Spagyric hemp extract for athletic performance and focus

As an avid fitness enthusiast, I often experience muscle soreness and fatigue after a hard workout or skate session. After a particularly intense training session, it can take up to two or three days to fully recover. This has led me to search for ways to recover faster. The medical term for this is called delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) which is the pain and stiffness felt in muscles one to two days after strenuous activity that the body is unaccustomed to. The symptoms of DOMS include aching pain in the muscles, tenderness, stiffness, reduced force capacity, restricted movement, swelling (inflammation), and dysfunction of adjacent joints. It can occur when you start a new exercise program, change your exercise routine, or increase the duration and intensity of your regular workout. The soreness and pain usually increase in intensity during the first 24 hours and peak at around the 48–72-hour range. After exceptionally strenuous exertion, DOMS can even last for several days. One explanation for the soreness is called the enzyme efflux theory. 

“Following microtrauma, calcium that is normally stored in the sarcoplasmic reticulum accumulates in the damaged muscles. Cellular respiration is inhibited and ATP needed to actively transport calcium back into the sarcoplasmic reticulum is also slowed. This accumulation of calcium may activate proteases and phospholipases which in turn break down and degenerate muscle protein. [1] This causes inflammation, and in turn pain due to the accumulation of histamines, prostaglandins, and potassium.” [2,3] 

When our muscles are damaged, inflammation is triggered to start the healing process. Our muscles begin to swell up, increasing blood flow to the damaged area to remove dead cells and bring in the building blocks necessary to repair the damaged muscle tissue. Although inflammation is beneficial, it is very taxing on the body. Chronic inflammation drains our energy, reduces mental clarity, and impairs the ability of other systems in our body to function at an optimal level. All too often, we find ourselves reaching for OTC NSAID’s such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or paracetamol to treat chronic inflammation. But there’s an alternative way to deal with these symptoms; the hemp plant is quickly becoming the go-to solution for people who are suffering from chronic pain due to inflammation.  

  The therapeutic potential of cannabis has been neglected for the greater part of the 20th century due to federal restrictions. However, during the past few years, exciting research has emerged due to a wave of decriminalization efforts. The International Journal of Physical Education conducted a study to evaluate the effects that one of the main ingredients of hemp, CBD, had on exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD). An overabundance EIMD is the main cause of DOMS. Three groups of exercisers were tested to determine the benefits of CBD post-workout. One group of individuals was given a solution containing CBD, another group MCT oil, and the third group a placebo. They then measured the EIMD of each group and the results of this study indicated that CBD oil had a significant influence on DOMS stemming from EIMD. CBD oil appears to be a useful treatment for EIMD, and therefore DOMS. CBD reduces the time it takes for an athlete to reach a pre-EIMD state of muscle soreness as opposed to MCT Oil or placebo.[4]  

We all know that feeling of fear and anxiety when it comes down to the last shot of the big game. Fear and anxiety are instinctive responses to threats to our survival. Neuroscientists call this the fight or flight response. When our brain senses danger, it shuts down critical thinking and releases stress hormones. A moderate amount of fear or anxiety may be beneficial for focus and concentration, but when our body loses the ability to appropriately respond to a stressful experience, our fear and anxiety can spiral out of control and become debilitating. CBD can help mitigate fear and anxiety by binding to receptors that control these emotions. 

CBD interacts with several receptors known to regulate fear and anxiety-related behaviors, specifically the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R), the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor, and the transient receptor potential (TRP) vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) receptor.” [5] 

Reducing fear and anxiety during situations in which your fight or flight response is normally activated can help you focus on the shot, the swing, and the championship.  

It is well established that fear and anxiety create inflammation by activating stress hormones. According to the peer-reviewed journal Antioxidants, 

“CBD is effective at reducing inflammation because it mitigates levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inhibits T-cell proliferation, induces T-cell apoptosis, and reduces the migration and adhesive properties of immune cells. In addition, CBD anti-inflammatory activity has been shown to be boosted by our own endocannabinoids, specifically anandamide (AEA).” [6] 

Cannabinoids, such as CBD, and endocannabinoids, such as AEA, work on receptors found in the endocannabinoid system called CB1 and CB2. These are receptors with strong expression in the central nervous system and the immune system primarily, but also occur in other tissues. By interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors, 

