 Fall is upon us and so is Cold and Flu Season.
Now this time of year doesn't have to be the scary time we all grew up knowing it to be, as we have access to such great information about how to build up our immune systems in addition to all the great things modern medicine is doing to try to prevent disease. However, this is 2020 and unfortunately most of us are more scared about Cold and Flu Season then we are ready to admit. Never fear Breeze Botanicals is here to tell you all about Herbs For Fall. In this blog we will discuss immune defense and how important it can be to preemptively protect yourself. We have two products that tend to fly off the shelves this time a year and this year is no different. Panacea Immune Defense Tea and Tincture come together to create a perfect combo of herbal immune support. Panacea was a goddess of healing by way of curative medicine in Greek mythology. Her name gives us the word panacea, which refers to a cure-all for disease. She was said to carry a magic potion, which she used to heal people with any illness at all. The Immune Defense Tea is great for those blustery fall evenings. Say after you go to the pumpkin patch. The body needs both warming up and immune support. The herbal tea is great for preparing the body’s immune system for outside attacks. Herbs like hyssop and echinacea have been traditionally used by herbalists to help your body fight off bacteria and viruses, while also nourishing your immune system. Now if you’re a busy human, as we find most people to be during 2020, who may not have all the time in the world to sip a cup of tea but are longing for some herbal support that's ok we have something for you too. Panacea Immune Defense Tincture is great because it too is blended with the same herbs as the tea to aid in preparing the body’s immune system for outside attacks. Lemon Balm (click title for more information) Lemon Balm is characterized by its vibrant, fruity aroma and flavor, and her ability to lift our moods with just a sniff. It has traditionally been used by the ancient Romans and Greeks to flavor wines and elixirs that were said to enhance the emotions and mend a broken heart. Echinacea (click title for more information) Echinacea, also referred to as Cornflower, is well known for its immune-boosting abilities; having historical relevance in American folk herbalism dating back centuries. Its reputation as a cold and flu remedy is quite common, and has become one of the most available dietary supplements in health and food stores to date. Calendula (click title for more information) Calendula, also known as Marigold, is best characterized by its mood enhancing properties, its ability to heal abrasions effectively, and for its vibrant colored petals as dyes and paints. It has been used therapeutically for centuries and has been idolized for more than its wonderful aesthetic appeal. Hyssop (click title for more information) Hyssop has been revered as a holy herb since the beginning of religious ceremonies, and has been recorded in the bible many times most notably stating, “Purge me with hyssop, and I will be clean”. The medicinal value of Hyssop reaches far beyond its strong antimicrobial properties, and is said to bestow protection onto those that gather the branches and display them in their home.
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 This year COVID-19 in the United States makes going back to school different because not only are the kids going, but many parents are too. Even if school is back in session many parents are finding that part of their child's curriculum is at home, on a computer, or with a tutor. Things come into question for the children like: Has my child ever spent extended time on a computer? Does my child have the ability to sit and listen to a video if I am not watching them? And the adults are questioning things like: When was the last time I did math long hand? And can I help my middle schooler with biology homework? Unfortunately, we can’t help one's ability to regain lost knowledge but we do have a few suggestions for herbs known for improving cognitive function and overall brain function. This is good for both the adults and the children as we wade the waters of 2020.  First, Ginkgo Biloba, being most well known as the oldest, wisest trees in the forest. They have been noted to live up to 1000 years. This ancient herb has a variety of beneficial uses but one of the most valued may be that it has been used to increase mental performance and perceived well-being. There is a lot of research that can be linked to the thought that ginkgo supports improved memory, focus and attention span. In addition ginkgo biloba has been thought to have an effect in other psychological disorders including depression, and anxiety.*  Secondly, Lemon Balm. This herb was used traditionally by the ancient Romans and Greeks to flavor wines and elixirs that were said to enhance the emotions and mend a broken heart. In modern ages this still rings somewhat true but instead we refer to it as being useful for anxiety and depression. This herb has shown to aid with cognitive function as it relates to mental fatigue. In addition to having an effect on the brain this herb has also been shown to help with one’s ability to sleep and digestion.*  Lastly, Ashwagandha. We at Breeze Botanicals truly love this herb for all of the amazing things it can aid with. This adaptogenic herb has been implicated as being helpful for stress and anxiety. Ashwagandha also promotes longevity and a healthy immune system. Most importantly this herb has been shown to have a positive effect on GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) , improving cognitive impairments, and benefiting both our memory and cognition.* All of these herbs are simply things that we think might make this school a little easier. Not only for parents but also kids having to go to school. 2020 has not been easy but with every obstacle comes a new learning curve and that’s what we must get around. We hope that these herbs do great things for you and your family. Please share your comments and thoughts as you try these herbs throughout this school year.
