Updates from Shoshana Church

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways that leads to episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. These episodes, or "asthma attacks," can be triggered by things like exercise, cold air, allergies, or smoke.   When a patient experiences an acute exacerbation the airways have become swollen and inflamed.  The muscles around the airway will contract, the airway will produce extra mucus and this causes the bronchial tubes to become narrow resulting in difficulty with breathing.  This can lead to an "asthma attack".  

Cannabis has been used to treat asthma for centuries, dating back to at least the 18th century when it was included in the first edition of The New English Dispensatory in 1764.   While the exact mechanism by which cannabis exerts its anti-asthmatic effect is not known, it is thought to work by reducing inflammation in the airways. A review of publications from PubMed and Medline found Cannabis has a bronchodilator effect on the airways and might have an anti-inflammatory effect on asthmatic patients. However, harmful effects on the lungs are mainly attributed to smoking and include airway irritation and the development of chronic bronchitis symptoms.1 

CBD may also play a role in the anti-asthmatic effects of cannabis by keeping the endocannabinoid anandamide from breaking down.  Anandamide is an endogenous cannabinoid (a compound produced naturally by our bodies) that is known to have anti-inflammatory effects. Because there are receptors and endocannabinoids found in most cells in the body, including the lungs, it's important to understand how these cells/receptors respond to the cannabinoids in CBD and cannabis.  Research shows that CB1 receptors may be responsible for the relaxation of smooth muscle in the bronchioles which would be the mechanism of action of how using cannabinoids in the setting of an acute asthma exacerbation may be reasonable. 2 When CB1 receptors are stimulated, it inhibits the contraction of smooth muscle. In an exacerbation, it 's the contraction of the smooth muscle along with increased mucus production that causes breathing difficulty.  It makes sense that using cannabinoids during an exacerbation would help restore breathing to a more normal level.

If you use cannabis for an exacerbation, it's not recommended to smoke it due to the harshness on the lungs but using a dry herb vaporizer would still have a quick onset of action and be less harsh.  Using an oil or tincture under the tongue would be some relief but wouldn't be as effective in relaxing the contractions of the smooth muscle.

Ears can hurt for a number of reasons.  You may have allergies that cause pressure on the inner ear.  If you have dental pain because of cavities or maybe an oral procedure, pain can radiate into the ear.  If you have been swimming, you may have swimmers ear.  You may have an otitis media which is an inner ear infection.  That can be caused by bacteria or viruses.  Most of these conditions will resolve without intervention but some may require antibiotics or ear drops.  But what about cannabis or CBD? That's what I wanted to know and try as I might, there are no studies surrounding the use of CBD and cannabis to relieve acute ear pain.

That being said, I am going to throw in my thoughts about what might be beneficial.  We know that CBD and CBG are high in anti-inflammatory properties.  If you use an oil you could apply it to the skin around the ear.  When my grandkids were little we would use lavender essential oil in that same way and they would have relief within 15-20 minutes.  Because the oil is absorbed into the skin it would have an effect within that same amount of time.   You could also use the oil under the tongue or a tincture in the same way.  Within 15-30 minutes you might have relief.  The other option would be an edible but it will take longer to take effect, like 1.5-2 hours.  

Pharyngitis means sore throat.  Throats can become irritated and sore from allergies, breathing toxins like nicotine or chemicals, viruses or bacteria.  Of course, the worse case scenario is a bacterial infection which would be caused by strep. In that case you have to have an antibiotic to avoid complications like Rheumatic heart disease.  

I checked some dispensaries and there are CBD throat lozenges available but you could make your own as well.  Again, there are no studies to support using CBD or cannabis for a sore throat.

1) Israel Medical Association Journal 2020 Apr;22(4):232-235.

As the stereotype of cannabis users shifts away from young adults and teens towards a more diverse representation, it's important to look at how this market is affecting seniors in particular. The ‘Cannaboomers’ — those aged 50 and over who are actively incorporating cannabis into their daily lives—are on the rise, creating both opportunities for community-driven business models as well as giving seniors access to potential medical treatments that can improve quality of life . With cannabis becoming increasingly accepted (medically or otherwise) around the world, now is an opportune time to explore how older populations are engaging with these products, especially topical products.  Read on to learn more about this growing segment of cannabis consumers and how using topical CBD/THC may help improve quality of life.

