13 Oct

Plant Power: 7 Natural Remedies That Are Backed by Science

Humans have used natural remedies for centuries to help heal ailments and promote recovery. In recent years, scientists have looked closer into the medicinal benefits of plants. Here, we take a look at some traditional remedies that research has shown to be beneficial and effective.

A Brief History of Natural Remedies

For thousands of years, our ancestors lived in much closer proximity to nature than we do now.

Without modern science and medicine, they turned to the natural environment for help with ailments of all kinds, from wounds to illnesses.

After many years of intuition, trial, error and experimentation, our past relatives discovered a rich library of natural medicines.

The development of modern medicine into the present time has revolutionised the world and helped to reduce death, disease and suffering. However, in recent years scientists have become increasingly more interested in the natural remedies of our past.

Why Do People Use Natural Remedies?

While there is most certainly a place for modern medicine, there are several scenarios in which a holistic alternative can be beneficial:

They can help to reduce the side effects of traditional medications.
There are little or no side effects in comparison to their pharmaceutical alternatives.
They can help to boost the immune system.
Their non-toxic nature and connection to the natural world can help to promote wellbeing.
They may provide a cure or relief of symptoms.

Which Natural Remedies Are Backed Up by Science?

The following is a list of plant-based remedies and their known scientific values.

Chamomile

The chamomile plant grows in abundance across the UK and was used by our ancestors to treat a variety of complaints. There have been several studies that link consuming chamomile tea to reduced menstrual cramps.

Other research has revealed that chamomile can help to lower blood sugar levels in people who have diabetes.

Interestingly, very few studies have been conducted regarding chamomile’s effectiveness in promoting sleep and reducing anxiety, something it is traditionally well known for; therefore, results are inconclusive. However, researchers believe that it may function like benzodiazepines.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a fine, golden powder ground from the turmeric plant which has been used in both Ayurvedic medicine and cooking for almost 4,000 years.

Scientists’ main interest in the spice is its anti-inflammatory properties.

Turmeric’s active ingredient is curcumin, which studies show can help reduce pain caused by arthritis, with one study revealing that turmeric extract was equally as effective as ibuprofen for treating pain caused by osteoarthritis in patient’s knees.

Interestingly, consuming turmeric alongside ground black pepper helps to boost absorption.

Hemp

Hemp is most commonly consumed in the form of CBD oil which can be extracted from the plant.

The hemp plant is a fast-growing, versatile crop that has been used for centuries to create textiles and medicine.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, hemp acts as an anti-inflammatory which may help to treat types of chronic pain. Studies suggest it can also provide relief for anxiety and insomnia.

There is also strong evidence showing that a specific hemp-derived medicine can treat severe symptoms of childhood epilepsy, which often don’t respond to antiseizure medications. So much so, that in 2018 the FDA approved the first-ever medication of this kind.

Chilli

Chilli peppers contain an active ingredient, capsaicin. Capsaicin has long been used in homoeopathy but has more recently been adopted by modern medicine as a treatment for pain and soreness.

The capsaicin is usually found in a prescription patch or creams and works by making an area of the skin hot before going numb, to reduce feelings of pain.

Mint

Certain varieties of mint can provide different benefits. A strain of mint known as wintergreen has shown it may help soothe joint and muscle pain when applied topically.

Studies have shown that peppermint can help reduce several of the symptoms associated with IBS, including spasms and abdominal pain. In addition, this suggests that peppermint tea or capsules can help to aid digestion.

Lavender

Lavender is good for the mind, with the plant traditionally being used to treat headaches, migraines, anxiety, stress and restlessness.

It turns out there is good reason for this fragrant flower being used as a remedy, with science revealing many medicinal uses for it.

A study published in European Neurology concluded that the inhalation of lavender oil is an effective treatment for managing migraines.

Likewise, a study into lavender and the nervous system, published by Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, discovered that lavender helped to improve disturbed sleep and restlessness, alleviated anxiety and improved mood, and eased chronic pain.

Ginger

Ginger is an all-rounder when it comes to its benefits and effectiveness. Not only is it used to help soothe sore throats and clear up colds, but it also helps to settle stomachs, stop feelings of nausea and work as an anti-inflammatory.

Ginger works to reduce pain by blocking the formation of certain inflammatory compounds and breaking down pre-existing inflammation with its antioxidant properties.

ElleVance is a UK-based company who provide a variety of hemp supplements, such as CBD oil. Backed by a panel of researchers in the US, we also dedicate our time to researching the benefits of taking hemp using our unique and independently-tested oil.

09 Oct

What to Look for in CBD Products

If you have decided to try out CBD oil, then it is essential to know that not all CBD products are the same.

While there are certainly some excellent CBD oils out there, a lot of the market is saturated with products that are, unfortunately, sub-par, and may not give you the effects you desire.

Many people are unaware of what they need to look for in a quality CBD product. To help you understand what to look for in CBD products, we have highlighted a few essential points to consider!

Is the Price Too Good to Be True?

We’re all always on the hunt for a bargain, but when it comes to CBD oil, often a low price means it is too good to be true.

High-quality CBD/CBDA oils are not cheap to make. For example, ElleVance CBD products are made with the best hemp cultivars and are independently tested to ensure their purity.

If a CBD product seems cheap, it is probably made with inferior ingredients and may not contain as many cannabinoids. These cheaper products are unlikely to have been tested to as high standards.

ElleVance conducted a study of 30 CBD products by testing their composition in a third-party laboratory. We found that the vast majority contained significantly less CBD than they claimed, with four products containing no CBD at all! Similar results were gained from surveys conducted by the Centre for Medicinal Cannabis and the BBC.