“CBD inhibits the activity of adenylyl cyclase and voltage gated calcium channels, activates potassium channels and activates mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK), 3-phosphoinositol kinase (PI3K)/AKT, and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways.”[7]  

These channels and signaling pathways are the highways through which inflammation is triggered. Although it may seem concerning that CBD can act in an immunosuppressive fashion by reducing the activity of T-cells, in most cases, it is advantageous. Due to the high levels of stress in our modern-day lives, chronic inflammation is rampant, overly draining our bodies of necessary resources that could be otherwise put to good use. Instead of repairing cells and healing our body, our body’s resources are being used to fuel stress-induced inflammation. When taken to the extreme, long-term inflammation can cause irreversible disease. Several cancers, such as lymphoma and leukemia, and autoimmune disorders, such as arthritis and multiple sclerosis, are caused by an overactive immune system. Thanks to growing research, CBD is showing itself to be a highly promising substance for treating inflammatory diseases. 

There are many ways to administer hemp for the purpose of reducing inflammation and pain. One of the fastest-acting methods is by applying an oil containing spagyric hemp extract to the skin. When applied topically, it immediately starts interacting with the endocannabinoid receptors found on our skin. Oils containing spagyric hemp extract can be applied liberally until the desired results are achieved. 

 “Research indicates that both CB1 and CB2 receptors are found in epidermal keratinocytes, cutaneous nerve fibers, dermal cells, melanocytes, eccrine sweat glands and hair follicles. While cannabinoid receptors remain the primary targets for endocannabinoids, they have also been shown to bind to Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) receptors present in various types of skin cells and are involved in different functions like formation and maintenance of the skin barrier, cell growth, cell differentiation, immunological and inflammatory processes.” [8] 

Both CB1 and CB2 receptors are found on the skin, but CB1 receptors are predominantly found deeper internally. CB2 receptors are far more prevalent on the outside of our body. For this reason, CBD Piggy Body Oil and Healing Oil both contain an added terpene called beta-caryophyllene (BCP). This terpene is known as a “full agonist” of the CB2 receptor. Basically, BCP fully activates the CB2 receptor. When inflammation occurs, CB2 activity stops inflammatory signaling pathways, reducing pain, redness, and swelling. [9] 

Prominent locations of CB1 and CB2 receptors

Sublingual tinctures are another highly effective way to administer spagyric hemp extract. Sublingual tinctures are technically edibles, but with one added advantage. Unlike an edible, sublingual tinctures allow the cannabinoids to pass into the bloodstream directly through saliva glands located inside of the mouth. The longer the tincture is held under the tongue, the more cannabinoids pass into the bloodstream. By entering the bloodstream directly, the anti-inflammatory benefits of the spagyric hemp extract can be felt in minutes. If spagyric hemp extract is swallowed immediately, the onset of effects typically occurs within 30 minutes to an hour. The greatest advantage of a sublingual tincture is in its ability to interact with CB1 receptors located in the brain, central nervous system, and internal organs. Thanks to this route of administration, spagyric hemp extract can treat neurodegenerative diseases and cancers located deep inside the body.  

When sublingual tinctures are taken regularly, the spagyric hemp extract permeates throughout the entire body, reducing systemic inflammation and improving the functioning of the endocannabinoid system. This allows the body to better control the inflammation from exercise induced muscle damage internally. It takes time for spagyric hemp extract to build up within the body when taken sublingually. After about two weeks of consistent dosing, the full benefits can be felt. Unlike in topicals, the BCP in a sublingual tincture can travel to CB2 receptors found deep inside muscle tissue because cannabinoids are too large to pass through the skin barrier. Interestingly, although topicals activate the CB2 receptors on the skin, they seem to have residual effects on other CB2 receptors found inside the body. More research needs to be done to determine if topicals activate CB2 receptors found behind the skin barrier, such as in muscles. According to current research, cannabinoids are not supposed to cross the skin barrier. However, spagyric hemp extract is very effective at reducing joint and muscle pain. So, we believe that there is a signaling phenomenon going on between the CB2 receptors within the endocannabinoid system. It seems that if the CB2 receptors on the skin are highly activated, the CB2 receptors found nearby in the muscles and joints are also activated.  