First, we need to explain what cannabinoids are.   Phytocannabinoids are compounds (CBD, THC, CBG, CBN, THCV are some examples) found in the cannabis plant that interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is like a secret club in your body consisting of neurotransmitters AEA and 2AG and tons of receptors found in and on the body that only responds to the coolest members - phytocannabinoids.  You could say it's pretty exclusive. 

More and more seniors are turning to topical application for targeted relief and also because they don't want to experience the psychoactive effects of inhaling cannabinoids, mainly THC.  Topical cannabinoids are creams or lotions infused with cannabinoids and applied directly to the skin. Once applied, the cannabinoid molecules bind to the receptors in the skin cells, helping reduce inflammation and pain in a localized area. 

One of the primary benefits of using topical cannabinoids is their anti-inflammatory properties. As we age, our bodies become more susceptible to chronic inflammation, which can lead to the development of more severe conditions such as arthritis and joint pain.  Applying topical cannabinoids can provide immense relief to seniors who suffer from arthritis, tendonitis, or other types of pain where inflammation is the primary source of discomfort. Endocannabinoid receptors are abundantly located on the skin so using a topical salve, balm, ointment or patch over the affected joint or muscle will help alleviate pain in that area.  It will take effect in about 30 minutes on a smaller frame person and and hour or so on a larger frame person.

Topical cannabinoids can also be helpful for seniors dealing with neuropathic pain, a sensation that can be challenging to treat with over-the-counter medication.  Pharmaceuticals that treat neuropathic pain can have a whole host of side effects especially in the elderly.  Medications commonly prescribed are gabapentin, lyrica and opiates.  Using creams, lotions, balms, salves or transdermal patches can help those tiny nerves that are affected and result in neuropathy symptoms. Using these products will reduce the risk of side effects of pharmaceuticals including dependency. 

Another benefit of using topical cannabinoids is their ability to improve skin health. Cannabinoids interact with the CB2 receptors in the skin, which can help regulate oil production, treat acne, repair sun damage and help improve conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.  I like to apply my own homemade product to my face and have noticed a difference in the fine lines and wrinkles I am experiencing. 

When pain is present, anxiety can occur and thus, sleep is affected. Topicals can promote better sleep by reducing stress and anxiety, relaxing the body and mind, and easing pain and discomfort.  Apply your salve or cream on the bottom of the feet just before bed and if you make your own, add some high quality lavender essential oil for an added boost.  

As a senior myself, with arthritic knees and feet and occasional shoulder and neck and back pain, I have found using topicals for a targeted approach is an immense help.  I highly recommend it and if you need guidance, I can help you with that.  Click the button for more information.  

Dyspareunia is the medical term for pain during intercourse.  There are a variety of potential causes of dyspareunia including infection, inflammation, menopause, endometriosis, pelvic floor muscle spasm, and scar tissue from surgery or childbirth. 

The pain can be either sharp or dull, and can be felt in the vagina, vulva, pelvis, or lower back. In some cases, the pain can be so severe that it prevents intercourse altogether.  

It really depends on the suspected cause.   Treatments may vary depending on the underlying cause, but can include lubricants, topical treatments, vaginal dilators, pelvic floor physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.  If it is injury from childbirth, the approach may be pelvic floor therapy.  If it is endometriosis, surgery to remove the implants and/or supplements might be tried.  

For this discussion, the cause of dyspareunia is due to menopause which causes the decline of estrogen and progesterone resulting in changes in the vaginal walls.  This hormonal change causes vaginal dryness that during intercourse, can feel like shards of glass cutting the vaginal walls.  If that happens, it causes tiny tears in the vaginal wall from the friction, which results in scarring and further pain. Many people experience discomfort or pain during sex after menopause due to vaginal dryness, loss of normal secretions and lubrication, decreased elasticity, and narrowing of the vagina. Menopausal vaginal changes are generally more severe if intercourse (or other activities that involve vaginal penetration) is infrequent. Although hot flashes and most menopausal symptoms improve with time, vaginal dryness and resulting painful sex generally worsen with time, if not treated. 

HRT (hormone replacement therapy) is a common method for addressing post menopause dyspareunia but some women are not candidates for synthetic HRT.  Another option is bio-identical hormones that are plant based hormones compounded at a compounding pharmacy.

     

Now, there may be a new treatment option on the horizon - cannabis suppositories.  In the case of painful intercourse due to menopause, suppositories act not only as medicine but also as a lubricant.