As residents of the Rogue Valley begin to assess the damage due to our fires, we must also contend with the thick layer of smoke hovering ominously. Times like these are already overwhelming, but the added toxicity of our air makes our lungs feel heavy and overworked. Many are searching for relief while we wait this out until our air begins to clear. Breeze Botanicals is here to help with some natural ways to relieve this environmental stress on your body. We've gathered a few suggestions below that may help support your respiratory health during this time. We will begin by introducing medicinal herbs that support the natural functions of our respiratory systems. Each of the following herbs are often used to support the lungs.  Peppermint: Peppermint has an antihistamine effect, coupled with the strong, cooling action of menthol that makes it a useful decongestant. It may help clear congestion from sinuses and lungs and provide cooling relief.*  Mullein: Mullein is an expectorant used in hoarseness, coughs, bronchitis, whooping cough, asthma, hay fever and other respiratory conditions. Mullein may help clear congestion, as well. It is well known as an ally to respiratory health.*  Wild Cherry Bark: Wild cherry bark helps support the body's lower respiratory system. Due to its astringent, sedative, antispasmodic, and bronchodilator actions, it may help dry mucus, increase expectoration, ease coughing, and open the airways. Use wild cherry bark in a liquid extract form.*  Hyssop: May help the body fight off infectious bacteria and viruses, as well as support the respiratory system. Hyssop is an expectorant and may also help suppress coughs.* There are also medicinal herbs to help us detoxify our bodies of the impurities present in dangerous air conditions. The particulate matter present during fire season is particularly of concern. Despite our best efforts with protective masks there are toxic substances in the microscopic range that can make their way into our lungs when the air is full of smoke. This concern is a great reason to consider adding detoxification to the list of things you do to keep your body healthy during fire season.  Dandelion Root: Dandelion may support the digestive and urinary systems, as well as the organs that help rid the body of toxins.*  Burdock Root: Burdock helps the body's natural detoxification processes and assists in eliminating harmful toxins from the body.*  Our vendor Sun God Medicinals produces the convenient Ra Herbals tincture line, which focuses on single herbs, such as those shown above, allowing you to select the specific herbs you need in a convenient liquid form. These herbs can then be taken directly or added to your favorite beverage as an easy option. Sun God Medicinals also offers compounded herbal products, which combine multiple herbs that work together to assist our body during times like these. We really like the organic ingredients as well. Sun God Medicinals' Panacea Line is an herbal compound line and a great ally for soothing your lungs during times of poor air quality.  Herbs like peppermint, mullein, and marshmallow in the Panacea Cold & Flu blend support the upper respiratory system and protect mucus.*  Dandelion root, burdock root, and nettle leaf in the Panacea Detox blend are great for helping the body with the detoxification process, balancing the body and helping to support removal of impurities and toxins from the body.* Lastly, if the air quality and general stress of this time is preventing you from getting much needed rest, we would like to recommend Sun God Medicinals Hypnos Line. This line of specially formulated teas, tinctures, and salves was created with organic supporting herbs to help you get restful sleep. Since sleep is such a vital part of the body’s recovery, consider herbs to help there as well.  All of these products were made right here in Oregon, with organic Oregon grown herbs - for those of you who like to keep your money local.
