Move over marijuana, these six plants contain cannabinoids, too

If you thought cannabinoids were exclusive to the cannabis plant, think again! While the spotlight has always been on a couple of the major cannabinoids, namely THC and CBD, there are many others that exist. For starters, the term cannabinoid refers to every chemical substance, regardless of its origin or structure, that binds the cannabinoid receptors of the body and brain. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signaling system that plays a role in regulating a range of functions and processes, including sleep, mood, appetite, memory, reproduction and fertility. Endocannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body and cannabinoids bind to them in order to signal that the ECS needs to take action. There are two main endocannabinoid receptors: CB1 receptors, which are mostly found in the central nervous system and CB2 receptors, which are mostly found in the peripheral nervous system, especially immune cells. Cannabinoids can bind to either receptor, but the effects that result depend on where the receptor is located and which endocannabinoid it binds to. Beyond cannabis, there are other plants and flowers that also appear to interact with the endocannabinoid system — some of which have long been used in traditional medicine and others as popular superfoods. Coneflower (Echinacea) Echinacea has long been known as a powerful fighter against the common cold and the flu. But what most people don’t know is that this powerful plant contains cannabinoids that can help boost the immune system by providing alkylamides, compounds that help your body absorb nutrients. Most people don’t know that this powerful plant contains cannabinoids that can help boost the immune system. Why is it so effective? It’s because echinacea contains cannabimimetics. These compounds are not exactly similar to cannabinoids, but they do interact with the ECS, specifically the CB2 receptor, in a similar […]

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