News Release: VESL CBD oils responds to the CDC news on vaping concerns

VESL looks to clear the air about professionally derived CBD vaping products

Arvada, CO – News that the Center for Disease Control named vitamin E acetate as a chief suspect in vaping illness last week was hardly earth-shattering to most professional vaping firms, including the VESL owners in Arvada, which produces CBD vaping pens and other CBD products used for health benefits.

“We don’t try to hide anything about our products; we stood behind them even among all this misinformation,” said VESL partner Bobby Scott, who believes the entire above-board vaping industry lost about 20-25 percent of revenue following the disclosure of vaping illnesses in July. At that time, VESL owners, and many others in the industry, were pointing their fingers at vitamin E acetate, which is a common ingredient in black market THC vaping pens, and Scott said many in the industry will welcome state or federal regulation.

Illegal THC vape products usually only reduce marijuana to crude oil, Scott said, requiring a solvent such as a vitamin E acetate to improve the viscosity of the cartridge. In contrast, VESL uses only 99-percent pure CBD oil, or isolate, in all of its products.

VESL produces a variety of CBD consumables used for pain treatment and health benefits — including CBD vapes, muscle gels, gummies and skincare products — which are cannabis products without nicotine or the psychoactive THC molecule. Products such as gummies and muscle gels do not need to be vaped, but Scott said that vaping is simply the fastest way to bring those positive effects to bear, and about 75 percent of his customers use vaped doses.

“Your lungs process that dose into your blood immediately, so smaller doses are required,” Scott said. “One puff off a vape pen, less than a milligram of CBD, and you can feel that right away.”

VESL only produces products based on CBD — an acronym for cannabidiol, one of 113 cannabinoids found in hemp plants – which many consumers are increasingly finding aid in the reduction of pain, anxiety, depression and many other health benefits. Beginning with organic hemp containing less than 0.3 percent THC, the company employs the preferred CO2 extraction method to create its hemp oil and an ISO-certified lab to isolate a 99-percent pure CBD oil.

In Colorado, regulators are looking at eliminating vitamin E acetate a solvent compound commonly used for lower-grade THC vaping. Scott said VESL would welcome the proposed state regulations because he believes the company’s stringent processes would be readily approved.

“I think most of us pretty much agree that vitamin E acetate will be eliminated, and regulations on putting ingredients on the packaging are something we already do,” Scott said. “I’m not sure where the industry wants to go, but I hope the regulators do real research on it before enacting regulations.”

For further information on VESL and its production methods, please visit https://vesloils.com.

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News Release: CBD Oil Manufacturer Would Welcome Some FDA Oversight

VESL looks to clear the air about professionally derived CBD vaping products

A former head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is saying the agency would enhance public safety by strengthening oversight of hemp-derived consumer products, and many CBD professional producers believe the FDA is actually hurting the industry more by not acknowledging the industry whatsoever.

Former FDA Commissioner, Dr. Scott Gottlieb has recommended targeting regulations at CBD supplements, which for now cannot be marketed because FDA has yet to issue rules. These CBD edibles and topical products, as well as, CBD vape products have become widely distributed since the 2018 Farm Bill, which has since legalized hemp and its derivatives.

CBD oil products could top $20 billion by 2024, even without FDA oversight

So although hemp, unlike cannabis or THC-laced products, is legal at a federal level, CBD oil manufacturers are facing the same banking issues, despite the fact that many experts expect national CBD products sales to top $4.1 billion this year and as much as $20 billion by 2024.

“It’s extremely hard to bring CBD to the market right now, and banking is a huge hurdle,” said Bobby Scott, a co-owner of VESL Oils in Arvada, CO. “Until recently most banks were not taking CBD clients, who were having to go with credit unions and paying big fees. Talking credit card payments can be another big headache.”

Both the owners of VESL believe that some FDA rules are going to be necessary if nothing else to distinguish the quality and efficacy of CBD products. The two partners and founders are both Texas Tech University graduates – Scott with dual majors in horticulture and finance, and Quorum Lopez with a degree in chemistry – and they worked hard at finding the processes and ingredients that would yield the most pure and effective CBD products.

Lack of CBD Rules Hurt CBD Supplements, Topical and Edibles, say Food and Herbal Products Groups

CBD oil manufacturers aren’t the only ones looking for clarification of FDA rules, Scott noted. Recently, they’ve been joined in that quest by the national Food Marketing Institute, the American Herbal Products Association, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, and the Council for Responsible Nutrition and United Natural Products Alliance.

“The current lack of FDA regulation is creating significant confusion in the marketplace. FMI respectfully urges FDA to move expeditiously to provide additional clarity and establish a pathway forward for the use of hemp-derived ingredients, including CBD, in FDA-regulated products,” said Leslie G. Sarasin, the president and CEO of the Food Marketing Institute in a statement to the FDA.

Essentially, the FDA has only approved one marketing application for a purified form of CBD for use in the treatment of certain seizure disorders. By not regulating CBD products as food additives or holistic supplements, as most CBD producers intend them, the FDA has left an incredibly fast-growing industry in the regulatory lurch, Scott said.

“According to the FDA we can’t make any claims about the effectiveness of any of our CBD edibles, topical or vape products,” Scott said. “We are constantly getting comments on the website, Instagram, order notes, and phone calls about our CBD products helping people, but we can’t list any of them.”

Banking has proven to be the No. 1 obstacle CBD producers face, including not being able to get a business loan, Scott said. But not being able to grow a business through typical social media ads is also problematic.

“One of the things the FDA has really keyed on is keeping CBD oil manufacturers from saying anything about dosage. We can’t tell people how much CBD muscle gel is good for pain; how many CBD gummies are good for anxiety, not even what’s a CBD dose for their pet.”

CBD Oil Purity and Safety Could Be Ensured With Property Product Testing

Gottlieb said the FDA could help ensure CBD safety with manufacturing standards, purity, and third-party testing during a transition period of enforcement, helping to eliminate non-professional products from the markets. Scott and Lopez said that’s a step forward they would both readily endorse.

“We worked through a number of processes and ingredients to create the purest and effect CDB vapes and supplements we could,” Scott said.

They begin with CO2 extraction process, widely accepted as the preferred process, which yields crude hemp oil that is further processed into a 99 percent pure CBD in an ISO certified lab. All of the products produced at VESL are third-party tested for purity and containments, including testing the original organic hemp for any heavy metals or pesticides.

Despite this, VESL is unable to obtain a Good Manufacturing Practices Certificate, because of the lack of even temporary FDA rules. Such certificates could go a long way in identifying professionally derived CBD oil products to stores and consumers alike.

Colorado Already Ahead of the Curve for CBD Oil Manufacture Purity

One of the problems with the lack of federal rules regarding CBD oil manufacturing is that states have differing rules, which makes it even more difficult to sell CBD supplements and topical gels. “For instance, you can’t sell any edibles to the state of New York,” Scott said.

But more so it makes it difficult for consumers to know the purity of the hemp-derived products they ingest or apply.

“Denver and Colorado have actually been pretty progressive,” Scott said. “We’re regulated by the Colorado Department of Health and Environment, the same people who regulate food products.

“You have to have the state license so the state can come out and inspect you like a commercial kitchen.”

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A holiday CBD recipe: Gluten and lactose-free organic CBD Ginger Snaps.

What’s makes you feel better during the holidays than Grandma’s old fashioned gingersnaps? Well how about treating your friends and family to something that will really make them feel better: Gluten and lactose-free organic CBD Ginger Snaps.

You’ll want to begin with 1/6 teaspoon (about 0.5 grams) of VESL’s 99-percent pure CBD Isolate, made from organic hemp, which is third-party tested to be free of all heavy metals and pesticides. Many of our clients routinely use this CBD isolate as anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety supplement, meaning it’s perfect for your older relatives with arthritis and other joint pain.

From there we’ve chosen organic, natural ingredients to make the gluten and lactose-free CBD ginger snaps, including.

1 1/2 cups (210 g) all-purpose gluten-free flour (we used Better Batter)
3/4 teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your flour blend already contains it)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup (109 g) packed light brown sugar
6 tablespoons (84 g) ghee (melted butter with the milk solids removed), at room temperature
4 tablespoons (84 g) unsulphured molasses
1 tablespoon (21 g) honey
1 egg (60 g, weighed out of shell) at room temperature, beaten
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/6 teaspoon (or about 0.5 grams) VESL 99-percent pure CBD Isolate
Royal Icing, for decorating (optional)

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line rimmed baking sheets with unbleached parchment paper and set them aside.
In a large bowl, place the flour, xanthan gum, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and salt, and whisk to combine well. Reserve.
In a small bowl, combine the wet ingredients, whisk and add the VESL 99-percent pure CBD isolate. Mix well until the CBD isolate is completely dissolved.

Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Using a mixer, mix all the ingredients to create a thick dough.

Transfer the dough to a large sheet of unbleached parchment paper, cover with another sheet of parchment and roll into a rectangle about 3/8-inch thick (more than 1/4-inch, less than 1/2-inch). If you are concerned that the dough will be difficult to handle, place it in the refrigerator or freezer after you roll it out to allow it to firm up. Pull back the top sheet of parchment paper, dip a cookie cutter of your favorite shape or simply use your hands to make rounded shape gingersnaps.

Place the individual CBD cookies, about one and a half inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Place in the center of the preheated oven and bake until brown or about eight minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to completely cool while still on the baking sheets.

These cookies can also be decorated with royal icing if desired, but allow the icing to set for 24 hours before stacking the cookies.
Enjoy this delicious CBD lactose- and gluten-free ginger snaps in good health.

VESL looks to clear the air about professionally derived CBD vaping products

Arvada, CO – News that the Center for Disease Control named vitamin E acetate as a chief suspect in vaping illness last week was hardly earth shattering to most professional vaping firms, including the VESL owners in Arvada, which produces CBD vaping pens and other CBD products used for health benefits.

Illegal THC vape products usually only reduce marijuana to a crude oil, Scott said, requiring a solvent such as vitamin E acetate to improve the viscosity of the cartridge. In contrast, VESL uses only 99-percent pure CBD oil, or isolate, in all of its products.

In Colorado, regulators are looking at eliminating vitamin E acetate a solvent compound commonly used for lower-grade THC vaping. Scott said VESL would welcome the proposed state regulations, because he believes the company’s stringent processes would be readily approved.

“I think most of us pretty much agree that vitamin E acetate will be eliminated, and regulations on putting ingredients on packaging is something we already do,” Scott said. “I’m not sure where the industry wants to go, but I hope the regulators do real research on it before enacting regulations.”

For further information on VESL and its production methods, please visit https://vesloils.com.

Is CBG the next CBD?

Hemp is among civilization’s earliest cultivated crops and cannabis among the oldest-known medicinal crop. Only lately, modern science is beginning to unlock some of the higher-use benefits of these plants, including the elusive CBG molecule.

While THC, the psychoactive compound of cannabis, and CBT from hemp are two very most well-known of the more than 100 cannabinoids that have been identified, CBG is clearly one of the most interesting. First identified in the 1940s, CBG is considered to be a sort of stem-cell of all the cannabinoids. Its acidic state cannabigerol acid (CBGA) is prevalent in younger plants but is readily fragmented into one of three other major cannabinoid groups.

Ultimately, these cannabinoid acids create more stable molecules, including THC, CBD, and CBG. CBG and CBD are readily found in hemp plants containing less than 0.3 percent of THC, as mandated in U.S. law regulating hemp products.

