CBD is from the family of cannabinoids, natural chemical compounds found in plants, formally known as cannabidiol. It is just one of many cannabinoids found in the lush green Cannabis sativa hemp plant, one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. It originates from Central Asia and has been used in herbal remedies and textile production around the world since the beginning of recorded history. It was mainly used in parts of India for medicinal purposes, but only gained widespread interest in Western science in the 1990s with the discovery of cannabinoid receptors in the human body.

CBD Health Benefits

There are three main types of hemp: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. Broad-spectrum hemp extract refers to CBD that has been extracted from the cannabis plant, along with all of the other compounds like essential oils, terpenes, and other cannabinoids except for THC. We use broad-spectrum, so we’ll focus on the benefits of CBD extracted from broad-spectrum hemp.

CBD vs THC

CBD and hemp plants have a complicated reputation, mainly due to misinformation. While the terms THC and CBD are often used interchangeably, they are two distinctly different cannabinoids found within the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD is a non-psychoactive, plant-based chemical compound, whereas THC produces a high when consumed.

CBD is isolated and extracted from the hemp plant, leaving the other cannabinoids, including the negligible amount of THC found in hemp plants, behind. And the CBD that we use is broad-spectrum, meaning it is guaranteed to be THC-free.

CBD vs hemp extract

CBD, and the bulk of all other cannabinoids (active compounds), reside in the plant’s flower. So, if you are looking at a product that includes “hemp extract” from “seeds and stalk” – you aren’t getting any CBD. You’ll generally find this type of marketing ploy on sites like Amazon, which is specifically prohibited from selling CBD products. Why does this matter? Because this leads consumers to spend a premium on products that contain absolutely no CBD and very little beneficial cannabinoids at all.

Optimal absorption

On its own, CBD isn’t able to penetrate the skin barrier – so using ingestible CBD drops as a topical CBD oil likely won’t help much. However, when the CBD particles are nano-emulsified (suspended in the formula as nano-particles), CBD is able to penetrate the skin barrier to reach the area of pain and do its job. Nano-emulsion is necessary for CBD to work as an analgesic, which is why we only use high-quality, nano-emulsified CBD in our Pain Relief & Recovery Cream. Every bottle of Rightful Pain Relief & Recovery Cream contains 500 mg of CBD that can be fully absorbed, effective, and provide long-lasting comfort.

This brightly colored flower belongs to the marigold family and originates from South Asia, Western Europe, and the Mediterranean. Romans, Greeks, and Hindu practitioners in India used calendula during sacred rituals and ceremonies, but the most common use for calendula was in the kitchen. It was often used in cuisine for its flavor and fragrant aroma.

Calendula health benefits

When calendula was originally used for plant-based medicine, people used it for toothaches, headaches, and fevers, along with stomach upsets, burns, cosmetic formulas, and more. However, scientific research today focuses on calendula for promoting wound healing and healthy inflammatory response.

Calendula is in many salves, ointments, and liquid formulations meant to aid in wound healing and soothing inflammation. It’s thought to encourage healing by stimulating the formation of new blood vessels and tissues, and by inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines in the body.

Why we use calendula | healthy, beyond relief

Calendula has long been revered for its gentle healing benefits, soothing the skin and aiding the healing process for minor cuts and burns to swelling and inflammation. A traditional concentrated macerated extract of dried calendula flowers in oil was created exclusively for Rightful Pain Relief & Recovery Cream, making up 5% of the formula.

Calendula for relief:

• Encourages healing
• Supports a healthy response to inflammation

Calendula for beyond relief:

• Soothes sensitive skin and protects against irritation

There is some evidence that menthol, originating within the peppermint plant, has been used in Japan for more than two millennia to help with indigestion, nausea, bad breath, sore throat, and soothe airways.

In the West, however, menthol was not isolated from peppermint for herbal treatments until the late 18th century. You might be familiar with using menthol; the herb is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter products today. In vapor rubs, for example, menthol has been used as a cough suppressant and to promote relaxation of airways by countering congestion. It has an instant cooling effect, that numbs and soothes irritated air passages, allowing you to breathe more freely.

Menthol is also included in many topical ointments to provide instant relief for aches and pain, swelling, bruises, and muscle tension. The reason menthol is so effective is because its recognizable instant-cooling sensation acts as a counterirritant to dampen pain sensations. Once applied to the skin, it interacts with pain receptors and encourages them to remain calm and loosen up tension and constriction.

Menthol health benefits

Whether you suffer from ongoing pain, or simply slept in an unusual position, you’ve likely tried a topical pain reliever before. These gels, creams, sprays, and patches are applied directly to the skin, and they often include the notoriously minty and cooling ingredient – menthol.

What is menthol?

Menthol, sometimes referred to as “mint camphor,” is a naturally occurring organic compound derived from peppermint or other mint oils, and it has been used for its analgesic properties since ancient times.

Mentha arvensis, also known as wild mint, field mint, Japanese mint, Chinese mint, and corn mint, is the main species of mint used to obtain menthol crystals and menthol flakes, but it can also be produced synthetically. In its natural state, menthol is a waxy substance, white or clear in color, that remains solid at room temperature but begins to melt when slightly above.

