Happy Friday everyone!
Today you are all in for a treat!
I have teamed up with author Spencer Ruhl, of The High Cookbook, to get you all the deats and amazing health and beauty benefits of Cannabis.
Spencer believes in truly living the high life and exploring different facets of the green plant.
Her book, out soon, takes a non-medicated approach to help satisfy cravings for those recreational lovers.
Fascinated by marijuana, I wanted to dig a little deeper with her on how the effects can be used for good, not bad.
Often marijuana is given a bad name as it classified as a “drug,” but did you know there are numerous way to consume or apply to your life in a positive way?
It’s controversial history in the United States has recently seen a national perception of the drug has shifting as more and more states are legalizing it.
What was once associated with Woodstock and Reagan’s War on Drugs is now pretty damn socially acceptable.
“In the last few years, there have been a number of triumphs in the weed community, like the creation of pro-pot spas in states like Colorado and Illinois, weed-infused lube, and the opening of New York City’s first medical-marijuana dispensary this year. Given the plant’s popularity, it’s no surprise that it’s making its way into skin care,” as well as treatments for patients in need of the drugs cannabinoids.
Although marijuana is mainly consumed through pipes and papers, it can also be enjoyed by adding it into food, or alongside food, as Spencer highlights in her book, but also topically.
Health and Beauty Benefits of Marijuana:
Treats Glaucoma:
This is one of the best health benefits. Glaucoma is a disease that develops due to an increased pressure in the eyes. It damages optic nerve in the eye. Consumption of the plant reduces the pressure in the eye by decreasing the IOP (Intraocular Pressure).
Decreases Anxiety:
Mary Jane is excellent for soothing the mind. It reduces tension and uplifts mood.
Helps Relieve Arthritis:
In the U.S. almost 1% of people suffer from Arthritis. MJ is great at reducing pain, discomfort and inflammation. THC and CBD, the beneficial compounds found in marijuana are anti-inflammatory and analgesic.
Works with PMS:
Premenstrual disorder is a result of mood swings, fatigue, depression…. basically, a hormonal imbalance. Weed helps to regulate the hormonal imbalance in the body to alleviate pain.
Heals Broken Bones:
Cannabidiol encourages the collagen protein molecule and makes bones strong.
“The skin in the largest bodily organ. It’s our first point of contact with the world around us, and it protects our internal organs from harm. While it may not seem like it, the skin is surprisingly active. Cells in the skin synthesize vitamin D, regulate our body temperature, and helps us detect changes in our environment. For these reasons, it’s important to keep skin healthy.
Specialized glands, cells, and hairs help the skin perform all of its routine functions. Surprisingly, recent research has shown that cannabinoid receptors are actually found on cells throughout the skin. Cannabinoid receptors are the binding locations for compounds like THC, the primary active chemical in cannabis. Both THC and non-psychoactive CBD are phytocannabinoids. Our bodies make versions of these compounds, known as endocannabinoids.
It’s a common misconception that cannabinoid receptors are concentrated only in the central nervous system and the brain. They’re actually found all throughout the body. This includes the skin, the gut, and reproductive organs. The fact that these cell sites are found in a wide range of bodily regions indicates how important endocannabinoids are to our basic health and physiological functioning. This includes the basic health and functioning of the skin.”
Oil Production:
Studies have shown that the endocannabinoid system aids in sebum creation. The endocannabinoid system is thought to play a regulatory role in managing the production of this oil, along with maintaining the function of the hair follicle. Sebaceous glands are connected to hair follicles, causing the two of them to act as a mini-organ of the skin.
Slower Hair Growth:
Tired of excess back hair? Put some weed on it! Well, kind of. There is some evidence that THC and our own endocannabinoid, anandamide, slow down hair growth in a dose-dependent fashion. The more THC you apply, the slower the hair is going to grow. This finding just might be why cannabis-based health product company, Phytecs, is looking into developing skin-care products that target the endocannabinoid system.
“When you apply activated cannabis directly to the skin in the form of a topical, you’re directly engaging these cannabinoid receptors. If you sprain an ankle and your ankle swells up, applying a cannabis topical can both ease the pain in that area as well as drastically reduce inflammation.
The same goes with other inflammatory abrasions, bruises, and skin conditions. Cannabis cream is non-psychoactive. Simply rubbing on a little canna-balm isn’t going to get you high. But, infused balms, creams, salves, and lotions are a great natural first-aid product to have on hand for minor abrasions.
You can also use cannabis cream in the form of transdermal patches. Patches like those created by Mary’s Medicinals are popular among arthritis sufferers and those recovering from an injury. You apply a transdermal patch just like you’d apply an IcyHot or nicotine patch, and they work wonders for reducing pain and inflammation in a localized area.
Obviously, for serious skin issues or injuries, you’ll need to consult a doctor before trying any new treatments. It’s also best to ask your local dispensary or care center for product recommendations. In the world of marijuana, not all products are created equally. If you can, err toward products that have been laboratory tested and have been shown to actually contain cannabinoids like THC, CBD, or both.”
Overall, making a at home topical treatment is quite easy. I went to Spencer’s house and she showed me her easy recipe to produce cannabutter made for cooking to help alleviate pain through consumption.
Recipe for Cannabis Cooking Oil:
Ingredients:
1 cup of ground cannabis flower (or less for milder potency)
1 cup of cooking oil of your choice
Note: Coconut and olive oil are the most common choices; coconut oil has a milder taste and can therefore be used for more dishes, whereas olive oil is the staple cooking oil for most kitchens.
Hardware:
Strainer or cheesecloth
Grinder (a simple hand grinder works best; appliances like blenders and coffee grinder pulverize the cannabis, resulting in edibles with bad tasting plant material)
Double-boiler, slow cooker, saucepan, etc.
Directions:
- Grind the cannabis. You can include the entire plant, just the flower, a little bit of both — this is all a matter of preference. Just keep in mind that anything small enough to fit through the strainer will end up in your finished product, so again, do not grind your cannabis to a fine powder.
- Combine oil and cannabis in your double-boiler or slow cooker, and heat the two together on low or warm for a few hours. This allows for decarboxylation(activation of THC) without scorching (which destroys the active ingredients). Cooking can be done a variety of ways: in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally; in a double-boiler on low for at least 6 hours (8 is better), stirring occasionally; or in a simple saucepan on low for at least three hours, stirring frequently (a saucepan is most susceptible to scorching). In all cases, a small amount of water can be added to the mixture to help avoid burning. Note: whatever method you choose, temperature of the oil should not exceed 245°F.
- Strain and store the oil. Do not squeeze the cheesecloth; this will simply add more chlorophyll to your oil. All remaining plant material can be discarded or used in other dishes if you have the wherewithal. The oil’s shelf life is at least two months, and can be extended with refrigeration.
If you are more into topical treatments of the leaf, here are a few companies with some top tier products.
Pomade infused with cannabis sativa to help stimulate hair growth and nourish scalp.
A full hemp seed body care line. Everything from body wash, to lotion to lip balm and oils.
For more information on cooking with or alongside the leafy green, contact Spencer at spencerruhl1@gmail.com, or drop her a line on Instagram @420cookbook and keep up to date on her book release, The High Cookbook, coming out soon!
For more info on all things beauty, stay tuned! This article inspired me to try some of the Marley product line, so a review will be out soon.
Stay free everyone!
Happy weekend!
Xx
Komal
2 comments
Wow! I never knew that cannibas has this many health benefits! Thanks for sharing!
This is so interesting, I want to make cooking oil
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com