Recent studies into CBG’s medicinal benefits

Because of its transitive nature, CBG is considered a minor cannabinoid, as it normally constitutes less than 1 percent of mature hemp plans. However, its medicinal benefits appear to be vast due to its ready interaction with the endocannabinoid systems found in all mammal species, including humans.

The endocannabinoid system is known to help mammals keep their bodies in a state of homeostasis, for instance regulating immune cells at the site of injuries. A 2014 pre-clinical study found CBG may protect against colon cancer. Other molecular testing showed potential in treating inner-eye pressure from glaucoma, as well as other inflammatory benefits and antibacterial properties.

Studies of CBD in combination with other specific cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, have also shown interesting results. In a study of cancerous rat tissues published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, both combinations and isolated molecules were found to be effective inhibitors for various specific targets.

CBG and CBD flower as a food additive and smoking product for health benefits

While the extraction of pure CBG oil is an expensive process in comparison to CBD, cross-breeding can increase the amount of Cannabigerol present in hemp. Herbal medicine practitioners have found the flower to be effective in various ways, as a food additive and in vaping or smoking.

Selective breeding of hemp can yield much higher concentrations of CBG. For instance, VESL’s CBG hemp contains 15.5 percent CBG and only 0.17 THC.

CBD, as a smoking product, has been found to be effective in efforts to reduce tobacco consumption, according to a 2013 clinical trial by the University of London.

According to the study, “In smokers who wished to stop smoking: 24 smokers were randomized to receive an inhaler of CBD (n=12) or placebo (n=12) for one week, they were instructed to use the inhaler when they felt the urge to smoke. Over the treatment week, placebo-treated smokers showed no differences in the number of cigarettes smoked. In contrast, those treated with CBD significantly reduced the number of cigarettes smoked by ~40% during treatment.”

All information contained in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a physician or a qualified healthcare provider for any questions regarding your health and well-being.

CBD oil for acne: proving its worth in treatments

While there are many ongoing studies in the health benefits of Cannabidiol, the benefits of CBD oil for acne to reduce and prevent skin inflammation is one of the most well documented, and it’s proving its worth in treatments

“Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most studied non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid,” notes a 2014 study published in the Journal of Clinical Evaluation. “It has already been applied in clinical practice without any significant side effects, and numerous ongoing phase II and III trials intend to explore its further therapeutic potential.”

The researchers used cultured human skin to test how CBD oil may help reduce different types of acne. Cannabidiol has the ability to adjust sebum production, an oily substance that blocks the pores leading to bacterial infection, commonly known as acne. CBD oil for acne was shown not only to moderate the production of sebum but also to fight inflammation in the skin.

“Taken together, these results strongly suggest that CBD’s universal sebostatic (acting on the sebaceous glands that create sebum) action is accompanied by substantial anti-inflammatory effects, which would be very much desired in the clinical treatment of acne vulgaris,” the study states.

This anti-inflammatory property is particularly important when treating inflammation in skin cells since it triggers acne. The researchers found that CBD skincare products reduced the inflammatory signs from the immune system, decreasing the chances of future breakouts.

On a further note, a 2016 review of the cannabis plant noted the antibacterial and antifungal properties of CBD and CBG, which could potentially reduce other skin infections. Taking oral Cannabidiol, like CBD oil or CBD capsules, may also help with acne in some cases. However, most of the exhaustive studies regarding CBD oil for acne treatments have used topical applications.

To help your skincare routine Vesl has created a CBD natural skincare line, including CBD daytime moisturizer, overnight cream, and CBD serum. Our CBD face mask with activated charcoal may also help with those random pimples!

As always VESL products are made with a 99-pure CBD isolate and are third-party tested for purity.

This information is provided as educational material only. If you suffer from severe acne consult with your doctor

CBD Guide: What’s the best delivery method for you?

Now that you have taken the step of using CBD you find yourself overwhelmed by the many products and delivery methods available on the market. Today we are going to give you the CBD Guide to help you find out what’s the best delivery method for you.

First things first, we have to learn what ECS or the EndoCannabinoid System is. The endocannabinoid system is a biological system present in all mammals. This system interacts directly with cannabinoids, the compounds present in Cannabis and Hemp. The endocannabinoid system remains under preliminary research, but recent studies have shown already that it’s involved in regulating physiological and cognitive processes, including fertility, pregnancy, during pre– and postnatal development, appetite, pain-sensation, mood, and memory, and in mediating the pharmacological effects of cannabis. It is a crucial molecular system that the body uses to help maintain homeostasis. We will dedicate a full post to the Endocannabinoid System. For now, let’s talk about the delivery methods that are best for you.

CBD Delivery Methods

Like any other substance, there are different ways to administer CBD and it varies on its rate of effectiveness. There are 4 main delivery methods: Inhalation, Oral-Sublingual, Oral and Topical. Let’s find out what’s the best delivery method for you.

Inhalation – This is one of the most popular methods. Vaping or smoking CBD by-passes the “first-pass effect”. Once the CBD goes inside our lungs, it will pass through the capillaries to be distributed throughout our body through the bloodstream and making it the fastest way to get the effects of CBD.
Oral-Sublingual – This is a popular method because of its convenience. The vast capillaries located underneath the tongue will transfer the Cannabidiol throughout the bloodstream. This method is also fast and is known to be the most bioavailable, meaning it provides the highest rate of absorption into the body.
Topical – CBD topicals target relief in specif areas in your skin, mostly used to aid pain in the joints or specific skin conditions.
Oral – This is the most common way of CBD intake. It is known to have the longest rate of efficacy since it has to travel through our digestive tract and has to pass the liver. The liver enzymes will metabolize the Cannabinoid before entering the bloodstream (first-pass effect). As a result, CBD will be broken down and only a certain amount will be available to the bloodstream. Even though there is a downside in taking CBD orally, it has been known to provide the longest effect, up to about 8 hours.

The world of Terpenes: What are they?

Most of us believe that the sweet flavor in the vape pens is artificial. The truth may be far from what you expect. Terpenes are the chemical responsible for giving you that great flavor. If you’re familiar with essential oils, you and terpenes have crossed paths before. But what are they?

Terpenes, or Terpenoids, are a diverse class of organic compounds found in plants and even some insects. They are responsible for giving a plant a distinct taste and scent. In insects, terpenes are mostly used as defense mechanism making them undesirable for predators.

There are a vast number of Terpenes found in nature. In hemp, there are around 120 different terpenes. Aside from its main use, Terpenes can be used for different purposes, like in aromatherapy.

When you combine different terpenes with different cannabinoids, you get what is called the “entourage effect.” This effect describes how different cannabinoids and terpenes, once combined together interact with the receptors in the brain and the Endocannabinoid System. They work together synergistically to enhance their therapeutic benefits.

The most common terpenes and their benefits

Pinene – is commonly found in Cannabis or Hemp. It smells like a forest of pine trees. One of its most popular properties is anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator.

Myrcene – is a terpene that occurs often in highly fragrant plants and herbs such as mangoes, hops, bay laurel leaves, thyme, lemongrass, and basil. It’s also commonly found most varieties of Cannabis. Myrcene concentration dictates whether a strain will be Indica or Sativa. Strains containing over 0.5% of myrcene produce a more sedative high, while strains containing less than 0.5% myrcene have an energizing effect.

Ocimene – frequently used in perfumes for its sweet fragrance. In nature, this terpene contributes to a plant’s defense and possesses antifungal properties.

Terpineol – is easily found in over 150 plants and fruits, including Cannabis. This terpene is often used to make aromatic products like soaps, lotions, and perfumes. It also has sedative, antioxidant and anti-tumor properties.

Caryophyllene – is the only terpene known to also interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (CB2). It’s present in many herbs and spices like oregano, black pepper, and basil. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties

Humulene – is responsible for the woody, and spicy notes that give the hoppy beer that distinct taste. Hops and Cannabis share this terpene. It acts as an appetite suppressant and exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activity.

Linalool – has a floral scent that takes you to a field of spring flowers, but with spicy notes. It possesses relaxing properties and is an effective anxiety and stress reliever. It has also been used as an analgesic and anti-epileptic.

Limonene – a dominant terpene in strains with a pronounced Sativa effect. It is also found in the rinds of citrus fruits. Limonene aids in the absorption of other terpenes through the skin and mucous membranes, and has been used to treat anxiety and depression.

Terpinolene – is the least-common common terpene present in Cannabis and it carries an array of smells. Studies with mice show that terpinolene has a sedative effect when inhaled. In addition, terpinolene is responsible for many of the floral notes found in Jack Herer varieties.

Valencene – is present in Valencia oranges and contributes to cannabis’ citrus aroma.

Geraniol – Also present in geraniums, geraniol has a rose-like scent that makes it a popular perfume additive. It is an effective mosquito repellent and shows a potential protective effect against neuropathy.

TOP 5 Cannabis fascinating facts that you need to know

We love learning fun and interesting facts and it wouldn’t be different with Cannabis and Hemp. These are the top 5 fascinating facts about Cannabis that you need to know

Top 5

#1 Cannabis Absorbs Radiation

It has been shown that cannabis helps to clean the soil by eliminating toxins and radiation. One of the most well-known cases is the Chernobyl nuclear accident. Scientists planted cannabis at the disaster site and they found that this plant removed the chemicals in the soil better than any other plant. This was possible through phytoremediation.

Also growing cannabis can improve the soil when is grown as a break crop. Farmers are getting a 27% increased yield after the hemp crop because industrial cannabis puts nitrogen back into the soil, suppresses weeds and diseases, and clean contaminates out of the planet.

#2 Cannabis and Hemp are the same but different

In terms of taxonomy and nomenclature, they are the same. Both come from the same family (Cannabaceae) and genus (Cannabis). In fact, hemp products are derived from Cannabis Sativa. But there is a key difference between them; their THC content.

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main chemical compound found in Cannabis, the psychoactive chemical. It’s the chemical that makes Cannabis be the “bad guy”.

Cannabis contains up to 30% THC by dry weight, making it illegal in the United States. But Hemp contains no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Making it legal under the Agricultural Act of 2018.

#3 CBD can be found in Cannabis and Hemp, but only one is legal

CBD or Cannabidiol has been very popular these days because of its potential health benefits. This is a chemical found in both Cannabis and Hemp plants, which makes it controversial.

CBD is an entirely separate chemical compound from THC but it can still be illegal depending on where is derived from.

Under the Agricultural Act of 2018, commonly known as the “2018 Farm Bill”, hemp and hemp-derived products, including hemp-derived CBD, are legalized. A common misconception is that CBD is legal regardless of where it’s derived from. However, Cannabidiol is only legal if is derived from Hemp.

#4 Cannabis is a very old plant

Humans have been using this plant for hundreds of years.

A 10,000-year-old archaeological site in Taiwan contains pottery fragments with a twisted strand imprinted around the edge. These marks were made by pressing a rope made of hemp. Hemp was widely used in ancient China as fabric to make clothes and as paper.

Its medicinal use has been recorded in a medical textbook in China dating back to 2800 B.C. and 789 grams of 2,700-year-old cannabis was found in a Chinese tomb in 2008.

Carl Linnaeus is a taxonomist who first gave taxonomic identification of this plant in 1753. It was first introduced to the modern western world through a report done by a medical doctor William O’Shaughnessy in 1839.

#5 Cannabis comes with different names

We all know the terms used to refer to Cannabis; Marijuana, Mary Jane, Ganja, Weed, among others. But do we know where they come from?

Marijuana was coined before its prohibition around 1910-1920 when Mexican immigrants were already exploiting this plant.