With its strong minty scent, a nod to its originating plant, menthol is popularly used as an ingredient in oral care products for its unique cooling sensation, added as a natural fragrance or flavor ingredient in self-care products, or used for its analgesic and counterirritant properties, which make it a popular ingredient in throat lozenges and over-the-counter (OTC) topical pain relief products.

Menthol in topical pain relievers

Used medicinally, menthol acts as a counterirritant by imparting a cooling effect, and by initially stimulating nociceptors (pain receptors) and then desensitizing them. This counterirritation overpowers pain signals and helps to make the pain more manageable.

Here’s a breakdown of how menthol’s counterirritation works:

1. Upon topical application, menthol’s cooling sensation tricks the mind into thinking that our body or skin temperature is dropping which, in turn:
2. Interrupts pain signals to the brain that ultimately:
3. Desensitizes the nerve endings, temporarily

It’s similar to how ice or an ice pack works by decreasing arterial blood flow.

Why we use menthol | healthy, beyond relief

It can be disheartening to try a topical pain reliever and not experience relief. That said, research shows us that menthol is an effective ingredient for pain management and for providing relief quickly. It’s especially effective when used in combination with other ingredients that support healing and long-lasting comfort, which is why every pump of Rightful Pain Relief & Recovery Cream is made of 4% menthol, along with four other plant-powered ingredients.

Menthol for relief:

• Produces cooling sensations that dampen pain signals
• Provides fast-acting relief of localized aches and pains
• Exhibits antispasmodic properties that help to relax tense or sore muscles

Menthol for beyond relief:

• Gives a natural minty scent that doesn’t linger
• Promotes the relaxation of airways by countering congestion

Camphor oil, an organic compound extracted from the camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora), is used in many herbal alternative treatments today. The camphor tree is native to Japan, China, and Taiwan, and has been highly sought after for thousands of years because of its innumerable health benefits.

While you may not have heard of camphor before, chances are, you probably have it stored somewhere in your medicine cabinet. Popular items like Vicks VapoRub and many soothing topical creams include camphor as an ingredient. In fact, camphor oil and the camphor terpene (a diverse, typically fragrant class of compounds produced by plants) have been used for centuries for a variety of purposes, but today, it is celebrated for its ability to soothe aches and pains and provide natural pain relief.

Camphor health benefits

The herb is clinically proven to be a powerful topical pain reliever and is known for its ability to relieve congestion, pain, irritation, inflammation, and itching from rashes. Camphor acts as a pain reliever and counterirritant in a similar fashion to menthol, by finding pain receptors and muting them so that the brain is distracted, lessening the pain and making it manageable. Topical camphor feels pleasantly warm and tingly, and it instantly relieves soreness of joints, muscle tension, and pain.

When applied to the skin, camphor initially causes a cooling sensation, which soothes inflammation, redness, irritation, and muscular aches and pains. The cooling effect is then followed by a localized heating sensation which helps to promote healthy and healing blood flow to the site of application.

What is camphor?

Camphor, or camphor oil, comes from the aromatic camphor tree, or cinnamomum camphora. It is distilled from the tree’s branches, chipped wood, and root stumps. There are four classes of camphor essential oil – white, brown, yellow, and blue – but only white camphor oil can be used in medicinal and aromatic applications. It is a transparent white solid with a distinctive, menthol-like smell.

Camphor is classified as a terpene, which is a vast class of naturally occurring compounds that give plants their distinguishing flavors and fragrances. Before its introduction to Florida in the late 1800s, camphor already had a long history of use, primarily in China, Japan, and India for both religious and medicinal purposes. Today, camphor is used in holistic medicine, beauty and healthcare products, and as a fragrance and flavoring agent.

Camphor’s lasting aroma, which is likened to that of menthol, can be described as cool, bright, and piercing. It is these scent characteristics that make it a popular choice for aromatherapy, particularly in instances where easier and deeper breathing is desired. Camphor is often used in vapor rubs for its unique ability to offer relief to both head and chest congestion.

Creams and lotions that include camphor are commonly used to lessen itchiness, reduce skin irritation, and improve the radiance and overall look of skin. A 2015 study showed that camphor was effective at reducing sun and ultraviolet light-induced wrinkles, so many anti-aging products include camphor as an ingredient. It is also known to increase elastin and increase collagen production.

Camphor for pain relief

Camphor is often found as an ingredient in natural muscle rubs because of its antispasmodic and relaxing properties. It is known to be effective at soothing muscle cramps, stiffness, and spasms. Applying camphor topically is also an effective way to relieve pain and inflammation. It is also known to promote relaxation, reduce stress, boost immunity, and quicken recovery times.

Camphor is shown to be successful in relieving the pain, inflammation, and swelling associated with joint pain. Applied to the skin, camphor initially causes a cooling sensation, followed by a localized heating sensation which helps to promote healthy and healing blood flow to the site of application.

