Among all diverticular diseases (or conditions that affect the digestive tract), diverticulitis is considered the most serious.
This digestive disease occurs when the large intestine becomes lined with tiny pouches, known as diverticula, which form points of weakness and can balloon outward, leading to potential intestinal damage.
Aside from the risk of severe cases, which hospitalize over 200,000 people every year, diverticulitis can cause symptoms like, nausea, fevers, chills, and abdominal discomfort, for which physicians may recommend over-the-counter pain recommendations like Tylenol. Luckily, using hemp flower for diverticulitis is becoming more and more popular.
While extreme cases of diverticulitis should always be be consulted over with a licensed medical expert, hemp flower may be useful in treating the symptoms, as it is known to help with pain, nausea and vomiting.
This is because hemp flower contains an abundance of unique compounds: cannabinoids (including CBD and THC) and terpenes.
In this article, we’ll go over some of our top-recommended strains for treating symptoms of diverticulitis and why they’re our favorites. Then, we’ll explain how cannabinoids and terpenes work together to benefit patients, and how to start administering hemp flower for diverticulitis.
Strain Recommendations for Diverticulitis
1: Merlot from Industrial Hemp Farms
If you’ve tried the cannabis strain Merlot OG, you already have a strong idea as to how this fruity, yet slightly astringent strain tastes. Obviously, though its hemp counterpart contains an insignificant amount of THC, so it won’t get you high.
That being said, Merlot may create a sense of drowsiness, as it’s slightly indica-dominant. However, those who enjoy this sweet strain rarely report feelings of drowsiness, but rather feel tension melt away.
The buds on this premium strain almost look like Christmas trees, featuring the dank, rich aroma that reveals a strong terpene profile.
While myrcene is simply a staple in hemp flower, it is heavily abundant in this strain, lending its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory properties. Meanwhile, beta-caryophyllene is simply a legend in treating pain and tension, but more importantly, has shown evidence as a protective agent against the intestines.
In this study, it was shown that rats who were orally administered beta-caryophyllene experienced a significant inhibition in gastric mucosal injuries when exposed to absolute ethanol. Additionally, beta-caryophyllene works not only as a viable pain suppressant, but it’s also been shown to enhance the pain-reducing effects of low-dose morphine, which is especially helpful for those who experience severe inflammation induced by diverticulitis.
Besides administering this strain for diverticulitis pain and preventing future tears or diverticula, this strain is also great for anxiety and depression.
When broken down, these buds release notes of ripe tropical fruit and sweet gas, and features highly anti-inflammatory terpenes.
- CBD: 15.66%
- D9-THC: less than .02%
- Myrcene: .32%
- Beta-Caryophyllene: .14%
- Alpha-Bisabolol: .08%
WHERE TO BUY?
INDUSTRIALHEMPFARMS.COM
2: Elektra from Tweedle Farms
One’s first impression with this strain’s buds is how pleasantly the shades of lime green mix with its earthy hues.
This strain contains almost 17% CBD, so you already know it’s packed with benefits, but it’s also .09% cannabigerol, or CBG.
This cannabinoid is often overshadowed by CBD, but it’s useful in its own right, serving as an antibacterial agent, as well as a source of relief for inflammatory conditions of gastric organs, like inflammatory bowel disease.
Besides myrcene and beta-caryophyllene, which provide potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial agent, this strain is also high in the terpene phytol.
Phytol is a unique terpene, in that it’s produced when the chlorophyll in a plant’s leaves die off. It’s also found in green tea, and works as a heavy source of antioxidants in this healthful drink.
Above all else, phytol is an anti-inflammatory agent, and this works not only to reduce pain, but also to prevent the body’s tissue from further damage. One study even showed that phytol can inhibit inflammation by preventing oxidative stress while stopping the production of cytokines.
This is beneficial because while cytokines perform an important role in the immune system, they sometimes create an undesired autoimmune effect by targeting healthy tissue.
While the manufacturer describes this strain as floral and musky, most lovers of this strain report to smell more of the notes that become more pungent when broken down: sweet, tropical fruit. The texture of Elektra is also worth mentioning: not only are the leaves velvety-smooth, but the buds are the same size and have the same springy feel of popcorn.
As a hybrid strain, Elektra should have very little effect on your wakefulness; rather, it’s simply an excellent strain for relieving pain, protecting the digestive tract, and promoting a sense of calm.
- CBD: 16.58%
- D9-THC: .04%
- Myrcene: .3%
- Beta-Caryophyllene: .18%
- Phytol: .11%
WHERE TO BUY?
