Nursing has officially embraced Cannabis Nursing as a specialty, and nurses are at the forefront of educating and advocating for the safe, therapeutic use of cannabis and hemp CBD.
By teaching about the endocannabinoid system (ECS), nurses empower individuals to optimize plant medicine for health, healing, and overall wellness. But the cannabis nurses mission goes beyond cannabinoids as holistic caring nurses explore a wide range of holistic, evidence-based modalities that support natural healing.
Nurse Sherri Mack, BSN-RN from Holistic Caring & The Green Nurse and Bloom Hemp CBD recently sat down with Bryan Paulhus, the owner of Genuine Essiac, for an insightful podcast episode exploring the remarkable world of Essiac Tea.
This powerful herbal remedy has a rich history rooted in nursing, alternative medicine, and immune support. Bryan, who has been deeply involved in this field since 1986, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. He was personally trained by a physician who collaborated with Canadian nurse Rene Caisse, the visionary pioneer behind the formulation and research of Essiac Tea.
Discover how nurses, herbalists, and wellness advocates are reshaping healthcare—one plant at a time! Tune in to this captivating conversation on The Green Nurse Podcast Living Your Best Life and learn how Essiac Tea may benefit your Endocannabinoid System.
📺 Watch the podcast today - The Green Nurse Podcast - Bryan Paulhus owner of Genuine Essiac Tea
Essiac Tea is more than an herbal blend—it's a timeless remedy rooted in a tradition of healing.
Known for its potential to aid detoxification, support the immune system, and reduce inflammation, its powerful ingredients are thought to interact with the endocannabinoid system, unlocking significant wellness benefits. Dive into the blog below to explore the endocannabinoid system, the benefits of Essiac tea, and how the power of full-spectrum CBD may contribute to the healing potential of Essiac as a holistic approach to wellness, health and healing.
The Endocannabinoid System, Essiac Tea, and Full-Spectrum CBD: A Holistic Approach to Wellness
Understanding the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) - The Endocannabinoid System is a complex regulatory network that maintains the body's internal balance, or homeostasis. It influences various physiological processes, including sensory perception, pain modulation, appetite, digestion, mood, memory, motor control, inflammation, immune response, reproductive health, temperature regulation, hormonal balance, bone density, ocular pressure, stress adaptation, sleep cycles, endocrine activity, neural development, and neuroprotection (Holistic Caring, n.d.).
The ECS comprises three primary components:
-
Endocannabinoids – Endogenous lipid-based neurotransmitters, such as anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), that bind to cannabinoid receptors to regulate various physiological functions.
-
Cannabinoid Receptors – G-protein-coupled receptors located throughout the body. The two primary types are:
-
CB1 Receptors: Predominantly found in the central nervous system, influencing functions like memory, cognition, motor activities, sleep, and pain perception.
-
CB2 Receptors: Mainly located in peripheral tissues and immune cells, playing a role in modulating inflammation and immune responses.
-
Enzymes – Proteins responsible for the synthesis and degradation of endocannabinoids, ensuring they are produced and broken down as needed to maintain homeostasis.
Research into the ECS has revealed that it interacts with compounds from various plants, not just cannabis or hemp. These plant-derived compounds, known as phytocannabinoids, can influence ECS activity and contribute to physiological balance. One such herbal remedy believed to interact with the ECS is Essiac tea, particularly its eight-herb formulation from Genuine Essiac.
The Eight-Herb Essiac Tea and Its Potential ECS Influence - Essiac tea is a renowned herbal blend with historical use in detoxification, immune support, and overall wellness.
Below is an overview of its eight key herbs, their general health benefits, and how they interact with the ECS:
-
Burdock Root (Arctium lappa)
-
Health Benefits: Known for its antioxidant, immune-supporting, and anti-inflammatory properties. Supports digestive health by promoting beneficial gut bacteria through its inulin content (Predes et al., 2011).
-
ECS Interaction: Influences fatty acid metabolism, linked to endocannabinoid production, and has been studied for potential interaction with CB2 receptors (Izumi et al., 2014).
-
Sheep Sorrel (Rumex acetosella)
-
Health Benefits: Aids in detoxification and has antimicrobial properties. Contains flavonoids that support immune and cellular health (Middleton et al., 2000).
-
ECS Interaction: Some flavonoids interact with cannabinoid receptors and inhibit FAAH, increasing endocannabinoid levels (Thors et al., 2020).
-
Slippery Elm Bark (Ulmus rubra)
-
Health Benefits: Supports gut health and soothes the digestive tract. Used traditionally to alleviate respiratory irritation (Wang et al., 2018).
-
ECS Interaction: May influence immune function through CB2 receptor pathways (Márquez et al., 2019).
-
Indian Rhubarb Root (Rheum officinale or Rheum palmatum)
-
Health Benefits: Supports liver detoxification and acts as a natural laxative. Contains anthraquinones with antimicrobial properties (Zhou et al., 2019).
