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Gina Elko’s journey with CBD, a healing compound in hemp that does not cause a psychoactive effect, began in 2016 after undergoing a bilateral knee surgery that forced her to retire from her 22-year career as a firefighter.
This entry into the world of CBD would not only become an integral part of her healing process, but also lead her to a newfound sense of vitality and keep illnesses noticeably at bay. As the years since her surgery unfolded, Gina found herself thriving, and the essential element seemed to be CBD’s impact on her immune system.
Gina was so inspired by the profound impact that CBD had on her pain, inflammation and immune system that she decided to open up House of Hemp OBX in Kill Devil Hills. Operating like a dispensary, House of Hemp brings organic, non-GMO, hemp-based CBD and THC to people searching for a more natural approach to individual health and wellness.
According to Gina, in order to understand CBD’s potential influence on the immune system, it is essential to grasp the basics of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Picture it as a complex messaging network that spans throughout the body. The ECS utilizes endocannabinoids as messengers to facilitate communication between different parts of the body. There are plant-derived messengers known as phytocannabinoids, and CBD is one of them. This is especially fascinating because it illustrates the synergy between humans and plants.
Now, meet the stars of the show: CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 takes center stage in the brain and nervous system, while CB2 prefers to hang out in the peripheral nervous system, particularly within immune cells. Although scientists are still unraveling ECS’s intricacies, it essentially serves as a control center for various bodily functions. When we ingest CBD, it becomes a part of that dynamic conversation, leading to all sorts of potential benefits for our body,
Interestingly, CBD steps in to reduce inflammation throughout the body, and since autoimmune issues originate from excessive inflammation, CBD is a potential game-changer by reigning in this immune response. Whispers about CBD’s potential as a hero for individuals grappling with immune-related challenges are gaining momentum, and Gina is now seeing many of her customers noticing the difference as well.
“For me, using CBD keeps my body in homeostasis,” Gina says. “Homeostasis ensures our body is kept in optimal condition by orchestrating a variety of internal changes in response to internal or external changes.”
As Gina delves into the intricacies of the CBD-immune system interplay, she is not only interested in her own health journey, but also in the ways it can impact anyone who needs it. She loves to visit with customers to help them find the right fit for their ailments or to give them a general immune boost.
Gina wants others to thrive as she does. As a local small-business owner dedicated to helping her community, she remains a curious explorer, eager to uncover the potential of CBD and its profound impact on immune resilience.
(252) 255-6420
3105 N. Croatan Highway, MP 5.5, Kill Devil Hills
houseofhempobx.com
About the Author Maggie Miles
Maggie Miles is originally from the Outer Banks. She moved to Palm Springs in 2023 to work as an on-call reporter for the New York Times. Her portfolio includes contributions to The Times, BBC, MSN and many other media outlets. During her career, she has focused on a wide range of topics, including workplace corruption, gun violence, social justice, the environment, arts, health and wellness, travel and in-depth profiles of notable people and businesses.