Why we use camphor | healthy, beyond relief

Camphor for relief:

• Produces a cool-then-warm sensation that dampens pain signals
• Provides fast-acting relief of localized aches and pains
• Exhibits antispasmodic properties that help to relax tense or sore muscles

Camphor for beyond relief:

• Soothes the skin
• Provides aromatherapy benefit with a cool, bright, and piercing scent

Arnica montana, as it’s formally known, is a sunny yellow flower that grows at high altitudes in both Europe and Siberia. It grows perennially and is actually a close cousin of the sunflower. Traditionally, arnica has been used as an herbal remedy for pain and also supports a healthy response to inflammation.

This golden flower isn’t new to the homeopathic scene—people have been using it in herbal treatments dating back to the 16th century, for a variety of health concerns. It was mostly used to support the healing of bruises and swelling, inflammation, and aching joints. Today, arnica can be found in topical creams, oils, and salves. While you can find diluted arnica tinctures, there is conflicting research about the efficacy and safety of ingesting arnica.

Arnica is a great alternative for those who experience regular pain, aches, and muscle soreness and want relief without the negative after-effects of conventional alternatives.

Due to the herb’s ability to penetrate the skin’s barriers and absorb deeply into the tissue, it provides long-lasting comfort. It is also helpful as a delivery mechanism for other ingredients that hitch a ride, so the positive benefits are especially effective in combination with other herbs.

Arnica health benefits

Dealing with pain isn’t easy, and if you are someone that battles pain on a frequent basis, you may have heard about arnica, or Arnica Montana.

Arnica has been gaining popularity over the last several years, but similar to other effective homeopathic remedies, the plant has been used for millennia for its natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

Here is everything that you need to know about arnica for pain relief:

What is arnica?

A member of the daisy family, Arnica montana is a perennial plant that has been traditionally used for centuries as a topical remedy known to help soothe mild skin injuries, muscle tenderness, strains, and joint swelling.

The arnica flower is bright yellow in color and is oftentimes referred to as the “mountain daisy” because of its resemblance to the commonly recognized flower. The plant is also known as mountain tobacco, leopard’s bane, wolf’s bane, and mountain arnica.

Native Americans were known to use the plant for topical injuries, muscle sprains, wounds, and bruises. Today, people around the world are successfully using arnica to treat soreness, inflammation, bruising, and swelling that results from many different types of physical trauma.

What makes arnica effective?

Arnica acts as a strong anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial agent. The plant’s renowned anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to a naturally occurring compound called helenalin, which makes it ideal for reducing bruising and swelling after injuries. The same compound makes it effective against irritating insect bites.

Arnica’s analgesic properties make it useful for relieving pain associated with sprains, bruises, and other types of injuries. According to a 2016 review, the use of homeopathic arnica after surgery was found to be a safe and effective way to reduce pain, swelling, and bruising after the procedure.

As the arnica flower extract is able to deeply penetrate the skin in order to reach the area of pain, it provides long-lasting relief of discomfort by supporting a healthy inflammatory response.

Why we use arnica | healthy, beyond relief

The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of arnica, and the way it fully absorbs into the skin to actually reach the pain area, are what make the plant one of the most effective and widely-used plant-based applications for pain management. It was only natural to create the Rightful Pain Relief & Recovery Cream with 5% arnica.

Arnica for relief:

• Supports fast recovery after overexertion or injury
• Absorbs deeply into the painful area for long-lasting comfort and healing
• Reduces localized swelling and inflammation

Arnica for beyond relief:

• Improves the absorption of other ingredients
• Protects the skin against irritation

It’s becoming popular knowledge that cannabis in a variety of forms can provide an array of therapeutic health benefits, but have you ever stopped and wondered why and how it all works? We know that the active compounds found within cannabis, otherwise known as cannabinoids, have an unmistakable effect on our bodies; but what is it that allows those compounds to create those effects?

As it turns out, it’s all due to the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). When it comes to demystifying cannabis and all of its effects and purposes, you must first understand what the ECS is and how it works.

What is the human endocannabinoid system?
Scientists first discovered the human endocannabinoid system in the early 1990s while they were researching the effects of cannabis on humans. Through their research, they found that endocannabinoids are natural, cannabis-like molecules made by the human body, and that the effects of cannabis in humans are made possible by mimicking our body’s natural endocannabinoids.

To fully understand the endocannabinoid system, you must first understand the concept of homeostasis in the human body. Human homeostasis, otherwise known as the Goldilocks zone, is your body’s unwavering attempt to keep your internal ecosystem stable and operating just right, regardless of what’s going on in the environment around you.

So, when a function inside of you starts operating outside of the optimal range, like high body temperature or increased blood sugar levels, your ECS kicks in to return your body to its ideal operating state.

In short, the endocannabinoid system’s main function is to maintain bodily homeostasis.

How does the endocannabinoid system work?

There are three main components to the ECS: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes.