The Amount of CBD is Shown on the Label

When you’re looking to buy a CBD product, you must check the label to see if the amount of CBD is shown.

The label should show the total number of milligrams in the bottle and the concentration in the product. The higher the number, the more potent the CBD oil is.

Here at ElleVance, our oil has 70mg/mL of total cannabinoids, and CBD and CBDA make up approximately 95% of this. To compare the cost of different CBD products, you’ll want to divide the price by the milligrams to get the £/MG. This will also help you to gauge the strength.

Complete-Spectrum CBD

CBD oils can either be made of whole plant extracts (known as complete-spectrum CBD) or from CBD isolates. Complete-spectrum hemp products contain other cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes, whereas CBD isolates are just CBD.

While you’d be forgiven for thinking that pure CBD is better, complete-spectrum CBD products are safer and more effective than CBD isolates.

This is because complete-spectrum CBD products interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system at different levels. In contrast, CBD isolates impacts a much narrower area.

A high-quality CBD product will reveal which is the main cannabinoid on the label.

ElleVance is a complete-spectrum CBD+CBDA oil that is rich in terpenes.

A person holding a bottle and making a heart shape

No Bold Claims

While CBD oil certainly has helped many people deal with things like chronic pain, sleeplessness, and anxiety; it is vital to steer clear of products that make bold claims.

CBD products are food supplements (like vitamins, minerals and some oils). As such, no company can claim that its CBD product cures or treats any medical condition.

Grown With Good Soil Quality

CBD comes from the hemp plant. Hemp is a hyperaccumulator, which means that it absorbs everything from the soil it is grown in. As such, the soil quality must be high and free from pesticides; otherwise, toxic chemicals can be present in the crops.

To make sure your CBD oil is safe, you’ll want to find a product where the hemp has been grown in an area where farmers are required to be certified and have their land tested.

For example, the hemp used for ElleVance products is grown at a pesticide-free farm in Colorado, USA.

A person with a clipboard inspecting hemp leaves

Tested By a Third-Party Laboratory

When you are choosing a CBD product, one of the most important things to check is whether a third-party laboratory has tested it.

Independent laboratories will provide unbiased results about the composition of a product.

Some of these lab tests will check that the product is free of contamination from things like pesticides, heavy metals, or fungi.

If a product does not have a third-party lab report, it may be best to avoid it. Without a report, you cannot know if it contains harmful contaminants, or if it has the level of cannabinoids that it claims.

At ElleVance, all of our products are tested at an independent laboratory to ensure consistency and purity.

a CBD oil dropper in front of a hemp leaf

Contains undetectable levels of THC

To be sold legally, CBD must contain non-detectable levels of THC.

The Cannabis sativa plant contains CBD and THC. THC is the chemical with psychoactive effects. Industrial hemp is the strain of Cannabis used for CBD oil, and it has higher levels of CBD and other cannabinoids, and a much lower level of THC than other varieties of the plant.

If the hemp plant is improperly processed, it can raise the THC level beyond this amount. This is a sign of a low-quality product, and again highlights the importance of independent laboratory testing.

Shop CBD oils, capsules and balms at Ellevance

If you would like to try CBD oil from a trusted and independently-tested brand, then ElleVance is here for you. Check out our testimonials to hear our customers’ experiences with our CBD+CBDA products, or take a look at our FAQs to discover more about using CBD oil, capsules or balms.

06 Oct

Can You Build a Tolerance to CBD?

Some substances, when taken over an extended time, can cause our bodies to begin to build a tolerance. We establish a tolerance to a chemical when more and more of it is required to produce the same effects. Tolerance can build up for simple daily items such as coffee and sugar.

Understandably, those who take CBD oil may wonder if they might begin to build a tolerance in a similar way. In this article, we take a closer look at what tolerance is, and whether it is related to CBD.

What is Tolerance?

To know whether our bodies can build a tolerance to CBD, we first need to understand how tolerance works.

There are three different types of tolerance, cellular, metabolic and psychological, which can occur individually or in combination depending on the substance and how it reacts with the body.

Cellular Tolerance

Many substances work by binding to a receptor. Over time, receptors can become less responsive, causing a reduction in the effects.

Metabolic Tolerance

Metabolic tolerance occurs when the body becomes more efficient at metabolising or eliminating a substance. Prolonged consumption of a substance causes the body’s metabolism to ‘get used’ to something. The substance is broken down faster, and its effects are both diminished and less prolonged.

Psychological Tolerance

Users can become psychologically attuned to the effects of a substance, meaning they are less perceptive or conscious of its benefits.

Understanding How CBD Works

CBD works differently to most of the chemicals associated with the development of tolerance and, therefore, developing a tolerance is unlikely.

Scientists know that CBD doesn’t bind directly with receptors. Instead, it indirectly improves the efficacy of endocannabinoids and receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Therefore, cellular tolerance is less likely.

Can You Build a Tolerance to CBD?

While tolerance is often more complicated than the simple mechanisms described, research suggests that CBD is not tolerance-forming and may even have the opposite effect.

Early studies indicate that due to the way CBD stimulates the endocannabinoid system, over time, lower amounts may be able to produce the same result.

In answer to the question ‘can you build up a tolerance to CBD?’ most scientists seem to agree that the answer is no.

What Do I Do if CBD is No Longer Working for Me?

If you have been taking CBD regularly and are noticing a reduction in the effects, it may be a result of one (or more) of the following things.

CBD Oil From a Non-Reputable Source

Is the CBD you are taking from a reputable and quality-consistent source? Many companies do not independently test each batch of CBD, meaning that the concentration of active ingredients may vary from batch to batch.

