Why We Incorporate Functional Ingredients Into Our CBD Products

Therapeutic benefits along with a relatively promising safety profile and nonintoxicating effect have made CBD an increasingly popular supplement for issues related to acute and chronic pain, anxiety, migraines, and insomnia.

While CBD is a powerful agent on its own, many Lazarus Naturals products incorporate a host of other functional ingredients into their formulations for even more targeted action. CBD may be the star of the show, but the addition of functional ingredients can personalize its effects to meet specific needs.

Counterirritants

The incorporation of counterirritants such as camphor, capsaicin, and menthol is the gold standard in pain-relieving topicals. These ingredients provide a tingling effect that gives way to a sensation of warmth—distracting the mind from pain shortly after applying. Counterirritants are a proven and effective method to reduce pain and discomfort, which is why we always include them to boost the therapeutic benefits of our CBD Muscle Gel and Relief + Recovery Balm and other topicals.

Capsaicin is a chemical compound found in the fruit of the capsicum (more commonly known as red pepper) that has been shown to alleviate pain in muscles, joints, and nerves—as well as reduce swelling—when applied to skin. Camphor is a similar counterirritant compound derived from the camphor tree, and used topically to relieve pain, irritation, and itch. Camphor has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects when used to treat arthritis. Similarly, Nettle, or stinging nettle, is a botanical known for its potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. When included in CBD products, nettle acts as a counterirritant by generating a tingling sensation on the skin's surface, which helps to alleviate discomfort and reduce localized inflammation.

Menthol is a chemical derived from the mint plant that promotes deeper, easier breaths. It is characterized by an invigorating cooling sensation when applied to the skin. This icy sensation can be effective for calming skin irritations and easing any associated pain or tension. Similarly, eucalyptus has a crisp, sweet, minty-pine scent—promoting easier breathing via bronchodilation (i.e., opening of the lungs). It has also been shown to have an analgesic effect if applied topically, making it a great ingredient for products crafted for pain relief. In the same vein is Arnica, derived from the Arnica montana plant. It serves as a counterirritant by creating a mild cooling effect on the skin, distracting from underlying inflammation and contributing to relief.

New to our lineup is our Bruise and Injury Cream, which offers a mix of fresh counterirritant botanicals including calendula, arnica, and nettle. Also known as marigold, Calendula acts as a counterirritant that provides a gentle soothing sensation to irritated skin, which supports the relief of local inflammation.

Capsaicin, camphor, and menthol are incorporated into our CBD Muscle Gel and Relief + Recovery Balm—while eucalyptus is specific to the CBD Muscle Gel.

Sleep Promoters

CBD can be combined with known sleep promoters for increased relaxation before bed to promote better rest. Lazarus Naturals Relax Capsules, Sleep Capsules, and Relax + Unwind Balm all incorporate a blend of functional ingredients—including chamomile flower, lavender, lemon balm, passion flower, ashwagandha, and melatonin—known to support sleep. Paired with full spectrum or CBD isolate, these relaxing combinations work to naturally increase production of vital sleep neurotransmitters and hormones (such as GABA and melatonin) and reduce anxiety before bed for a more restful night.

Chamomile is a traditional herb widely used in teas to help people relax and fall asleep. It acts as a mild sedative to calm nerves and lower anxiety. Studies suggest that the sedating effect of chamomile may be due to a flavonoid, apigenin, which binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. Lavender is a natural herb historically and frequently used to reduce stress and anxiety, mainly attributable to the high levels of the terpene linalool.

Lemon balm and passion flower are natural herbs used for centuries to aid with relieving stress, anxiety, and restlessness before sleep. Ashwagandha is a natural evergreen shrub that has demonstrated similar calming effects, and has been shown to reduce levels of stress hormones such as cortisol. Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle and one of the most commonly incorporated functional ingredients in sleep therapies today.

STRESS RELIEF AND WELLNESS ENHANCERS

In the quest for daily well-being, it's not just about avoiding stress; it's about embracing a balanced, supportive routine. Our wellness products aim to leverage the power of CBD with functional ingredients that support it, like vitamins, botanicals, and minerals.

