What are suppositories?
Suppositories. Just the word conjures up all sorts of images, none of them pleasant. But what exactly are they? And how do they work? If you're curious about suppositories and want to know more about them, read on. This blog post will tell you everything you need to know about this not-so-popular method of medication deliver
Suppositories are basically little packages of medication that are designed to be inserted into the rectum or vagina. Once inserted, the suppository melts and releases the medication into the body. Suppositories can be made from a variety of materials, including gelatin, latex, and vegetable oils, cacao butter or shea butter or coconut oil.
How do Suppositories Work and What are the Benefits?
When a suppository is inserted into the rectum or vagina, it melts due to the heat of the body. This allows the medication to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the walls of the rectum or vagina.
One of the major benefits of using suppositories is that they bypass the digestive system. This means that medications that would normally be broken down by stomach acids can still be effective when delivered via a suppository. In addition, because they're absorbed directly into the bloodstream, suppositories can often take effect more quickly than other methods of medication delivery such as pills or liquids taken orally.
PROS:
-They are easy to use and can be self-administered
-They provide relief from conditions like constipation quickly
-They bypass the digestive system so they can be used for conditions like nausea
-They are relatively inexpensive
-They can be stored at room temperature
As usual there is a downside to all meds either side effects or in the case of suppositories:
CONS:
-They can be messy
-They can be uncomfortable to insert
-They may cause irritation or itching
-They may cause an increase in flatulence
Suppositories are a type of medication that is inserted into the body through the rectum or vagina. Suppositories are used to treat a wide variety of conditions because they allow medication to bypass the digestive system and go straight to where it is needed in the body.
What About Cannabis Suppositories? (Yes, Really!!!!)
We've all heard of cannabis-infused brownies and gummies, but what about cannabis suppositories? If you're not quite sure what a cannabis suppository is or how it works, you're not alone. I am going to give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about this unique method of consuming cannabis.
What makes a Cannabis Suppository different from regular suppositories?
A cannabis suppository is a little package of cannabis medicine that is inserted into the rectum or vagina. Because they are used vaginally or rectally they bypass the digestive system and first pass metabolism making it impossible to feel the psychoactive effects of THC. You can actually use very high doses of THC in this method.
Suppositories can be made with either THC or CBD, and they are typically made with a base of coconut oil or cacao butter. Some people prefer to make their own suppositories at home, while others prefer to purchase them from a dispensary. If you do purchase them from a dispensary, be sure to ask your budtender for advice on which type would be best for your needs. The problem is they are hard to find. I searched the local dispensaries and they are not available but if you live in Colorado, you have a number of choices available.
I made the ones you see in the photo. I added Patchouli essential oil due to it's ability to help with inflammation, infection and antiseptic qualities. These have about 65mg of THC (roughly). I have used them and have had no adverse reactions and haven't felt anything from them either.
Why use a Cannabis/CBD suppository?
Cannabis suppositories are an ideal choice for those who want fast relief from pain, inflammation, cramps, or other symptoms without having to worry about the psychoactive effects of THC. They can also be a good option for those who have trouble consuming cannabis orally due to nausea or vomiting.
If you use the suppository rectally, avoid inserting it high into the rectum. If it is kept in the bottom 2 inches of the rectum, you will never feel the psychoactive effects of the THC.
Dr Mikail Kogan and MD who is a medical marijuana expert says this about suppositories, “Although there are very few studies on the use of cannabis suppositories, I find that they are one of the most effective routes of delivery for back, pelvic, vaginal and rectal pain.”
I had my own personal experience using the suppository the first time. I had gone to Refit and was super sore after a hard workout. My hips and knees hurt really bad!!! I would say my pain was at an 8/10. I used the suppository at bedtime. I woke up about 2 hours later and thought it was a fluke!!! My pain was almost entirely gone!! I rated it a 2/10!!
I have been listening to http://cannabishealthradio.com/ and have heard numerous testimonies of how using high dose THC via suppository will address many kinds of cancers and other health issues. You should check it out!
Conclusion
If you're looking for an alternative way to consume cannabis that offers fast relief from pain, inflammation, cramps, or other symptoms without the psychoactive effects of THC, then cannabis suppositories might be right for you! Have any questions? Feel free to reach out to me at my email schurchpac@gmail.com or my website www.cannabisremedy.org —I'll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have!
Being Grateful
It’s the time of year when we start thinking about what we’re thankful for. But did you know that gratitude and thankfulness can actually have a positive impact on your health? Check out these three ways being grateful can improve your physical and mental wellbeing.