Here at ElleVance, our CBD/CBDA oils are tested by an independent laboratory to ensure that they are of the highest quality and are safe and effective to use.

Using a Different Product

Have you changed your CBD oil brand or product from the one you started with? Not all CBD oils are the same – even when comparing two products’ labels that seem to be identical, several things can make them different.

There are a few ways of taking CBD oil; for example, as a drop of oil or in a capsule. CBD oil dropped into the mouth is absorbed by your mucous membranes, whereas a capsule will be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. One of these methods may work better for you than another.

Take a Break

If you have not changed the product or the dose you were taking, some scientists suggest halting your CBD consumption for a couple of days. This can help to kickstart the effectiveness when you start taking the CBD again.

Reached Maximum Effectiveness

It is possible you could have reached the maximum effect you could achieve from enhancing your endocannabinoid system.

Remember that CBD and CBDA are not medicines. Therefore, they are not going to revert the course of a disease or cure it altogether.

Worsening of a Condition

If despite taking a CBD/CBDA product, you feel that your pain, stress or discomfort starts to come back, it may be that your condition is worsening. Consider consulting with a health professional.

At ElleVance, we have our CBD/CBDA oils tested by independent laboratories, so we know that all our full-spectrum CBD products are of the highest quality.

To explore our products as well as discover answers to more frequently asked questions, please visit our website.

Rugby balls on a training pitch by cones

13 Aug

Using CBD for Rugby

A growing body of research is showing that CBD can provide a range of health benefits for all people. By promoting natural reactions in our body, cannabinoids have the potential to help us live happier, healthier lives.

Since WADA removed CBD from its list of prohibited substances, athletes are now discovering the potential benefits it can bring to physical performance.

Rugby is one of the most physically intense team sports in the world, with so much pressure exerted, mentally and physically, across the body. CBD can assist rugby players in their performance, particularly during the recovery process, as outlined in this article.

Improved Recovery

Given the amount of physical activity and contact involved, it’s unsurprising that rugby is one of the most demanding and, as a result, injury-prone sports. While international bodies seek to make injuries less common, the basics of the game mean that pain is inevitable, and the recovery process is vital.

Recovery, either from injury or general fatigue, is a long process with many facets. However, CBD can provide benefits in many of these areas.

CBD reduces pain and inflammation, allowing the body to speed up its natural recovery processes and, ultimately, produce more muscle. Cannabinoids can also promote sleep, a vital part of overcoming fatigue and feeling fresh for the next fixture.

When it comes to more serious injuries, CBD can also help in the reduction of pain and inflammation, while its stress-reducing properties provide the athlete with a stronger sense of calm at what can be a traumatic time.

Note: CBD is not an alternative to conventional medicine, and should only be used to assist a more in-depth recovery process.

Reduced Pain and Inflammation

One of CBD’s most significant benefits for rugby players is its ability to decrease levels of pain and inflammation naturally. For many players, these are just parts of the sport. However, properly managing the recovery process not only makes it more comfortable but can also lead to better gains going forward.

Cannabinoids in CBD interact with your body’s natural endocannabinoid system, which then interacts with the nervous system to reduce pain and inflammation. By lowering these feelings, the body will be free to help you recover more quickly and effectively than before, making your body more durable over time and reducing the recovery time needed between matches.

Increased Sleep

We have perennially underestimated the importance of sleep, but it’s an essential part of athletic performance. During our sleep is when our bodies perform the most rigorous recovery procedures, while a lack of sleep can impact our time awake in a myriad of ways, both physical and mental.

CBD may help the body to control its emotions, triggering natural hormones that enable us to fall asleep quicker and more deeply. By improving the quality of your rest, you’ll feel fresher in body and mind for the next day.

Controlled Stress and Anxiety

Sportspeople at the highest level need to make every moment count. However, that pressure we put on ourselves can have a negative effect if not channelled in the right way. Stress not only impacts on our on-field performance but can also negatively affect recovery, dieting and other aspects of your life.

The natural chemicals in CBD may help the body to suppress feelings of anxiety and stress before they can appear. This ability to reduce negative emotions can lead to higher levels of performance, as well as improved recovery processes.

A downcast rugby player alone on a pitch

Are athletes allowed to take CBD products?

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, CBD has been removed from the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of prohibited substances for athletes. CBD products do not contain THC, the psychoactive element that remains a banned substance for many sports. Many professional athletes across multiple sports now use CBD products as part of their recovery and preparation process.

CBD is an excellent way of assisting the body in doing what it does best. Here at Ellevance, we are one of the top producers of CBD oil in the UK, with products designed specifically for sports performance. For more information, please browse our range or check out our blog on how athletes can manage injuries.

European Union flags outside the Commission building

28 Jul

Why the EC should not class CBD as a drug: a Q&A with ElleVance

Here at ElleVance, we’re proud of our position as a leading figure in the market of safe, healthy and high-performing CBD oils. Over the years, we’ve seen the benefits these products have delivered to millions of people around the world. As more evidence comes to light, people are becoming even more optimistic about what CBD, as part of a balanced diet, can do for your bodies and minds.

However, we are still at an early stage on this path towards understanding CBD. Even at the highest level, there are still preconceptions concerning these products. This need for broader education was evidenced earlier this month when the European Commission (EC) paused novel food applications for CBD products derived from industrial hemp to consider the question of whether they should be classed as a drug.

We at ElleVance are proud members of the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA), who are helping to educate policymakers in the UK and EU on the facts surrounding CBD.