Stay safe out there, and please let us know if you have any questions about herbs, their effects, uses, and the best ways to add them to your life. *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not approved by the FDA to treat, cure or prevent any disease.  Many people assume that this time a year fireworks are simply a fun addition to their celebrations. We tend to hear fireworks during the 4th of July and throughout the summer. Fireworks cause anxiety for many people and sometimes their pets. From their loud sounds to their bright flashes people find themselves not experiencing the joy that many others do.
Firework anxiety is different for everyone but can be described as a negative physical or mental response to fireworks. This can be a panic disorder, unease, and even triggering PTSD. During these times it is beneficial to add extra things into your diet in order to ease the body just in case fireworks are out to play. Herbs are one of the easiest ways to incorporate anxiety relief into your daily diet. For example, Lavender is a wonderful herb that can easily be added into deserts or infused into drinks for a light summer refreshment. Simply Recipes has an amazing home made lemonade you can try. Click here for the recipe. Lavender is great because it is thought to help calm the body by relaxing the nervous system. Many people even use lavender as a means to gain a better night's sleep. Another phenomenal herb for firework anxiety is valerian root. Valerian root has been used throughout the years as an aid for loss of sleep. It is thought to work because it produces a calming effect that may even calm you enough to sleep. When used in smaller doses this root can be highly effective for simply calming the body. Great with salads! Check out this recipe here. Passionflower, is an herb that we love here at Breeze Botanicals. This herb is infused in many of the products we carry and a featured herb in a lot of the Mental Ease lines that we carry from our sister company Sun God Medicinals, like the Heka Happy Tea. The Happy Tea is a mildly uplifting tea that can be consumed throughout the day. Passionflowers are also great when added to salad. To check out the Happy Tea click here. So this 4th of July take a deep breath, surround yourself with friends and family (at a safe pandemic distance of course), and hopefully with the help of your herbal allies enjoy a wonderful fourth of July.  At Breeze Botanicals, we take great pride in offering a wide array of clean, local cannabis and cannabis-derived products to help our clients feel empowered in their own healing. To purchase requires only a state approved ID, cash, and an openness to experience the many healing, soothing properties of the beautiful plant. It’s beautiful to be able to do this, and we can with great thanks to gay activist Dennis Peron. “Mr. Peron was a driving force behind a San Francisco ordinance allowing medical marijuana — a move that later aided the 1996 passage of Proposition 215 that legalized medical use in the state.” Because of this precedent, we can buy cannabis in an ever growing number of states in the U.S. And while there remains much to improve upon in the cannabis industry (lack of diversity, the exceptionally stringent tracking, the exorbitant taxes), aren’t we grateful to be here now? After serving in the military during the Vietnam War, and moved by his experiences there, Dennis Peron returned home determined to make change in the world. Rather than continue adhering to rigid expectations of what it means to be a man in America, Peron became a “dirty hippie”, a qualifier he embraced, and acted with others to make cannabis legal (again). But then, AIDS (Acquired Immune Difficiency Syndrome) began stealing the lives of gay men at alarming numbers. Due to the stigma and legal discrimination visited upon the queer community, not much was done to help those slowly melting away in pain. Peron saw his friends and loved ones dying and knew cannabis could help them manage pain, stimulate appetite, and maybe lift their spirits, to create space for joy or understanding. He fought for them, for his community, for the community at large. And it was a dangerous fight. "In 1994, Peron co-founded, along with Brownie Mary and several others, San Francisco's Cannabis Buyers Club, the first public medical cannabis dispensary in the U.S." It was not fancy. It didn’t have a menu. And it operated under constant threat. The establishment was raided multiple times and Peron was once shot by police. But he persisted. They all persisted. Many people, when speaking of the relationship between cannabis and the LGBTQI+ communities, cite the criminalization of each as the commonality. However, the right to decide what we do with our bodies, what we use as medicine, to live our lives freely, is what brings the cannabis and queer communites together. The communities overlap in the most wondrous of ways. Happy Pride! Resources: https://www.civilized.life/articles/make-cannabis-queer-again-inside-the-birthplace-of-the-legal-marijuana-movement/ https://weedmaps.com/news/2020/05/meet-dennis-peron-the-father-of-medical-marijuana/ https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/lgbtq-pride-marijuana-industry-cannabis-852041/