TWEEDLEFARMS.COM
3: Baox from Mr. Hemp Flower
Mr. Hemp Flower partnered with a local Asheville, NC farmer to grow this strain outdoors, and under the most nurturing care, Baox has grown to produce light, crispy buds with a very slight cone shape, highlighted with vibrant streaks of amber.
Not only is this strain high in CBD, but it also serves as a terpene powerhouse. One of the things about Baox that makes it interesting is that unlike most strains, the most abundant terpene in this one isn’t myrcene, but limonene, as well.
Besides its reputation as a soothing, anxiety-killing terpene, limonene is an MVP when it comes to gastric protection. Not only does it help bring down inflammation, but it also neutralizes gastric acid, which can help treat heartburn and acid reflux. Not to mention that it’s been shown to even dissolve cholesterol-containing gallstones.
This also couples well with linalool, which is known for its sedative effects that are both pain-relieving as well as relaxing. This can occur because linalool raises the levels of adenosine in the body, which is often blocked by stimulants or stress.
Mr. Hemp Flower makes some of the most CBD-concentrated products in the market, and at over 18%, Baox is no exception.
Named after Rocky Bal-Baox himself, this sleep-promoting strain will knock you out in the late rounds, and presents a balanced, yet intense terpene profile, though its dominant terpenes tend to be heavily associated with inflammation and tension.
- CBD: 18.31%
- D9-THC: ~.03%
- Alpha-Pinene: .02%
- Myrcene: .02%
- Limonene: .06%
- Linalool: .02%
WHERE TO BUY?
MRHEMPFLOWER.COM
4: Hemp World Haze from CBD Hemp Direct
This is a second generation strain derived from Honolulu Haze, which lends its successor its sativa dominance and generous CBD levels.
Besides its abundance of myrcene, which is a common terpene useful for inflammation, this strain is also high in humulene and beta-caryophyllene, which are historically good together, and are frequently combined with another throughout traditional Chinese medicine.
It’s no coincidence that this occurs, as they balance each other out well. Humulene is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, and beta-caryophyllene is superb for gastric protection.
Meanwhile, alpha-bisabolol also contains a lot of benefits for those with tissue damage in the large intestine. In fact, one study even observed that the use of alpha-bisabolol can promote gastroprotection against acute gastric lesions.
This strain is much lower in CBD, but rest assured that you will still experience its pain-relieving properties. This low amount of CBD may actually be quite desirable for some, especially those who find that they tend to experience drowsiness from it.
Very occasionally, some individuals even experience feelings of nausea from CBD, so this low dose may be ideal for those who identify with this.
Hemp World Haze creates long buds with an even shade of pine green, with some hints of amber, and present a floral, fruity and dank aroma.
- CBD: 4.8%
- D9-THC: less than .1%
- Beta-caryophyllene: .26%
- Myrcene: .24%
- Humulene: .14%
- Alpha-bisabolol: .1%
WHERE TO BUY?
CBDHEMP.DIRECT
5: Cherry Abacus from Dr. Ganja
This strain produces dense, sticky dank buds with a slight indica dominance.This train inherits the springy, almost fluffy texture from its predecessor Abacus, and also features the earthy hues and hints of purple that tend to come with it.
Its dominant terpenes are especially useful for inflammation and preventing intestinal flare-ups.For instance, Cherry Abacus is remarkably high in myrcene, even more so than other strains. As commonplace as myrcene may be, it deserves high regard for what it does. Not only does it perform exceptionally well against inflammation and oxidative stress, but it also works to regulate the terpenes and cannabinoids by reducing the selectivity of the blood-brain barrier, so that it allows the permeability of compounds like CBD and THC to travel more quickly and efficiently while delivering greater effects.
Alpha-pinene is also known for being compatible with the digestive system, as its piney aroma is fairly neutral, and will not make the user nauseous. Moreover, alpha-pinene has been shown in one study to prevent the onset of ulcers, and in another study, alpha-pinene was shown to reduce the numbers of macrophages, which inflict further inflammation on the body’s organic tissue.
While the berry notes in its aroma are subtle in taste, the dankness remains prominent. This high CBD, low THC strain is fast acting and potent.
- CBD: 20%
- D9-THC: less than .001%
- Myrcene 1.74%
- alpha-Pinene .18%
- beta-Caryophyllene .6%
- alpha-Bisabolol .07%
WHERE TO BUY?
DRGANJA.COM
Hemp Flower Cannabinoids and Diverticulitis
Cannabinoids and terpenes interact with a series of receptors in our bodies known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which help regulate mood, stress, and appetite.
While hemp flower does not contain enough THC to get the user high, the ECS uses all of the other cannabinoids to create a boost in functionality. Basically, the use of cannabinoids, especially CBD, can help your ECS maintain and achieve balance throughout your body.
