Terpenes are a diverse and fascinating class of organic compounds, prevalent in the natural world and known for their distinct aromas and flavors. As key components in a myriad of plants and some animals, terpenes play a vital role in nature. Now let's take a deep dive into terpenes world to learn about their sources, varieties, and significance. What Are Terpenes? Terpenes are special natural elements that both plants and some insects make. You can think of them as the scents and flavors of nature. When you smell a flower, a lemon, or even a pine tree, what you're actually smelling are terpenes. They're like nature's own perfume and flavor makers! Plants create terpenes for different reasons. Some plants use them to keep away hungry animals or insects that might eat them. Other plants use terpenes to attract helpful insects, like bees, to come and help them pollinate. This is why flowers often have such strong and sweet smells – they're trying to get the attention of these insects. Some insects also make terpenes. They might use them to communicate with each other or to defend themselves against predators. It's like having their own chemical language or a natural shield. So, in short, terpenes are nature's way of adding smells and tastes to our world, while also helping plants and some insects survive and communicate. Nature and us Humans have found various therapeutic uses for terpenes, capitalizing on their natural properties for health and wellness benefits. Here's a breakdown of how these aromatic compounds are used therapeutically and their functions: Aromatherapy: One of the most common uses of terpenes is in aromatherapy. Essential oils rich in terpenes are used to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance mood. For example, the terpene linalool, found in lavender, is renowned for its calming and sleep-inducing effects. Pain Relief: Some terpenes have shown potential in reducing pain. For instance, myrcene, which is present in lemongrass and hops, is believed to have analgesic properties, making it useful in alleviating discomfort. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Certain terpenes, like beta-caryophyllene found in black pepper, are known for their anti-inflammatory effects. They can help in reducing inflammation and are beneficial in treating conditions like arthritis and Crohn’s disease. Antimicrobial and Antiviral Effects: Terpenes such as eucalyptol, present in eucalyptus oil, exhibit antimicrobial and antiviral properties. These are useful in treating infections and boosting the immune system. Mental Health Benefits: Terpenes like limonene, which is found in citrus fruits, are known to uplift the mood and can have anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects. They are often used in therapies for mental health conditions. Respiratory Health: Some terpenes, like pinene from pine trees, can help improve respiratory function. They are thought to be beneficial in treating conditions like asthma and bronchitis, helping to open airways and reduce congestion. Skin Care: Terpenes are also used in skincare products for their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. They can aid in treating skin conditions like acne, eczema, and aging signs. Enhancing the Effectiveness of Other Treatments Terpenes are believed to work synergistically with other compounds, like cannabinoids in medical cannabis, enhancing their therapeutic effects. This phenomenon is known as the "entourage effect." Beyond Aroma Terpenes are more than just the fragrant essence of nature's flora; they are complex compounds with diverse roles and applications. From the pine forests to our daily consumer products, terpenes enrich our lives with their aromas and contribute significantly to the ecological balance. As research continues, we are likely to discover even more about the capabilities and benefits of these remarkable compounds.
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We're thrilled to announce that our latest CBG Flavors have surpassed all expectations! Prepare to be amazed as each bottle opens to release an aromatic fusion of sweet berries and zesty citrus. These aren't just any scents; they're powerful, delightful experiences that will leave you in awe! Introducing our new CBG Oils, specially crafted for daytime focus and relief. Infused with natural, energy-boosting terpenes, our flavors - Blueberry, Strawberry, and Lemon - are more than just a treat for the senses. They're a step towards enhanced well-being. From the Field to You: A Real-Life Story Don't just take our word for it! We sent a bottle of our Blueberry CBG oil to a friend, an athlete often dealing with ADD, aches and pains. The results? She was astounded by both the flavor and the effects! Over several days, she shared her experiences with us through emails, noting remarkable improvements. We're excited to share her journey with you. Read her authentic, unedited feedback below. Note, Jester is her dog. For privacy resons, we changed my friend's name to Anna. Feedback (April 2) OMG this blueberry stuff! the secret ingredient is "Active" it should be called "Active Juice" or "Hamster Food" ...
