This prevents excessive inflammation allowing cells, thus the body to return to their natural state. 

By now, you have undoubtedly heard of CBD, and you see it for sale everywhere....even gas stations! With so much of it out there and so much conflicting information, it is important for the consumer to be educated. Often, people try a CBD of poor quality and/or the wrong dosage and assume it doesn't work for them. 

Nan started her research of CBD 6 years ago; well ahead of the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized CBD in all 50 states. The result of which was a flooding of the market with CBD products. 

Before you purchase, please take the time to ask questions about sourcing and processing. Below, is a list of the qualities you should consider before purchasing CBD. Equipped with this knowledge, you will likely have better results.

Hemp Source

Many CBD products are produced using less expensive, industrial-grad hemp, which is imported from outside the United States. In this case, there is no control over how the plants are grown, what pesticides or fertilizers may have been used and what contaminates may be found in the product. It is critically important to look for CBD that is produced from organically-grown hemp. 

Extraction Method

There are various methods for used to extract the cannabidiol from the plant. As you can guess, cheaper methods result in a less pure, and consequently less effective CBD. Not to mention that some methods use chemicals and solvents in the extraction process, which leaves the CBD contaminated and less than healthy to consume. Look for CBD that is extracted using a Super Critical CO2 process, which is 100% caustic solvent free.

Lab Tested

Quality CBD is tested for potency by independent lab. Ask to see the lab results before you buy any CBD products.

Full Spectrum

Look for CBD extract which is Full Spectrum. This means in addition to CBD, it will also include CBDA, CBG, CBN, Terpenes and more.