1. Endocannabinoids. As mentioned, endocannabinoids are molecules produced by the human body. They are similar to cannabinoids, the active compounds found in cannabis, but they are naturally occurring in our bodies to keep internal functions running smoothly.
2. Endocannabinoid receptors. There are two main endocannabinoid receptors found in the human body, and they are what endocannabinoids bind to when the ECS needs to be activated. Those two endocannabinoid receptors are:
   • CB1 – Found in the central nervous system
   • CB2 – Found in the peripheral nervous system (immune cells, digestive system, nerves in extremities)
     To put it into perspective, endocannabinoids could bind to the CB1 receptors to relieve back pain, or if your body was experiencing inflammation, others could target CB2 receptors in your immune cells.
3. Enzymes. Once endocannabinoids have carried out their duties, enzymes are responsible for breaking them down and destroying them.

What role does the endocannabinoid system play in our overall health?
The endocannabinoid system’s main function is to bring balance to the body, but what happens when it isn’t working properly? Scientists have found that several conditions, such as inflammation and hypersensitivity to pain, are all tied to a low functioning ECS, otherwise known as endocannabinoid deficiency or clinical endocannabinoid system deficiency.

It is hypothesized that the ECS is at the root cause of some of these conditions, and it is believed that supporting the body with naturally occurring plant cannabinoids can effectively amend the deficiency, alleviate symptoms, and restore optimal health.

How does hemp interact with the endocannabinoid system?
The psychoactive and therapeutic effects of cannabinoids are made possible by our endocannabinoid system because that is what they interact with inside our bodies.

Broad-Spectrum Hemp Extract, which doesn’t have any psychoactive effects, does not bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors at all. Instead, it interacts with other receptors in our bodies that are also responsible for controlling functions like inflammation and pain reception.

Broad-Spectrum Hemp Extract also prevents endocannabinoids from being broken down while also helping to produce more endocannabinoids naturally. This leads to better functioning ECS and a healthier body overall. So, if your ECS is having a hard time maintaining homeostasis, hemp can give it a strong boost.

The discovery of the endocannabinoid system has uncovered a biological basis for the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids, and the use of cannabis is the most common way of targeting and supporting the endocannabinoid system.

The bottom line is, the endocannabinoid system is responsible for keeping our body’s inner workings stable. Therefore, it stands to reason that the ECS is an effective target for not just restoring balance in our bodies, but also for promoting and restoring optimal health. There is still a lot that we don’t yet know about the ECS, but as we develop a better understanding, it could be the inroads we need to effectively address several health concerns.

Rightful For Pain & Recovery includes broad-spectrum hemp extract to target the endocannabinoid system, supporting a healthy response to pain and inflammation and protecting the central nervous system.

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This beautiful purple-blue flower flourishes in the Northern Hemisphere and is mainly found in the high altitudes of Zhejiang, China. However, the corydalis yanhusuo, as it’s formally referred to, is not just known for its looks. It is an herbal plant, and its root, or rhizome, is one of the most popular ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine.

Traditional Chinese medicine has gained increased Western interest over the past few decades, as scientists try to find alternatives to conventional options with potentially harmful after-effects. As a result, many of the compounds found in herbal medicine being thoroughly researched; corydalis rhizome extract, derived from the root of the corydalis yanhusuo, being one of them.

Corydalis rhizome extract has been used to help lower pain intensity and focus on pain by increasing blood circulation and oxygen levels, successfully oxygenating the pain area and letting it relax. More than 100 chemical compounds have been identified in the corydalis rhizome, of which many support a healthy response to pain and inflammation and improved overall health.

Corydalis health benefits

According to the National Institute of Health, an estimated 25.3 million American adults experience pain on a daily basis, and 23.4 million adults categorize their pain as being significant.

Because so many Americans suffer from high levels of ongoing pain, the quest for more treatment options has gained momentum over the last several years, and the need to find effective natural solutions is more important than ever.

Fortunately, scientists, medical professionals, and herbalists are tapping into the full therapeutic benefits of naturally occurring, plant-based ingredients, and the modern use of corydalis has been somewhat of a game-changer.

What is corydalis?

Corydalis belongs to the Papaveraceae family, a close relative of the poppy, and it is known to support muscle and joint comfort by increasing blood flow. It contains phytonutrients, commonly known as alkaloids, that serve as the active therapeutic component of the plant. The root herb helps the body maintain a healthy inflammatory response and provides relief for discomfort due to exercise, overwork, or stress.

Corydalis in traditional Chinese medicine

Corydalis, also referred to as Yan Hu Suo, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries, where it is thought to nourish the blood, relieve discomfort, and circulate the qi (flow of energy).

According to TCM theory, the primary reason for pain is “qi blockage,” and corydalis is thought to release the blockage. The herb is also known to positively affect the heart, lungs, liver, and stomach.

Alkaloids in corydalis

The therapeutic benefits come from the alkaloids found within the plant’s rhizome, or the roots and tuber. These alkaloids – which have a bitter taste – act as a protective mechanism for the plant, and, when properly consumed, interact with the human body to improve health.

There are over a dozen various alkaloids in the corydalis plant; research has shown that tetrahydropalmatine (THP) and dehydrocorybulbine (DHCB), two of the most potent alkaloids within corydalis, have both powerful soothing effects.

