Seasonal Immune Support: Fire Cider with CBD

When Autumn arrives, so do colds and viruses, this is a daily immune-boosting tonic that supports our immune system’s ability to fight off seasonal maladies. The recipe is a guideline, feel free to add your favorite ingredients to personalize your Fire Cider.

Ingredients:

• 1 chopped Onion

• 1 head chopped Garlic

• 1 cup fresh sliced Horseradish Root

• 1 cup chopped or grated fresh Ginger root

• 4-6 hot peppers, Jalapenos, Scotch Bonnets

• 2 teaspoons of peppercorns

• Apple Cider Vinegar - enough to fill the jar

• Honey, local and raw is best

• 60ml CBD alcohol-based tincture

Optional adds:

• ¼ - ½ cup rosehips (fresh whole or dried)

• ¼ - ½ cup fresh grated turmeric or 1 tablespoon powdered turmeric

• A tablespoon of any or all of these: rosemary, mullein, hyssop, thyme, dried reishi mushroom, astragalus.

Equipment - a half gallon glass jar with a BPA-free plastic lid or a wax paper lined metal lid ( otherwise the metal and vinegar will interact and the cider will go bad)

Instructions:

1. Chop or grate your horseradish root, peppers, ginger, turmeric, onion. Garlic and anything else you fancy adding.

2. Add all your ingredients to your jar and pour Apple Cider Vinegar over until all ingredients are covered.

3. Shake the jar vigorously and then then open it up to make sure all the contents are submerged, add more Apple Cider Vinegar to cover everything.

4. Keep in a cool dark spot, or at least out of direct sunlight for 4 - 6 weeks and shake daily. After a couple of weeks the contents will sink down, you can add more ACV if you want to have more final product. At this time supplementary herbs can be added: for added respiratory support use thyme, hyssop or mullein, for circulatory benefits add yarrow, rosemary and extra peppercorns, for extra immune support try elderberries, astragulus or dried reishi. 

5. After 4-6 weeks of steeping & shaking strain the cider, using a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth or muslin. You will probably have 2-3 cups of filtered cider, add an equal amount of honey, but add incrementally, I find that less honey works just as well, its just a question of how sweet you want it to be.

6. Add your CBD alcohol tincture - I add a dropperful per cup, but you can add more if you want.

7. Bottle and store in a cool dark place or in the fridge. Take the cider in a dropper or a shot or my favorite method which is to add a couple of dropperfuls to my favorite herbal tea.

THCV - Mind and Body Support

THCV is gaining a reputation for its myriad therapeutic values, offering relief from anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, neurodegenerative symptoms like tremors and as an effective appetite suppressant. Recently, studies have indicated that THCV may also play a part in maintaining bone health and stimulating bone growth.

The ‘V’ in THCV stands for ‘Variens’, Latin for ‘variant’. THCV is a variant of the powerhouse THC, but unlike its namesake THCV is non-psychoactive. THCV is known as one of the ‘lesser cannabinoids’, not because it has less value but because it is found in small quantities in the cannabis plant. Other ‘lesser cannabinoids’ include CBG and CBN, which have their own particular strengths.

Since 2018 the therapeutic potential of THCV has been studied by the Medical Cannabis Research Consortium of Marin, which is run by Dr. Moskowitz and has our own Leonard Leinow as a contributor. The group has been at the forefront of finding and cultivating cannabis strains which have substantial levels of THCV and documenting the encouraging results.

Following the research, here is the summarized evaluation of THCV benefits:

Appetite Suppressant and Energy Metabolism

THC has a deserved reputation for appetite stimulation, THCV does the opposite and has garnered a reputation as ‘diet weed”. THCV suppresses excessive appetite by creating satiety- that satisfied full feeling you get after eating a meal, even on a reduced caloric intake. At the same time THCV is upregulating energy metabolism by processing blood sugars faster which aids weight loss. Ongoing research on the ability of THCV to treat Type Two Diabetes focuses on improved glucose tolerance and regulation of insulin levels to stabilize blood sugar levels. Preliminary studies show THCV acting as an effective therapeutic agent for glycemic control in Type 2 diabetic patients. New science around blood sugar regulation drugs as helpful for Parkinson’s indicates that THCV may help both Diabetes and Parkinson’s patients via this avenue.

Neuroprotection

THCV is indicated for relieving tremors, and exerting antiepileptic/ anticonvulsant properties through an affinity with both CB1 and CB2 receptors of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). This double bonding has a palliative effect on muscular tremors, including tremors associated with Parkinsons, Alzheimers and ALS. Preliminary studies have also shown encouraging results for THCV in treating seizures and epilepsy.

