Why combine CBD and adaptogenic herbs?
The importance of CBD and terpenes
CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid naturally occurring in the cannabis plant. CBD has been the subject of scientific research for many years and several studies have confirmed its positive effects on a wide range of health conditions. For example, it can help with insomnia, inflammation, pain, anxiety or stress.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in plants. Many people associate them only with cannabis, but terpenes are also found elsewhere, for example in herbs and conifers. They are found in leaves, fruits, flowers, rhizomes and roots. They give plants their smell and taste and their role is to attract insects (pollinators), repel pests and also protect plants from bacteria and fungi. And what is their importance to us? Like cannabinoids, terpenes have the ability to affect the body and mind. Interestingly, cannabinoids and terpenes can work together and can interact with each other.
What are adaptogens?
When we talk about the combination of cannabinoids, terpenes and herbs, we should explain one more important term, and that is adaptogen. Adaptogens are compounds of plant origin (most commonly herbs or mushrooms) that improve the body's resistance to stress, help with fatigue, and can increase physical and mental energy. The purpose is to restore balance, i.e. to return the body to a state of homeostasis. When taken over a long period of time, adaptogenic herbs can help restore the nervous system and regulate the function of the endocrine system.
The term adaptogens was first coined by Russian scientist Nikolai Lazarev in 1940. He also proposed three criteria that a herbal substance must meet to be included in this category:
- It must increase the human body's resistance to a wide range of adverse conditions such as physical, chemical or biological stress.
- It must maintain homeostasis in humans, i.e. compensate for or resist physical disturbances caused by external stress.
- It must not impair the normal functions of the human body.
Adaptogens function primarily by influencing the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis in response to an external stress situation, thereby preventing the excessive production of stress hormones. In addition, adaptogens can increase cellular energy levels and prevent oxidative damage, leading to the maintenance of normal adrenal function.
Most commonly referred to as an adaptogen:
- Ashwagandha
- Maca
- Ginseng
- Holy Basil
- Pink St. John's Wort
- Oyster mushroom
- Ginger
- Turmeric
However, even some familiar herbs show adaptogenic activity, although they are not classified as such in the literature. These include:
- Lavender
- Valerian
- Mint
- Lemon balm
- Marigold
In a sense, CBD could also be considered an adaptogen, but there is no scientific work that defines it as such.
Synergistic effect
To clarify why it makes sense to combine cannabinoids with adaptogens/herbs, it is necessary to explain the entourage effect. This is a phenomenon that occurs due to the cooperation between components such as cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and other bioactive substances. When taken together, the active ingredients can interact with each other and thus work better than if they were taken individually. This synergy leads to stronger and more complex therapeutic effects. The companion effect was first described in 1998 by the renowned Israeli chemist Raphael Mechoulam in the European Journal of Pharmacology.
Some research shows that terpenes increase the activity of cannabinoids. This is why full spectrum CBD oils are often preferred to CBD isolates.
Effects of selected herbs and terpenes
Curious about the effects of well-known herbs and adaptogens? Here is an overview table where you can find their possible effects as well as the main terpenes that influence the aroma and effect of each herb.
|
Herb |
Potential effects |
Main terpenes |
|
Lavender |
Relief from anxiety and stress; used for insomnia and chronic pain, aids digestion |
linalool, caryophyllene, myrcene |
|
Valerian |
Calming, sleep aid, helps with headaches, contributes to normal digestion |
valerenic acid, limonene, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, caryophyllene |
|
Lemon balm |
helps with sleep and falling asleep, soothes |
citronellal, linalool, neral, geranial |
|
Mint |
supports normal digestive tract function, anti-bloating |
L-limonene, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene |
|
Ginseng |
strengthens the immune system, protects against the adverse effects of stress, provides energy |
panasinsene, selenium, farnesene, humulene, caryophyllene |
|
Passionflower |
soothes, deepens sleep, relieves smooth muscle spasms |
caryophyllene, tetrahydro-linalool, humulene |
|
Rosemary |
alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, verbenone, cineol, caryophyllene |
|
|
Ginger |
Supports the immune system, helps with nausea, may reduce inflammation |
zingiberene, bisabolene, cineol, geraniol, linalool, citral, borneol, farnesene |
The list in the table is of course not exhaustive, individual varieties may have slightly different terpene profiles and the ratio of each terpene may vary. The conditions and method of cultivation also play a role. As far as the cannabis plant is concerned, it is terpenes that are associated with many herbs. For example, the terpenes myrcene and linalool are found in both lavender and cannabis, alpha- and beta-pinene not only in mint but also in cannabis, and there are many more examples.
Herbal blends and CBD vape pens
Nowadays, it's not uncommon to come across CBD (cannabis) mixed with certain herbs or adaptogens, in the form of drops, gummies, cosmetics or inhalation kits. For example, lavender is often used to help calm the mind, promote sleep and smell good, while passionflower has relaxing effects, or ginseng, a well-known adaptogen that promotes immunity, vitality and has many other beneficial effects.
A popular product is herbal mixtures with cannabis, from which a decoction, infusion or extract can be prepared. You can choose from pre-mixed blends to promote sleep, lower blood pressure or improve digestion, for example.
New are CBD premium vape pens (vaporizers) and cartridges that combine the cannabinoids CBD, CBG and CBN in different ratios and natural terpenes. Restful Sleep vape pen can help you fall asleep. It contains 40% CBD, 60% CBN and terpenes from fragrant lavender and exotic passion flower. During the day, you'll appreciate the Balance of Mind vape pen with ginseng, lemon balm and rosemary. And if you need a boost of energy, the Awakening vape pen with 60% CBG, 40% CBD, lemon, mint and green tea is the right choice.
Is it appropriate to combine CBD and herbs (adaptogens)?
Both CBD and adaptogens are plant-based compounds that help stabilize and harmonize bodily functions. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system and helps maintain homeostasis, while adaptogens act on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Some terpenes act on the endocannabinoid system similarly to cannabinoids.
As already mentioned, cannabinoids and terpenes together trigger the so-called entourage effect, whereby the effects of the individual substances are amplified and complementary, so it seems logical to combine CBD and adaptogens (or other herbs).
On the other hand, it should be noted that there are no scientific studies that have looked at mixing CBD and herbs. We have no expert guidance on which ingredients to combine and in what proportions. And there are also no studies yet that have evaluated the benefits, safety and efficacy of combining CBD and adaptogens.
If you're hesitant about whether a mix of natural ingredients is right for you, you can start by trying an isolated version of each herb and CBD. That way, you'll find the right dose and see how each ingredient works for you. Beware, however, that some adaptogens may interact in undesirable ways and interfere with the desired effect or cause side effects. If you are taking any medication, always consult your doctor or pharmacist first.
If you want to try the mentioned effect of the accompaniment on your own, choose from our prepared variants. When vaping, keep in mind the rapid onset of effects and start gradually and with a small dose.
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