Tag: Knowledge

High purity CBD effective against COVID-19?

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In January, researchers at the University of Chicago published a study that showed potential efficacy of CBD against the replication (propagation) of Sars-CoV-2. The researchers used this publication as an opportunity to call for further research on this topic. The results of the study would suggest an effect, but are still far from a confirmed medical outcome. It is also emphasized that this study refers to cells treated with high-purity CBD in the laboratory – a fundamentally different situation than taking commercially available CBD products. So the topic should be pursued, without now feeling that you can protect yourself against Corona with a CBD joint.

CBD stops the multiplication of Covid 19 viruses

The study was conducted because it was suspected that CBD might have an impact on disease progression due to anti-inflammatory properties. The hope was that CBD could mitigate the effects of a “cytokine storm” (an overreaction of the immune system). However, with an impediment to viral replication (virus replication), the researchers observed a very different effect. “No one in their right mind would have ever thought that it blocked viral replication, but that’s what it does,” commented one professor involved.

Does highly purified CBD also work in humans?

For the experiment, human lung cells were treated with highly purified CBD for two hours. These were then exposed to coronavirus and the change in viral load over time was observed. The viruses were able to enter the treated cells, but replication was severely hindered. The study results could be confirmed with similar results in animal experiments on mice. However, in order to properly assess the effective potential, further trials are needed, especially those on humans.

More research is needed!

For us, this means: We are pleased about successful research projects regarding the medical application of cannabis. However, it is also important to us that this research takes place in a serious framework. Thus, there are many reasons to be pleased with the results of the study, especially after the last two years in a state of emergency. If CBD does indeed help against covid-19, that is wonderful news that definitely needs to be followed up on. At the same time, it is imperative that we exercise restraint: this study does not demonstrate any protective effects of commercial CBD products. The effects of treating single cells with high-purity CBD are very different from the effects that a CBD joint or ingesting CBD oil has on the human body.

Sources:
– Hemp Industry Daily: Another CBD study suggests COVID-19 protection, but consumers warned not to treat themselves
– uChicago News: Researchers recommend clinical trials for CBD to prevent COVID-19 based on promising animal data
– Full study: Cannabidiol inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication.

CBD for dogs

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CBD products are becoming increasingly popular. Dogs and cats are fed with hemp extracts worldwide. Many owners enjoy the positive effect on the well-being of their pets and praise the use of CBD products. This blog article gives the most important information in the use of CBD for dogs, cats and other pets.

How does the CBD get into the dog?

First comes the practical question of how the CBD will get into the dog’s body. There are several ways to do this. If it is accepted by the dog, the CBD in the form of oil can be administered directly e.g. with a pipette. Another option is to mix the cannabidiol – again in the form of oil – into the feed. This application seems to be one of the most practical, but it contradicts the relatively widespread recommendation to administer the oil about 2h before eating. A possible solution: provide only a very small amount of food with the CBD oil and administer this 2h before the main meal.
Topical application (i.e., application to the skin) does not seem to have much effect on the general condition of the pet, according to current knowledge.[1] Presumably, the active ingredients are not able to penetrate the skin well enough. But this does not mean that an ointment does not have a local effect, for example, on irritated skin.

The optimal dose

As with the use of CBD oils in humans, the question of dosage also arises in dogs. First, an important note: We are not allowed to give dosage recommendations for legal reasons. Nevertheless, we want to inform you with as good as possible, so that you can use the potential of the hemp plant also for your four-legged darlings. Most important rule: Always use an oil of max. Use 10% CBD concentration.
Since every (dog’s) body reacts differently to CBD, it’s best to determine the optimal dose for your dog yourself. The following applies: Always (!) start with a low dosage first and increase it as needed. This reliably prevents side effects. If side effects do occur, or if your dog is on regular medication, you should contact your veterinarian.

If you want to choose an oil for your dog, you need to make sure that this oil does not contain THC, as it is harmful for pets. Further you should use an oil of max. Select 10% CBD concentration, otherwise dosing becomes difficult. Once you have selected a product, you can start with “gradual dosing”: in the beginning, dose the oil low (e.g. 1 mg CBD per kg body weight). Always observe well whether an effect occurs or whether side effects occur. Based on these observations, after a habituation period of a few days, you can increase the dose slightly if necessary until the desired effect is achieved.

Excuse me?! Side effects?