1. Boosts immunity. Studies have shown that people who express gratitude on a regular basis have stronger immune systems. One study even found that people who kept a daily gratitude journal were less likely to get sick! So, if you’re looking to avoid getting sick this winter, make sure to show some extra appreciation for all the good in your life.
2. Reduces stress and anxiety. We all experience stress and anxiety from time to time, but did you know that being grateful can help reduce these feelings? One study found that people who practice gratitude had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a step back and focus on what you’re thankful for—it might just help relieve some of that stress.
3. Improves sleep quality. Getting enough rest is important for maintaining our physical and mental health, but it can be hard to get a good night’s sleep sometimes. Luckily, gratitude can help with that too! One study found that people who wrote down what they were grateful for before bed slept better than those who didn’t. So, if you’re struggling to get some shut-eye, try expressing some gratitude—it just might help you drift off to dreamland more easily
Let's Take it a Step Further
Jesus encourages us to be thankful even when we are going through trials. We aren't guaranteed a life without problems but He has provided a way for us even in the midst of those problems. We can't see the end of the road but He can. When we are thankful to Him even in the middle of troubles, He is with us.
In 1Thessalonians 5:18 he says, "give thanks in everything; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in on body, rule your hearts. And be thankful.
When we are thankful and express our gratitude, it helps to improve our mental well-being. Praying regularly can be helpful for those who struggle with depression or anxiety because they know that Jesus cares about them enough that their thoughts haven't been completely lost forever.
One study looked at patients suffering from chronic illness such as cancer which often leads people into feelings of losing hope. After just eight weeks where these individuals were given opportunities throughout each day via Thankful Devotionals – A Prayer Guide For The Healing Power Of Thanksgiving - there were benefits that included less stress confessing problems and illnesses even if no solutions were offered.
That's the power of prayer and of being full of gratitude and thankfulness to Jesus.
So this Thanksgiving, as you share a hearty meal with your family and friends, call out what you are thankful for and then continue that practice every day from then on even during the trials of life.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING FRIENDS!!!!
Love, Shoshana
Help break the stigma!!!
Anxiety is different for everyone
Anxiety disorders come in all shapes and sizes, which can make them difficult to identify. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults ages 18 and up. That's a lot of people!
While there are many different types of anxiety disorders, they all share one common symptom: Fear! Fear is a normal emotion that we all experience from time to time. But when that fear is constantly present and interferes with our ability to live our lives, it becomes a problem. Stress can lead to uninvited levels of anxiety as well.
Symptoms of anxiety can include physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms
Anxiety disorders can manifest themselves in many different ways. There are 3 different stages of response to anxiety. If you understand and identify those stages you may be able to alleviate anxiety before the symptoms become full blown.
Let's take a look at some of the most common symptoms.
Cognitive: This usually begins with a thought that results in worry or uncertainty. Once the worry thoughts start, it can escalate to worsening cognitive symptoms and lead to physical symptoms. Worry usually stems from fear about the future. That future can be 5 minutes away or 5 years away.
Jesus specifically tells us not to worry in Matthew 6:25 & 27 where he says “Therefore I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? And in verse 27: Can any of you add one moment to his life span by worrying?
This is where anxiety starts. Worry and fear. If you can identify this at the onset, you can use coping techniques to help reduce the fear and worry and anxiety so it doesn’t progress to the physical symptoms of anxiety
Physical Symptoms
Anxiety disorders can cause physical symptoms that range from mild to severe. You may began to sweat, you may feel your heart rate increase, you may feel light headed or dizzy and you may have a lot of tension especially in the neck and shoulders. You may feel tight in your chest and you might even become nauseous. These symptoms are manifested because your body is attempting to avert danger. You may become really shaky, start to sweat and your stomach can become upset sending you to the bathroom with diarrhea.
These physical symptoms can be so severe that they lead people to believe they are having a heart attack (chest pain and tightness) or other medical emergency. It's important to remember that anxiety is a real condition that should be treated by a mental health professional. If you're experiencing any of these physical symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out for help.
Behavioral Symptoms
In addition to physical symptoms, anxiety disorders can also cause psychological symptoms, resulting in a change in behavior such as:
-Feeling anxious or scared most of the time without knowing why (known as free-floating anxiety)
-Constant worry about everyday things such as finances, work, family, etc.
-Avoiding situations or places that make you feel anxious
-Feeling on edge or tired all the time
-Trouble sleeping or concentrating
-irritability or feeling easily frustrated
What is going on in the brain in relation to anxiety?