In this article, we analyse what this sudden change in mind from the EC could mean for CBD products and why, with proper regulation and education, everybody can enjoy the benefits of CBD.

What Did the European Commission Decide on CBD?

The EC was advised to suspend novel food applications for products containing naturally-derived CBD and to consider whether this ingredient should be classed as a narcotic drug.

No final decision has been made, and the EC is inviting bodies to provide comment ahead of September. However, the EC has made a preliminary decision that non-synthetic CBD should be classed as a drug in the future.

What is a Novel Food?

Novel in this instance refers to something new or interesting. A novel food, therefore, is one that has not been widely consumed before and, as a result, requires regulation and checks regarding its safety for consumption.

Technically, novel foods in the EU and in the UK are those that have not been widely consumed in these territories before May 1997. A novel food can be anything, from the latest discoveries in plant-based nutrition to foods popular worldwide but without a history of local consumption, such as chia seeds.

Is CBD a Drug?

This question is the crux of the debate that has started since this surprise decision by the EC. Again, it’s worth noting that no final decision has been made. However, there is overwhelming evidence to suggest that naturally-derived CBD should remain as a novel food and not be regulated as a drug.

The Evidence

Firstly, it’s important to differentiate between non-psychoactive CBD from industrial hemp and THC, the psychoactive substance found in the cannabis plant. In all cases where this distinction is made, CBD is not considered a drug. You can learn more about this in our blog looking at can you get high from CBD products?

The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA), which classes CBD as a novel food, has indicated that it will retain that status regardless of the EC ruling. CBD also shares a similar status in the USA, Canada, China and Switzerland.

Whether a substance should be classed as a drug or not falls under two international conventions overseen by the United Nations (UN). Under these rules, CBD has never been considered a narcotic or psychotropic substance.

There is also evidence that CBD oil shouldn’t just be novel food, but should actually be classed as traditional food. Back in 1997, the EC made this ruling, before reclassing it as “Novel” in 2019. The argument supporting this position is that, whilst cold-pressed hemp-seed oils have been part of human diets for ages, high-quality hemp extracts were not widely consumed before 1997.

Why Has the EC Made This Decision?

Given the overwhelming evidence to the contrary, the EC’s surprising decision is widely seen to be a politically-motivated one. The continued acceptance of synthetically-produced CBD as a novel food provides further confusion as to the direction of travel for Europe.

Again, it’s worth repeating that this is a preliminary decision. We remain hopeful that the EC will see the compelling evidence regarding CBD and reverse this announcement in due course.

Will the European Commission Decision Impact the UK?

As mentioned above, the UK’s FSA has shown no indication that it will reverse its own position towards CBD. However, while the UK has left the European Union, it is in a period of transition where it must follow Europe’s rules. Therefore, until the end of 2020, the EC decision has legal priority over that of the FSA. Moreover, if the EC goes forward with this and classifies naturally derived CBD as a drug, how the UK regulates CBD in the future might be impacted by the overarching agreement with the EU.

A Union Jack UK flag in London during sunset

Are CBD Products Still Safe?

As with many products, so long as you purchase from a reputable and trusted company, CBD products are safe and can be effective at helping us to live healthier lives. Proper regulation is vital when it comes to creating a reliable and trusted CBD industry, and the EC decision creates more uncertainty, not only for businesses but also for consumers.

We at ElleVance will be supporting the efforts of the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) as they seek to educate politicians and lawmakers on the realities of CBD products.

We are proud of the lengths we go to in ensuring you get a high-quality product. All our produce is tested at every stage of production, from farm to final product, by accredited third-party laboratories. Our scientific approach to natural ingredients allows us to create high-potency, effective products that you can trust time and time again.

If you want to know more about our CBD products, check out our CBD FAQs page or get in contact with our customer services team who will be more than happy to answer your questions.

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21 Jul

Sleep and Stress: Why are They Linked?

The NHS website advises that adults should aim for eight hours of sleep per night. Of course, how much sleep is needed will vary on the individual. However, working out how much sleep your body and mind require to feel sufficiently rested is vital to your overall mental and physical health.

A whole host of reasons can cause lack of sleep, a prevalent one being stress. The connection between lack of sleep and stress is a strong one, and poor sleep can also affect your levels of stress, creating a cycle of one impacting the other.

A woman sat at laptop with head in hands

Why Does Stress Exist?

So what is stress and how do you know if it is impacting your life?

Stress originates from a fight or flight response that humans have used to survive from potential danger throughout our evolution.

The fight or flight response radically increases the autonomic nervous system to produce hormones, including cortisol and adrenaline. The growth of these hormones causes the heart rate to increase to ensure enough blood reaches the vital organs, ready for action.

However, despite a decrease in these threats over time, this response remains, meaning that stress can prevail in less dangerous situations such as work, family or social interactions.

How to Identify Stress

Stress can affect people in a multitude of ways and can produce various mental and physical conditions depending on each person. These could include things such as a loss of appetite, eczema and being unable to sleep, as well as anxiety, racing thoughts and the inability to relax.

Most people will feel stress from time to time, and this cannot be helped. However, if this is how you feel the majority of the time you are awake, this is a cause for concern. An accumulation of stress can have a long term negative impact on your body and mind.

The Cycle of Stress and Sleep

The web between body and mind is a complex one, and often when one is affected, so is the other. This strongly applies in the link between stress and sleep as one can impact the other.

For example, stress can cause you to lie awake at night, worrying about the preceding morning. In turn, the lack of sleep the next day will only enhance these feelings of anxiety about the future as your body and brain have not been able to sufficiently rest.

How Does Stress Cause A Lack of Sleep?