Why we use corydalis | healthy, beyond relief

By supporting improved blood flow, corydalis helps to circulate more oxygen to the pain area and throughout the entire body. Every single cell in the human body requires oxygen in order to function properly, so the benefits of this herb are plentiful.

Corydalis for relief:

• Increases blood flow, oxygenating the pain area and lubricating muscles and joints
• Provides relief for discomfort from exercise, overwork or stress, and promotes a soothing feeling of relaxation
• Enhances the body’s response to inflammation and the resulting pain

Corydalis for beyond relief

1. Supports heart health
2. Promotes a healthy response to inflammation along the stomach lining

Turmeric, originating from India, is a finger-shaped rhizome, or underground stem, related to the ginger family. You may recognize it as the stunning, golden spice with a zingy flavor, the herb has been revered by chefs, scientists, and medical professionals alike. Turmeric has been used for millennia in traditional Chinese medicine and Indian Ayurvedic medicine, due to its numerous health benefits, and has been confirmed by modern science as an effective, safe, and therapeutic herbal ingredient.

The herb is also famous for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants, making it a favorite ingredient for many health-promoting remedies. Of all turmerics nutrients, three of its bioactive compounds called curcuminoids are powerful antioxidants that help support a healthy response to inflammation – which helps to make discomfort more manageable.

Turmeric Health Benefits

When and why did turmeric become one of the most celebrated and beneficial herbs for health and wellness in our world today? This is everything you need to know about turmeric and its powerful healing properties.

Turmeric vs. curcumin

As mentioned, turmeric (or Curcuma longa) is the underground stem of the flowering plant found in Asia and Central America, and within that root are naturally occurring compounds called curcuminoids. There are three main curcuminoids in turmeric, generally referred to as “curcumin.”

With that said, many healthcare professionals also believe that utilizing the whole turmeric root, inclusive of all the root’s curcuminoids, can offer powerful healing capabilities.

Andrew Weil, M.D., one of the pioneers of holistic and herbal medicine, said, “My preference is for whole turmeric extracts,” because he believes the components of the whole turmeric root may offer unique, synergistic benefits.

Maximizing the benefits of turmeric

You’ve probably been seeing turmeric frequently – being added to juices, smoothies, recipes, and more than ever, to supplements; and for a good reason. Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory with a wealth of other science-backed health benefits.

But now that science, medical doctors, and the general population are catching on to what Ayurvedic practitioners have known for thousands of years, it’s important to understand one critical thing about maximizing the health benefits of turmeric: the bioavailability of turmeric’s most powerful compound, curcumin, is extremely low when taken alone.

Bioavailability: the degree to which and speed with which a substance enters circulation and is able to take effect

What exactly does this mean? On its own, curcumin is poorly absorbed in our bodies, which can result in minimal impact on our blood levels. So, without intentionally increasing absorption, curcumin’s health benefits are significantly lowered.

The good news is that there are proven ways to increase curcumin’s bioavailability. The addition of piperine, a compound in black pepper, has been shown in clinical studies to improve the absorption of turmeric by up to 2,000%.

Why we use turmeric | healthy, beyond relief

To provide the benefits of all the curcuminoids in turmeric, we’ve included 500 mg of the whole rhizome in a daily dose of our Pain Relief & Recovery formula. Curcumin is undoubtedly a key contributor to turmeric’s health benefits, so we included an additional 750 mg of curcumin in every dose. We didn’t forget about bioavailability, either. Each dose includes 3 mg of black pepper and the formula is set in an MCT oil, helping to improve nutrient absorption.

Turmeric for relief:

• Reduces inflammation and feelings of pain in muscles, joints, and other tissues
• Supports the body’s natural healing process
• Enhances post-exercise recovery and physical performance

Turmeric for beyond relief:

• Supports brain health
• Boosts mood

Black pepper is one of the most popular spices used worldwide today. Punchy, slightly zesty, and bold in flavor, it’s a welcome addition to many dishes. It’s made from peppercorns that are found on the vine Piper nigrum, native to the Malabar coast of India. Peppercorns are deep red berries that are harvested from the vine and ground down to create what we know as the table spice, black pepper.

However, black pepper has important purposes beyond flavoring your favorite meals. In fact, it’s called the “King of Spices,” and for good reason. It has actually been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries due to its unique combination of powerful, beneficial plant compounds. One such compound, an alkaloid called piperine, has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties.

When it comes to nutrition, black pepper has many health benefits. One of the most impressive benefits of black pepper is the impact it has on other nutrients. Black pepper is a catalyst for bioavailability, meaning the herb can improve the absorption of essential nutrients that may otherwise not be adequately absorbed into the body.

Black pepper health benefits

Black pepper for better absorption

Bioavailability refers to the degree to which nutrients are available for the body to effectively use, and the rate that they get absorbed into the body after they have been consumed. Basically, taking a supplement doesn’t necessarily mean that your body will absorb and use all the nutrients. It all depends on how much of that supplement is absorbed in your gastrointestinal tract.

