Sleep is the ultimate restorer of health. If you're getting the restful sleep you need, you get to reprogram, recuperate, and start the next day fresh. According to The National Sleep Foundation, we need between 7 and 9 hours a night for optimal health.
For many of us, however, getting those seven-plus hours on a nightly basis is challenging. With more electronic devices and 'blue lights' than ever, some of us need help calming our busy minds down at bedtime.
Fortunately, CBG is emerging as an all-natural and safe supplement that provides a more holistic way of achieving restful sleep. While most know of CBD, which was legalized in 2018, we're still learning about the benefits of CBG.
What Is CBG?
CBG (cannabigerol) is one of over 100 compounds found in the cannabis plant, also known as hemp. Hemp's two primary ingredients, THC and CBD, are the most famous and provide the most benefits. Although considered a 'minor' component, CBG works in tandem with its main companions to give the users powerful therapeutic potential.
CBG Benefits Besides Sleep
A recent study of Huntington's Disease: A neurological disorder showed that CBG might offer neuroprotection for Huntington's test subjects.
In 2020, scientists published a report that found CBG contains antibacterial properties that are effective at potentially treating antibiotic-resistant MRSA.
Researchers demonstrated that CBG blocked cancer growth in test animals with cancer.
How Does CBG Help With Sleep?
CBG is often considered the mother of all cannabinoids - the 100 plus components that make up cannabis. All cannabinoids are derived first from CBG acids, known as CBGA. So, while a CBD product and THC product are more abundant, CBG holds the top honor as the most native or 'original' cannabinoid.
In regards to sleep, CBG works to calm your mind and offers relaxation before bedtime. In 2022, researchers showed that CBG, when combined with CBD, offered Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Health-Boosting Properties. CBG also showed the ability to help with ultraviolet light protection.
CBG works to calm and relax you by interacting with your ECS, or Endocannabinoid System, a complex biological and physical system that regulates sleep and mood. Once you ingest CBG, it goes to work on your ECS and helps you feel more rested and calm and, in many cases, may help you get right to sleep.
Is CBD or CBG Better for Sleep?
CBG stands out for its anti-anxiety properties, while CBD is great for overall health. CBD is a much more available cannabinoid, with most products containing more than 20x of CBD per CBG. Because CBG is the 'mother' cannabinoid, you'll benefit the most from its application. CBG is much rarer than CBD, as it's expensive to extract.
Does Full-Spectrum CBD Contain CBG?
Because of the expense and rarity of CBG, many people seek full-spectrum CBD oils, which contain the entire cannabinoid profile of cannabis. In addition to CBG and CBD, you'll benefit from all 100 active compounds present in the hemp plant.
When taken together, cannabinoids are thought to produce 'entourage effects,' which adds additional potency and therapeutic value to the finished product. Full-spectrum CBD also contains THC, but not enough to make you high (0.3%).
Sleep Aid Tinctures
If you want to benefit from CBG, you can also try a Sleep Aid Tincture, which contains CBG and other cannabinoids specifically formulated to help you fall to sleep. Eden's Herbals, for example, uses a blend of CBN (cannabinol), CBD, and CBG, all known to help promote sleep. By adding the other cannabinoids besides CBD you are allowing your body to receive maximum benefits and relief.
CBG Isolate
If you're looking for the benefits of CBG without any other cannabinoids, you can also choose a CBG Isolate. Free of THC and easy to incorporate into smoothies, CBG isolate gives you the purest form of CBG available on the market.
Our proprietary CBG Isolate is cannabis that hasn't been allowed to develop into CBD or THC. We've taken the guesswork out of the extraction process and given you a finished CBG isolate free of pesticides and harmful solvents.
Using CBG: Dosing Recommendations
Before starting your first dose, understand there's no 'perfect' dose, as each person's needs and body size can vary widely. The good news is that we all have an ECS system and, therefore, have the ability to reap the benefits of CBG.
Consider the following guidelines when starting your regimen:
- Insomnia frequency
- Other conditions
- Age and weight
- Metabolism
For example, if you've never tried CBD, start with the smallest dose. If you're using our sleep ais tincture, take ' of a dropper before bedtime and see how you feel. If you wake up frequently, add more of the tincture until you find the best dose for helping you nod off.
By starting small, you allow your ECS to signal to your body gradually and make it easier to receive therapy without any unwanted side effects, such as nausea. Sleep aid tinctures that contain CBG work pretty quickly, usually within half an hour. That is why taking CBG for sleep can be more beneficial, by working fast in the body it allows for you to fall asleep more quickly, and stay asleep to give you a better night's sleep.
If you choose a CBG isolate, it may take longer for the CBG to kick in. It has to go through your digestive tract and doesn't have immediate access to your ECS, unlike sublingual drops under the tongue.
Does CBG Have Any Side Effects?
According to The World Health Organization (WHO), CBD is safe and well-tolerated. The same is true for CBG. But, as mentioned, some might experience nausea, especially if taken at high doses.
There is still much to learn about CBD and CBG, but most agree that they're safe and pose little risk. Most of the studies have been positive, and Congress even passed a bill in 2022 for increased funding for research into its effects.
If you're still wary about taking CBG and how your body will respond, you can keep a journal by your bedstand. Record how much CBG you take each night, wait a week and see how you feel. If you still have insomnia but have no side effects from the CBG or sleep aid tincture, increase and record your dosage.
If you want to learn more about CBG for sleep, contact Eden's Herbals at support@edensherbals.com today!
*These statements have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any illness. Medical advice should be taken from a medical professional.
All of the articles on this site are written by 3rd party content providers, expert bloggers or doctors not directly affiliated with Eden's Herbals.
Individuals should learn the risks and side effects prior to taking CBD. Make sure to always check with a medical professional before starting any new CBD treatment or medication that is not FDA approved.