Stress reduces the quality of sleep as well as the length of a deep slumber. In extreme cases, stress can cause sleep deprivation through the intense level of alertness, meaning winding down to sleep can be prolonged. Troubling and racing thoughts can often overwhelm the individual and keep them awake with no solution of soothing their worried state.

If you are concerned that you may be suffering from a sleep disorder, you can read further information here.

How Does A Lack of Sleep Cause Stress?

As mentioned, an inadequate amount of sleep can cause you to feel an increased level of stress. Feeling tired can change the way you perceive situations and therefore have lasting impacts on you and those around you, which only elevates feelings of uncertainty and pressure.

Many mental health charities, including Mind.org, emphasise the importance of gaining enough sleep to reduce levels of stress.

The Importance of Maintaining Healthy Levels of Stress

With the potential of stress preventing reasonable levels of sleep and vice versa, knowing how to keep control of your levels of stress is integral to ensuring you are happy and healthy.

Improving Your Lifestyle

If you can reduce your levels of stress in the evening, this could have a significant impact on how quickly and how well you fall asleep. Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine is integral to winding down stress levels and preparing your body for sleep.

This could include a comforting hot drink, a warm bath, reading a book or listening to a podcast. Using meditation can also support you to let go of stressful thoughts and can be used throughout the day to keep on top of stress levels.

Taking CBD oil for sleep can support you in feeling more relaxed, which in turn, will help you to fall asleep. For more information about taking CBD oil, discover more about what happens when you first take CBD oil.

If you cannot improve your levels of sleep, it is vital you seek out the support of a medical practitioner who will be able to help you further.

Ensuring you are acquiring a sufficient amount of high-quality sleep is integral to your overall mental and physical health. By reducing stress levels, you can improve your sleep, and by ensuring you have enough sleep, you can gain a healthier perspective of stressful situations.

17 Jul

Can CBD Be Used in Addiction Therapy?

After early and promising studies, scientists are becoming increasingly interested in the use of CBD in addiction therapy. It is thought that CBD may help to reduce cravings both during addiction and while in recovery, potentially reducing the risk of relapse. While this research is in its infancy, it is interesting to look into these studies to find out more.

NB – The following text is intended for informational purposes only. If you have any concerns regarding addiction, please consult a GP or health professional.

What is Addiction Therapy?

Addiction therapy is used to help people who have become reliant on, or addicted to, a substance, commonly alcohol or drugs. Addiction is complicated as there are many contributing factors, including mental and physical reliance. There are also underlying problems that may have caused the user to become addicted in the first place, such as mental health issues.

Addiction therapy is a standard method used to help addicts recover and avoid relapse. There are many different methods used under this umbrella which vary depending on the addiction and the individual patient. Often treatment consists of a combination of medication, traditional therapy and, in more recent years, holistic therapy.

Using CBD in Addiction Therapy

How could CBD be used to help people who are struggling with addiction? If CBD can help to reduce stress and anxiety, it may be particularly beneficial in reducing the chance of relapse by decreasing these levels caused by cravings and environmental factors.

CBD and Opioid Addiction

One study also found that cravings were reduced in people with a history of heroin abuse, who were abstaining from relapse, after taking regular doses of CBD.

CBD and Cocaine Addiction

Similarly, CBD may help to reduce the cravings associated with cocaine and amphetamine abuse, although research supporting this is limited.

CBD and Alcohol Addiction

A common side effect of alcohol withdrawal is insomnia. Many people use CBD to help regulate sleep patterns and improve their ability to fall asleep. Managing a severe side effect may help to reduce the risk of relapse for people recovering from alcohol addiction.

CBD and Marijuana Addiction

Known as Marijuana Use Disorder, the heavy use of marijuana can result in dependence for the user, with side effects including mood swings, decreased appetite, sleep difficulties and restlessness. While CBD is present in cannabis, it is THC that seems to be responsible for these effects. CBD oil does not contain THC.

In one study published by NCBI, one individual who suffered from bi-polar disorder and a daily addiction to marijuana reported feeling less anxious and having a better sleep. He was also able to abstain from the use of marijuana.

Summary – Can CBD Be Used in Addiction Therapy?

Early studies suggest that there are promising indicators that CBD may be useful in treating addiction therapy, although much more research needs to be done to support these claims.

For more articles on CBD, take a look at our blog, including Can You Build a Tolerance to CBD? For high-potency, quality CBD oils and products, including CBD oils for sleep, please browse our website.

06 Jul

Update: The Role of EIHA and the Hemp Industry

The European Industrial Hemp Association, otherwise known as the EIHA, is dedicated to changing the mindset of European leaders and governments on hemp as a respected, promoted, and legislated product.

Currently, the production of hemp faces many challenges across the EU despite the economic and environmental benefits it can potentially generate.

The EIHA believes ‘decisive action’ is required to combat the current European stance on the hemp industry. In line with this, EIHA has published its “Hemp Manifesto” to broadcast the positive economic and ecological impact of the hemp industry.

ElleVance’s Role in the EIHA’s Hemp Manifesto

On Monday 15th June, ElleVance attended the General Meeting headed by the EIHA. As a Regular Member, ElleVance is involved in decisions made by the EIHA.

ElleVance is responsible for providing content found in the EIHA’s Hemp Manifesto and is dedicated to supporting the whole hemp industry throughout Europe.

Issues of Unregulated Markets

Considering COVID-19, many hemp businesses across Europe have been put on pause as they are not considered as an ‘essential business.’ This has unfortunately caused a growth in unregulated cannabis markets.

With this concern brought to attention, the EIHA emphasised how and why the hemp industry should be considered as an ‘essential business.’ Not just because of its environmental benefits, but also due to its positive economic impact across the whole continent.