In China, Cannabis has been found in an ancient medicinal textbook, Pen Ts’ao, which is credited to an emperor in 2800 B.C., referring to the plant as “Ma”.

In the report given by William O’Shaughnessy to the Medical and Physical Society of Calcutta in India in 1839, he referred to the plant as “ Almost invariably the inebriation is of the most cheerful kind, causing the person to sing and dance, to eat food with great relish, and to see aphrodisiac enjoyments”. This plant is known as the Indian Hemp or “Gunjah”.

Here are more facts about Cannabis:

The Hollywood sign was changed by a prankster in 1976 to read “Hollyweed”, after the passage of a state law decriminalizing marijuana.
In 1949, the U.S. Military created a synthetic version of Cannabis called “Dimethylheptylpyran.” Just 1 mg can have effects lasting for 3 days.
California was the first U.S. state that banned Cannabis a century ago.
Bob Marley was buried with his red Gibson guitar, a Bible open to Psalms 23 and a bud
The woman who made cannabis brownies famous by baking and distributing them to AIDS patients was actually called Mary Jane.
18.3% of Iceland’s population uses cannabis, placing them as the top cannabis consuming nation in the world.
Study after study has found that cannabis is less harmful than alcohol and tobacco.
High-achieving teenagers are more likely to drink alcohol and use cannabis than their less school-smart peers, a study of British teenagers found.
42% of people in the U.S. have tried Cannabis at least once.

Cannabigerol: what is CBG good for?

While THC, the psychoactive compound of cannabis, and CBD from hemp are two very most well-known of the more than 100 cannabinoids that have been identified, CBG is clearly one of the most interesting. First identified in the 1940s, CBG is considered to be a sort of stem-cell of all the cannabinoids. Its acidic state cannabigerol acid (CBGA) is prevalent in younger plants but is readily fragmented into one of three other major cannabinoid groups.

Recent studies into CBG’s medicinal benefits

CBG and CBD flower as a food additive and smoking product for health benefits

Selective breeding of hemp can yield much higher concentrations of CBG. For instance, VESL’s CBG hemp contains 15.5 percent CBG and only 0.17 THC. (Mention CBG tincture), and the recent new CBG Tincture 500mg contains 15mg of Cannabigerol per mL.

CBD, as a smoking product, has been found to be effective in efforts to reduce tobacco consumption, according to a 2013 clinical trial by the University of London.

Other potential health benefits for CBD and CBG:

CBD (Cannabidiol)

May relieve Anxiety
Treatment for seizure (Epidiolex)
May help with Alzheimer’s Disease
May help with Multiple Sclerosis
May help manage Parkinson’s Disease
May help prevent stroke
May help in managing arthritis pain, chronic pain, Multiple Sclerosis pain, muscle pain, and spinal cord injuries
Has anti-acne properties
May help alleviate cancer symptoms and cancer treatment side effects
May help reduce appetite

CBG (Cannabigerol)

May help regulate blood pressure
May treat glaucoma and intraocular pressure
Has anti-inflammatory properties
Has antibacterial properties
May help combat Huntington’s Disease
May help to inhibit tumor growth
Contributes to GABA reuptake inhibition which may lead to muscle relaxation, tension relief, and a sensation of calm and peace
Could help inflammatory bowel disease and colitis
May help treat eczema and psoriasis
May help increase appetite

There may be more potential benefits that CBD and CBG might offer but studies are still being done. All of the benefits that CBD and CBG are known to provide are still not approved by the FDA. Hopefully, in the near future, we can see the authorities accepting how CBD, CBG, and other Cannabinoids help many people to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Topical CBD products might be your skin’s best bet

Most of us don’t think about this, but our skin is the largest organ in the human body; our first line of defense against unwanted infection and organisms. For those in the know about topical CBD applications, the skin is also laced with more endocannabinoid receptors than any other organ. Topical CBD products might be your skin’s best bet!

While that might sound like so much gibberish, many scientists studying endocannabinoid systems, which are also found in the brain and other major organs, believe them to extremely significant. In skin cells, these endocannabinoid systems may regulate inflammation, pain and the production of oils making them extremely important in skincare.

Studies on CBD’s effect on skin disorders are showing profound results

Just coming under intense study, endocannabinoid receptors may be bound and activated by CBD and other cannabinoids produced by hemp. In essence, that means that CBD can create a more homogenous state for skin cells, helping the body to create its own cannabinoids, and in some cases helping skin cells to fight extreme conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Human skin is not permeable, but CBD has been shown to work through hair follicles or be absorbed directly with the addition of natural fats and binds cannabinoid receptors to potentially reduce inflammation, calm redness and reduce acne. Some recent studies have shown CBD products can be effective at treating eczema and psoriasis.

Cannabinoids called an “exciting prospect“ for dermatology

Studies showing CBD’s positive effect on acne are very well documented. Medical professionals are also excited about continuing studies into the use of cannabinoids for much more difficult skin conditions, as well.

“Cannabinoids represent an exciting prospect for the future of AD (atopic dermatitis or eczema) therapy,” said Peter A. Lio, MD, a Clinical Assistant Professor of dermatology and pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in a 2018 article for Practical Dermatology. “They exhibit measurable antipruritic (anti-itching), antinociceptive (blocking pain), and anti-inflammatory properties, and their use in AD has already been demonstrated.”

Similarly, a 2017 study by the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Campus found that CBD topically applied may be effective against “eczema, psoriasis, atopic and contact dermatitis .”

In that study, eight of 21 patients who applied a cannabinoid cream twice a day for three weeks completely eliminated severe itching by reducing dry skin that prompted the condition.

All natural CBD topical products

Antioxidants in CBD are another plus for topical beauty solutions, reducing free-radical damage and inflammation. A study of the effects of synthetic cannabinoids noted that skin moisturizers with synthetic CBD showed demonstrable effects even after a single usage.

VESL Oil’s topical CBD products, including CBD Daytime Moisturizer, CBD Body Lotion, CBD Overnight Crème and RENEW – CBD Face Serum are made with all natural ingredients and include our 99-percent pure CBD isolate.

The difference between CBD Oil and Hemp Oil

As you browse through different CBD websites, you come across different terminologies that can confuse CBD consumers. We’ve seen a lot of Isolate, Distillate, Full-Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, Hemp Oil and Hemp Seed Oil for different CBD products from a variety of CBD companies. But is Hemp Oil the same as CBD Oil? We want to talk about the difference between CBD Oil and Hemp Oil.

Similarities and Differences

Both Hemp oil and CBD oil are from the Cannabis Sativa plant. But the similarity ends there. CBD oil is extracted from the plant’s leaves, stalks, and flowers. Hemp oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant.

CBD or Cannabidiol is only present in the leaf, stalk, and flower of the Cannabis Sativa plant. However, there are only trace amounts or even no amount of CBD and other Cannabinoids in the seed. Never believe when companies say that the potential benefits of CBD can also be found on Hemp oil. But never dismiss Hemp oil. Hemp seed is considered a superfood and can provide us with a variety of benefits as well.

What benefits can we get from Hemp Seed oil?

Hemp seed contains a variety of fatty acids and minerals that can help us maintain a healthy body. Hemp seeds are rich in Omega-6 (linoleic acid) and Omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) which are very good for your heart. It also contains arginine, an amino acid that produces nitric oxide that helps your blood vessels relax and dilate which in turn helps regulate blood pressure.

Hemp seed also contains GLA or gamma-linoleic acid which is also known to reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Hemp Seed Oil seems great! But how about CBD Oil?

The extraction of CBD is done by either the high-alcohol proof method or the supercritical CO2 method. Once the CBD is extracted, it is combined with MCT oil, grapeseed oil, or other carrier oils. These methods allow for the highest possible availability of CBD.

But hemp seed oil is extracted via the cold-press method. It is done by pressing the seeds until the oil separates. As we learned, CBD and other Cannabinoids may be non-existent or in very small amounts.

CBD is known to have a variety of potential health benefits as well. Though the benefits are somewhat case specific but are believed to be a potent natural chemical.

CBD or Cannabidiol attaches to the receptors of the body’s ECS (Endocannabinoid System) and acts to assure the body’s homeostasis.

Here are other benefits of CBD:

May relieve Anxiety
Treatment for seizure (Epidiolex)
May help with Alzheimer’s Disease
May help with Multiple Sclerosis
May help manage Parkinson’s Disease
May help prevent stroke
May help in managing arthritis pain, chronic pain, Multiple Sclerosis pain, muscle pain, and spinal cord injuries
May have anti-acne properties
May help alleviate cancer symptoms and cancer treatment side effects
May help reduce appetite

Conclusion

Depending on your intention in dabbling with Hemp, both CBD Oil and Hemp Seed Oil can provide you with benefits for your body. Just look at the ingredients of the product to make sure you’re taking either CBD Oil or Hemp Seed Oil.

Lastly, make sure to buy products from reputable companies that provide COA (Certificate of Analysis) to make sure you are buying high-quality products.

How to read a CBD/CBG label: What do you need to know?

So, now you’re ready to buy your first CBD! But there is still more that you need to know before you make your first purchase. Let us help you with that. We will guide you on how to read a CBD label and what you need to know.

Brand or Company’s Website

There are many CBD brands on the market these days. Sometimes, instead of guiding us, it makes us even more confused because of the wide range of products offered.

The first thing that you need to choose is the right company. When choosing a brand, look for these two things:

1.Check the website and how it looks. Reputable CBD companies sell their products online and will invest in making a pleasant, professional-looking website.

2.Make sure the COAs are available for customers on the website. COAs are the Certificate of Analysis of the products. If they are public, you have the confidence that the brand is transparent and you can check their quality and purity.

CBD Contents

If you have already researched different CBD companies, you probably felt overwhelmed with some of the descriptions such as full-spectrum, Isolate, Zero THC, among others. Let us help you with that.

Full-spectrum – this refers to all naturally occurring chemical compounds found in hemp

Broad-spectrum – refers to all naturally occurring chemical compounds found in hemp without THC

Isolate – refers to the presence of pure CBD without other cannabinoids. Isolate CBD products should include “THC Free” or “Zero THC” in the label

Another ingredient you may need to know is terpenes. Terpenes, or Terpenoids, are a diverse class of organic compounds found in plants and even some insects. They are responsible for giving a plant a distinct taste and scent. In insects, terpenes are mostly used as defense mechanism making them undesirable for predators.

CBD companies use terpenes as natural flavoring to their CBD vapes, oils, and other products. Terpenes combined with other Cannabinoids are believed to result in what is called the “entourage effect”. This effect describes how different cannabinoids and terpenes, once combined together interact with the receptors in the brain and the Endocannabinoid System. They work together synergistically to enhance their therapeutic benefits.

CBD Label

Make sure to look at the CBD label when buying CBD products. Some companies may not be completely transparent with it. You may think that you’re getting the desired ingredients in a product but be getting something else that is not even suited to what you need. Learn how to read a CBD label and what you need to know.

When looking at the label, first check if CBD is present in the label. Words like Cannabidiol, CBD, or Hemp Extract are acceptable. Hemp extract is sometimes used instead of CBD because of the changing laws and regulations.

But if the product doesn’t include those terms, you should question the purity of the product. It is important to know that Hemp seeds do not contain CBD or other Cannabinoids present in the Hemp or Cannabis Hemp.

Reputable companies include CBD with a carrier oil to make tinctures. Carrier oils may come as MCT Oil, Grapeseed Oil, or even Hemp Oil.