As it turns out, piperine, a bioactive compound within black pepper, is extremely effective at boosting the bioavailability of some of today’s most powerful plant-based supplements – namely, turmeric.

Black pepper and turmeric

Turmeric and its main inflammation-relieving compound, curcumin, are popular wellness supplements, with both ancient Ayurvedic tradition and modern science backing them up. With significant health benefits, it’s no wonder that this herb is revered worldwide, and has been throughout most of history. But, this golden spice comes with a catch – the bioavailability of curcumin, the most powerful healing agent within turmeric, is extremely low. Therefore, when taken alone, curcumin’s potential health benefits are lowered significantly.

When turmeric is taken alongside black pepper, however, absorption in the body can be improved by up to 2,000% according to clinical studies. Therefore, when taking supplements that include turmeric, it is imperative that black pepper, or piperine, is included to increase the bioavailability of the herb. Otherwise, your body will not fully absorb the nutrients, and the potential health benefits will be foregone.

Why we use black pepper | healthy, beyond relief

Ultimately, black pepper carries a wide array of health benefits on its own, and when taken alongside an herb with low bioavailability, essential nutrients have a better chance of being absorbed. We’ve included 3 mg of black pepper in every dose of Pain Relief & Recovery to help the body absorb the strong doses of turmeric and curcumin.

• Improves the bioavailability of turmeric and curcumin
• Supports a healthy response to inflammation

This ancient Ayurvedic medicinal herb has been used for thousands of years to support a reduction in stress levels and increased vitality. Ashwagandha, formally known as Withania somnifera, is a small bush with pale yellow flowers. It was originally found in India and Northern Africa, and most importantly is classified as an adaptogen, a word that has been receiving a lot of well-deserved attention lately. Adaptogens are a group of non-toxic herbal plants and root extracts most popularly known for supporting the body’s ability to deal with a variety of stressors more efficiently.

Ashwagandha helps to regulate cortisol (stress hormone) levels and releases physical tension in the body, giving the body time to recover and heal more quickly. In fact, ashwagandha has been used by athletes to aid physical recovery after a strenuous workout and to support increased physical performance and muscle mass growth.

Physical pain and mental stress may not be seemingly related, however, science shows that they are intricately intertwined. Due to the fact that stress directly interferes with the part of the brain that modulates and controls our pain experience, increased stress reduces the ability to manage and cope with physical pain. We can reduce the impact of that stress with the help of a powerful adaptogen like ashwagandha.

Ashwagandha health benefits

If you are familiar with the world of plant-based health and wellness, chances are you’ve heard of ashwagandha. With widespread reports of effective stress relief, rejuvenating properties, and other science-backed health benefits, it’s no wonder that this therapeutic herb is receiving so much positive attention.

Here is everything you need to know about ashwagandha and its celebrated healing properties.

What is ashwagandha?

The ashwagandha plant is one of the most coveted and powerful herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. It has been used for centuries for a variety of health purposes, like fighting stress, boosting endurance, and promoting an overall sense of calm.

In Sanskrit, the word Ashwagandha translates to “smell of the horse,” which refers to the plant’s unique aroma, and may refer to its resilience-enhancing properties.  Ashwagandha’s Latin name, Withania somnifera, means “to bear or induce sleep,” and is also known as Indian ginseng and winter cherry.

While the plant’s fruit and leaves offer valuable therapeutic properties, it is the ashwagandha root that is most commonly used to promote a healthy response to pain and inflammation. In addition to being an adaptogen, ashwagandha root also contains several beneficial compounds including steroidal lactones (called withanolides), alkaloids, fatty acids, and choline.

Ashwagandha and cortisol, the stress hormone

Ashwagandha is historically known for its restorative benefits and is also believed to be an effective remedy for enhancing the body’s response to stress by lowering the levels of our stress hormone, cortisol.

Why we use ashwagandha | healthy, beyond relief

The use of ashwagandha works naturally to support a rejuvenating sense of well-being overall. Many studies have been performed on the therapeutic benefits of this herb, and you’ll find 400 mg of the highest quality ashwagandha (KSM-66) in every dose of Pain Relief & Recovery.

Ashwagandha for relief:

• Enhances response to pain and inflammation
• Provides support for stress, nervousness, and worry
• Aids nervous system and endocrine system health

Ashwagandha for beyond relief:

• Supports circadian rhythm
• Protects immune system
• Improves brain health and mental cognition
• Supports cardiovascular health

Have you ever wondered how and why stress can trigger that unmistakable biological response within our bodies, like a racing heart, quickened breath, and tense muscles? It is because we are physically hard-wired to react to stress in a manner designed to protect us from life-threatening dangers.

While we don’t experience the same types of threats that our bodies are genetically predisposed to protect us from, like wild predators, for example, our day-to-day lives are often packed with unrelenting modern-day stressors, like demanding jobs or caring for a family. As a result, many of us feel like we are in a constant state of physical and emotional attack – for which we can thank our stress hormone, cortisol.

Why does stress take such a physical toll on our bodies, what role does cortisol play in managing our body’s reaction to stress, and how can you proactively manage your body’s cortisol levels?