EIHA, the Economy and the Hemp Industry

The EIHA’s Hemp Manifesto beholds that growing hemp plant is a sustainable, CO2 negative source of primary materials for the manufacturing of a variety of products. As such, it can play a crucial role in industries like paper, textiles, building materials, pharmaceuticals, food and food supplements (including extracts in products like CBD capsules and oils).

New Frontier Data highlight how Volvo uses industrial hemp in their ‘eco range’ for door panels and dashboards. There is much scope for hemp for businesses who can and want to use it.

Much of hemp’s attraction comes from its low environmental impact. Firstly, no part of the hemp part is wasted; the seeds, plant, flower, and stalk can all be used.

Another fundamental fact about hemp is how it acts as a carbon sink. Which essentially means that the plant removes more CO2 than what it produces. In figures, hemp captures CO2 in a ratio of 13.4 tons of CO2 per hectare (10 tons per acre).

The EIHA’s Hemp Manifesto stresses how hemp can make a significant contribution towards a zero-emission, bio-based and sustainable economy, as outlined in the European Green Deal and the Paris Climate Agreement.

For a more in-depth overview of the EIHA’s Hemp Manifesto, please take a look at our article on how hemp can help the environment and the economy.

ElleVance believes in the use of hemp for the health of people and the environment. For more information on products, please visit our website or contact us through our website or social media channels!

24 Jun

CBD Myths Busted

If you’re thinking about starting to take CBD or if you’re already taking a daily dosage; it can be challenging to navigate the sea of information available to understand what is fact and what is fiction.

CBD has a wealth of benefits to offer people, both in terms of general wellbeing and for more targeted applications. However, the broad range of claims made about the medicinal properties of CBD – some of which have little or no research behind them – can deter some people from using the product. In this article, we aim to lay some myths to rest and to use hard evidence as a basis for doing so.

Myth: There’s Not Enough Scientific Research on CBD and Other Cannabinoids

There’s a lot of unsubstantiated claims and anecdotal evidence available, which is often easier to stumble across online. But, there is also an overwhelmingly large number of scientifically sound studies being conducted at renowned research centres across the world. These scientists are looking at the properties of CBD, CBDA, CBG and other cannabinoids, how they can support wellbeing, and help in the management of specific diseases.

Testing cannabinoids for each of their potential applications is a timely process. However, for instance, initial studies have found that CBD may help with falling asleep and staying asleep, thus helping those who have insomnia. Numerous studies have been done on the anti-inflammatory application, along with lowering neuropathic pain from conditions such as arthritis.

We expect to see more concrete evidence come to light over the next couple of years concerning the positive effects of CBD, CBDA, CBG and other major cannabinoids and their potential applications. Although, as not all hemp products offer the same concentration of active ingredient (something we’ll mention further down the article), comparing them is a challenge.

Myth: The Type of CBD I Take Doesn’t Matter

This is a big myth and one that catches many people out. There are three main types of CBD available:

Isolate: These products contain only CBD and not any other cannabinoids, terpenes or flavonoids.

Broad-Spectrum: These products will contain measurable amounts of more than one cannabinoid but may not include all the terpenes. Moreover, within this category, you will find products containing 99% of one cannabinoid and 1% of another one, as well as products including, e.g. 20% of five different cannabinoids. In other words, it’s a very “broad” category.

Full-Spectrum – These products will contain all the cannabinoids and terpenes that are naturally found in the cannabis plant. If the product derives from hemp, it may include trace amounts (that is, tiny and legal) of THC.

Isolate products are typically used by people looking to enjoy a specific benefit from the CBD. This could be for anxiety, trouble sleeping or muscle recovery. Generally, they are taken at a particular time to match their needs, such as just before bed or just after a workout.

Full and broad-spectrum are generally taken daily, either once or twice, with people generally feeling less stressed and less tired throughout the day. It’s important to note that in the UK, products that contain above 0.2% THC can be classified as illegal substances; therefore, any CBD products you purchase should always contain below that amount.

Myth: I’ll Get High From Taking CBD

When people hear that CBD products are a product of the hemp plant, the initial reaction is to associate that with cannabis and marijuana. This is a natural reaction since our brains have been wired to think this way about illegal drugs.

However, depending on the cultivar and the manufacturing process, CBD products will contain either 0% THC or under 0.2% of THC. These products are entirely legal to use and hardly unlikely to produce any psychotropic effect.

Myth: There’s No Clear Regulations for CBD So I Shouldn’t Take It

The hemp industry is regulated by several different bodies – both nationally and internationally. However, unlike other sectors, there is little harmonisation across the regulations in place, which leads to confusion and, inevitably invites unscrupulous organisations to exploit the gaps for their benefit. In the UK, for instance, Hemp products are regulated by the Home Office (HO), the Food Standard Agency (FSA), the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and other central and regional regulatory bodies.

When a company wants to launch a new product, it has to comply with the rules set by each of the applicable bodies government. However, there is no pre-market assessment of this compliance as there is with pharmaceutical products, for example. Regulators can only take a product off the market and, where applicable, penalise the seller, if and when they find it not to be compliant. By when this happens – if it ever happens – consumers could have been exposed to the product for a long time. It would be helpful if clearer and more meaningful set guidelines were established. But for the time being, it is down to you – the consumer – to ensure that you chose the most suitable product.

We’d also suggest looking into the background and ethics of the manufacturing companies. At ElleVance, we grow our proprietary hemp and ensure all of our products are tested by accredited laboratories and contain everything we mark on our label. This gives our customers the peace of mind of knowing what they are consuming.