When a person experiences anxiety, it's as if their brain is playing a never-ending game of 'what if?' What if I fail this test? What if I can't find my way home? What if that sound is a burglar trying to break in? The anxious brain is constantly on the lookout for potential threats, which leads to those pretty uncomfortable physical symptoms, like a racing heart and sweaty palms. But what's actually going on in the brain when anxiety strikes?
It all starts with the amygdala, which is responsible for processing emotions like fear and anxiety but also pleasure and anger. The amygdala lies deep in the brain. It’s a very small structure actually. But when the amygdala senses a threat, it sends out an alarm signal to the rest of the brain. This triggers the release of stress hormones like adrenaline, which increases heart rate and blood pressure. The thalamus then kicks into gear, sending out signals to the body that it's time to prepare for fight or flight. All of these changes can make a person feel pretty anxious
What if it’s not anxiety but something else?
Your provider should make sure there is no underlying cause for anxiety. You should have some labs done including a:
CBC- to rule out anemia
CMP-to check kidney and liver function, sugar and electrolytes
Thyroid function tests - Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a perfect example of how a person can have anxiety that is driven by a metabolic problem
Urinalysis - to make sure there is no infection especially in the elderly
Urine drug screen - some abusable medications like cocaine or methamphetamine can cause anxiety
These are routine tests but if it is in the ER setting they may look at more complicated tests like EEG, CT scan of the head, MRIs
There are many treatments available for anxiety, including therapy and medication.
- The mainstay of treatment is CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) psychotherapy or counseling. These all are similar but finding a good therapist can be challenging. There are many types of therapists ranging from Christian to secular therapists and ones who just do talk therapy or who are more skilled at diagnosing and recommending classes of medications
- The mainstay for pharmaceuticals are the anti-depressants. Most people will ask why you are giving them an antidepressant when the problem is anxiety. The reason is that they increase neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. This adjustment in neurotransmitters helps both anxiety and depression so they are used interchangeably. There are several classes of meds including TCA’s which are older antidepressants, SSRIs like prozac or Zoloft, or newer medications that increase GABA
- Another medication commonly prescribed for years and years but has recently had a prescribing change by the DEA are benzodiazepines. This are meds like Ativan, Xanax and klonopin. They are very habit forming and research is showing long term use of these meds has been connected to early onset Alzheimers disease. A medication I commonly give to take the place of these is a medication that acts like these meds but is not habit forming and that is buspirone or Buspar. Another medication that is actually for blood pressure but is used off label for anxiety is propranolol or inderal.
- TMS is a form of treatment that uses magnetic coils to activate neural networks in target areas of the brain. This is a 20 minute treatment in your providers office that is repeated over an extended period of time and addresses treatment resistant anxiety, depression and other mood disorders
- Neurofeedback is another non-invasive form of therapy that measures a persons brainwaves and gives the recipient real time information about how the brain is functioning. The goal is to help the patient gain voluntary control over functions in the body such as rapid heart rate. It teaches you self-control of brain functions by showing how the brain reacts to certain triggers. With multiple treatments a person can soon recognize the triggers that lead to anxiety and recreate the desired state they want. So instead of feeling anxious, having a fast heart rate and feeling sweaty, the desired result can be relaxation, and recognition of the anxiety triggers and how to avoid the progression of anxiety
- Sound frequency therapies like the WavWatch can address multiple mood disorders. There are 850 different diagnoses that the watch can address. Here is a link to get that watch. You will save $100 and because this is an affiliate it’s a win-win for you and me!
My favorite part is about plant medicine solutions for anxiety
First Essential Oils:
Oils that help with relaxation, reducing heart rate, promoting calm and rest include
- Lavender
- orange
- lemon
- roman chamomile
- valerian
- Melissa ( lemon balm)
- copaiba
- ylang ylang
Young Living Essential Oils have a few special blends like:
- stress away
- peace & calming
- Angelica
- release
- surrender
These oils help by entering the limbic portion of the brain when you smell them and that area of the brain is responsible for memory and emotions! You smell the oil, the molecules go through your nose to the olfactory bulb behind the nose and straight to the limbic portion of the brain. This lives right above the amygdala where anxiety can develop.
Cannabis and CBD options:
We have this amazing body that is enhanced with an amazing system known as the endocannabinoid system that loves cannabis and CBD! The issue with using cannabis if you have high anxiety, is it can actually make it worse. So many folks rely on CBD as it is the best option for reducing anxiety. It’s not wrong to use cannabis if it works for you though. The key is to use a very small dose of THC to a much larger dose of CBD.
You combine CBD with a great essential oil and you have the best of both worlds!!!!