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Composting: What is it? During these worrisome times, gardening is quickly becoming popular for those seeking a safe outdoor activity that is not just physically beneficial, but also mentally and economically beneficial. Our collective food supply is experiencing disruption in distribution and as more folks become aware of how the system of agriculture works, tending one’s own garden is not only deeply satisfying but a great way to ensure the growing process and resulting bounty is clean and reliable. According to the County of Santa Barbara website lessismore.org, “organic wastes, such as food waste and yard waste, make up 25 to 50% of what people throw away”. Composting can reduce the percentage of organic waste in landfills, where it takes up space and produces dangerous methane gas while decomposing there. When composting at home, we turn the materials allowing oxygen to enter the mix, lessening greenhouse gases. Composting is nature’s resourceful way to fertilize and repair soils, softening clay-like soil, or helping sandy soils better retain water. It occurs without human assistance in forests and other naturescapes, for example, when fruit, branches, leaves, or dead animals decompose on the forest floor. The soil involved becomes enriched by the breakdown of those organic materials, resulting in beneficial bacteria, microbes, and chemicals. When we compost for our gardens, we are assisting and speeding up the decomposition of organic materials. Compost creates the rich layer of humus plants need to thrive and produce brag-worthy plant life filled with vitamins, color, and heartiness. Thinking about composting? Here is some information to consider: You don’t need a lot of space to compost. There is an idea that one needs lots of space, or plans to grow a lot of produce, to warrant the effort of composting. Actually, it can be done on any scale for which we have the space, energy, and need. We can even compost indoors using modified five gallon buckets, old dresser drawers, or plastic bins. The Spruce has great tips on how to do this ourselves. Also, there are many stylish, inexpensive online options for outdoor and indoor bins, as well as at our local gardening store and several of our favorite retail establishments. There are even kitchen countertop versions available! Should I compost the traditional way, or vermicompost? Vermicomposting utilizes worms to better aerate the soil, as well as hasten the decomposition process of our materials. With traditional compost, we need to turn the materials to bring oxygen to the process. With vermicompost, the worms do this with their wriggling movements, reducing the physicality required from us. This is ideal for gardeners who have limited mobility. Also, Vermicompost takes much less time to be ready, while traditional compost can take between six and nine months to be ready for use. Another advantage of vermiculture is worm castings. Castings are the waste eliminated by worms, and are higher in phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen than traditional composting. Traditional composting also has its advantages. It can be done indoors or outdoors, bins can be as deep or shallow as we desire, and turning the compost can be physically satisfying exercise. And while both methods improve soil quality, plant growth and yield, and when done properly, limit dangerous or destructive pests, traditional composting is less expensive than vermicomposting. Traditional composting also uses heat, while vermiculture necessitates regulated cooler temperatures, more precise ratios of materials, and requires a slightly more complex harvest. I’ve heard it’s smelly business! And what about pests? We’ve heard this, too! But the fact of the matter is that done correctly, compost does not offend. Composting is a delicate balance of water, air, and differing organic materials. Given this, there are a few conditions which contribute to a bad smelling compost. Too much moisture. If your compost is too wet, the microbes ordinarily responsible for breaking materials down cannot do that work. If the pile is not turned often enough, the other materials not abundant enough, or the pile is located in space that is too cool. An overabundance of moisture brings down oxygen levels, slowing the decomposition process. The components are not proportionate .. A compost pile, or vermicompost bin, holds materials. We add what are called “brown” materials, “green” material, and water. Each of these materials does a job important to the nutrient content of the pile. Too much of either green or brown materials inhibits