Explore how the components of full-spectrum CBD play well together!

 

In the health and wellness industry, there is a philosophy that many uphold and it’s the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. 

 

But, what does this even mean? 

 

At Elyxir, we cultivate high-quality CBD products that are broad-spectrum, so you get the benefits of the entourage effect and a THC-free product. Increase your CDB awareness and learn more about the entourage effect in today’s post!

The Whole Picture

 

Let’s get back to the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. We most often see this in herbal medicine. A whole-plant extract is considered the gold standard because it preserves not only the therapeutic compound, but all of the other compounds that help to support its efficacy. 

 

For example, you have whole-plant extracts and then you have isolates, and while nothing is wrong with isolates, keeping everything together and not isolating the compounds is thought to be more beneficial. 

 

Let’s look at a turmeric extract. Curcumin is the compound that produces the inflammation balancing effects of turmeric — isolated, you still get the anti-inflammatory properties but when everything is kept as a whole, you get all the benefits it offers such as heart and brain support. 

 

So, you have to ask yourself the question, do I want all of the benefits or just one part?

 

What’s the biggest difference in a whole-plant extract? 

 

The difference is, is that it keeps everything intact so all of the compounds can play well together! In CBD, it’s all of the cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, etc that contain all the benefits and help stir the entourage effect.  

 

The Entourage Effect

 

Now that we know why a whole-plant extract is important, let’s get into the entourage effect in CBD. 

 

The entourage effect is the epitome of the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. There is a vast world on other constituents that play a role in a broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD product. 

Not only is there CBD, but there are the other free-flowing cannabinoids like CBN, CBG, and CBC. Not to mention the beautiful terpenes such as pinene and limonene that give CBD it’s unique flavor, smell, taste, and therapeutic benefits. 

 

This is important because not only does this encourage balance in the body, but in the future, it may help address health issues more head-on. Just like there are varieties of cannabis bred to produce specific effects, this is where many think hemp is going towards. Instead of just having industrial hemp, producers may be able to crossbreed for certain traits are create more of a tailored medicine. 

 

For example, the terpene linalool is known for its sedative and calming effects, so pair that with hemp that is high in CBD, CBN, and CBC and you may have yourself an ideal sleep CBD formula!

 

If the entourage effect was never discovered and isolates reigned, we would have never had a whole-plant extract that supports a variety of health concerns.   

 

CBD primarily supports our bodies systemically by helping us achieve homeostasis, meaning all of our systems are better balanced so we feel at our best and the entourage effect only supports this. Instead of just getting one slice of the pie, we are getting the whole thing — instead of just tackling inflammation balance, when a full-spectrum CBD product is consumed, you get that and possible sleep and brain support!

 

When all of the compounds are allowed to play, a greater effect may be achieved!

 

For more information about our CBD products and to see a full list of ingredients, check out our products page today!