Chemovars of cannabis to look for are ones with high levels of limonene terpenes. You can find this in Tangerine Dream and OG Kush. Another relaxing terpene is linalool and myrcene. You can find these terpenes in chemovars like Purple varieties & Bubba Kush.
CBD chemovars like Zeta and Cookies are known for shifting or improving mood, stimulating motivation and soothing anxiety. Just use a little bitty amount especially if it isn’t mostly CBD. The ratio of CBD should be much higher than THC.
Having anxiety can be frightening and frustrating. You really don't have to suffer with this alone. If you want to try alternative approaches I can help with that. Figuring all of this out is difficult. I knew nothing before I received my certification as a cannabis coach and educator. I also have my aromatherapy certification. This knowledge is beneficial if you just don't know where to start! I would love to help!
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1. Ardent
Meet the Ardent FX all-in-one, portable canna-kitchen! Backed by science, the FX is perfect for the Cannabis Lover, Home Chef, Wellness-Obsessed, Edible Enthusiast, Gadget Guru, and more. This new DIY device fully activates your plant material (97 – 100%), including flower, kief, concentrate, stems, and more, and has settings to infuse, cook and bake right inside. It is precise and dependable and takes all the guesswork out!
2. CBD from NuvitaFrom Nuvita: In case you missed the memo... we are a little obsessed with serving others, giving back, and doing our part to uplift everyone around us. That is why every month we donate a portion of all proceeds to a different charity, organization, or cause that does just that.
Specifically, our focus has been on putting an end to human trafficking, once and for all! No one deserves to be sold.
So not only do you get a high quality CBD product but you get it from a Woman owned business that cares about others. These products are organic and tested to ensure safety to you the consumer.
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Supplies to use to make your own plant medicine products
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This is pretty special! It's a different way to address 850 diagnoses. It is the WAVWatch. This device uses sound frequency to reach different organs and cells in the body. Our bodies are alive with frequencies and respond to different sounds either negatively or positively. This watch is easy to wear and you can work on all kinds of issues just by wearing it. I know it all sounds a little strange, but our bodies are unique, created by a God who has a wonderful imagination, so why wouldn't something like this work to help restore and recover health issues we deal with? And you can save $100 with this link. Click the image below.
What is Neuropathic pain?
It is a chronic condition that is caused by damage to the nervous system. Neuropathic pain results from damage or dysfunction to the peripheral ( arms and legs) or central nervous system. It can result in altered sensation in a leg or an arm or hands and fingers or neck. There is another type of neuropathic pain called CRPS or chronic regional pain syndrome that is extremely painful. This type of pain can be incredibly debilitating, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks. Unfortunately, traditional pain medications are often ineffective at treating neuropathic pain. This has led many people to explore alternative treatments, such as CBD and cannabis products.
But first, what is the conventional approach to these disorders?
Providers used to readily prescribe opiates but with the opioid crisis in full swing, prescribing habits have changed so first line medications include gabapentin or Lyrica, tricyclic antidepressants, like amitriptyline, SNRIs like duloxetine or venlafaxine. After that, opiates like tramadol and tapentadol which are milder opiates may be prescribed. Topical medications include capsaicin and lidocaine patches or gel. Last resort meds would be stronger opiates like morphine or oxycodone and lastly injections like botox into the affected area.
The problem with all of these options are you are looking at long term use and risk of side effects including issues like QT prolongation, nausea, constipation, ataxia, dry mouth, hypertension, dizziness and rash at application site if you are using a topical patch or gel.
How can plant medicine be a benefit?
We know from existing studies that cannabis has properties that protect the nervous system. It is a neuroprotectant, an antioxidant and a pain modulator. This is important because it can actually result in restoration of damaged nerves in some situations. It will decrease inflammation, remove or reduce oxidative stress and help control pain.
When clinical trials are established there is this statistical analysis important for the outcome of the trial known as the
'number to treat". That means that out of so many patients the positive response was explained as the number to treat. In a person with cholesterol issues who takes a cholesterol lowering agent the number of patients that have a positive response in terms of reducing risk of heart attack or stroke is 200. So you would have to treat 200 people for 1 person to not have a stroke or heart attack (that is a really terrible statistic). In the case of using cannabinoids to treat neuropathic pain, the number of patients to treat to result in an improvement or complete resolution of symptoms is 5.6. That is a significant number!!
How Does This Work?