the breakdown of material. Items like meat and dairy were added. Meat and dairy can be composted, being super-rich in nutrients, but separately from green waste compost. Meat products, bones, and dairy should be composted on a smaller scale, covered. Composting such material, however, may bring pests to the pile. What is in compost? Compost consists of brown and green materials, as well as soil and water. “Brown materials for composting include dry or woody plant material. In most cases, these materials are brown, or naturally turn brown like fall leaves, pine needles, scratch papers, twigs, tree branches and bark”. The green materials are the food waste added, such as banana peels, tea leaves and tea bags, egg shells, rinds and used coffee grounds. Then, water (and worms, if vermicomposting). These proportions matter. If there is too much food waste, or green, the food is simply wet and spoiling. Too much brown can dry out our pile. These materials are layered in the bin. Begin with a diverse collection of brown materials, then a layer of green waste, and a little water to keep things moist so micro-organisms can do their powerful work. Then add some more paper, leaves, yard trimmings, food scraps, and so on as needed. How the bin is situated is also important. When doing traditional compost, ideally the bin rests on the ground to catch some of those organisms. The more diverse the organic materials, including bugs and organisms that break down materials, the higher the quality of the resulting humus. Where it is situated matters, too. Heat is integral to the chemical breakdown of the materials. Vermicompost bins need to be kept in a cool space, typically indoors, to keep worms from drying out and dying. The worms do the work of breaking down materials, making the process physical rather than chemical. This means gardeners need to turn their piles more often with the traditional method. All that is to say . . . Our sister farm, Sunna Ra Acres, uses compost to feed our gorgeous, fragrant cannabis! If we have the desire, energy, and resources, composting is a beneficial way to nourish our soil, enrich our produce, and participate in our food production, ensuring its cleanliness and nutritional value and beauty. From soil, to seed, to harvest, to consumption, starting with amended soil, along with healing the soil we use, brings huge pride and satisfaction for so many gardeners. For additional information, check out these sources: Stop Compost Smell! 5 Reasons Your Compost Stinks Why Does My Compost Pile Smell Bad? How to Hot Compost Which Items are "Greens", and Which are "Browns?" Vermicomposting 101: What Are the Differences Between Vermicomposting and Composting?  mother’s Day, we take time to celebrate and appreciate the women that helped to raise and guide us into the people we are today. Some brought us into this world, others adopted us into theirs, and many we celebrate because they are important mother figures in our lives.
Psychologists suggest that strong bonds first form between mother and child during the feeding process. They link the feeling of being full after feeding to the feeling of being fulfilled. This may mean our first positive feelings towards our mothers are survival based. Harry Harlow, a physiologist working at the University of Wisconsin-Madison during the 1960’s, believed that comfort played more of a key role in the love that we feel for our mothers. He performed a study where he deprived young monkey’s of food and then placed them with two available mother figures, one which would provide comfort and no food; and one which would provide food yet no comfort. Time and time again the monkey’s would fill their bellies with food, but then run right back to their comfort mothers. Some would even come close to starving before leaving the warmth that their comfort mother was giving them to seek more food. His work supported the idea that a mother’s bond went far beyond simple survival. Another study done by Mary Ainsworth suggests that a mother’s behavior has more influence then we may even be aware of. Her work focused on the idea that these relationships we have with our mothers in particular, give us mental representation of what our future relationships with others should look like. In some ways we crave love and fellowship more than we crave basic needs like food and comfort. This means the impact our mothers have in our lives is extremely significant. Our mother’s put in a lot of work to shape us and build us into contributing members of society. Today’s mothers and Grandmothers are working full time jobs while making sure their children have good meals and a structured upbringing. Essentially, it is harder than ever to be a mother. We had a customer in the shop the other day who bought our Hypnos Hemp Sleep Aid Tincture to help her get more out of her nights rest. She said the tincture allowed her to wake up as fresh and ready for her three children who, right