No one has ever died of a cannabis overdose yet possession is still illegal in many parts of the world and possession of miniscule amounts can sometimes land you in prison. This reality is at odds with the scientific reports on the health benefits of one of nature’s best healers. These scientific reports suggest that marijuana suppresses cancer, reduces blood pressure, alleviate pain, treats glaucoma and inhibits HIV. Marijuana is also a powerful antioxidant, a neuro-protector and anti-inflammatory,
Although this article focuses more on cannabis oil rather than smoking a “joint” it should be noted that even that use of cannabis does not appear to have the extremely adverse side effects that certain sectors of the community promote. I must also make the point that cannabis oil is NOT illegal.
The Lancet made an observation in regards to schizophrenia: “A declining incidence of treated cases of schizophrenia over the period when cannabis use has increased suggests, however, that cannabis use is unlikely to have caused cases of schizophrenia that would not otherwise have occurred.” In other words cannabis was not the culprit as those affected would most likely have developed schizophrenia anyway.
The natural compounds found in cannabis essential oil, including the famed THC, which is what gives cannabis the distinction of a drug in many countries, are very good for releasing pleasure hormones and relaxing the mind, reducing stress and inducing a sense of calm and relaxation. Other benefits are listed below.
Appetite Booster: It is well known that people who consume cannabis in other forms notice an increase in appetite famously called “the munchies”. However, cannabis essential oil can help regulate your appetite and induce hunger, while also stimulating your digestive system to operate at a more regular level. This can help people who want to gain weight quickly, particularly after an extended illness or injury recovery.
Cancer Prevention: Although there is still some controversy over this, and a great deal of research is still ongoing, early reports have shown that the active ingredients in cannabis essential oil can have preventative effects on cancer, and can also cause reduction in tumour size, thereby making it easier to effectively beat cancer. A 2008 study by Spain, Italy and France and published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation showed that the active ingredient in marijuana (THC) can function as a cure for brain cancer. The study also concluded that via the same biological process THC could terminate many types of cancers affecting various cells in the body. Apparently, unlike chemotherapy, cannabinoids do not affect healthy cells.
Glaucoma: In terms of eye health, cannabis and cannabis essential oil have been linked to a reduction in glaucoma and a prevention of macular degeneration. Eye health is one of the major reasons why people turn to cannabis essential oil as they age.
Skin Protection: The powerful components of cannabis essential oil are also used to protect the skin, and can be consumed or applied externally to achieve important results. It can stimulate the shedding of dead skin and faster re-growth of glowing skin. It is also known to prevent eczema and psoriasis. Although there are many recipes which demonstrate the versatility of cannabis, it is at its most potent when used in its raw state as heat destroys certain enzymes and nutrients, whereas raw allows the body to absorb more of the said enzymes and nutrients that would have been lost through cooking. Raw cannabis is considered by many experts as a dietary essential. As a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, raw cannabis may be in the same league as garlic and turmeric.
Coconut Oil
No longer vilified and now regarded as possibly the best oil for cooking, among other things coconut oil has been credited with a plethora of health benefits, to the extent that it could be considered a panacea. To my mind it is simply the best oil there is, considering what it does in the human body. Imagine then what the result would be if you were to use it in conjunction with cannabis oil which comes with its own vast array of health giving properties. Here is an in depth look at coconut oil.
Heart diseases: There is a misconception spread among many people that coconut oil is not good for heart health. This is because it contains a large quantity of saturated fats. In reality, coconut oil is beneficial for the heart. It contains about 50% lauric acid, which helps in actively preventing various heart problems like high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Coconut oil does not lead to increase in LDL” bad cholesterol” levels, and it reduces the incidence of injury and damage to arteries and therefore helps in preventing atherosclerosis.
Weight loss: Coconut oil is very useful for weight loss. It contains short and medium-chain fatty acids that help in taking off excessive weight by reducing abdominal obesity. It is also easy to digest and helps in healthy functioning of the thyroid and endocrine system. Further, it increases the body’s metabolic rate by removing stress on the pancreas, thereby burning more energy, hence, people living in tropical coastal areas, who use coconut oil every day as their primary cooking oil, are normally not fat, obese or overweight.
Immunity: Coconut oil strengthens the immune system because it contains antimicrobial lipids (fats), lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, which have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which research has supported as an effective way to deal with viruses and bacteria that cause diseases like herpes, influenza and even HIV. Coconut oil also helps in fighting harmful bacteria like listeria monocytogenes and helicobacter pylori, and harmful protozoa such as giardia lamblia.