A small study published in 2016 found that 2 out of 3 women who used a cannabis suppository for dyspareunia reported reduced pain during intercourse. Another small study published in 2018 found similar results with 8 out of 9 women reporting reduced pain after using a cannabis suppository. While these studies are very preliminary and more research is needed to confirm these findings, they do provide some promising evidence that cannabis suppositories may be an effective treatment option for dyspareunia.

Cannabis suppositories are small capsules that are inserted into the vagina where they dissolve and release their active ingredients. The active ingredients in cannabis are cannabinoids like THC and CBD. These cannabinoids interact with our body's endocannabinoid system which is involved in regulating a variety of functions including pain perception, inflammation, and muscle spasm. This interaction between cannabinoids and our endocannabinoid system is what gives cannabis its therapeutic properties.

The only rather annoying consequence of using suppositories vaginally is there may be a discharge of some of the ingredients used to make the suppository.  The ones I make are made with cocoa butter and shea butter so that can leak out once it melts.  Otherwise, As with any treatment option, there are potential risks and side effects associated with using cannabis suppositories. The most commonly reported side effects are local reactions like irritation or burning at the site of application. These side effects are typically mild and resolve on their own within a few days. 

Some resources report that because cannabis suppositories are absorbed through the vaginal tissue into the bloodstream, there is a risk of them affecting other parts of the body like the brain. This means that people who use cannabis suppositories may experience psychoactive effects like euphoria or anxiety. However, these effects are typically mild and temporary. For me personally, my suppositories are calculated at 65 mg and I have never felt psychoactive effects from this dosage and method of use.  Overall, cannabis suppositories appear to be safe and well-tolerated with minimal side effects.

The suppository is inserted into the vagina at bedtime.  In our area, Southern Illinois, there are no dispensaries that carry suppositories.  You can’t buy them online because they can’t be shipped across state lines, so you have to make your own.  I have my medical cannabis card so I am allowed to grow my own cannabis.  I use about 28 gms of “shake” to make suppositories in a base of cocoa butter and shea butter.  The dose of these is calculated at 65 mg.  Again, I have never gotten high using this dose vaginally.  You can use them every night or as needed.  They do make a great lubricant which will help with the vaginal dryness. Dosing can vary with 20 mg to 1 gram.

Dyspareunia is a common condition that can cause significant pain during intercourse. While there are a variety of potential treatments available, none of them are perfect. Cannabis suppositories may offer a new treatment option with minimal side effects and promising preliminary evidence for efficacy. However, more research is needed before we can say for sure whether or not they work for treating dyspareunia.  I can personally say that they have been a game changer for me!!

Frankincense is a resin that is derived from trees of the genus Boswellia. The tree produces a gum-like resin which can be collected and used for a variety of purposes. Frankincense has been used in religious ceremonies for centuries and is still used today in some cultures. 

Frankincense is a popular ingredient in many perfumes and cosmetics. It has a unique, warm, woody aroma that is often used in combination with other fragrances. Frankincense is also used in some food and drink recipes.

There are many different types of frankincense, each with its own unique scent and flavor. The most common type of frankincense is Boswellia carteri, which is harvested from trees in Somalia. Other popular types include Boswellia sacra (from Oman) and Boswellia seratta (from India).

Frankincense has been essential to many cultures since ancient times, and it is no surprise that the three wise men gave this precious gift to Jesus.  It is part of the "Holy Anointing Oil" referenced in the Bible.  It was more valuable than gold in the days of Jesus' birth.  

Frankincense essential oils have numerous health benefits.  It has been said it is "Used to treat every conceivable ill known to man". particularly around calming and healing emotional wounds, which made it beneficial for Jesus's emotional and physical wellbeing as he began his ministry. In addition, the essential oil of frankincense has been used throughout history to restore hormone balance in the body, improve concentration and spirituality, reduce stress levels, and boost immunity and help skin conditions.

Frankincense oil is said to have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent properties. It is also used to treat colds, coughs, digestive disorders, and wounds

There are many different types of frankincense, each with its own unique scent and flavor. The most common type of frankincense is Boswellia carteri, which is harvested from trees in Somalia. Other popular types include Boswellia sacra (from Oman) and Boswellia seratta (from India).

The primary terpenes in Frankincense are alpha-pinene, limonene and myrcene.  You can find these same terpenes in cannabis medicine chemovars such as Jack Herer, Blue Dream, Kush varieties (pinene), OG chemovars, Sour Diesel (limoniene) and Grape Ape, Granddaddy Purple or any purple varieties (myrcene).  