The ECS does this by sending triggers throughout the immune system, gut and brain through biochemical interactions along CB1 and CB2 receptors. Incidentally, a lot of cannabinoid receptors are located throughout our digestive tract.
In fact, it was even discovered that CB2 receptors increase in number when the large intestine becomes damaged or diseased, indicating that intestinal diseases can respond especially well to cannabinoids for treating damaged tissue and protecting it from future onslaughts.
Similarly, cannabinoids are known to contain analgesic properties, which can help tackle diverticulitis symptoms of nausea, vomiting and pain. Moreover, CBD is especially known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and this cannabinoid is often especially high in strains, as you can see in our recommendations at the beginning of this article.
Many patients have also turned to both full-spectrum CBD and hemp flower products alike for the antiemetic and anti-nausea properties it’s known for targeting.
Terpenes and Diverticulitis
Terpenes, meanwhile, are special organic compounds found in plants. While they are believed to help protect plants from being eaten by animals, they often create pleasing, aromatherapeutic scents.
Moreover, terpenes are known to be highly therapeutic in the treatment of anxiety, inflammation and nausea. But more importantly, they help to create the entourage effect, which only occurs in the case that all terpenes and cannabinoids are present.
The entourage effect is important because it takes the overall healing properties from all parts of the hemp flower plant, and amplifies their benefits when they enter the ECS.
As whole-plant matter, hemp flower contains all of the cannabinoids and terpenes needed for this effect–though the THC is never more than .3%. That being said, hemp flower strains vary in aroma, flavor and effect based on both its cannabinoid levels and terpene profiles.
The following terpenes may be especially useful for combating diverticulitis:
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Alpha-Pinene
Alpha-pinene is an anti-inflammatory terpene that is known to help with nausea symptoms, and contains antibacterial properties. This popular terpene can also have a sedative effect, which encourages non-REM sleep and can improve memory retention.
Aroma: piney, herbal
Found in: pine, rosemary
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Limonene
This terpene is both antifungal and performs protective functions on the gastric muscles, making it ideal for those with diverticulitis.
Limonene is anti-inflammatory and soothing, and can provide both nausea and pain relief.
Aroma: lemon, orange
Found in: citrus, peppermint, juniper
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Linalool
This terpene is especially relaxing and performs exceptionally well as a sedative. In fact, it’s a big part of what gives lavender its therapeutic effects.
In addition to its anti-stress properties, linalool is also useful for treating inflammation and depression, and also works well as a sleep aid.
Aroma: floral, spicy
Found in: lavender, birch, laurel
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Alpha-Bisalol
Aside from giving chamomile tea its soothing, antimicrobial benefits and delicate floral aroma, it’s even possible that alpha-bisabolol plays a large role in causing the entourage effect, though research is still in the works.
This terpene is top 3 in a lot of strains, as it’s a pretty strong anti-inflammatory agent, antioxidant and source of stress relief.
Aroma: sweet, nutty, floral
Found in: chamomile, candeia
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Myrcene
As one of the most common terpenes found amongst all hemp flower strains, myrcene is regarded as something of a staple when it comes to calming muscles and treating inflammation.
This terpene is also antifungal and antiseptic, and works as an excellent sleep aid.
Aroma: herbal, musk, cloves
Found in: mango, thyme, lemongrass
Conclusion
Diverticulitis can be a complicated and often unpleasant disease, but the cannabinoids and terpenes found in hemp flower may help to treat some of the most common symptoms that come with it.
With that in mind, you should always consult a physician on how to treat your diverticulitis, especially if it comes in a severe form, and it’s also recommended that you discuss using hemp flower or CBD with them beforehand.
FAQs
You can administer hemp flower in a variety of ways, including baking them into edibles, as well as smoking or vaping them. If you wish to use hemp flower because of abdominal pain, it’s understandable if consuming edibles may sound undesirable. With that in mind, inhaling hemp flower won’t worsen the feeling of nausea or pain by triggering digestion, and delivers quick effects.
Yes, all hemp products, including hemp flower, are legal, and can be lawfully purchased and sold anywhere in the United States.
As the new legal status of hemp is allowing for both hemp flower and CBD products to become more widespread, the number of dispensaries in the United States are growing. However, the internet may still be the most convenient source of hemp flower in a lot of areas. Whenever you buy hemp flower online, make sure to purchase from reputable brands that don’t make wild claims and offer a certificate of analysis for all of their products.
While you should ultimately consult a healthcare professional on the treatment of diverticulitis, hemp flower may help with symptoms of abdominal pain and nausea, and may also help prevent the diverticula from worsening.