I woke up as usual, dragged myself downstairs, fed the pets, fed myself, made coffee and while I waited, I took 1ml of the blueberry oil. drank my cup of coffee. That's where the morning turned UP. 1. I did yoga. well done, good Anna. (unusual, but okay) 2. took a shower (normal) 3. walked jester (normal) 4. the time was still only 8:20 (usually, by 8:20 I'm getting out of the shower). 5. I had some envelopes I needed to mail & no stamps. So I rode my bike to the post office (unheard of) 6. I was home by 9:15 Normally by 9:15 we are juuuuuust getting back from Jester's walk. I feel amazing, but 1ml might actually be too much! I'm a little shaky now, but honestly that could be all the exercise. WTF! what is in that stuff?! I love it! it's delicious too. never change the recipe. and def. sell it to the athlete market. In case you are having trouble entering a discount code at the checkout, we thought we'd share a few screenshots to make it easier for you. You can also give us a call or send us an email if you need extra help. Let's begin! 1. Find a product or products you would like to purchase and add them to your cart. 2. When you are ready to check out, click on "CART" button located in the right upper corner (see image below). 3. Click on the "CHECKOUT" button and you will be taken to a checkout page. 4. Click on "+ Add a coupon code" button located under the list of your products and a new text window will be displayed. Enter a discount code and click "Apply" You should be able to see your discount on the right. Click "Check out" button to proceed to the next page where you can enter your credit card information. If you are still having trouble, feel free to give us a call or send us an email cbd@ridgehemp.com
Thank you for shopping with us! Ridge Hemp Team As a child, I cherished the moments spent with my grandfather. He was the kindest most patient person I knew. From my early years, he dedicated his time to take me to my drawing or dancing classes a few times a week. He also taught me how to read and count, and everywhere we went he would take an opportunity to have me practice counting or reading. Sometimes it would be a store name, a name of the building, or a magazine. Whatever it is that we got to do together, I was always thrilled to spend time with him.
My grandfather was also a WWII veteran, but he never talked about the war. All I knew is that he was in a war, which seemed so foreign to me at the time. I did not know what the word “war” actually meant until I grew up. Back then I naively thought it would be cool to be a soldier like my grandfather until my grandmother found out about it. She got pretty upset when I told her. She put her hand to her chest and cried out loud, “they shoot people out there!” The idea of going to war did not seem as cool after that. My grandfather never talked about what happened to him during the war. He had enough medals to cover both sides of his chest. He used to wear his medals to yearly May parades in Kyiv, Ukraine. I did not know what each medal was given to him for, but I knew one thing - he was my hero. My grandfather was my hero not because of the medals, but because I knew he loved me the most. I don’t know how I knew that because he never told me he loved me. But I just knew! When I was just a kid, going to bed was the most boring chore I had to do every night. Instead, I would sneak out of my bed and sneak under my grandfather’s blankets. My grams was furious, “He smells like cigarettes!” she would say. But I did not care. I would just cover my head with the blanket and pretend I was not there. I also remember my grandfather loved his cigarettes. Without filters. Just cigarettes. And I knew that they were bad for his health. So as a good girl, one day I decided to do something good for my grandfather! I had it all planned out. Armed with good intentions, I discarded his special stash. I felt so proud of my actions! Well, at least for a little while… The next thing I remember was my grandfather looking for his cigarettes. When he discovered their absence, he found me. "I threw them away," I confessed, still believing I was protecting his well-being. “Why would you do that?” he asked calmly. “Because they are bad for you,” I replied. “But where are they?” He was still hoping to be able to recover them. “They are in the garbage,” I said, and I walked him to the secret spot where I disposed of his precious cigarettes. “Oh! Oh! Those were good cigarettes,” he said. “But you are right – they are bad for me. But, oh boy, that was a brand-new fresh box of cigarettes.” I never got reprimanded for it. The topic was closed and we never spoke of this incident again. I never touched his cigarettes again. My grandfather, a man of few words, revealed to me once the depth of his suffering. He told me he was shot in the left shoulder by an enemy and that there were still bullet fragments stuck within. He shared how much his body hurt all the time. As a kid, chronic pain was also foreign to me back then. Later in life, after my grandfather’s passing, my mother told me how my grandfather’s tank was hit in one of the battles during WWII. Miraculously, he managed to barely escape the engulfing flames, evading what could have been a tragic fate. I’m certain this experience, and whatever else happened to him during the war, left a permanent mark on my grandfather, as it did on so many soldiers who endured the horrors of war. The war can have profound and long-lasting effects on soldiers. Physically, they may bear scars or injuries from combat, and mentally, they can experience trauma, anxiety, and depression. Many veterans carry the weight of their experiences with them throughout their lives. Many never share their stories with anyone. My grandfather was soft-spoken, smart and modest. He was respected by everyone who knew him. To me, he was a hero, but most of all – he was my beacon of love. I loved my grandfather and he loved me even more. Who is your hero? As we are approaching the Veterans Day, it is important that we take a moment to appreciate the incredible bravery of men and women who sacrificed so much to protect our freedom while serving in armed force, both at home and abroad. While we are about to celebrate this day, it is crucial to remember that this bravery often comes at a cost. Many of the veterans developed chronic pain, parkinsons, anxiety, PTSD, insomnia and other health issues while serving in the military and they continue to struggle silently ever since. This leads us to an important question: Can CBD provide relief for veterans? Recent research, as published on nih.gov, has shown promising results. According to this published research, “CBD was effective in significantly reducing the stress response and its manifestations (anxiety, fear, depression, and burnout).’ Additionally, it has shown potential for “significant pain reduction” when using full spectrum CBD formula. We understand that each person's journey is unique, and finding the right dosage can be a process of exploration. This is where Ridge Hemp steps in. We provide CBD education and guidance to new users to ensure you receive the relief you so desperately need. Whether it is overcoming insomnia, managing pain, or alleviating anxiety, we will help you find a formula tailored to your individual needs. This way, you have time and energy to focus on what truly matters most to you! Happy Veteran's Day! Thank you for your service!