Digestion: Coconut oil helps to improve the digestive system and thus prevents various stomach and digestion-related problems including irritable bowel syndrome. The saturated fats present in coconut oil have antimicrobial properties and help in dealing with various bacteria, fungi, and parasites that can cause indigestion. Like the avocado it also helps in the absorption of other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
Candida: Candida, also known as Systemic Candidiasis, is a tragic disease caused from excessive and uncontrolled growth of yeast called Candida Albicans in the stomach. Coconut provides relief from the inflammation caused by candida, both externally and internally. Its high moisture retaining capacity keeps the skin from cracking or peeling off. Capric acid, Caprylic acid, caproic acid, myristic acid and lauric acid found in coconut oil help in eliminating Candida albicans.
Unlike pharmaceutical treatments for candida, the effects of coconut oil are gradual and not drastic or sudden, which gives the consumer an appropriate amount of time to get used to the withdrawal symptoms which occur when the body ejects toxins. When applied to infected areas, coconut oil forms a chemical layer that protects the infected body part from external dust, air, fungi, bacteria and viruses. It is highly effective on bruises because it speeds up the healing process of damaged tissues. According to the Coconut Research Centre, coconut oil kills the viruses that cause influenza, measles, hepatitis, herpes, SARS, and other serious health risks. It also kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and gonorrhoea.
Finally, coconut oil is also effective in the elimination of fungi and yeast that cause ringworm, athlete’s foot thrush, and diaper rash.
The presence of medium chain triglycerides and fatty acids helps in preventing liver diseases because they are easily converted into energy when they reach the liver, thus reducing its work load and also preventing accumulation of fat. Coconut oil helps in preventing kidney and gall bladder diseases, helps to dissolve kidney stones and is also believed to be useful in treating pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Applying coconut oil to the head, followed by a gentle massage, helps to eliminate mental fatigue.
According to research virgin coconut oil gives relief from stress and has antioxidant properties. Coconut oil helps in controlling blood sugar, and improves the secretion of insulin. It also promotes the effective utilization of blood glucose, thereby preventing and treating diabetes. As mentioned earlier, coconut oil improves the ability of our body to absorb important minerals. These include calcium and magnesium, which are necessary for the development of bones. Calcium is an important component of our teeth. Since coconut oil facilitates absorption of calcium by the body, it helps in developing strong teeth and also prevents tooth decay. Recent research suggests that coconut oil is beneficial in reducing plaque formation and plaque induced gingivitis.
Coconut oil is often used by athletes, body builders and dieters because it contains fewer calories than other oils, its fat content is easily converted into energy, and it does not lead to an accumulation of fat in the heart and arteries. Coconut oil helps boost energy and endurance, and generally enhances the performance of athletes. There is also an abundance of anecdotal information about coconut oil’s effect on Alzheimer’;s disease suggesting that it has the ability to cross the “blood/brain” barrier and energize cells which are lacking in glucose.
Coconut oil as Carrier Oil: Carrier oils are those oils, which easily penetrate or absorb into the skin and thus facilitate seepage or absorption of other oils (such as essential oils) and herbal extracts through the skin when mixed into it. Coconut oil is easily absorbed through the skin’s pores and thus is used as carrier oil. Furthermore, being one of the most stable oils, it doesn’t go rancid, nor does it let the other oils, herbal extracts, or medicines spoil inside of it. Coconut oil does not alter the properties of the oils and herbs mixed within it. Coconut oil also protects the herbs and oils from microbial or fungal interactions.
If you are using coconut oil for topical purposes, especially hair care, just melt the oil (if it is solid) by keeping the bottle in the sun or soaking it in warm water. You can also take some coconut oil out and put it in a small bowl and heat the bowl over a flame (don’t use a microwave). Then, take the oil on your palm and apply it to your hair. If you want to use it for internal consumption, simply replace butter or vegetable oils with coconut oil in your recipes. Remember coconut oil is anti-allergenic, meaning that very few people are allergic to it. Most people who shy away from it do so mainly because they dislike the smell.
Given the above, ask yourself what health benefits would be derived if you were to combine both of these oils in your daily diet. Firstly you cook with the coconut oil and then you add a teaspoon or less of cannabis oil on your salad instead of olive oil. Alternatively if you are vegan or even vegetarian you could use it on your main meal. Imagine using two of the best oils together in one meal.
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