There is no risk for using Frankincense for whatever ails you and any of the cannabis plant medicine options as well.  

As usual, make sure your essential oil is from a reputable company that cares about how it is grown, harvested and distilled.   And if you need help with oils or cannabis and CBD, I would love to be in that role for you!  

Merry Christmas and let's break the stigma!

The pine is an evergreen tree that has needles instead of leaves. The scientific name for the pine tree is Pinus. There are between 105-120 species of pine. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, most pine trees are native to the Northern Hemisphere. Here are some more notable pine tree facts. 

The Pinus sylvestris tree, also known as Scotch pine, is a tall coniferous evergreen tree that grows to the height of 131 feet and has characteristic orange-red bark and stiff blue-green needles. Pine essential oil is steam distilled from the needles of the tree and has been researched by Hippocrates, the father of western medicine. Pine’s aroma is reminiscent of the Japanese tradition of forest bathing and provides a refreshing breathing experience and encourages a moment of joy. When blended with other essential oils such as Peppermint, Lavender, and Eucalyptus, there are numerous benefits.

Most everyone is familiar with this beautiful evergreen tree.   Maybe you have a Christmas tree that is a pine, or perhaps you have enjoyed the smell of a pine forest.  

Pine trees have long been prized for their wood, which is strong and durable. Pine wood is often used in construction because it is so sturdy. In addition, pine resin has many uses; it can be used as glue, Varnish, or even chewing gum. And let’s not forget about the most popular use for pine trees: Christmas trees! 

As a family, we have made it a tradition to  buy live evergreen trees for Christmas.  These trees have the rootball intact and we plant them after Christmas.  We have about 40 years of trees in our yard (granted some did die) but it is so satisfying to contribute to the environment by planting a Christmas tree.  There is a pine tree that was in our home around 1988 that is well over 125' tall now.  

The history of the pine tree is deeply intertwined with human history. For centuries, people have used pine trees for everything from building material to food to medicine. Pine needles can be used to make a soft and sturdy fabric, while pinecones can be used as fuel or natural kindling. Pine nuts are a nutritious snack, (one of the main ingredients for pesto) and pine resin has long been used in medicinal ointments and salves. In short, there are very few things that this tree cannot do!

Aboriginal Australians were some of the first people to use Pine essential oil for healing. They would steam the needles of certain species of pine and inhale the fumes to clear congestion and ease breathing difficulties. Similarly, Native Americans used Pine oil in sacred ceremonies and rituals meant to purify both the mind and body. Today, Pine essential oil is still used for its cleansing properties—but it also has aromatherapeutic benefits that can help reduce stress and promote feelings of wellbeing. When diffused or inhaled, Pine oil can help combat negative emotions like anxiety and fear while boost energy levels and mental focus.

Pine oil is high in vitamins A and C. In fact, it has three times more vitamin C than oranges! According to an article by Medical News Today, “Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that plays important roles in human health. It is an antioxidant, meaning it helps protect cells from damage. Vitamin C also helps the body absorb iron from plant-based foods.” This makes pine oil perfect for alleviating  symptoms like congestion, runny nose, and itchy eyes caused by histamines that are released when exposed to allergens or viruses or bacteria. Pine EO can help to boost the immune system, fight infections, reduce inflammation, and even improve circulation.

Pine essential oil is steam distilled from the needles of the tree and has been researched by Hippocrates, the father of western medicine. Pine’s aroma is reminiscent of the Japanese tradition of forest bathing and provides a refreshing breathing experience and encourages a moment of joy. When blended with other essential oils such as Peppermint, Lavender, and Eucalyptus, there are numerous benefits.

When used in aromatherapy, it can help clear sinuses and lungs, making it a popular natural remedy for colds and flus. Additionally, according to an article published in NCBI, “Inhalation of (pine) needle oil exhibited antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in mice." So if you’re looking for a way to fight off a cold without resorting to over-the-counter medication, consider trying pine essential oil next time you’re under the weather. 

If you want to try Pine essential oil, I highly recommend you choose wisely.  Many companies that sell essential oils don't take growing, harvesting and distilling seriously and as a result we suffer from inferior products just to save a buck.  If you have any questions at all about good quality essential oils, please reach out and I will help you!

The next time you're out for a walk in the woods or enjoying a Christmas tree, take a moment to appreciate all that this versatile tree has to offer! From its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions to its potent medicinal properties, there is much more to the humble pine tree than meets the eye.