now, require a lot of her attention. From making sure they have completed their at home school work, to making sure they don’t forget how to be social she is one busy mom. This is also known as caring for yourself so you can care for others. Sometimes though, our beloved mothers forget to take time to care for themselves. Mother's Day is our chance to help, and to remind them of how precious they are to us. If you are looking for the perfect gift for mom, Sun God Medicinals has produced fantastic herbal products that have supportive herbs for any woman looking for a boost. The Eir line of products is formulated and compounded with women in mind, featuring supportive medicinal herbs traditionally used by herbalists for their hormone balancing properties, as well as support of the female reproductive system. The Eir line includes herbs such as: BLACK COHOSH (Arctium lappa)
The Eir line includes products for women of all ages and needs, but maybe the Hypnos sleep aid or another selection of herbs is right for your mom - each one makes a thoughtful gift to remind mom to take some time for herself. Comfort gifts are great, because they allow mom multiple opportunities to take time for herself. Think medicinal herbs this year and give the gift of relief. This mother’s Day, we hope you take time to celebrate the person who helped you become you! *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Hemp Products Disclaimer: All Products Contain Less Than 0.3% THC. Ahh.. the clouds are beginning to clear, and more days of sunny weather are starting to outweigh those frigid, grey afternoons. Any major climate shift will cause some disruptions to our day-to-day life. Achy joints, general fatigue, and sluggish digestion are all common experiences in the sloth of winter. Lucky for us, and as the Beatles put it best, here comes the sun! It’s time to get ourselves prepared for the activities and enjoyment spring has to offer. The best way to prepare yourself for this seasonal change, is to build your immune system and support your mental health.
Prevention is key with immune health, and with our current, world viral scare, there’s no better time to adopt a few immune system boosting habits. Some of my favorites include: prioritizing sleep, at least 6-8 hours is ideal to allow cell repair, regeneration and recovery. Eating your rainbow, nutrition and gut health are key to a balanced immune system. Eating real food, mostly plants and staying hydrated are also crucial. The general rule of thumb for hydration is for every pound you weigh, drink one ounce of water. There are certainly more ways to support your immune health, but by adding these suggestions into your routine, you may just see a difference in your overall well-being. As the days begin to warm, and our sluggish habits of winter start to shed, we may find ourselves caught in a lazier than we would like mentality. Don’t fret, this is normal and there are ways to support your mental health when these feelings arise. My favorites include any type of meditation practice, generally for 5-10 minutes, or more! There are a few different types of meditation you can try. Positive affirmations are another way to boost your confidence and revitalize your being. Try it in the mirror each morning on the way to work! Of course we can’t forget about herbal support- from nervines to adaptogens, there are so many to choose from. Some go-to herbal remedies I grab when I am feeling mentally sluggish or just a bit down in the dumps are Milky Oats and Saint John's Wort. Both offer unique nervine, or nervous system support, and are powerful adaptogens that help our bodies adjust to our environments. Breeze Botanical stores offer a variety of products that are formulated with some of my favorite herbal allies, as well as products that may support the immune system and overall vitality. The Panacea Immune Support Hemp Tincture from Sun God Medicinals provides a well-rounded combination of both immune and nervous system support, with the added relief of hemp, and they are crafted with bioregional, sustainably harvested herbs (bonus!) At both store locations, we have a well-trained team, ready to answer any questions you may have. For any in-depth inquiries, we also have our clinical herbalist standing by to guide you on your path of healing- book an appointment today and begin your herbal medicine journey! Aphrodisiacs have always intrigued us here at Breeze Botanicals. From their potent, lust giving abilities, to the tasty flavors and aromas of the variety of edible aphrodisiacs out there- I just want to try them all, and I am sure you share the same urges. Before I decided to indulge in my favorite lovely treats this month, I decided to do a little research first. What is an aphrodisiac anyway, and where did they come from? Here’s a quick glimpse into that fantastic tale, and some herbal accompaniments that may just enhance your love life in all the right ways.