Vitamins B12 and B6, found in our Relax Capsules and our CBD Softgels have been shown to boost energy, improve memory, and prevent heart disease. Both are essential to brain function and are crucial for maintaining the integrity and health of the nervous and immune systems.

L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid that can be found in green tea, black tea, and some mushrooms. It has been shown to affect chemicals in the brain that influence mood, sleep, emotion, and cortisol. It is primarily used to increase mental focus, aid in relaxation, and increase cognitive performance.

Rhodiola rosea is an herb that helps us to react and adapt more readily when faced with physical, chemical, and environmental stress. It’s been used to help relieve anxiety, depression, fatigue, and headaches.

Turmeric is yet another key player in promoting digestive wellness and reducing inflammation. Turmeric's curcumin compound enhances CBD's anti-inflammatory properties, and supports overall gut health. The Curcumin and Black Pepper Extract combination in conjunction with CBD in our Turmeric Gummies, offer a comprehensive approach to stress and wellness. CBD enhances the absorption of curcumin, amplifying its anti-inflammatory effects, while curcumin complements CBD's digestive wellness benefits, ensuring your daily routine is marked by balance and harmony, both mentally and physically.

Elderberry, Vitamin C, Zinc, and CBD work together to fortify your immune system and overall wellness. Elderberry's antioxidant-rich profile enhances CBD's immune-supporting effects, ensuring you're better equipped to face daily health challenges with vitality and resilience, which is why you can find all three of these ingredients in our Full-Spectrum CBD Gummies.

These functional ingredients, working in harmony with CBD, create a holistic approach to daily well-being, amplifying the stress-reducing and wellness-enhancing effects, so you can navigate life's challenges with vitality and composure.

OTHER INGREDIENTS THAT IMPROVE FUNCTIONALITY OF LAZARUS NATURALS CBD

PERMEATION ENHANCERS

Permeation enhancers allow CBD to absorb past the skin layer more easily. Terpenes such as camphor, pinene, and limonene are each naturally effective permeation enhancers. We incorporate these and similar enhancers to ensure as much CBD as possible can cross the skin barrier to reach the deeper muscles, fascia, and joints. Permeation enhancers also reduce time taken for maximum levels of CBD to accumulate within the body.

LIPIDS

It’s been shown that co-administration of CBD with lipids (i.e. fats or oils) significantly increases the amount of active CBD absorbed by the body. Softgels are formulated with organic flaxseed oil and organic coconut MCT oil to boost the bioavailability of the cannabinoids and to ensure maximum potency.

MOISTURIZING AGENTS

Several types of moisturizing agents can be used as methods for administering CBD topically. Different moisturizers offer various consistencies and textures, with each specializing in its own use cases CBD Balm Sticks sticks include organic beeswax and lanolin (a permeation enhancer) for a more concentrated formulation, ideal for targeting specific areas in need of relief. We also utilize organic coconut oil for its natural skin-permeating, moisturizing properties. One of the best parts about it is that it’s a functional carrier oil that may help you absorb CBD more effectively— which is why we incorporated it into our Full-Spectrum CBD Coconut Oil. Thanks to its versatility, you can apply it to your skin, eat it, or mix it into your favorite beverages. And last but not least, our smoothest, most massage-worthy experience can be found in our USDA Certified Organic CBD Body + Massage Oil—another great daily moisturizer option that leverages deeply hydrating jojoba and almond oils.

Functional ingredients work together with CBD to help encourage more custom-fitted results. Functional ingredients can come in the form of moisturizers, permeation enhancers, vitamins, and lipids that work together to coax stronger benefits out of CBD but also support your healthy, radiant skin. On the other hand, the natural herbs, mushrooms, flowers, and vitamins found in our CBD gummies, tinctures, capsules, and softgels work together to encourage a more holistic approach to your sleep, gut health, and overall daily wellness. By incorporating all-natural, functional ingredients like these into our products, you get to enjoy a tailored approach that supports you on every step of your wellness journey.