The regulatory situation described above allows for companies to take advantage of the market and propose products that do not honour what they claim on the label. Again, we would encourage everyone considering taking CBD to do thorough research into the various manufacturers and make sure they know what you are buying.

ElleVance Sciences manufacture high-quality products and supply CBD oil to the UK. Our products have been tested by an accredited laboratory in the US to ensure that they contain a unique blend of terpenes, CBD and CBDA.

12 Jun

The Benefits Of Being In Nature

Research suggests that 11.7 million days are lost per year due to stress, anxiety and depression. One possible way to reduce this is to get in touch with nature. A study conducted by The University of Exeter found that spending at least two hours per week within nature helps with overall health and wellbeing.

Whether that’s sitting in our gardens, walking our dogs, doing a spot of gardening, enjoying a run or dipping our toes in the sea, being outside within the nature has many health benefits.

Here, we’ll look at the benefits of what the great outdoors can do for our mind, body and soul.

Reduces Stress & Anxiety

According to research, those who live near green spaces have better overall health, including helping to lower high blood pressure. Stress can cause your blood pressure to increase and being in the great outdoors has been proven to help decrease stress levels.

Stress can impact profoundly on our health and wellbeing, and nature can help lower the cortisol hormone, which is what effects stress. Scenery outdoors has the ability to gently catch our attention, helping to calm our nerves rather than overpower them.

Exercising Outside

Exercise improves our health, but are you aware that exercising outside has even further benefits? If you’re feeling anxious or stressed, try training outside rather than an indoor alternative.

Sparks Your Energy

If you’re having a less productive day, head out to immerse yourself in nature. Even a short few minutes outside will help circulate oxygen around the body, reaching your brain, heart and muscles.

Even a short 10-minute stroll outside will release norepinephrine and epinephrine, which will help you feel energised.

Allows You To Connect With Your Feelings

If you’re feeling anxious or stressed, being in the great outdoors allows us to disconnect from technology and connect with our own thoughts and feelings. In this day and age, our lives are incredibly busy and getting outside will enable us to switch off from the outside world for a short period of time and focus on ourselves, rather than those that surround us.

Research suggests that being immersed in nature is strongly associated with the feeling of being content. By focusing on yourself, it will allow you to connect with your belonging in the world, which is beneficial in all aspects of our lives.

Exposure To Vitamin D

Although in the UK we aren’t always blessed with beaming sunshine, being outdoors still exposes us to sunlight, even if it’s through the clouds. The sunrays will hit our bodies which makes vitamin D. This helps to keep our teeth, muscles and bones healthy!

This is especially important if you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) as natural light has been proven to help reduce the effects of this.

Helps To Get A Better Sleep

Have you ever been inside all day and then struggled to sleep that evening? This is a common occurrence when we don’t leave the house during the day and get some fresh air.

It is said that being exposed to light helps our internal body clocks to understand when we need sleep and being within nature allows your body to do just that.

Benefits Focus & Creativity

A change of scenery can do a world of good, with nature often inspiring us more than looking at a screen. Research suggests that heading outside can enhance our memory and mood. Being exposed to the natural environment helps to boost our focus and attention span, which is beneficial for work.

It has been found that even when in an office, having views of nature outside can help increase concentration and productivity.

Improves Vision

A study conducted in Australia found that being outside has been linked to better vision. It was found that children who spend longer within nature had reduced the risk of suffering from nearsightedness. This is due to our eyes needing to work harder indoors due to dim lighting; natural light can help relax our eyes.

Immersing yourself in nature has been proven to have many health benefits. It’s important nowadays to head outdoors due to the technological world we live in. These are just a number of benefits of being within nature.

How CBD Can Help

If you suffer from stress or anxiety, CBD has been found to help. Whether you decide on CBD capsules or CBD oil, here at ElleVance, our products are of the highest quality. Each and every product is tested in accredited, third-party laboratories, to ensure each batch has the required cannabinoids and terpenes. Browse our range of products here and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in contact.

08 Jun

What Happens When I First Start Taking CBD?

There are still many who are wary about taking CBD for the first time; however, studies suggest that CBD / CBDA can help cope with mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and insomnia.

How Much CBD Should I Take?

Our recommended dosages are worked out based on the recipient’s weight. This will differ per product, whether you opt for the oil or capsules. It is essential to follow the advice given, as these are unique to each product due to different strengths.

How to Take It

There are several ways you can take CBD. Such as by applying creams, taking an oil which, you may swallow, place under the tongue, mix in food or drinks, or by taking capsules which are easily portable if you’re on the go. Everyone will differ in what works best for them. However, studies suggest that swallowing is the best way as you achieve effective concentrations in blood, and can control the dosage.

The Taste

Cannabinoids don’t taste or smell; however, terpenes do. Our oil is rich in essential terpenes, and therefore, the oil will taste ‘hempy’, often described as earthy or peppery. It has a strong flavour which isn’t to everyone’s taste; therefore, it does help to take the oil with food if you’re unsure of the taste.

Additionally, capsules are a useful alternative; our ElleVance COMPLETE Relief™ Capsules offer a smell and taste-free dose of our hemp + high terpenes oil.

When Should I Feel It Working?

CBD interacts with our bodies and brains in several ways. Once it’s in your system, the oil will cooperate with our endocannabinoid system, the system in our bodies that regulates situations such as pain, anxiety and stress. CBD stimulates the endocannabinoid system to help make it more productive.

CBD will interact with everyone’s bodies slightly different, but generally, within an hour of taking, you should feel the effects.

What Will I Feel?