-
ECS Interaction: Certain polyphenols in rhubarb may interact with endocannabinoid enzymes, modulating receptor sensitivity (Chen et al., 2021).
-
Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus)
-
Health Benefits: Traditionally used to aid digestion and liver function. Contains cnicin, a natural anti-inflammatory compound that supports functional nerve regeneration. (Chevallier, 2016).
-
ECS Interaction: May influence endocannabinoid metabolism through liver enzyme regulation (Barbieri et al., 2017).
-
Kelp (Various Species)
-
Health Benefits: Supports thyroid function and provides essential nutrients like iodine, calcium, and magnesium. Possesses antioxidant properties (Cornish et al., 2017).
-
ECS Interaction: Contains fucoidans, studied for their immune-modulating effects and potential interaction with CB2 receptors (Fitton, 2019).
-
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
-
Health Benefits: Rich in isoflavones, which may support menopausal health and cardiovascular function (Atkinson et al., 2004).
-
ECS Interaction: Isoflavones may modulate estrogen receptors, which are linked to ECS regulation (Hajirahimkhan et al., 2013).
-
Watercress (Nasturtium officinale)
-
Health Benefits: Nutrient-dense, rich in vitamins A, C, and K. Known for its antioxidant and detoxifying properties (Gill et al., 2016).
-
ECS Interaction: Contains phenethyl isothiocyanate, a compound with potential anti-inflammatory properties that may indirectly support ECS function (Jeffery & Araya, 2009).
How Full-Spectrum CBD Complements Essiac Tea - Full-spectrum CBD products contain the complete profile of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds found in the hemp plant. This comprehensive composition allows for the "entourage effect"—where these elements work synergistically to enhance therapeutic benefits (Bloom Hemp, n.d.).
The combination of Essiac tea and full-spectrum CBD may offer complementary benefits, including enhanced anti-inflammatory effects, synergistic antioxidant support, immune system modulation, and gut health balance.
Want to experience the benefits of Full Spectrum CBD firsthand?
Discover Bloom Hemp CBD, your trusted source for Green Nurse Approved Hemp CBD products. Women and Nurse owned, Bloom Hemp is committed to quality, safety, and patient-centered care. Offering a range of doctor- and nurse-formulated, Ayurvedic-inspired products, the collection of products includes tinctures, topicals, softgels, isolates, and gummies—something to suit every need for those seeking to elevate their well-being naturally. Choose from full spectrum, broad spectrum, or THC-free options. Bloom Hemp goes beyond products, providing a free nurse line for support, a pharmacist on staff, and personalized care plans delivered straight to your inbox.
Shop Bloom Hemp CBD: https://bloomhemp.com/
Use Greennurse for 10% off and Free Shipping
Bloom Hemp Services: https://bloomhemp.com/services
Free Nurse Line: 970-404-HOPE (4673)
Last Updated: 8/19/2025
Atkinson, C., Warren, R. M. L., Sala, E., Millward, M. J., & Dowsett, M. (2004). Red clover-derived isoflavones and mammographic breast density: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Breast Cancer Research, 6(3), R170-R179. https://breast-cancer-research.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/bcr773
Bloom Hemp. (n.d.). Full-spectrum CBD and the entourage effect. Retrieved from https://bloomhemp.com/
Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine (3rd ed.). DK Publishing. https://books.google.com/books?id=_BZJDAAAQBAJ
Cornish, M. L., Critchley, A. T., & Mouritsen, O. G. (2017). Consumption of seaweeds and the human brain. Journal of Applied Phycology, 29(5), 2377-2398. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10811-016-1049-3
Genuine Essiac. (n.d.). Genuine Essiac™. Genuine Essiac. https://genuineessiac.com/
Gill, C. I. R., Haldar, S., Boyd, L. A., Bennett, R., Whiteford, J., Butler, M., Pearson, J.
R., Bradbury, I., & Rowland, I. R. (2007). Watercress supplementation in diet reduces lymphocyte DNA damage and alters blood antioxidant status in healthy adults. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 85(2), 504–510. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/85.2.504
Holistic Caring. Understanding the endocannabinoid system. Retrieved from
https://holisticcaring.com/ecs/
Middleton, E., & Kandaswami, C. (1992). Effects of flavonoids on immune and
inflammatory cell functions. Biochemical Pharmacology, 43(6), 1167–1179.
https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-2952(92)90489-6
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2005). Blessed thistle. In
Herbs at a glance. National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11896/
Thors, L., Belghiti, M., & Fowler, C. J. (2008). Inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase by kaempferol and related naturally occurring flavonoids. British Journal of Pharmacology, 155(2), 244–252. https://doi.org/10.1038/bjp.2008.237
Related Pages
Find out about the amazing benefits of Essiac tea
Learn more about the 8 Ingredients in Essiac tea
The story about how Gina and Bryan Paulhus became the shepherds of Essiac tea