CBD Concentration

You may see 1,500mg, 1,000mg, 500mg on the label of the CBD products that you buy. These amounts refer to the concentration of CBD in the whole product. To know the specific CBD quantity you’re getting, divide the total mg by the total ml. For example, for 1,500mg CBD in a 30ml bottle, you will be getting 50mg of CBD per ml. This applies to oils, vapes, gummies, salves, gels and other CBD products.

Serving Size

CBD companies may want to give recommendations on how you can administer CBD. Remember that these serving suggestions are not approved by the FDA and merely act as guides to help us consume CBD safely.

Some CBD oils recommend using 1-2 (1ml) dropper-full per day. Gummies may recommend consuming 2-4 gummies per day.

The best way to get the best information is to seek medical advice from your doctor or Naturopath.

Conclusion

Having this information will guide you to make an informed decision. Not all CBD companies and products are the same. We buy CBD because of its potential benefits and it is our duty to keep ourselves from sub-standard products that may cause more harm than good. Make sure you read the CBD label and understand what you need to know.

Novel Coronavirus update: here is what you need to know

We have the platform and social responsibility to inform not only our customers but our community about what is happening in the world. In this case, the Coronavirus outbreak. We want to give you a Novel Coronavirus update and what you need to know about the pandemic.

We found that many people are misguided about the threat of CoronaVirus or are just in complete disregard. We’ll try to give you the current and correct information about the CoronaVirus and help you with simple steps to protect yourself and your family against this pandemic.

What is Coronavirus?

According to the World Health Organization, the name of the disease is the “Coronavirus (COVID-19)”. The virus that is responsible for this disease is “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)”.

Viruses are named by its genetic structure and the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) is the committee responsible for naming the virus. ICTV confirmed that the virus responsible for COVID-19 is related to SARS, another outbreak that had its effect mostly in Asia in 2003. While related, the two viruses are different. However, the name of the disease is officially classified by WHO in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). The reason that the virus’s name is not mentioned most of the time is to prevent unnecessary panic.

The US has reported 41 deaths from the coronavirus. There are a total of 1,629 (Updated March 13th, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) cases of coronavirus across 45 states and Washington D.C. The WHO now has declared the outbreak a pandemic.

Coronavirus Symptoms

The best way to check is to look for common respiratory symptoms:

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
Breathing difficulties
Tiredness
Nasal congestion
Runny nose
Sore throat
Diarrhea

In severe cases, the infection can cause:

Pneumonia
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
Kidney Failure
Death

But we want to stress that some people get infected without suffering from any symptoms.

Who is most at risk of COVID-19?

The risk depends on where you are or have been. If you have been in a location where there is an outbreak, you are at risk.

The WHO is still learning about how COVID-19 affects individuals but people with pre-existing medical conditions (high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes) and older people appear to develop more serious illnesses.

Is there a cure for COVID-19?

There are some western, traditional or home remedies that can alleviate the symptoms of COVID-19 but for now, no current medication can prevent and cure the virus. The WHO does not recommend self-medication with any medicines, antibiotics, etc. Antibiotics do not work against a viral infection because they only work on infections caused by bacterias.

How to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

COVID-19 are known to spread through droplets. There are a few steps we can take to prevent getting infected from the COVID-19 virus. Here are some:

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or with an alcohol-based product.
Cover your nose when coughing using your sleeve or tissue
Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever or cough
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
If you are displaying symptoms, seek medical care early and report any travel information you may have
If possible, limit close contact with others, especially if they present symptoms or have been in the outbreak areas
If you are taking care of someone exhibiting the symptoms, wear a face mask, wash your hands regularly, and avoid touching your face

Viruses are self-limiting; no medicines are known to cure it, although some medicines can be used to alleviate the symptoms. The best way for us not to contract the virus is by getting the correct information and making sure that we follow the steps to protect ourselves and our families. Keep calm, don’t panic and just take the steps to avoid spreading the virus.

Stay informed

Visit the following official websites for more information about the current COVID-19 situation:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

CBD and Health: How to naturally boost your Immune System?

A healthy Immune System can protect you from diseases and help you live a longer healthier life. Currently, with the worldwide health concern from the Coronavirus Pandemic, we are worried about our natural defense systems more than ever.

If you want to learn more about this virus and how to protect yourself against it, read our last article on our blog by clicking here.

While we can’t control the Coronavirus or other viruses and diseases, we can do things on a daily basis that naturally boost our Immune System. This will help us to remain healthy and avoid sicknesses and infections. Our bodies have amazing defense mechanisms, but we must give those systems what they need to operate at optimum levels. We will give you tips on how to naturally boost your Immune System.

How does the Immune System work?

When the body senses foreign substances, called antigens, the Immune System is in charge of getting rid of them. Your body will produce special antibodies, this protein will lock onto the antigens.

Once this happens for the first time, your body usually stores the information about that specific germ and how to fight it. This way, your body will be ready for the next time it gets infected from the same germ, bacteria or virus. There are also studies that show cannabis can have a profound impact on the human immune response system.

Natural ways to boost your Immune System

Your first line of defense is to have a healthy lifestyle. There are ways to strengthen your Immune System naturally through exercise and food.

Raw Garlic

Garlic is easily found in every cuisine in the world and it’s a must have for your health. Raw garlic has been used for centuries for its health properties including decreasing the risk of heart disease, improve mental health, and enhancing the Immune System.

Raw garlic contains compounds called alliin that when the raw garlic is crushed or chewed this compound turns into allicin. This compound converts to other sulfur-containing compounds that have been shown to boost the disease-fighting response.

How? Just cut one clove into small pieces and swallow it with water. You won’t even taste it, we promise! Take 1-3 cloves per day.

Turmeric

You may know turmeric from Indian food or curry sauces. But this bright yellow spice has also been used for many years as a natural anti-inflammatory. This spice also contains antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Studies have shown that Turmeric acts as an antioxidant to enhance your immune system.

How? A good way to include Turmeric into your diet is by making it one of the main spices in your cooking. There are plenty of recipes with Turmeric that you can get inspired and creative in the kitchen. Another option, if you don’t like the flavor is to take it as a dietary supplement. This method is easy and very effective, available in capsule form at most grocery stores.

Drinking plenty of water

Water helps to carry oxygen to your body cells, which ultimately supports the proper function of your systems. It helps to remove toxins and prevents them from building up, which has a negative impact on our Immune System. Every cell in your body uses water, operating under dehydration is the number one cause of break-downs in the immune system.

How? It is very easy to forget to drink water. A good trick is to always carry with you a reusable water bottle. Another good way to make yourself drink more water is by giving it a little flavor with natural fruits like lemon, strawberries or blueberries. Consume at least 1L of water each day.

Meditation

Studies have shown that Meditation, as a stress reliever, and can boost your Immune System to higher levels. Stress, on a chronic level, is not healthy. Over time, stress can knock down your immunologic health. It can increase inflammation which can lead to numerous diseases and vulnerability. There are even studies that show chronic stress can shrink the size of your brain!

How? Try meditation at home, start 5-10 minutes a day. There are many tutorials, and videos for beginners. It’s all about practice! If you have time a great practice is counting backward; start from 300 and count down to zero after one or two sessions start with 1,000 to challenge yourself further.

Sleep

Sounds easy, right? Many people these days have trouble sleeping and getting quality rest. The lack of sleep can affect negatively your Immune System. Research shows that people who don’t get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus.

How? Rituals before going to sleep like reading a book, drinking caffeine-free tea or aromatherapy can help. They are worth trying and nonexpensive habits.

Recent research shows that CBD may have properties that help to balance the sleep cycle, aiding your body to stay in a state of calm and relaxation while sleeping.

Does CBD help the Immune System?

The Endocannabinoid System helps to maintain and establish homeostasis, or balance, between the different systems in our bodies. Studies have found that CBD may influence your Immune System and it has anti-inflammatory properties.

CBD has anti-inflammatories properties that may support the Immune System’s inflammatory response. This prevents toxins from spreading.

What is CBG Cannabinoid? The Mother Molecule

Hemp has over 100 cannabinoids, all with a different genetic profile and unique properties. The most well known and abundant in the plant are CBD and THC. However, as science progresses and more independent companies invest in R+D, more cannabinoids are discovered. One of them is Cannabigerol, or CBG, a cannabinoid present in small quantities but with big and promising properties. Although CBG is “new” on the market, phytocannabinoid was first discovered in 1960 by researchers in Israel.

What is CBG?

Cannabigerol is another phytocannabinoid present in the Cannabis and Hemp plant. Unlike THC, CBG is non-psychoactive meaning you will not get the “high” feeling. Like CBD, Cannabigerol also interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors present in different parts of our bodies. Research has shown that CBG binds primarily with CB2 receptors. These receptors are part of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) which is essential for our bodies to maintain homeostasis or balance. The receptor CB2 is mostly found in immune cells, spleen, and some non-neuronal brain cells.

Now, why is CBG known to be the mother of all cannabinoids? This is because Cannabigerol is the first chemical that the plant produces, so it’s considered as the “stem cell” of the hemp. As the plant grows, Cannabigerol matures deriving in other cannabinoids like THC, CBD, CBN, among others. The remaining amount of CBG in a matured plant is significantly lower than CBD, that’s one of the reasons why the extraction and final product is more expensive.

What are the potential benefits of CBG?

Although the studies on CBG are limited, it is known that it has unique properties that are catching the attention of scientists. A study with mice from 2015 discovered that CBG has the potential to be a treatment for neurodegenerative conditions, such as Huntington’s disease. According to research, CBG is known to have the potential to improve the following health conditions:

Inflammatory bowel disease
Glaucoma
Bladder dysfunctions
Huntington’s disease
Bacterial infections
Cancer
Appetite loss

We always encourage you to do your own research and look for high-quality products. There are not many options on the market for CBG. Vesl Oils has developed a unique formula with pure CBG Isolate.

Anxiety explained. Can CBD help you?

We all have experienced being anxious and scared at some point in our lives. Public speaking, phobias, over worrying about something… these are normal manifestations of anxiety. However, sometimes it may happen too often or for a long period of time warning us that something might be wrong. Environmental factors can trigger anxiety but it can also be caused by physical and internal factors. CBD may be a natural alternative for anxiety helping the body rebalance and heal organically.

Anxiety Explained

Anxiety is a feeling of fear and worry. It is our body’s natural response to stress. Some situations make you feel anxious but a little anxiety is normal. Anxiety can help you to be more aware of your surroundings and to focus on the task ahead. However, prolonged anxiety can have a negative impact on your body.

The type of anxiety that lasts for more than 6 months, and/or interferes with your daily activities are extreme forms of anxiety. A person experiencing this may have an anxiety disorder. Although depression is a different condition, studies have shown that it is related to anxiety. It has been observed that people who experience depression exhibit one of the multiple forms of anxiety.

Symptoms

Anxiety attacks people differently and the symptoms also vary from person to person. Some may feel an upset stomach or palpitations. Nightmares, panic attacks, fear or worry, and feeling out of control can also be manifestations of anxiety.

The most common symptoms are:

Palpitations
Restlessness
Insomnia
Lack of focus

Anxiety is very common. Studies suggest that it is observed in 1 out of 8 children. Studies also found that lifestyle changes and medication can help manage it.

There are a couple of known anxiety disorders. These include:

Panic Disorder – panic attacks happening at undetermined times. Someone with a panic disorder will be fearful of not knowing when the next attack will occur

Phobia – these are fears (normally irrational) exclusive to a specific object or situation

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) – a fear of being judged or being around people

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – repeated behaviors caused by irrational thoughts

Separation Anxiety Disorder – a type of anxiety disorder that may manifest when being away from family, home or loved ones

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – anxiety after a traumatic situation or experience

Can CBD help with Anxiety?