It’s that good ole’ endocannabinoid system (ECS) that occurs naturally in our bodies in an attempt to create balance or homeostasis. The CB1 receptors that live in the CNS and the peripheral nervous system are activated by the ECS and results in pain modulation. The CB2 receptors live in other structures particularly monocytes and mast cells which are associated with inflammation. When these receptors are activated, there is a cascade of events that occurs in the CNS and brain that results in a decrease in pain. Other newer discovered receptors are activated as well to help with pain modulation.
It should be noted that all forms of cannabis are currently illegal in many parts of the world. As a result, obtaining these products can be difficult and may not be legal in your area. If you're considering using CBD or cannabis products for neuropathic pain, make sure to speak with your healthcare provider first. They can help you weigh the potential risks and benefits before you make a decision. Also CBD is more readily available. Click the link for a really good source of CBD and education.
How to Dose Cannabis and CBD for Neuropathic Pain
As with previous recommendations, using the lowest effective dose of cannabis is recommended in order to avoid psychoactive effects that are uncomfortable. We are looking for pain relief without sedation or dizziness. A randomized controlled trial explored pain relief using small smoked doses of 9% THC and resulted in decreased pain without side effects. They found a single inhalation of 25 mg of cannabis with 9.4% THC decreased pain intensity in post-traumatic or post-surgery induced neuropathic pain. This is a dose of less than 2 mg of THC.
- Oral: consuming cannabis orally will improve rest, sleep and will help control pain for longer periods of time. Oral consumption has a longer onset of action and it may take more experimentation to find the right dose. It can take 45 minutes to 1 hour to feel the effects with this route. The benefit, is the longer duration of pain control.
- Another oral approach is an oil or tincture. These products will take effect min about 20 minutes but won’t last as long. An example dose would be 2.5 to 7.5 mg of THC taken orally every 3-4 hours. This regimen will help with low to moderate pain levels. If this dosing results in psychoactive symptoms then adding CBD will help with that. The goal is to find your sweet spot!
- Vaporizing and smoking cannabis is a common approach and is very effective for treating neuropathic pain. There is a rapid onset of action with this method. Use the lowest effective dose of 2.5 - 7.5 mg. If you aren’t used to using cannabis, start with no more than 2.5 mg and wait patiently 15 minutes before adding more. 2.5 mg is equivalent to a matchstick size piece of flower.
- Topically you can try CBD/THC to help reduce local inflammation. The best is a high dose of THC rich salve or lotion or gel.
Chemovars for Neuropathic Pain
High CBD varieties are good for neuropathic pain like Harlequin, Cannatonic, or ACDC
High THC varieties are good for distracting you from the pain and for sleep support and include chemovars higher in myrcene and linalool such as any of the Purple varieties and any of the cookies varieties. Beta caryophyllene is another important anti-inflammatory terpene found in the cookies chemovars as well.
Essential Oils for Neuropathic Pain
Essential oils have so many properties known to help with nerve issues and pain in general. Specifically 1-2 drops each of frankincense, blue spruce, vetiver, helichrysum, lavender and eucalyptus mixed with a carrier oil and applied topically 3-5 times daily can help. Taking a capsule filled with 3 drops each of coriander, helichrysum and copaiba and 1 drop nutmeg taken 1-3 times daily will benefit. Specifically for sciatica make a capsule with 5 drops each of balsam fir, lemongrass and helichrysum 1-3 times daily. I personally love Panaway oil from Young Living mixed with a carrier oil and applied topically brings relief for several hours.
Essential oils can vary in terms of how they are grown, harvested, distilled and bottled. You need a company that is doing all of that right without chemicals and pesticides and I recommend Young Living. I trust this company completely and have used their oils for 7 years. Please reach out if you would like more information and in the meantime, here is a link if you want to explore on your own.
Other Options for Addressing Neuropathic Pain
The WAVWATCH is a device that operates on sound frequencies. Our bodies have frequencies and we respond to sound. We feel better when we listen to happy music, we feel sad if the music is sad. Sound can really affect us more than we even knew. This watch is a pretty amazing tool. There are 850 different medical diagnoses that it addresses including anything to do with the nervous system. I have a link that will save you $100 if you are interested. Use the code
SHOSHANA100 for that discount.
Exercise and other modalities
Stretching, walking, massage, physical therapy, heat and cold are also options for addressing neuropathic pain.
Conclusion
CBD and cannabis products offer hope for many people struggling with neuropathic pain. While more research is needed to understand the full effects of these substances, early evidence suggests they may provide some benefit. If you're considering using CBD or cannabis for neuropathic pain relief, make sure to speak with your healthcare provider first to weigh the potential risks and benefits before making a decision.. And of course, if you would like one:one help you can book an appointment with me for coaching.
