Freedom to Choose Plant Medicines, and the Power They Hold

From the Desk of Philip Blair, MD

I’m a functional medicine physician who believes in the freedom of plant choices in place of most pharmaceuticals. I was unaware of the major benefits of plant medicines until 2014 when I was introduced to Hemp CBD. From that point on it’s been an adventure in research to learn about the huge benefits of plant medicine. Essentially, most of the chronic illnesses with which we deal can be modified and corrected using plant-derived substances that hold the power to relieve most suffering. Most people know about echinacea for colds, and St. John’s wort for depression but there are many other plant substances that hold significant benefits. What is not apparent is the link of most herbal preparations to the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS is key to maintaining our health because when it gets out of balance it leads to chronic diseases. There are many illnesses associated with endocannabinoid dysfunction or deficiency. For the most part these are caused by lifestyle issues such as poor diet, stress, sleep disruption, lack of exercise, or toxins. To get the endocannabinoid system working properly all these factors need to be taken into consideration – but immediate changes can be achieved by using herbal supplements that modulate the ECS and improve the way we feel and function so that we can carry on with the lifestyle changes essential for our well-being.

Popular emphasis on CB1 receptors is because of the cognitive changes from THC. CB2 receptors are more important because they control inflammation, mood, pain and many neurotransmitters. Currently, the pharmaceutical industry has 35 CB2 receptor products under development. CB2 receptors are located on every one of our immune cells throughout the body. They’re even more CB2 receptors throughout the brain in glial support cells, blood brain barrier cells, lining of blood vessels, neurons and even at synapses that regulate neurotransmitters. In fact, that’s the effect induced by so many of our herbal preparations. For example, milk thistle upregulates CB2, inhibits CB1 and decrease inflammation.

Resveratrol, found in grapes, wines, peanuts, and berries has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties that protect glial cells, hence, the functional integrity of the brain. Other studies have reported that resveratrol possessed anticancer, anti-obesity, and anti-aging effects. Resveratrol also increases expression of CB1/CB2 receptors providing enhancing ECS effects. The increase in receptors allows for greater effects from the endocannabinoids that are released leading to greater reductions in pain and inflammation.

But the shining star of all plant derived substances appears to be β-Caryophyllene (BCP) that has enormous potential benefit for human physiology. BCP is actually found in over 1000 plants and is part of our normal diet. What is BCP? It’s an aromatic essential oil found in many of our essential herbs like cloves, basil, oregano, cinnamon, and black pepper. BCP it’s also found in vegetables and fruits like carrots, guava, grapefruit, and blueberries (as caryophyllene oxide).

BCP has a spicy wood scent and can be appealing to many people but avoided by insects (mosquitoes). Technically, it’s a 15-carbon terpene that has over 100 connections to receptors, enzymes, and transporters across all body systems. Of key importance is its ECS connection as a strong, selective at CB2R agonist. BCP also upregulates the entire ECS system by inhibiting the metabolism of all endocannabinoid ligands (2-AG, anandamide, PEA, OEA, SEA, & DEA) by inhibiting their breakdown enzymes, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). Furthermore, BCP modulates a number of nuclear transcription receptors that are targets of the extended ECS like PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, Nrf2 and NF-κB many more.

Therapeutically, BCP has been studied in over 3000 articles with an extraordinarily broad range of benefits. It has a safety profile that made it FDA approved as a food flavoring and topical aroma without any toxicity or drug interactions. BCP has been used parenterally, orally, topically, vaginally and vaporized with positive effects. One article cited BCP’s pharmacological properties as being “antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anticancer, cardioprotective, liver-gastrointestinal-kidney-neuroprotective, antimicrobial, and immune‐modulating (DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6199). To date there are only 10 human studies that are lackluster in clinical findings despite the spectacular pre-clinical evidence.

In the diet, an individual typically ingests between 10 and 200 mg of BCP per day. Supplemental BCP products in the form of liposomes, an encapsulated water-soluble membrane, can enhance bioavailability. This makes 30 mg of BCP liposomes equal to as much as 300 mg of raw oil (not recommended). But, in a topical fashion, highly concentrated BCP oil is readily absorbed, and, in some cases, enhances absorption of other substances with as little as 3 drops.

I’ve used BCP since 2016 across the full spectrum of human disease in which it is performed well. In 2020 I had it formulated into a liposomal formulation and distributed samples to gather evidence of its benefits. I was stunned by the response in treating pain, inflammation, anxiety and sleep disturbances. Since then I’ve learned that BCP is a valuable anti-cancer agent and I’ve incorporated it into all my cancer protocols. Of note are its benefits in retinopathy and glaucoma where it has reversed these diseases. Another highlight is the effectiveness in allergies including mast cell activation that comes from taking foods with histamine.

My company, Blair Medical Group SPC, offers four β-Caryophyllene products of exceptional quality for a broad range of health benefits and performance enhancement. BCPlus liposomal tincture is the leader in terms of its range of application, dosing, and effects. It can be used orally or topically with immediate benefits typically within 10 minutes. Typical doses range between a few drops to a few milliliters twice a day.

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We have a topical Gel with magnificent analgesic and skin restorative effects. It is particularly effective for arthritis and nerve pain including migraines and sciatica. Another topical blend of powerful BCP and terpenes gives immediate relief for pain, bites, burns, stings, and wounds with enhanced healing.

SHOP HERE: https://www.blairmedicalgroup.shop/product/bcplus-topical-gel-120ml/3?aff=3

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Delicious edibles in the form of Crunches are one-centimeter cookies sweetened with monk fruit and contain nine mg of BCP that are great for kids and pets.

SHOP HERE: https://www.blairmedicalgroup.shop/product/bcplus-crunches-maple-yogurt-30g/4?aff=3

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When it comes down to the bare essentials, BCP is a natural food substance widely available with health benefits just like dozens of other medicinal plants. You have the freedom to choose plant medicines to be a part of your diet and lifestyle that promote health and nutrition through the endocannabinoid system.

Finally, make plant medicine your first choice before going to pharmaceuticals.

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