Our CBD / CBDA oil doesn’t contain THC, so you will not feel ‘high’; some people who take CBD may feel instantly relaxed. In contrast, others may not feel anything; the effects you feel will differ from person to person.

How Long Does It Last?

Typically, the effects of taking one dosage of CBD should last between six and eight hours; this will be dependent on your body and how much you have taken.

However, to reap the benefits long term, CBD oil is best to be taken daily. This will help you to obtain more significant benefits and for a longer time. We recommend taking CBD twice daily, CBD has a half-life of around 18 – 32 hours. Therefore, regular dosing can help to maintain its effects.

How Long Does CBD Stay in My System?

Studies suggest that CBD can stay in our system for two to five days. However, other factors can impact how long it stays in our bodies such as how often you take CBD, the dosage and your body composition. If you are taking it twice daily, then CBD will stay in your system for a more extended period, stimulating the endocannabinoid system longer.

If you’re thinking about taking CBD for the first time, it is vital to find the right product for you. Nowadays, there are many CBD products in the market, but it’s essential to find a high-quality product.

At ElleVance, we are dedicated to bringing the best quality CBD / CBDA products to the UK market, including our CBD oil. Each of our products goes through comprehensive testing to ensure each batch has the required profile of cannabinoids and terpenes, with the potency that works.

Browse our website for more details on our products, read our blogs for the latest updates in the CBD industry or read our testimonials to discover how our products have helped others.

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20 May

Not Just Another Trend: The Rise of CBD

We tend to see products and fads come and go faster than ever before, aided by social media influencers and celebrity endorsements. Often, these products have little or no real benefit or use and are quickly pushed aside for the next big thing.

Occasionally, however, something comes along that contradicts the norm, and we find ourselves presented with a product that may have a real benefit. Recent years have revealed that CBD appears to be one of these products.

In this article, we take a look at how CBD has risen in the last few years, why it became so popular, and where it’s headed in the future.

Where Has CBD Come From?

Hemp has been used for medicinal purposes for nearly 5,000 years (the first records of its use date back to 2,900 BC, in ancient China). Cannabidiol (CBD), however, was not discovered until 1940, when Dr Roger Adams’ team isolated the molecule. CBD medicinal properties were elucidated some 40 years later but, by then, Cannabis plants were forbidden, and massive use of CBD was therefore inconceivable.

With time, we were able to isolate CBD from the psychoactive cannabinoids in hemp and its popular use started to gain momentum. In 2010, the UK approved the first prescription cannabis medicine (Sativex®) and in 2019 the European Medicines Agency approved the first CBD-based medicine (Epidyolex®).

The combination of the depenalisation of hemp and CBD with the scientific efforts invested in better understanding hemp derivates benefits have boosted the popularity of CBD across the world.

Hemp is the Ideal Crop

Farmers quickly realised that hemp is a great crop to cultivate compared to others like corn and cotton. Hemp plants are resilient, fast-growing and require less water, fertiliser, pesticides, and herbicides.

It became easy for farmers to meet the rising demand for hemp extract to use in the production of CBD products.

Why Has CBD Become So Popular?

With a regular supply of quality hemp, the CBD industry could go about creating, testing and marketing a variety of products, which were met with a definite interest from the public.

This demand, combined with compelling scientific research on the benefits of pharmaceutical-grade CBD, led to a sharp increase in the popularity of the product. Spurred on by a significant number of testimonials from both the general public and sporting names, CBD has quickly become a universal product.

Why is CBD Not Just Another Trend?

In today’s terms, a trend is something that isn’t expected to last and will be popular for a short amount of time, followed by a sudden, and often careless, drop off of the radar.

While CBD is undoubtedly spending some time in the limelight, many are not characterising it as a fashion or trend. The amount of scientific research going into hemp derivates and the gradually increasing regulations on CBD is securing a place for CBD and other cannabinoid-based products in the shelves of pharmacies, health shops and beauty salons.

CBD is Different

The ongoing research of the benefits of CBD products, along with its continued endorsement by thousands of users, appears to have solidified its place in today’s mainstream, with no sign of it dropping out.

Besides, its reputation has only been strengthened by the World Anti-Doping Agency’s decision to remove CBD from its list of prohibited substances for two years running.

Where Can I Buy CBD?

Unfortunately, as is often the case, with the rise in popularity of a product comes a plethora of companies offering the same thing in varying quality.

CBD is available to purchase legally in the UK both in shops and online; however, buyers should proceed with caution. Some companies offer CBD products with little or no active ingredient, which results in minimal, if any, perceivable benefit.

Furthermore, there are even more out there who offer a poor-quality product consisting of CBD isolates, which only provide partial support.

Always Look for a Full-Spectrum Product

The most effective CBD products are what are known as full-spectrum. Full-spectrum (or whole plant) extracts contain not only CBD but also other cannabinoids (like CBDA), terpenes and flavonoids.

All these natural chemicals work together to achieve a better result in what is known as “the entourage effect”. Furthermore, companies who are confident with the quality and strength of their products will happily share with their customers the results of independent laboratory tests to prove their authenticity.

The most important thing to remember is to research a company before purchasing CBD from them properly.

Summary

While there is no doubt that CBD is having a moment, the industry, scientists, and regulators behind it do not show signs of plateauing, which suggest that it is here to stay. In the future, we are looking forward to the results of in-depth, further research on the effects of CBD and its interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system.

For more information on CBD oil and other products, please feel free to explore the ElleVance Sciences website. As the providers of maximum strength full-spectrum CBD products, we are happy to share with our customer’s further details and lab reports; please contact us at customersupport@ellevancesciences.co.uk.