Here is everything you should know about your stress hormone, cortisol.

How to balance cortisol levels

What is cortisol?

When you are faced with a perceived threat or nerve-wracking situation, like a close encounter with a wild animal or a closely-skirted car accident, a small region toward the base of your brain, called the hypothalamus, sets off a full-body alarm. This alarm triggers your adrenal glands, which are located above your kidneys, to release a wave of hormones, like adrenaline and cortisol.

Cortisol is your primary stress hormone, and it plays an important role when you are faced with stressful situations.

Some of the key functions of cortisol include:

• Raising the amount of glucose (sugars) in your bloodstream
• Assisting your brain in using glucose more efficiently
• Withholding non-essential bodily functions in life-threatening situations
• Affecting areas of the brain that control fear, mood, and drive
• Increases the availability of chemicals that repair tissues
• Altering the response of the immune system
• Inflammation reduction

So, small increases in cortisol are necessary when dealing with high-stress situations. It can give us a much-needed burst of energy, a heightened memory, and reduced sensitivity to pain. Without cortisol, human survival would be nearly impossible.

Too much cortisol, however, can do a number on your body, and when levels remain too high for prolonged periods of time, it can ultimately lead to unwanted problems.

What happens when cortisol levels remain high?

Several factors can result in the development of high cortisol levels – pituitary and adrenal gland issues, and certain medications, for example – but ongoing stress is oftentimes the main contributing factor to consistently raised cortisol levels. Why? Because when your body is in a constant state of fight or flight, and cortisol levels stay elevated for longer than is necessary for survival, the hormone can build up and wreak havoc on your health.

Research shows that increased cortisol levels caused by ongoing stress can lead to:

• Weight gain
• Increased blood pressure
• Impaired brain functioning
• Decreased immune functioning
• Fatigue

How can you lower cortisol levels naturally?

Get even more helpful strategies with our Less Stress Toolkit!

Learning ways to lower cortisol levels when dealing with your day-to-day life is equally as important as the role cortisol plays in aiding your body when it feels threatened. Here are a few ways to help keep your stress levels down and your cortisol hormone in a normal rhythm:

1. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule: Shoot for seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep per day and avoid caffeine in the evening.
2. Exercise: Research shows that moderate exercise during the day can help reduce cortisol levels in the evening.
3. Practice mindfulness: Becoming aware of stress and stress triggers can help you mitigate that overwhelming feeling and help you proactively cope with stressful situations.
4. Learn relaxation techniques: Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, massage, and yoga are shown to reduce cortisol.
5. Enjoy yourself: Doing what you enjoy, whether it be a hobby or spending time with friends, can help to keep cortisol levels low. In this case, laughter really can be the best medicine.
6. Invest in healthy relationships: Spending time with loved ones and letting go of negativity can lower stress and cortisol levels. Even caring for a pet has been shown to be a powerful stress reliever.
7. Maintain a healthy diet: Try to avoid excess sugar and eat a diet full of vegetables, fruits, and lots of water.
8. Take valuable supplements: Research shows that taking certain supplements, like ashwagandha, can help to reduce cortisol levels.

While cortisol is essential when faced with high-stress situations, too much of it can wreak havoc on your body. So, do what you can to identify the major stressors in your life and take steps to manage the impact that they take on you and your body. You will be rewarded with more energy, an elevated mood, and improved health overall.

Let’s start with one of the most frequently asked questions – what’s the difference between hemp and marijuana? Well, hemp and marijuana are the same plant (Cannabis Sativa), and both are biologically classified as cannabis, but one was bred over the centuries for its “psychoactive” properties – marijuana, and one was bred for its industrial use – hemp.

There are many active compounds (called cannabinoids) found within the Cannabis Sativa plant, one of which is tetrahydrocannabinol, otherwise known as THC. THC is famous for its psychoactive properties or “high-inducing” effect, and the main difference between marijuana and hemp is the amount of THC found within them. Hemp, which was legalized by the legislative branch via the Farm Bill signed into law in December 2018, is specifically defined as having THC less than 0.3%.

The other prominent and highly sought-after compound found within the Cannabis Sativa plant is cannabidiol or CBD. Both CBD and THC interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, but their effects are very different. Despite their comparable chemical structures, there is one main difference between these two cannabinoids: CBD is a non-psychoactive compound, which means it does not produce the “high” that is associated with THC.

Plant compounds and the “Entourage Effect”

While most people focus on the macronutrients (like protein, fats, and fiber) and micronutrients (like vitamins and minerals) in plants, at Rightful, we’re passionate about the powerful compounds that plants create and provide us. Plants create these compounds to help them thrive and evolve, and by consuming these plants, we evolve with them and reap their amazing benefits. Caffeine – the most used psychoactive compound in the world – is an example of one of these plant compounds.

This brings us back to hemp, a plant with over 100 cannabinoid compounds found within it, just two of which are CBD and THC. The term “entourage effect” refers to the synergistic phenomenon that occurs when all of hemp’s compounds work together to enhance the therapeutic health benefit of each individual compound.