CBD is one of the more than 100 chemicals found in Cannabis and Hemp. It does not have psychoactive properties. Research has also shown that CBD has properties that may help in managing stress. CBD is known to interact with the EndoCannabinoid System in our body. It binds with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, mostly found in our central and peripheral nervous systems. It is also known to alter serotonin signals.

Serotonin is a chemical that our own body produces. It is made of the essential amino acid tryptophan. Serotonin is known to be a natural mood stabilizer. Low serotonin levels in our system can result in mood disorders such as anxiety or depression.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse, based on studies for General Anxiety Disorder, says that CBD has been shown to reduce stress in rats. Other studies also show that CBD can help reduce the anxiety levels for SAD and PTSD as well.

In 2016, research has also found that CBD can have antipsychotic effects in people with schizophrenia.

Bottomline

CBD shows promise in terms of helping its users manage stress and anxiety. It can be potentially good news especially for people who are experiencing it.

Please refer to our last blogs (click here)to help you learn more about what CBD can potentially do for you

Exercise and CBD: How you can benefit from Hemp

Since the boom of the “health fad”, we are constantly looking for ways to be fit and stay healthy. From keeping track of what we eat and how much we sleep, to taking supplements. Speaking on that… natural supplements are one of the most consumed products in the health industry. One of the most popular is the CBD supplements. Many fitness enthusiasts and even professional athletes are starting to link exercise and CBD in the hope of finding natural support to recovery.

The scientifically known overtraining syndrome, or OTS, is the systemic fatigue and declining performance in sport. This condition is very common in people who are new to fitness and attempt to start with too much intensity. This can result which can result in mood changes, decreased motivation, and even injuries.

Exercise and CBD: how can it help?

The human body has a biological network called the endocannabinoid system, also present in all mammals. This network is made up of neurotransmitters and receptors specifically sensitive to cannabinoids. Hemp can produce different effects when it connects with the receptors in our body’s immune system, enabling it to more readily produce its own cannabinoids.

Studies have shown that hemp products have promise in treating the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.

Let’s get buffed up with Hemp!

First and foremost, No! Hemp will not give you a superman-like body nor will it give you the energy to workout non-stop! But Hemp products may help you in a different way, especially if you are suffering from OTS.

Any physical exercise whether running, lifting weights, or exercise in general, can cause microscopic damage to the body’s muscles and tissues. These damages can cause inflammation, that’s why we feel sore, especially the day after a strenuous exercise. It’s the same inflammation that triggers the body’s repair processes, allowing our muscles to grow back stronger.

While studies currently debate exactly when exercisers should try to curb inflammation and when they should just let the body recover on its own, they also suggest that hemp products can be a powerful aid as an anti-inflammatory compound.

Hemp shows a lot of potential in helping with exercise-related injuries when it reacts with the endocannabinoid receptors in muscle tissues, nervous system, and brain.

So the next time you feel pain after an intense workout, make sure you have some Vesl Oils Muscle Gel to help to reduce that soreness.

Disclaimer: All information contained in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a physician or a qualified healthcare provider for any questions regarding your health and well-being.

Cannabis law in Illinois: Can I buy CBD in Chicago?

The cannabis industry is very volatile due to the legislation. Unfortunately, hemp or cannabis is not federally legal and each state has different laws and restrictions. Recently, the state of Illinois changed the rules making cannabis legal for medical and recreational use. Now, many people still wonder if CBD oil in Chicago is legal and easy to buy.

Interestingly, CBD and the state of Illinois have a very special relationship. CBD or Cannabidiol was first discovered in Illinois by Roger Adams in 1940. At that time, CBD or any Cannabis/Hemp-derived products were prohibited in Illinois because the state passed a resolution prohibiting the use of Cannabis in 1931.

In 1978, the Illinois parliament started loosening its grip with Cannabis by enabling the use and sales of Cannabis as medical marijuana. In 2013, they enacted the “Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act”. It endorses the prescription and administration of medical cannabis to patients who are registered in the program. The act also stipulated the 30 medical conditions that allow having access to the prescription.

But last year, the Illinois General Assembly passed the law legalizing the sale and use of recreational Cannabis. The law has taken effect in January of 2020 making Illinois the 11th state that ended the Cannabis prohibition in the United States.

Does the new law make CBD oil in Chicago legal?

Because of the Hemp Farming Act of 2018, CBD from Hemp is now removed as being a Schedule I Controlled Substance making it legal in all 50 states. The new law in Illinois however, makes CBD and any Cannabinoids derived from Cannabis legal.

The new Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act comes with restrictions and regulations. The act does not permit the following:

Purchasing under 21 years old
Possessing cannabis over the allowed limit
Driving after consumption
Taking cannabis out of the state
Growing without a license
Selling without a license
Consuming it at non-approved places

Another restriction is where you can sell it. Recreational Cannabis can only be sold at state-licensed medical dispensaries. The state also left the option to individual cities to decide whether they can sell recreational cannabis in their jurisdiction. Check with your local city or town if the sale of recreational cannabis is allowed.

The state of Illinois is now starting to see the importance and potential benefit of Cannabis and Cannabinoids. Illinois made the necessary changes to make sure its citizens can benefit from it.

No matter where you live, you can purchase all VESL OILS Products as our CBD is derived from Hemp. You can check our products by visiting www.vesloils.com.

VESL OILS meets HIGH TIMES MAGAZINE

A vision that seemed far away… until now. Vesl Oils meets High Times Magazine, the venture is one of the many moves that Vesl has made this year to propel its mission to bringing CBD for all. The talented team behind the brand has been working hard to make it happen.

HIGH TIMES MAGAZINE: A brief history

High Times Magazine is a trailblazing magazine that started in 1974 by the brilliant underground journalist and Cannabis rights activist Thomas King Forçade. The original idea was to create a one-time satire play of the magazine Playboy substituting naked women for Cannabis.

Thomas King Forçade, also known as Gary Goodson, knew the power of media and ran the Underground Press Syndicate using the money earned from Cannabis to finance the magazine. It was going very well, from the cover of the girl kissing a mushroom and breast dripping in chocolate, to Bob Marley and other celebrities. Unfortunately, 1978 was one of the worst years of the magazine. Thomas King Forçade committed suicide at the age of 33. From then on, High Times Magazine had its ups and downs.

Under new leadership, the magazine started to publish a variety of topics, from cocaine to political issues. This change wasn’t well received by the readers which made High Times Magazine go back to its main topic, Cannabis.

VESL OILS COME INTO PLAY…

The first Cannabis Cup was started in 1988 in Amsterdam by High Times Magazine. It’s the world’s foremost cannabis festival. The contest allows judges to sample and vote for their favorite cannabis-derived products. Unfortunately, after 27 years 2014 was the last High Times Hemp Cup for Amsterdam.

In 2010, High Times Magazine mounted its first Cannabis Cup in the United States. This has been possible thanks to the increased legalization of Cannabis in many states. Expert judges vote on best sativa, indica, hybrid, concentrates, edibles, and the highest level of CBD in hemp-derived products.

Vesl Oils entered the Hemp Cup 2020 contest, winning an award for best CBD Rich Omega-3 Fish Oil for pets. Vesl strives to offer the highest quality to its customers. Vesl Oils’ mission to provide customers with high-quality CBD products for all has never been more clear and we commit to deliver.

Are cannabis companies out of the Stimulus Package?

Healthcare workers are working hard to stop the spread of the COVID-19 in their respective hospitals. In the meantime, grocery stores struggle to maintain the food and other essential products supply. Recreational and medicinal Cannabis is considered an essential business and it remains open to the public during the quarantine. Despite this situation, dispensaries and other Cannabis companies are out of the $2 Trillion Stimulus Package.

Cannabis is still federally illegal as it is seen as a Schedule I controlled substance. The Cannabis industry is not included in the list of businesses eligible for this COVID-19 relief package. In addition, banks may even be prosecuted if they provide loans from the Stimulus Package to any Cannabis-related business.

The global Cannabis industry sales went up to $15 billion in 2019, as per Arcview Market Research data, most of it from the United States. There are other businesses and industries that posted annual sales lower than that however those are eligible for the Stimulus Package.

How about the CBD industry?

CBD is federally legal in 50 states. CBD and any Hemp-derived products are not considered as a Schedule I controlled substance. Because Hemp-related businesses are considered to be ancillary cannabis businesses, they are technically allowed to apply for the stimulus package loans. However, the chance of getting a loan is lower than other companies in different industries.

Many people find health benefits in Cannabis- and Hemp-derived products making a positive impact in society, especially during this uncertain time. According to recent studies, Cannabinoids may help with anxiety, stress, chronic pain, sleepness, and other health conditions. Not to mention the positive impact in the national economy while so many other industries are struggling.

Cannabis is deemed essential by many states but ineligible for federal stimulus. If the SAFE Banking Act could allow banks to do business with Cannabis-related businesses. For now, the act passed in the house and has been introduced in the Senate.

Vesl Story Series: Raina O’Dell

Raina O’Dell, as known as its.just.raina on IG, is a health and fitness coach that advocates a healthy lifestyle and balance. She has over 85k loyal followers that she supports every day with her inspirational food and workout routine.

We all have a life journey worth sharing, and today Raina O’Dell tells us her story.

Tell us how The RainavsFood Brand came to be… Can you share your journey?

In 2012, I was married to a drug addict who had multiple affairs while I raised two daughters who were under 5 years old. I was struggling with anxiety, depression, anorexia, later bulimia, and I just had no idea who I was or what I wanted in life.

I knew that I needed to do something to start taking care of myself and to make my health a priority so I started logging what I was eating just to become aware of it on a website called MyFitnessPal. My profile name I created was RAINAVSFOOD because I literally saw it as a battle vs. FOOD, the one thing that was controlling my life that I KNEW I could regain control of.

It may have been ‘good luck’ but the name STUCK and really became my identity.

Can you talk about how you help women to have a better understanding of diet and exercise?

Exercise used to be a foreign word to me. I played B-Team in high school basketball and NEVER played because I was so bad at it. After high school, fitness wasn’t even on my radar, and even into motherhood, it wasn’t something that I made a priority or thought about making time for.

It wasn’t until I hit rock bottom that I decided to take care of my health. That included exercise AND learning how to really fuel my body. My mission is to help women specifically, learn how to regain control of their eating habits.

We’re emotional creatures. When things are good, we grab food. When things are bad, we grab food. Stress, fatigue, anxiety, celebration, socially, etc… we grab food.

I’ve spent YEARS putting my knowledge into play within my OWN journey to virtually transform before my followers’ eyes to SHOW what I offer works.

So now, I help women every month who need guidance in their journey. I run accountability groups online and provide tools to help them reach their goals. In addition, we do weekly calls and daily check-ins to give an extra push of accountability and motivation.

“I discovered CBD after finding out that I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. YEARS of destroying my body wreaked havoc on my insides.

This plant has brought so much RELIEF into my life.”

How did you discover CBD? What was your purpose in trying it?

I discovered CBD after finding out that I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. YEARS of destroying my body wreaked havoc on my insides and within a year, I had all of my large intestine and part of my small, removed, leaving me with a permanent ileostomy bag. <- THIS is a huge reason why I preach HEALTH. I am a firm believer that what I put my body through let me to my diagnosis.