So far, this article has talked several times about side effects and desired effect. What is actually meant there? Possible side effects that may occur include: diarrhea/digestive disorders, fatigue, sluggishness/drowsiness, or even a stimulated appetite. Since there should be no THC in CBD oil for animals anyway, animals do not get high.
It is difficult to make statements about the effect. As in humans, the study situation is still too thin. However, testimonials[2] indicate that CBD helps well against pain or sleep problems of the quadruped. Anxiety and stress also appear to be reduced by administration of CBD.
Further, there is a study that demonstrated successful use of CBD (in addition to conventional treatments) against epilepsy.[3]

Pet products in our store: https://www.herbadiberna.ch/cbd-oel-haustiere/

Articles on the subject:
– CBD oils for the dog and the correct dosage (cbdoele.org)
– Treating your dog with CBD (healthline.com)

Sources:
– [1]: Pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol in healthy dogs (Colorado State University).
– 2]: Consumer perception of hemp products for animals (ibid.).
– [3]: Clinical study on the antieptileptic effect of CBD (Mc Grath et al.).

Optimal storage of cannabis

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Cannabis can be stored at home for up to 9 months without any problems if stored properly. However, in order to avoid quality loss, a few things should be taken into account. If the flowers are not stored well, the active ingredients can evaporate and in the end only a dry dust is left, or it begins to mold. Basically, three aspects must be considered when storing cannabis: Temperature, air and light.

Large temperature differences should be avoided, as trichomes (resin glands) could break off, reducing the odor. Therefore, storage in the refrigerator or even in the freezer is not recommended – even though most instructions mainly refer to the heat sensitivity of cannabis. The optimum temperature for storing grass is 18-21 degrees Celsius.

Various things depend on the air – or rather the airtight seal. If the flowers are not moist, they also do not begin to mold. Furthermore, the active ingredients and the terpenes (responsible for the smell and aroma) can volatilize if stored in poorly sealed containers.

Light-protected storage is necessary, as the cannabinoids are also damaged by UV radiation. This has a negative impact on the effectiveness of cannabis. In addition, the flowers turn brownish in the light.

In order to provide you with the optimal storage, we offer two new products in our range of storage containers. The amber glass container is the perfect container for home. It can be used for years to protect the cannabis from harmful influences. The glass used protects the flowers from UV radiation and provides an airtight seal. Stylish, sustainable and quality preserving.
An aluminum container is a good choice for on the go. This is lightweight, does not break even in everyday use and provides comprehensive protection for the cannabis. Due to its durability, this container also represents the most sustainable choice possible.

Left:
– Violet glass container in our store(125 ml or 250 ml)
– Aluminum container in the store(50 ml or 120 ml)
– Source and description of other storage options

Full spectrum CBD oil vs. CBD isolate

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In the (growing) range of CBD products, there are two terms that come up often: Full-Spectrum and Isolate. Both are hemp extracts: Since only the active ingredients are included, but not the plant fibers and cell structures, they can be taken as a whole. However, the differences between the two products are significant. This article explains these differences, and aims to show why Herba di Berna offers CBD isolates, but only relies on full-spectrum for its oil range.

The ingredients of isolates and full-spectrum extracts differ greatly. While isolate – as the name suggests – contains only CBD, a full-spectrum product is composed of many different cannabinoids, terpenes and other substances. This creates a holistic product with great effectiveness. Due to the entourage effect, the effect is much stronger and more balanced than is the case with an isolate.

The entourage effect is also known as the “plant synergy”. The combination of the substances contained is shown in a synergistic, i.e. mutually reinforcing, manner. The result is an effectiveness that cannot be compared to that of a single substance. A vivid example of such synergetic effects is an orchestra in which all instruments together create a sound world far beyond the capabilities of any single instrument. The same happens with the cannabinoids, terpenes and other phytochemical(phyto = plant) substances of the hemp plant.
Since this effect cannot occur in an isolate product, it can be said that full spectrum products are generally more effective than isolates.

If full-spectrum products are more effective, why are so many isolate products offered anyway? Of course, isolates also have their advantages. For example, it is much easier to accurately state and maintain the CBD content of a product, and isolate products are generally less expensive than full-spectrum extracts. Furthermore, isolates definitely do not contain THC. There are situations in which this is desirable – even though the THC content in full-spectrum oils is by no means high enough to trigger a psychoactive reaction. Since all terpenes (flavors) have been removed, isolates also do not have the typical hemp smell.

Based on these differences, it can be said that full-spectrum oils, for example, are the drug of choice when the application is for medical reasons. In general, full spectrum extracts represent a holistic product with a balanced effect. Therefore, it is clear to us that we only sell oils that cover the entire spectrum of the hemp plant – even if we have to make regular control analyses of the CBD content for this. However, if the goal is to mix CBD with other products in precise doses, or if there is zero tolerance to THC, isolates are definitely an option. Further, the question “isolate or full spectrum?” is also simply a question of budget.

Sources:
– Daily-CBD: “Full-spectrum CBD oil vs. CBD isolate: what’s the difference?”
– Daily-CBD:“What is the Entourage Efffect?“
– Hemp Health:“CBD Oil: Full Spectrum vs. Isolate“