A very brief re-telling of the story of the Greek Goddess, Aphrodite, sheds some light on the progression of the history and integration of these powerful herbal elixirs and allies that blurred the line between medicine and magic. Aphrodite, of which aphrodisiac was later named, was famed for her delectable treats known to increase sex drive and performance. The only catch: in exchange for these much desired traits was the consumption of a few succulent and fresh...dove brains! But do not fret, there are a few tastier options available to us that have those same spicy effects! There are a variety of aphrodisiacs that are steeped in both science and lore, but one of my favorites is definitely chocolate! Sun God Medicinals, Ra Cannabis Chocolate Squares, available in both peppermint and orange flavors, are blended with a silky cocoa that is sure to tickle the senses. Chocolate, and more properly cacao, has been used by the Mayans for centuries for both ritual and daily consumption. It is considered an aphrodisiac because of how it can spike the dopamine of the pleasure center of the brain, resulting in “all the feels”. At Breeze Botanical stores, we carry Sun god Medicinals compounded blends of potent aphrodisiacs and other supportive herbs, formulated to help you achieve your most pleasurable experiences yet! From single herbal tincture of Rose and Damiana to Lemon Balm and Motherwort, to herbal tea blends such as the Heka Happy Tea and Hercules Muscle Ease Tea, all make easy additions to any daily routine, that can add that little bit of enjoyment to your day that you surely deserve. Stop by Breeze Botanical stores to check out these products, and many more of our lovely herbal options! We are always so delighted to hear questions from our LOVELY customers, and especially feedback on any of our products. So please leave us a review, bring a friend to our stores, and begin to spread the knowledge and the access to sustainable, bioregional medicinal herbs and Cannabis. And as always, Happy Healing!! Sometimes ingesting or inhaling herbs isn't an option. It's still possible to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of herbs, including cannabis, without putting it in your body. We call this transdermal application topicals. Topicals can include herb-infused lotions, salves, massage oils, etc., that are applied to the skin, usually directly to the area of discomfort. Cannabis topicals are minimally invasive and most of the time non-psychoactive. The cannabinoids, such as THC, CBD, or CBN, are absorbed into the skin, but usually don't have a cerebral effect, making it a great option for those who can't or don't want to feel any psychoactivity. Topicals allow for quicker and more focused relief. They may be effective for localized nerve pain, tension, muscle ache, inflammation, and even some skin conditions. When absorbed through the skin, cannabinoids bind to the abundant CB2 receptors near the skin's surface. This may help explain the non-psychoactive nature of topicals, since a high occurs when THC binds to CB1 receptors. The cannabinoids are also not typically crossing into the bloodstream unless applied directly to a vienous region or in people with very thin skin, like seniors. It is advised, that seniors or people with thinner skin start with caution to evaluate psychoactivity. Begin with a small test area of skin to evaluate the cerebral effects from any THC-rich topical. The effects of localized relief in topicals may be felt rather quickly. Continued reapplication may be necessary, but topicals are a convenient and covert way to use medicinal herbs whenever necessary. Topicals may not be the best standalone method for someone experiencing deep tissue, widespread, or chronic pain because the product may not reach that deeply or address the root cause of the pain or spasms. A better approach may be pairing a topical with an internal method, like a tincture. However, heat is a useful tool for increasing the effectiveness of topicals. A good time to apply your lotion or salve is after a hot shower when your pores are open. Try pressing a heating pad to the area after applying the topical to help ease muscles or inflammation. Topicals are a friendly and effective way to use medicinal herbs, including cannabis therapeutically. It provides an opportunity for new or wary users to see for themselves how medicinal cannabis can be effective.  |
AuthorsThe Herbalist Team at Breeze Botanical's uses our collective educational experiences and on-going thirst for knowledge to normalize the conversation around herbs and to demystify the world of herbal medicine. Join us on this journey and embrace the plants around you. Archives
May 2025
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