After being diagnosed, I was told that I would be on prescription medications indefinitely. This didn’t sit right with me and leaving that appointment, I was determined to find a more natural option for myself. I looked online and did a lot of research on this and that’s when I stumbled upon VeslOils. I started dosing CBD daily, multiple times a day and noticed SO much relief that I weaned myself off of the prescription medications.

It’s been 2 years since my last surgery and I haven’t had any OTC or prescription meds since.

DISCLAIMER: I don’t suggest and will never tell someone just to STOP their medications. This is something I chose to do after REALLY looking into it and assessing my situation.

Can you talk about what Hemp and Cannabis mean to you?

RELIEF. That’s it. This plant has brought so much RELIEF into my life. Because of my history, I’m that woman who wakes up every morning with immediate anxiety. Could be my kids, haha… could be my hustle, could be the way I’m wired. I use CBD daily for that anxiety, stress, pain, inflammation… and even sleep.

It may sound extreme, but I can’t imagine where I’d be without being able to incorporate CBD.

Tell us something that you are especially excited about:

Life is just crazy right now. Hahah! COVID has messed us all up a bit, hasn’t it? But to be honest, not much in my life has shifted and THAT is what I’m excited about. I crave routine, I crave consistency, mentally AND physically.

The fact that I work from home already, workout at home, and have experience homeschooling my kids, saved me.

I’m in a really good place right now with my health, thriving actually. Physically I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been. Mentally, I can’t slow down, and don’t want to! Haha!

I’ve been stripped of my health, my mindset, my physical appearance, and my habits before… and now that I’m thriving, my FAVORITE thing in the world is to teach other women to regain control as well.

8 Inexpensive gift ideas for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is coming up! Do you know what you’re getting for your mom? This is one of the most special days of the year. Because of that, we tend to spend hours on the internet thinking about what to get for our moms. Accessories, clothes, jewelry, expensive skincare products… but sometimes what makes them the happiest is in the little things. We wanted to give you 8 inexpensive Mother’s Day gift ideas to make her feel special and loved.

Mother’s Day brief history

We celebrate how our mothers influence our lives and help us grow. But, have you ever thought about how this day became… Mother’s Day?

The celebration in honor of our mothers can be dated back to the ancient Roman civilization. Ancient Romans held festivals dedicated to Cybele and Rhea, the Roman mother goddesses. Upon the Christianization of the Roman Empire, this festival was known as “Mothering Sunday”.

“Mothering Sunday” was once a major tradition in the UK and rest of Europe where the people would return to their “mother church” which is the church in the vicinity of their home for a special service. The observance of this celebration falls on the fourth Sunday of the Lent. This day is based on the Lunar Calendar, that’s why the date of Mother’s Day in the UK is different than in the US.

Here in the US, Mother’s Day falls on every second Sunday of May. The precursor of Mother’s Day in the US can be traced back in 1868 when Ann Reeves Jarvis organized the “Mother’s Friendship Day ” where mothers from both Union and Confederate gather to promote reconciliation.

Julia Ward Howe then wrote the “Mother’s Day Proclamation” in 1870. This proclamation is a call to ask mothers to unite in promoting world peace. Following Anna Reeves Jarvis’ death in 1905, her daughter, Anna Jarvis conceived of Mother’s Day as a way to celebrate all of the mothers’ sacrifices made for their children. Anna was really stern in making this day to the national calendar as most holidays are focused on men and their achievements. Eventually, President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure that officially established every second Sunday of May to be celebrated as Mother’s Day.

The gift ideas!

Now that we have knowledge about the rich history of Mother’s Day, it’s time to give you some tips on how we can celebrate this day without breaking the piggy bank. Here are the 8 Mother’s Day gift ideas:

1 A special date – you can take your mom to go around her favorite spots in the city capped off with a simple restaurant dinner or picnic

2 A peek to her past – gather old photographs of your mother and compile it into an album or a simple scrapbook

3 Mother’s day coupon – nothing would melt your mom’s heart more than seeing her kids do chores at home! Make a coupon of her chores that you’ll do whenever she likes to redeem it

4 Breakfast in bed – arrange your mother a simple breakfast in bed! It doesn’t have to be an expensive breakfast. It’s the thought that counts

5 A penny for your Totes – some moms enjoy grocery shopping and even find it relaxing. Make her a custom tote bag that will remind her of you whenever she goes to the grocery store

6 Books – if your mom likes to read, give her a book that you know she’ll enjoy and leave a simple note inside

7 Letters – cards are overrated and lazy. If you want your mom to know how much she means to you, write her a letter or even record a voice message for your mom. Make an effort!

8 Plants – ornamental plants are very therapeutic and give to the room a sense of relaxation. If she likes plants and flowers, get her a beautiful plant that she can nurture

These are just some ideas of the many inexpensive little things that you can do for your mom on Mother’s Day. Remember, moms don’t actually need an expensive gift. All they need is to feel that you remember them and that you appreciate all their sacrifices for you. Our mothers are a very important part of our lives. We would not be who we are today without their guidance. Make sure to make her feel special and loved!

We want to hear from you! Leave in the comments below your ideas. Sharing is caring 🙂

Happy Mother’s Day, mom!

CBD Oil for IBS: does it actually help?

Recently, Cannabinoids and specifically CBD, have been a subject of many studies as it shows promise as a treatment for many inflammatory illnesses. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a very common disease affecting between 25 and 45 million people in the United States. With so many cases, many researchers are studying the properties of CBD oil for IBS.

Cannabinoids are the naturally occurring substances of Hemp and Cannabis. These components have many properties, like antiinflammatory, that are beneficial to humans and other animals. Our bodies have the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which helps regulate our basic functions like appetite, sleep, pain, among others. This system is designed to receive and interact with Cannabinoids like CBD or CBG. When this happens, the ECS identifies the functions and other systems in your body that are out of whack and reestablish the internal balance, called Homeostasis.

Many people reported that CBD Oil for IBS is been helping to manage and minimize certain symptoms. We did our research and found many studies that support this. As CBD has potent anti-inflammatory properties it may reduce inflammation caused by IBS calming the unwanted symptoms.

What is IBS?

IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects about 1 out of 8 Americans today. Common signs and symptoms include moderate to severe abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, flatulence, or constipation.

IBS can be misdiagnosed as the symptoms are very similar to gastrointestinal issues. While Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be treated it can’t be cured, it’s a chronic condition that patients have to learn how to best manage it over time. Changes in diet and lifestyle can help you control de symptoms, however, severe symptoms need medical intervention.

What causes IBS?

The cause is still unknown and researchers keep conducting studies to understand it better. There are factors that play an important role in causing Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

Muscle contractions: The intestines contract every time food passes the digestive tract. Weak contractions can cause constipation as food passes slowly. Flatulations can be caused by strong contractions. So changes in the normal intestinal contractions can cause IBS.

Increased immune-system cells: Increased immune-system cells in the intestines can be attributed to pain and diarrhea. Patients with IBS can be seen with high immune-system cells in the intestines.

Bacterial overgrowth: IBS can be seen in patients with a high bacterial count in the intestines.

Changes in the gut flora: The gut contains a lot of “Microflora” or good bacterias that fight the bad bacterias we may ingest. Studies have shown that some IBS patients have a slightly different microfloral composition than non-IBS people.

Stress: People known to have IBS can have more severe attacks during periods of increased stress.

Hormones: It has been known that more women suffer from IBS than males. Most IBS attacks occur during the menstrual period.

Food: IBS patients can have more severe symptoms when they eat or drink certain food products. Beans, citrus fruits, dairy products, milk, and carbonated drinks can be a trigger.

CBD oil for IBS: does it help?

CBD will not cure IBS but may help with inflammation and some of the severe symptoms. CBD oil for IBS may help relax the gastrointestinal tissues which may lead to fewer spasmodic episodes. It can also help regulate the contractions of the intestines which can halt diarrhea and constipation. CBD has shown to have the potential aiding stress and anxiety management which might help hinder severe IBS symptoms.

A study conducted in 2011 in Israel with 30 IBS patients showed that all 30 patients reported general well-being and health improved. 21 patients had a notable improvement and only 2 required surgery after using cannabis for 3 years.

There are many studies showing that Cannabinoids can help with a variety of illnesses. If you are looking for natural remedies to help you with IBS or any other illness always talk to your physician or Naturopath first. Do your research to understand your symptoms and your options, and always look for high-quality and minimally processed products.

All information contained in this article is for purely informational and educational purposes only and it is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a physician or a qualified healthcare provider for any questions regarding your health and well-being.

Isolate, Full Spectrum, and Broad Spectrum: what’s the difference?

When looking for the right CBD there are many terms that can be hard to understand. It is important to know the different types of CBD as they can come from different sources and have different extraction processes. The most common CBD oil types are the isolate, full-spectrum, and broad-spectrum.

CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, is the most abundant naturally occurring chemical compound in Cannabis and Hemp. It is one of more than a hundred phytocannabinoids found in the plant. The extraction process is what defines what type of CBD you will get. Not all CBD is created equal, and knowing the different types of CBD can help you make the right choice.

CBD Isolate

CBD Isolate is the purest form of CBD, containing up to 99.99%. This pure isolate is often referred to as CBD crystals as a result of the supercritical CO2 extraction method, then grinding it to powder making it available for human consumption. This extraction process makes the cleanest and purest products.

Full Spectrum

Full-spectrum is the extraction of all cannabinoids, including THC. This type is high in CBD but also contains flavonoids, terpenes, and other cannabinoids like CBN, CBDV, THCV, CBG, CBC, THCA, CBDA. Many people like what is called the “entourage effect” which is the combination of all the compounds found in the plant. Full-spectrum will typically have less than 0.3% THC.

Broad Spectrum

Broad spectrum CBD is the middle option between isolate and full spectrum. Like the full spectrum, the broad spectrum CBD preserves all the compounds in the extract, except THC.

Which one is best for you?

They are all great options of CBD, it will depend on your body and your sensitivity to THC. If you’re concern about passing a drug test the best option is CBD Isolate.

CBD Isolate won’t provide you with the “entourage effect”, however, it’s a very easy and safe way to control your dosage and know exactly how much you’re taking.

Is CBG good for anxiety and stress relief

Anxiety refers to a general state of stress and nervousness caused by fears or apprehensions of what’s to come. The fears could either be real or unfounded. According to statistics, anxiety disorders affect some 40 million people aged 18 and older in the U.S alone. That makes these disorders the most prevalent mental illnesses affecting Americans. The good news about anxiety is that the condition is treatable. However, only about 36% of victims seek treatment, with the rest choosing to suffer in silence. But one thing worth noting is that anxiety disorders are highly contagious.

Indeed, it’s almost impossible to lead a normal life if you’re living with a partner who is struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder. With time, their traumatic episodes might affect you at a personal, social, and professional level. That underscores the significance of seeking treatment, regardless of whether you’re suffering from anxiety yourself or are related to a person that does.

Stress is the body’s physical, mental, and emotional reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response. In a dangerous environment, stress signals the body to prepare to face a threat or run away to safety. However, chronic stress can be harmful to your health. With long-term stress never receives the right signals to return to normal functioning disturbing the immune, digestive, cardiovascular, sleep, and reproductive systems.

Why CBG for anxiety and stress?

Experts believe that cannabigerol, also known as CBG, may have a positive impact on relieving anxiety and stress. But first things first… what is CBG?