Hemp is not the only plant with an entourage effect. As a matter of fact, every plant has its own unique entourage effect. Turmeric, ashwagandha, and rhodiola, to name a few, all contain their own unique beneficial compounds, and they work on humans using their own powerful entourage effect. And, fun fact, hemp is not the only plant to create cannabinoids – several other plants, including Cacao, are being studied for their similar compounds.

These plant compounds can be extracted and consumed in three main ways: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate forms.

Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate

Although these variations may sound similar, they are not the same, and if you want to see the most benefit from your plant compounds, specifically hemp extract, it’s important to understand their differences. Here is a quick breakdown:

• Full-spectrum hemp extract: This refers to CBD that has been extracted from the cannabis plant, along with all of the other compounds like essential oils, terpenes, and other cannabinoids, including THC
• Broad-spectrum hemp extract: This refers to CBD that has been extracted from the cannabis plant, along with all of the other compounds like essential oils, terpenes, and other cannabinoids except for THC
• Isolate hemp extract: This refers to CBD that has been extracted and isolated from all of the other compounds and cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant

Generally speaking, the western medicine and pharmaceutical approach when dealing with medicinal botanicals is to identify powerful plant compounds, isolate them, and then to provide super-high doses of that one compound in a “medicine” form. While this approach can produce intense and quick results, it is so unnatural that it often also produces significant aftereffects. At Rightful, we believe in the power of the entourage effect, so we provide the whole plant and its compounds via a broad-spectrum hemp extract, which creates a gradual, sustainable, and healthy approach to herbal therapies overall.

When it comes to hemp and CBD, you need to know exactly what you’re buying. CBD Oil is often just that – an isolate of that one compound, CBD. A product labeled with “hemp extract” might also be the same solitary thing – just CBD and no other cannabinoids. A label that specifies “broad-spectrum hemp extract” signifies that the product contains the whole plant, inclusive of all of the beneficial cannabinoids (with the exception of THC). Reputable companies will include which type of CBD is included in their product, as well as the exact amount used.

Parts of the plant and key markers

Now for the next twist – CBD, and the bulk of all other cannabinoids, reside in the plant’s flower. So, if you are looking at a product that includes “hemp extract” from “seeds and stalk” – you aren’t getting any CBD. You’ll generally find this type of marketing ploy on sites like Amazon, who are specifically prohibited from selling CBD products. Why does this matter? Because this leads consumers to spend a premium for products that contain absolutely no CBD and very little beneficial cannabinoids at all.

There are also a lot of companies out there marketing full-spectrum, THC-free CBD. This is like trying to sell hydrogen-free water. It’s not a thing. There are other companies that are incorporating extremely low doses (as low as 2 mg) of CBD into their product just so they can include it on their label.

To ensure you are buying quality products, educate yourself on the three forms of hemp extract, stay away from products that use “proprietary blends” in their ingredients, and beware of manufacturers who do not specifically note what part of the plant was used for the hemp extract.

Not all plant extracts are created equal. When dealing with plant-based therapies you’ll want to know that the manufacturer tested the herb to ensure it is efficacious or as expected. To do this, manufacturers test for a “marker” (a single compound or a subset of the compounds). With hemp, CBD is usually that marker as it is the most prevalent compound in the hemp flower. Therefore, if the manufacturer does not explicitly tell you the amount of CBD in the extract, you should email them and ask.

It’s all about the absorption

Finally, even if you are certain that you’re getting the right plant, inclusive of all of the beneficial compounds from a reputable manufacturer who has included a decent marker proof point – it’s all a waste if your body can’t absorb the nutrients. Luckily, there are a few proven ways to remedy this.

Take turmeric, for example. Turmeric as a standalone has very low bioavailability, which means it is not well absorbed into our bodies, yet most people are consuming it in isolation. However, in the presence of piperine, an extract of black pepper, and lipids (fats), the absorption of turmeric is increased by up to 2,000%.

Research indicates that hemp’s bioavailability is similar to that of turmeric. When consumed alone, it is very poorly absorbed into the body, which whittles its potential health benefits down to almost nothing. When taken with black pepper extract and fats, however, its chances of absorption are greatly increased, which maximizes its intended benefits.

Lastly, the ingredients in supplements that are formulated as a liquid enter the circulatory system faster and more efficiently than those in other forms, allowing for maximum bioavailability. At Rightful, we use liquid formulas and meticulously selected ingredients that work together to greatly increase the bioavailability and effectiveness of the components found within our products.

Putting it all together

So, now you’re ready to go shopping for some high-quality hemp that will make a difference for you! To ensure a quality product, be on the lookout for:

• Broad-spectrum hemp extract with all the valuable cannabinoids (other than THC)
• CBD that has been extracted from the plant’s flower
• A label that clearly indicates the amount of hemp extract in the product, along with how many cannabinoids and/or CBD is included in a serving
• A liquid product that includes piperine, and ideally lipids, to ensure you’re getting maximum absorption for your investment

If the manufacturer is not crystal clear about these things, or if for any reason it’s not making sense to you, we suggest you think twice before purchasing that product.