Many of you have become friends, so I thought I should come clean with all of you why I have been a little more distant than usual. And then there is grief… I want to thank you all for your kind and supportive words within these last couple of months. They mean so much to me! I am not going to lie… the last couple of months have been the most difficult of my entire life. My sister passed away unexpectedly in mid-June and I have not been the same since… To be honest, seeing her on life support gave me hope… I prayed… I read her get well cards and I held her hand and I prayed, I prayed, I prayed… Just when I think I can move on, the memories of my sister come before my eyes. I hear her laugh, I can feel her tight warm bear hugs... and it feels so surreal that she is gone… At times, it feels like the whole world stops…except that it does not stop…the world with everyone in it keeps spinning around the sun and here I am wishing I could have done more to help my sister. If only I knew she was unwell… if only I knew, I would have dropped anything and everything to help her. But she is gone now and all I have left is her clothes that I kept that still smell like her, her make-up, her perfume, her pictures and memories… Within these last couple of months, this grief brought our small family together, tore us apart and then brought us together again… I’ve read articles and books on grief, joined a Facebook group thinking it would help stop the pain, and even considered getting away for a meditation retreat… Except, I cannot leave my mother and my niece behind… we are all doing our best…well, the best we can, given the situation. Similar to the start of the war with Russia, my mom and I turned to making things. We made gummies. I want to thank you also for keeping us busy! It really helps knowing that we make a difference in your well-being and this is what we are here for. Plus my mom and I enjoy our mother daughter time. During the past couple months I have been playing around with two new versions of purple dreams that I hope helps you with getting a good night sleep. These formulas are more potent containing CBN and higher mg of CBD. The full-spectrum version has THC and the other formula is THC-free, or Broad Spectrum. A perfect formula for those who cannot tolerate THC or who gets drug tested for work. We are also considering doing some charitable work around these events. More to come later. So, I just wanted to thank you for helping to keep us busy. Love, Tanya CBN stands for Cannabinol, which is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, alongside other well-known cannabinoids like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). Cannabinoids are naturally occurring elements in cannabis that interact with the endocannabinoid system in the human body, which plays a role in regulating various physiological processes. CBN is derived from the oxidation of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the more well-known psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis. When THC ages or is exposed to oxygen and heat, it converts into CBN. As a result, aged cannabis or cannabis products may have higher levels of CBN. CBN is not psychoactive like THC, meaning it does not produce the "high" typically associated with cannabis use. Instead, CBN is believed to have potential therapeutic properties, including:
It's essential to note that research on CBN is still in its early stages, and more studies are needed to fully understand its potential benefits and side effects. As with any cannabis-derived product, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using CBN for any specific medical condition. Cannabinoids are a diverse group of chemical compounds that are naturally found in the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa). They interact with the endocannabinoid system in the human body and in other animals, modulating various physiological processes. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signaling system present in the bodies of all vertebrate animals. It plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis, which is the internal balance necessary for organisms to function properly. The ECS is involved in regulating processes such as:
There are three primary types of cannabinoids:
The interaction between cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system is complex and involves various receptors, primarily CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are more prevalent in the peripheral tissues and the immune system. Cannabinoids have garnered significant interest due to their potential therapeutic properties, such as pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, anti-anxiety properties, and potential neuroprotective effects. However, more research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and their specific therapeutic applications. As a result, the use of cannabinoids for medical purposes is a subject of ongoing research.
Hemp oil and CBD (cannabidiol) oil are two different products that come from the same plant, but they have different compositions and uses.
Hemp oil is derived from the seeds of the hemp plant, and it is used for its nutritional value as a food ingredient or as a carrier oil for other products. Hemp oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as other nutrients such as vitamin E and minerals. However, it does not contain significant amounts of CBD or other cannabinoids. On the other hand, CBD oil is extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the hemp plant, and it is used for its medicinal properties. CBD oil contains high levels of CBD, a non-psychoactive compound that interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system to produce therapeutic effects such as pain relief, anxiety reduction, and anti-inflammatory relief. Therefore, while both hemp oil and CBD oil come from the same plant, they serve different purposes and have different chemical compositions. It's important to read product labels carefully and consult with a healthcare professional before using either product. |
Tanya's thoughts
Some of these articles are about my life, others are summaries from my research. Let me know what you'd like to learn about by writing to cbd@ridgehemp.com. Thanks! Archives
April 2024
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