You might already be familiar with the cannabis plant. The plant produces numerous compounds, which are medically referred to as cannabinoids. While there are more than 130 cannabinoids in cannabis, cannabigerol is known as the “Mother Molecule“. CBG is non-psychoactive so you will not get “high” when you take it. Like CBD, Cannabigerol also interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors found in the ECS helping you maintain a state of internal balance.

Can CBG help with stress and anxiety?

CBG interacts with the receptors in your Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS refers to the body’s system of endogenous cannabinoids that’s responsible for regulating normal body homeostasis. Besides endogenous cannabinoids, the endocannabinoid system also contains various cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB1 and CB2 receptors.

CB1 receptors are generally located around your brain and central nervous system while CB2 receptors are widespread throughout your peripheral nervous system. The core functions of the endocannabinoid system include pain alleviation, treatment of inflammation and insomnia, and relieving anxiety and stress symptoms.

Whenever you’re feeling anxious, your body’s endogenous cannabinoids usually kick in to try and “restore your normal homeostasis”, which in this case is relieving the anxiety and stress. With strong and robust immunity, your ECS will almost always be effective at treating anxiety. However, with a suppressed immune system your endogenous cannabinoids may fall short of alleviating the condition. And that’s where CBG comes in.

CBG oil impacts the activity of your endogenous cannabinoids, which may help your ECS to fight anxiety and stress more effectively. The substance binds to CB2 receptors, and as a result, enhances the secretion of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating mental health. Low levels of this chemical are associated with stress and anxiety. The fact that CBD doesn’t readily bind to CB1 receptors, which are located in the brain, explains why the substance is not psychoactive.

What does research have to say?

Studies have shown that Hemp-derived products can be used as a natural anxiolytic among people with a social anxiety disorder. In these studies, researchers recommend Cannabinoids for its ability to calm a patient down without causing any side effects. You can administer oil tinctures beneath your tongue which offers high bioavailability.

In terms of impacting your endocannabinoid system, Cannabinoids activates hippocampus neurogenesis. With the regeneration of more neurons, the substance indirectly activates CB1 receptors, which consequently balances the levels of GABA and glutamate, thereby reducing anxiety.

CBD Oil and Coffee

The year 2018 marks the “Year of CBD”. Cannabinoids, more specifically Cannabidiol, start to swell the news, internet, and social media. People start to get familiar with the potential benefits and research centers begin to conduct more studies to prove the therapeutic properties. In the meantime, the wave of CBD products comes with creative different ways to consume it. CBD infused cosmetics, shakes with CBD, protein bars, and now even CBD oil and coffee. But are all these infused products just a trend or does it come with specific benefits? Let’s dig in deeper.

The perfect combination?

Coffee has been cultivated, traded, and consumed for thousands of years. Caffeine is a stimulant compound found in different types of food, not only coffee. Coffee can help to keep you awake on sleepy mornings, working late at night, and being focused in meetings. But it can also create addiction and may make you feel jittery and unfocused if consumed every day or in high quantities. That’s when CBD comes into play. Cannabidiol may help with anxiety relief, pain management, and focus. The potential ability to improve focus make CBD and coffee the perfect pairing.

Benefits of pairing CBD and Coffee

Blocks the neurotransmitter responsible for tiredness

CBD oil and coffee are great together! The combination of the two of them can help to reduce tiredness and significantly improve focus. Tiredness is an effect of the accumulation of the neurotransmitter adenosine. Once there is a build-up of adenosine, our neurons become slower at transmitting messages making you feel fatigued.

Caffeine is great at blocking adenosine build-up. CBD on the other hand works to improve the efficiency of adenosine receptors.

Can counteract the side effects of coffee

Caffeine is energizing but sometimes it can make you feel anxious and nervous. CBD can help to minimize this effect while keeping you focused.

Can help with Caffeine withdrawal

Coffee can create addiction and some people may want to stop drinking coffee. Some long term coffee consumers feel the adverse effects of caffeine more than it’s benefits. Depression, low concentration, irritability, and headache are among the common caffeine withdrawal symptoms. CBD can help counteract these withdrawal symptoms for those who want to decrease the amount of caffeine intake.

Can you give CBD Oil to dogs?

Many studies have shown that CBD may have health benefits for humans. Now, science is also looking at the potential benefits for pets. Some pet owners have reported that CBD has helped with a myriad of conditions and some others wonder if they can give CBD oil to the dogs.

Since the legalization of Cannabis in some states and the Hemp Farming Act of 2018, the industry has grown very fast offering an extensive variety of CBD products for humans and animals. But pet owners are still concerned about 2 things: pets getting “high” and overdose.

In July 2018 a study of the effects of hemp-based CBD in dogs with arthritis was published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. In the study, the dogs were given one of the 2 treatments, 2mg of CBD per kg ow placebo oil every 12h. Aside from showing no side effects, there was a significant decrease in pain and increase activity in 80% of the dogs that used CBD as a treatment. It was concluded that 2mg CBD per kilogram twice a day could help dogs with osteoarthritis.

The American Kennel Club – Canine Health Foundation is funding a study, through the Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, evaluating CBD’s potency in treating epilepsy in dogs. This will potentially be the first scientific study of CBD in animals.

What are the possible benefits?

Science believes that anything medical cannabis can do for humans it’s potentially as beneficial for dogs and cats.

Pain and Inflammation – Older dogs are more likely to benefit from CBD as it may aid with pain management. Arthritis is one of the most common conditions older dogs face and CBD may help by reducing inflammation.

Seizure – It has been estimated that around 5% of dogs suffer from seizures. Most seizures are treated by drugs such as phenobarbital and potassium bromide however these medications can be very harmful to the dog’s liver. CBD may lessen the intensity and frequency of seizures. Besides, it is a great natural alternative to synthetic drugs.

Anxiety – CBD has shown to have the potential in managing anxiety and stress in humans. It is also promising in reducing pet’s anxiety like separation anxiety and thunder phobia.

How can you make sure you have the right product for your pet?

Not all CBD products are the same. Here are some tips to help you pick the right product for your furry friend:

Organically-grown Hemp: always look for organically-grown hemp-derived products. Otherwise, you may be getting CBD that contains pesticides and other harmful chemicals. This is the first rule not only for your pet but for you as well!

Treat your pet’s health like you’d treat yours: dogs are one of the most loyal friends one could have. Always try to find the highest quality in the market for your pet. They deserve it!

Certificate of Analysis: look for third-party lab-tested products. Most reputable brands make these certificates available on their website. This helps you to identify possible ingredients or chemicals that you don’t want to give to your furry friend.

No THC: THC or delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, is the chemical found in cannabis that gives humans the “high” effect. This is something that your pet doesn’t need. Find products with zero THC or with the least amount of it.

Best CBD delivery methods for pets: the best form of CBD for pets are Oil or treats. The big advantage of the oil is that it’s easy to administer as you can adjust the dosage specifically to your pup’s needs.

The dosage: avoid feeding CBD to your pets by winging it. Many CBD pet products include dosage directions per weight in the label. Follow the instructions and your best friend will be happy!

Loyalty is the number one trait of dogs. We should repay our dog’s loyalty by making sure that they are healthy and happy. CBD can be a natural way of showing that we love them!

Gift ideas for Father’s Day

Have you heard of the phrase “fake it till you make it”? That’s a parent’s dilemma. There are not enough books that will ever train you to be a parent. Parents just deal with things as they come, it’s a constant learning experience. We all love our dads, those strong, reliable, and sometimes quirky men in our lives. We all want to make sure our dads feel loved, that’s why we want to share with you ideas for Father’s Day gifts!

Early history

We always like to start with some history behind these special dates such as Father’s Day. It’s always enriching to learn the why behind the things we do, even if it’s Father’s Day gifts. Do you know when did we start celebrating it?

The early traces of Father’s Day dates back to the middle ages in Europe. The Orthodox Church appointed a day called Sunday of the Forefathers. A day to commemorate Jesus’ patriarchal lineage emphasizing Abraham, who has been named the “Father of all nations” according to the Bible.

The Catholic Church in Europe had a celebration of fatherhood back in the 1500s. It was celebrated on March 19, which is St. Joseph’s day, especially in some countries in Europe and Africa.

Father’s Day in the US

Anna Jarvis is the woman who is responsible for Mother’s Day, which has been deemed as one of the busiest holidays of the year. But Father’s Day was not received with the same enthusiasm as Mother’s Day. That didn’t stop Sonora Smart Dodd, a Spokane, Washington resident, and raised by a widower to petition the establishment of a date equivalent to Mother’s Day to celebrate fathers.

A church in West Virginia sponsored for the very first time an event to honor fathers on July 5th, 1908. This celebration was a one-time event in lieu of the Fairmont Coal Company mines explosion. The next year, Ms. Dodd took it further and went to local churches and government officials to push her idea to celebrate all fathers. Eventually, she had success and Washington was the first American state to celebrate Father’s Day on June 19th, 1910. It slowly spread and by 1924 the special date became a national annual holiday, thanks to President Calvin Coolidge.

As Americans, we are very proud of those who served the country. During World War 2, many of them were fathers and after that, this holiday became more popular and traditional.

A gift to dad

We won’t blame you if you can’t think of a good present for your dad. Fathers can sometimes be aloof, quirky, and altogether weird. But they can also be funny, sensitive, and affectionate. So what should you get for your dad? Sometimes dads just really want simple things. Here are some ideas to make your dad feel extra special this Father’s Day.

A relaxing day – Dad’s life is filled with chaos. Work, parenting, supporting the family…these are just some of the things that all dads deal with. Giving him a day off of everything can be a great present! Give him his favorite book or drink and help him have a stress-free day.

Clean, Clean, Clean – Parents always want us to clean, the house represents them in a certain way. Moms usually ask us to clean the inside of the house because it portrays a good and organized home. While dads are more worried about the garage, backyard, and outdoor areas as it represents their ability to provide. It’s basic psychology. Cutting the lawn, fixing the porch lights, and cleaning the garage can all be a big help that will make your dad very happy!

The little things – Try to observe your dad and see what he needs. Sometimes they won’t tell you so you have to make the effort of finding out what they want. A shaving kit, a cocktail glass set, a new tool-box, new activewear… watch him and you’ll know what he needs.

Father’s Day gifts don’t need always to be expensive things. Just show him with the little things that you appreciate and love him. Dads may not tell you very often, but they all need their family’s love. They need it more than you think they do.

Happy Father’s Day! xx

Vesl Story Series: Chris Mosier

Chris Mosier is a trailblazing athlete, coach, and the founder of TransAthlete.com. In 2020 he made history by becoming the first transgender athlete to compete in the Olympic Trials in the gender with which they identify. Prior to that, in 2015 he became the first openly trans man to make a Men’s US National Team. Following the national championship race, he was instrumental in getting the International Olympic Committee policy on transgender athletes changed, and in June 2016 he became the first trans athlete to compete in a world championship race under the new rules, where he was the second-fastest American man in his group. He has been called “the man who changed the Olympics” by the BBC and New York Magazine. Chris Mosier is a six-time member of Team USA, representing the United States in the sprint triathlon and the short course and long course duathlon, which is a run/bike/run event, a two-time Men’s National Champion, and a Men’s All-American

“Excelling in any area of your life takes time and consistency, so focus on becoming a better version of yourself in some way, every single day.”

Who is ‘The Chris Mosier’?

I am many things! Athlete and activist are always listed first, but I am a husband, a bunny caretaker (we have three incredible bunny roommates!), and a community builder. In sport, I am a multisport athlete and 6x member of Team USA in duathlon & triathlon, and most recently have been competing in racewalking (yes, you read that right!). In January 2020 I competed in the Olympic Trials for the 50k Racewalking event. Beyond sport, or perhaps because of sport, I am a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion in sport.