Nervous System Regulation

Relief from anxiety and stress reduction using THCV is well documented; regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin, melatonin and cortisol, THCV alleviates nervous overstimulation which manifests as PTSD, anxiety and sleep issues. At Synergy we initially recommended THCV solely as a pain remedy and via our membership learned of it’s ability as a sleep aid, in treating Restless Leg Syndrome and for PTSD/anxiety. For those whose adrenals would wake them ready for flight at 3AM or whose thoughts begin to race as soon as they recline our Black Beauty THCV tincture has proved most helpful. Through this same effect it has also proved an excellent “as needed” product to address high anxiety and PTSD, calming the nervous system - not through sedation or inebriation but some other mysterious pathway that is continuing to be revealed via more recent science. This action is best achieved at low, sub-psychoactive doses, of 3-15 drops.

New Areas of Research: Anti- Nausea, Antipsychotic, Anti-cholesterol, Bone Health & Growth.

Cannabinoids have a remarkable propensity for having multiple therapeutic actions and for overlapping and positively reinforcing each other’s abilities. THCV conforms to type in this regard, as new areas of THCV’s potential include anti-nausea, antipsychotic and anti-cholesterol and bone health which overlaps with functions of CBD, CBG and others.

Synergy’s Suggestions

Synergy members’ testimonials show how THCV is effective for various conditions, read about tremor cessation and chronic arthritic pain relief. We often recommend THCV in addition to other cannabinoid protocols when symptoms are getting worse, i.e. increase in pain, anxiety, tremors etc. THCV is seen to act as an amplifier of effect, reinforcing messaging to the ECS. Black Beauty tincture (# 107,108,109) at a low dose (3-15 drops) exhibits no discernable psychoactivity.

Research into THCV has begun in earnest and already we see many viable applications that respond well to this lesser known THC variant.

Honoring the Cycles of Nature is Self-Love

Autumn is upon us once more. The daylight hours have shortened, the sun has lowered its daily arc across our sky, and we again find ourselves in a time of transition. Nature, as I am certain you have noticed, is forever changing, transforming itself anew. The only constant in this life is change, and thus the cycles of birth, growth, decline and rebirth dictate our lives. Whether or not we’re aware of it, whether or not we like it, it doesn’t matter. Nature’s cycles are the master plan in which our bodies tune in to find direction.

Seasonally, nature directs the activation of specific bodily processes while also directing the cessation of others. We are to a great degree at her mercy. The days are shortening, the weather is cooling. Nature is inviting you to do as she does… slow down, rest often, eat in ways that nourish you, ensure adequate hydration, and increase vitamin and mineral intake.

Autumn is a time when nature sheds her skin and nourishes herself in preparation for the long winter months ahead. Autumn is a time of reflection and gratitude, in which the act of doing less is in accordance with honoring the cycles of nature. Listening to your body’s inner callings is how you honor nature, and when you honor Mother Nature you honor your humanness. To embrace your humanity is a profound act of self love. One might argue it is a revolutionary act considering we live in a world obsessed with sacrificing the needs of the individual for the wants and desires of society. Learning how to walk gracefully within the cyclical nature of all life is the first step to true wisdom. The wisdom of the ages. The wisdom of nature herself.

It is very important to increase your nutritional intake during the winter months, as for many of us the majority of fruits and vegetables become out of season. The problem with consuming out of season fruits and vegetables is we are once again not honoring the cycles of nature. We must become aware of how and what we eat when the climate shifts and our metabolisms slow down. Eating and buying local produce is so important. The global implications of out of season big business agriculture and what that does to our ecosystems is becoming more and more evident in its unsustainability. Not to mention the C02 from all the transportation of the produce everywhere. It’s a full on assault on our planet for her to be expected to produce what we force her to produce out of sync with her cycles. The good news is we can remedy her by remedying ourselves! To the best of your ability, eat local and fresh vegetables and fruits that are in season in your area. Local meats from local farms are always the best choice if you’re looking for high nutrient density in your food. Nutrient density comes from sunshine, quality soil, quality water, and no exposure to harmful pesticides. Also, the shorter the distance the food, especially produce, has traveled, the more nutrients are still stored inside! The longer something sits the less nutrient dense it is, period. We are supposed to be eating live produce for goodness sake!

Slowing down, cooking for yourself when possible, eating with presence and forgoing distraction, will ease your soul as the days slip into winter… Using your cannabis supplements within this transitory time is very important, as the soothing of the nervous system allows our bodies to refrain from fight or flight. This allows our immune systems to function optimally as well, preventing illness and supporting our bodies as they gracefully transition into another beautiful regeneration season here on earth. As Flu and Covid jabs are offered, we suggest CBDA/CBGA Immune Capsules (#241) to support immune system response to viral contagion As the weather gets colder we frequently recommend Black Beauty tincture (#107 or #108) to bolster effects and to ensure the ECS (Endocannabinoid System) is optimized for overall balanced health.

Remember, to honor your cycles is to honor mother nature in you. To honor nature’s cycles is a radical act of self love.

All my love to all of you on this beautiful journey

Nurse Lauren ॐ