When you enter the world of CBD wellness, it won’t be long before you come across botanicals. Whether in your soap, enhancing your CBD oil, or being touted by your favorite influencer, the word seems to crop up all over the place. What are these plant-based wonders, and why do they deserve a spot in your wellness routine?
The term “botanicals” generally refers to anything plant-based – so, yes, CBD (and cannabis) is considered a botanical. Apart from usually smelling pretty good, some botanicals have been shown to have powerful effects on the body. Actually, even their aromas can have real effects on the body and mind. For example, many people find peppermint to be stimulating, and it can help ease nausea,* while lavender is commonly used to find calm.
Understanding Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils and botanical aromas to promote wellness. When you smell an essential oil, the scent molecules travel through your olfactory system to your brain. Botanicals can also be effective when applied to the skin, like the soothing effects of aloe vera. Scent has been proven to be very potent in a very personal way. It can unlock memories and evoke an emotional response.
For example, if your mother wore a certain perfume when you were young, smelling that perfume now could make you feel comforted. While this is unique to every individual, certain botanicals tend to produce the same or similar effects in most people. These are the scents that you’re most likely to encounter: lavender, peppermint, cinnamon, and lemongrass.
Some, like lavender and cinnamon, are known to be soothing. For some, the spicy scent of cinnamon evokes a sense of warmth and comfort. On the other end of the spectrum are uplifting botanicals like lemongrass. You can choose your botanicals according to the effect you want to achieve.
Botanicals & CBD: How Does It Work?
Using broad or full-spectrum CBD, which includes other plant compounds like flavinoids and terpenes, is often said to produce the “entourage effect.” This means that when these botanicals are consumed together, they give each other a mutual boost, making them all more potent. In the same way, when combining CBD with the right essential oils and other botanicals, you can unlock potent benefits.
Depending on what you’d like to achieve, you can match your CBD with a botanical that has a complementary effect. For example, our Releaf Balm is available in two different scents, lemongrass and cinnamon and nutmeg. If the warm spice of cinnamon and nutmeg brings you comfort and calm, that’s a good choice if you’re looking for some soothing. If you’d prefer your balm to be more revitalizing, maybe lemongrass is a better choice for you.
Some scientists have speculated that some botanicals are also able to tap into our body’s endocannabinoid system. It might not be in exactly the same way as CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids do, though. There could be complementary action when your wellness products bundle different botanicals together. The endocannabinoid system works by matching chemicals with receptors in the body, like fitting the right key in a lock. When the receptor is activated, it triggers certain responses in the body. This complex system is responsible for many things, from mood to pain relief to our sleep cycle.
Elevate Your Wellness Routine With JACANA
Botanicals are a great way to improve your general wellness – a gift from nature, one might say. Exploring aromatherapy along with your CBD wellness journey can enhance your overall experience. Whether you want to ease sore muscles, add a little spice in the bedroom, or ease stress, there’s something for you to enjoy.
Our natural CBD wellness products combine high-quality essential oils and CBD. They create soothing, revitalizing, and enjoyable botanical experiences. Engage all of your senses for a mindful moment with our CBD massage oil, lubricant, or Releaf Balm. Browse our shop and treat yourself to the 100% organic, allergen-free CBD wellness you deserve.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.