Spagyric hemp extract is likely the most bioavailable form of hemp. However, there are ways to further boost the bioavailability of it by supplementing with healthy fats, especially omega 3 fatty acids which are also known as essential fatty acids (EFAs). Because these fats are more commonly referred to as Omega 3’s than essential fatty acids, we will use the term Omega 3 to refer to EFAs. These fats are essential because our body cannot create them from other fats such as omega 6. Omega 3’s must be obtained from our diet. Our body uses them to create endocannabinoids which are necessary for the endocannabinoid system to function properly. [10] When our diet is lacking in omega 3’s, we lose the capability to control stress and inflammation. By combining spagyric hemp extract with omega 3’s, we give our body the building blocks to create endocannabinoids (Omega 3’s) along with the catalyst to kickstart endocannabinoid production (Spagyric Hemp Extract). Omega 3’s also have many anti-inflammatory benefits of their own. 

“The fatty acids we use influence inflammation through a variety of mechanisms; many of these are mediated by, or at least associated with, changes in fatty acid composition of cell membranes. Cells involved in the inflammatory process are usually rich in the omega 6 fatty acids but by taking ALA and DHA (Omega-3’s) you can alter these cells. Changing the fatty acid composition of inflammatory cells also affects production of peptide mediators of inflammation (adhesion molecules, cytokines etc.). DHA and ALA gave rise to newly discovered resolvins which are anti-inflammatory and inflammation resolving. Thus, the fatty acid composition of human inflammatory cells influences their function. The anti-inflammatory effects of omega 3 fatty acids may contribute to their protective actions towards atherosclerosis, plaque rupture and cardiovascular mortality.” [11] 

By replacing omega 6 fatty acids in our diet with omega 3’s, our cells begin to construct their outer walls with omega 3’s instead of omega 6’s, providing our endocannabinoid system a larger buffer to control inflammation. The saying, “you are what you eat” is especially important when it comes to fatty foods. 

Finally, spagyric hemp extract can improve sleep which is vital for performance and recovery. The more you work your body and mind, the more you need sleep. Unlike most sleep aids, hemp is not classified as a sedative or hypnotic drug. Most sleep aids knock your brain out, allowing you to fall asleep, but leaving you feeling groggy after waking up. A study done by Kaiser Permanente’s Perm J Journal has established the sleep benefits of hemp. 

“At the first monthly assessment after the start of CBD treatment, 79.2% (57/72) and 66.7% (48/72) of all patients experienced an improvement in anxiety and sleep, respectively; 15.3% (11/72) and 25.0% (18/72) experienced worsening symptoms in anxiety and sleep, respectively. Two months after the start of CBD treatment, 78.1% (32/41) and 56.1% (23/41) of patients reported improvement in anxiety and sleep.” [12] 

We believe that these results would significantly improve if the patients used a full spectrum hemp oil. When dosed properly, spagyric hemp extract will calm the brain down, allowing it to perform the necessary maintenance during sleep more effectively.  

My normal routine is to apply our topical, Healing Oil, directly on the muscle group that’s sore and massage it in using a manual massage hand roller. Then, I rub the oil onto my joints. I tend to do this before bed to reduce the swelling and pain in my muscles. Finally, before bed I take three dropper-full’s of the evening Super Drops thirty to forty minutes before bed. My favorite flavor is the Gelato. When I wake up, I feel extremely refreshed and ready to tackle anything that the day can throw at me. My muscle soreness is significantly reduced from the healing oil, helping me go throughout my day with minimal pain, making my everyday tasks easier to complete. In the morning, I alternate between either the daytime Acid Drops or Super Drops to improve performance both physically and mentally. Lemon is my favorite flavor for daytime use. 

My opinion of spagyric hemp extract is that it works wonders for your body inside and out. It provides many benefits with no side effects. It can replace anti-inflammatories and sleep aids. Most importantly, it’s not addictive, making it the perfect alternative medicine for everyday use for a variety of ailments and conditions.   

  

  1. https://journals.lww.com/acsm-essr/Citation/1989/00170/Eccentric_Action_of_Muscles__Physiology,_Injury,.8.aspx 
  1. https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00007256-200333020-00005 
  1. https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/Abstract/1990/08000/Initial_events_in_exercise_induced_muscular_injury.2.aspx 
  1. https://www.kheljournal.com/archives/2020/vol7issue2/PartB/7-2-4-412.pdf 
  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/ 
  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023045/#B67-antioxidants-09-00021 
  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023045/ 
  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7736837/ 
  1. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2020.00850/full
  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6685292/ 
  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257651/ 
  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/pdf/18-041.pdf 

Leave a Reply