Combining CBD with Herbs & Adaptogens
CBD or cannabidiol is one the compounds found in cannabis, or marijuana. CBD has little to no psychoactive effect, unlike the compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is what’s responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects. CBD is often used to reduce stress and lower inflammation and pain receptor response. The beneficial properties of CBD are very similar to the effects that gentle nervine and adaptogenic herbs have on the nervous system, adrenals and immune system, all of which play an integral role in the body’s ability to manage daily stress, maintain normal hormone levels, and regulate immunity.
Nervine herbs calm and ease the nervous system. They range from gentle and mildly calming to strong and sleep-inducing sedatives. Most of the milder nervines work to nourish and replenish the nervous system over time (with regular use) while others can be a quick and reliable remedy for anxiety and insomnia.
Adaptogens are plant compounds that help the body cope with stress and work to bring it back into a state of homeostasis. When taken over time, adaptogenic herbs can help to restore the nervous system and regulate endocrine system function.
When taken in combination with CBD, nervine and adaptogenic herbs can help to relax and restore the body while increasing immunity, energy levels, and more restful sleep. Using the following herbs, try a 75-80% cbd and 20-25% herbal supplement mixture to start. Test out single herb & CBD combinations to see what feels best for you and your body. From there, it’s best to choose one herb you feel drawn to and to work with it over time (adaptogens are best used over a longer period of time, whereas the other herbs such as chamomile, skullcap, lemon balm and lavender work more acutely). The milder nervines and adaptogenic herbs are great options. These include ashwagandha, holy basil, lemon balm, skullcap, and reishi. The more sedative herbs can be used in combination with CBD anytime to help with sleep support and deeper relaxation for meditation. Consider using passionflower, valerian, damiana, lavender, or chamomile. Once you have a better idea of how each herb combination feels for you, you can shift the proportions as desired. It’s best to work with the herbs in tincture form - add the drops to a small splash of water when consuming. Companies like Herb Pharm are a great resource for clean, high-quality herbal tinctures. Juna is our favorite for CBD- their cbd is high-potency, high-quality and high-integrity.
ASHWAGANDHA
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic root that helps the body adapt to stress. Ashwagandha is known for its neuroprotective, anti-anxiety, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Combination with CBD: Supportive for those with anxiety, depression, depletion, insomnia, or those moving through major life transitions. Especially helpful for individuals overcoming burnout.
CHAMOMILE
Chamomile is a gentle nervine that’s helpful for relieving anxiety, restlessness, and stomach pains. When combined with CBD, it can be a supportive solution to sleepless nights or migraines.
Combination with CBD: Best for those suffering from anxiety and insomnia.
*Note: Chamomile can sometimes cause a reaction in those with histamine intolerance or an allergy to ragweed.
DAMIANA
Damiana is a nervine relaxant that’s often used as an aphrodisiac. It’s helpful for easing anxiety and depression, boosting libido, and strengthening the nervous system. When paired with CBD, it creates a helpful herbal blend for releasing excess tension.
Combination with CBD: Helpful for those in need of stress management/relief & libido support.
HOLY BASIL
Holy basil, also known as tulsi, is an adaptogenic herb with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s a helpful remedy for reducing stress and anxiety, lowering blood sugar, and regulating cortisol levels. When combined with CBD, it can be helpful for reducing pain, regulating stress, and balancing sleep cycles.
Combination with CBD: Best for those with excess stress, anxiety, pain, and inflammation. Especially helpful for those healing from burnout for energy regulation and replenishment.
LAVENDER
Lavender is a nervine with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps soothe anxiety, ease depression, calm nerves, and heal insomnia. Terpenes in marijuana are the plant compounds responsible for its pungent scent. A terpene present in both lavender and cannabis is linalool, which is known for its anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and anti-anxiety effects.
Combination with CBD: Best for those with ongoing anxiety, sleep disorders, and body pain. Lavender complements cannabis perfectly, or it can be used in replacement of it.
LEMON BALM
Lemon balm is a gentle nervine herb with anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. It helps relieve spasms in the digestive tract and calms anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Lemon balm is also helpful to treat stress-induced headaches.
Combination with CBD: Best for those with digestive distress, menstrual cramps, and nervous tension in the mind and body.
MUGWORT
Mugwort is often used as a replacement for cannabis when cannabis is not tolerated. It’s mildly relaxing and soothes stomach issues, anxiety, and low energy levels. It’s also known to induce lucid dreams and is often used at night to support sleep.
Combination with CBD: Best for those suffering from disrupted sleep and frequent nightmares.
PASSIONFLOWER
Passionflower is a nervine herb with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s helpful for reducing anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Passionflower is a beautiful complement to cannabis as its mildly sedative effects are perfect for balancing out nervous system stress.
Combination with CBD: Best for those suffering from anxiety and insomnia.
REISHI
Reishi is an adaptogenic mushroom that enhances the body’s resistance to internal and external stressors and promotes longevity by increasing immunity. Aside from contributing to a calm mind, reishi can also contribute to sharper thinking and energy in times of mental and physical fatigue.
Combination with CBD: Helps with anxiety, sleep support, mental clarity, and rebuilding immunity.
SIBERIAN GINSENG
Siberian ginseng is an adaptogen that helps to restore and rebuild the body to promote increased health and well-being. It’s also effective at protecting against periods of ongoing and prolonged stress. Siberian ginseng enhances cognitive performance and mental activity.
Combination with CBD: Helpful for clarity, stress relief, and immune system support.
SKULLCAP
Skullcap is a gentle nervine that supports the central nervous system by soothing nervous tension. It acts on GABA receptors, promoting a sense of sustainable calm. Used over time, skullcap helps to replenish and restore body burnout, nervous stress, and fatigue.
Combination with CBD: Is particularly useful for those with restlessness, nervous tension, and anxiety.
VALERIAN
Valerian is a nervine relaxant, antispasmodic, and hypnotic. These properties are essential for providing relief from nervousness, restlessness, insomnia, and nervous tension in the stomach.
Combination with CBD: Helps with insomnia, anxiety, and tension-related constipation.
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