Your motto is “Be who you needed when you were younger.” Why is that important to you?

When I was looking for examples of who I wanted to be and how I could possibly show up in the world, I didn’t see people who were like me – I didn’t see transgender people, specifically trans men like myself, in sport. When I finally made the decision to transition and to tell others I am trans and to continue to pursue sport at a high level, I realized what a difference it would have made if I had seen me today when I was younger. I want to be the person I needed when I was younger – and the person others need to see today.

How did you discover CBD?

My wife put me on to CBD! She was researching natural solutions for chronic pain associated with endometriosis, and she found a lot of relief pretty quickly after starting a daily CBD regimen. Seeing her success in using it was all the proof I needed – it didn’t take long for me to realize this was something I could use to help with my own recovery from the pains of training, and when I learned more about the other benefits around sleep, anxiety, stress relief, and reducing inflammation, I was hooked.

“I quickly found that CBD helped me manage the stress and anxiety that also come along with a high-performance lifestyle.”

As a professional athlete, what are the benefits you see in Hemp-derived products?

The focus for me is always overall health and wellbeing, and figuring out how I can sustain high performance for the longest period of time. I want a long career and a long life! It is critical to take the best care of myself and my body that I can. I started taking CBD to help relieve pain and to improve my sleep, which is so important for recovery and performance as an athlete. But I quickly found that CBD helped me manage the stress and anxiety that also come along with a high-performance lifestyle. For the past three years (pre-COVID-19) I was traveling about 120 days of the year in addition to training. Now that I’m no longer traveling because of the pandemic, there is a whole different set of stressors and anxiety. CBD and CBG have helped immensely, but the biggest game-changer for me recently has been the CBD Muscle Gel – I use it before and after training and my body feels better now than it did five years ago. I recently suffered a torn meniscus and I really fell in love with the gel as I worked to rehab my knee and leg. I can’t say enough good things about it.

What is your advice for young athletes to compete at a professional level?

Keep grinding! Excelling in any area of your life takes time and consistency, so focus on becoming a better version of yourself in some way, every single day. And remember, you are more than the sports you play and the team you are on. While being an athlete is an important part of my identity and the identities of many others, it’s not the sole determination of our value or worth in this world.

Where can people keep up with you?

I track all of my training and advocacy on Instagram @thechrismosier – connect with me there!

CBD recipes: 4th of July

Everyone is excited about the 4th of July. The hotdogs, the parade, fireworks… we all make memories during this special holiday. One of the main focuses on this date is the food! We all love the classics, but isn’t good to have a little tweak to your recipe and have something different for your guests? In our CBD recipes series, we want to share with you this easy, healthy, and tasty recipe to level up your 4th of July BBQ!

A bit of history

First, let’s remember why we celebrate the 4th of July and how this tradition started.

In April of 1775, the initial skirmishes for the Revolutionary War took place. That is also the year when some colonists wanted complete independence from Great Britain. The feeling was further fueled by Thomas Paine when he created the thought-provoking revolutionary pamphlet called “Common Sense” in 1776.

That same year the Congress formed a five-man committee which included John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman, Benjamin Franklin, and Robert Livingston to make a draft justifying the independence claim.

The independence resolution was finally ratified by a unanimous vote on July 2, 1776. The Declaration of Independence was formally adopted to the Continental Congress on July 4th. Even though the actual vote for independence was made on July 2nd, Americans adopted July 4th as the official day to celebrate independence.

4th of July and Fireworks

Fireworks are part of the identity of Independence Day and have a history behind it. On July 4, 1777, Philadelphia was the first state to celebrate independence. Cannons from ships fired a 13 gun salute in honor of the 13 colonies who strived for independence. The Sons of Liberty also set out fireworks over Boston Commons that same night.

Becoming a Federal Holiday

The United States faced off against Great Britain once more in the War of 1812 which fueled the wide-spread patriotism among Americans. Although the political significance of this event waned down, an Act of U.S. Congress in 1870 made July 4th a Federal Holiday making Federal Employees earn wages on this holiday.

Interesting Facts about the 4th of July

A student was the one who designed the 50-star American Flag. Robert G. Heft was a student in 1958 when his teacher assigned a homework assignment to design the new flag. He attached 2 stars on a 48-star flag since Alaska and Hawaii are nearing statehood. Although he got a B- from his teacher he decided to send his homework to Washington D.C. The new design was recognized as the new flag in 1960.

There was something written on the back of the Declaration of Independence. There was a simple message written on the back of the Declaration of Independence “Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776”. No one knows who wrote it and why. One theory states that this has been added as a label since there are many copies of it.

Population Boom. There was only an estimate of 2.5 million people living in America in 1776. Now the population is recorded at 331 million people in America in 2020.

Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both passed away just hours from each other on July 4, 1826, which coincidentally falls on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Hotdogs, hotdogs, and more hotdogs! Americans are estimated to consume 150 million hotdogs according to the National Sausage and Hot Dog Council during the 4th of July holiday.

4th of July CBD recipe

Here is an amazing grilling CBD recipe to share with your friends and family!

CBD Marinated Chicken and Onion Kebabs

Ingredients

1/2 c. plain yogurt

2 plain yogurt 2 cloves garlic, grated

1 tbsp. grated fresh ginger

1 tsp. garam masala

1 tsp. ground turmeric

1/2 to 1/3 tsp of CBD isolate (powder)

2 tsp. lemon zest, plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 11/2-inch pieces

1 medium-size red onion, cut into 1-inch wedges, then halved crosswise

Any type of bread as a side

Directions

1 Combine yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, CBD, lemon zest and juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Add chicken and combine with the yogurt mix. Let marinate 15 minutes.

2 Thread chicken and onions onto six large skewers. Grill, turning occasionally until chicken is cooked, about 8 to 10 minutes.

3 Serve kebabs with bread and enjoy!

The potential benefits of CBG

There has been a rise of awareness about hemp the past couple of years and many people are starting to feel more comfortable talking about it. But only a few know about the history of this interesting plant. Archaeological evidence proved that hemp and cannabis have been found used for thousands of years by ancient civilizations: from fabric and paper to therapeutic use.

Recent scientific evidence points out to hemp’s potential health benefits. The three most popular cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (cannabidiol), and now, CBG hemp (cannabigerol).

CBG: What is it?

CBG or cannabigerol is starting to get more attention. Often referred to as the mother cannabinoid, CBG starts as its acidic form CBGA. It has been found that CBGA, where CBG comes from, is also the precursor for THCA, CBDA, and CBNA, which turns into THC, CBD, and CBN respectively. That is why the amount of CBG in hemp is very little or even non-existent.

Is CBG different from CBD?

CBD and CBG are similar and different at the same time. They are both non-psychoactive which means that its users won’t get “the high” effect. They have both been found to be well-tolerated by humans. While both CBD and CBG have shown in recent research to have potential in managing anxiety, CBG might have more benefits than CBD.

CBG’s Potential Benefits

May help regulate blood pressure
May treat glaucoma and intraocular pressure
Has anti-inflammatory properties
Has antibacterial properties
May help combat Huntington’s Disease
May help to inhibit tumor growth
Contributes to GABA reuptake inhibition which may lead to muscle relaxation, tension relief, and a sensation of calm and peace
Could help inflammatory bowel disease and colitis
May help treat eczema and psoriasis
May help increase appetite

CBD 5 Myths and Facts

CBD is out there, from supplements to cosmetic products. Its rise in popularity means that many companies are putting their eyes on it. But as consumers, we need to get the best information possible to make an informed decision. We always encourage you to do your own research and learn as much as possible about it. In this article, we highlight the CBD oil’s most popular myths and facts.

MYTH #1: CBD will get you high

Let’s define the word “psychoactive” first. The term “psychoactive” means chemical substances that change a person’s mental state by affecting how the brain and nervous system work.

With that being said, THC is the component in Cannabis that delivers the psychoactive effect, well known as “being high”. However, CBD, just like coffee or other foods or drinks, can be classified as “psychoactive” by definition. This is because Cannabidiol may help your body to achieve a balanced state giving you a better mood and overall health.

MYTH #2: CBD will make you sleepy

Contrary to the popular belief, CBD is not a sleeping pill like melatonin or other over the counter sleep aids. So, why do many people say CBD makes them sleep? Those statements are not false. The Endocannabinoid System has receptors distributed in our whole body. With CBD, some of these receptors are designed to assist basic functions like appetite and sleep. By balancing the sleep cycle it might also help you sleep better and longer.

Another theory is that a good night’s sleep might be a side effect. There are many reasons why some people don’t get enough sleep. Two of the main reasons are anxiety and stress. We do many activities throughout the day, work, school, relationships… things that all can cause unnecessary stress. And stress can cause anxiety, making sleep very difficult. Here is where CBD might help by calming the anxiety and alleviating stress which will indirectly help you sleep better and achieve your REM sleep.

MYTH #3: The higher the CBD dose, the better

This myth is clearly out of the base. While many people see results using low doses some people need higher doses of CBD to feel any improvements. The reason is that there are different factors to consider in terms of finding the proper dosage. You have to consider if you have ever used CBD before, why you want to use it, and your metabolism.

Research consistently shows that CBD’s effectiveness range is between 10 to 20 milligrams per kilograms of weight per day. Thus, on average it’s about 700 to 1,400 milligrams per day. But again, this will also depend on the results you want, if you’re a regular user, your metabolism, and the type of CBD you’re using. We always recommend starting low and working your way up if necessary.

MYTH #4: CBD has no scientific evidence of being beneficial

This is just not true. CBD has been backed with numerous studies that show evidence of having many beneficial properties to humans and animals. The FDA-approved CBD medicine Epidiolex is a great testament to CBD’s potential. There are thousands of citations in PubMed regarding CBD, Endocannabinoid System, Cannabinoid receptors, and more. As always, do your own research.

MYTH #5: You’ll get the results you want immediately

This can be true but it mainly depends on 2 things: what type of results you’re looking for and how you are administering it.

Knowing the right delivery method for you can determine how fast you’re getting the benefits that you’re seeking. From vapes, sublingual, and topicals, all of these methods of administration have its pros and cons. If you want to know what’s the best delivery method for you, read our comprehensive article “CBD guide: What’s the best delivery method for you” (click here)

Learning about your overall health starting point is another determining factor. If you have a chronic illness, CBD will not help you cure it. But it might help to manage symptoms like pain, lack of appetite and sleep. What is for sure is that one time using it is not going to give you immediately the results you’re expecting.

It may take you a week or even a few weeks to start seeing positive effects. It is recommended that you take note once you start taking CBD and monitoring any changes. That way it’s easier to see if it’s working or not and if you need to change the dosage.

Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency

Ever since it has been discovered in the mid-1980s, the Endocannabinoid System or ECS has been considered a breakthrough in the world of medicine. Doctors and researchers have been trying to study this system to further unlock the keys to our bodies and the recent theory of clinical endocannabinoid deficiency.

To understand ECS and what it does, think of it as a car. It has an engine and other essential parts for the car to run. But for the car to work smoothly, it needs water for the radiator, oil to the engine, etc. That is what ECS is. It is a series of complex biological systems of endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. These components help the body achieve and maintain homeostasis, an internal balance. The ECS regulates a range of functions and processes including sleep cycle, mood, appetite, memory, reproduction, and fertility. The ECS is still present and active in your body even if you don’t use Cannabis.

Understanding the ECS

To better understand the ECS, we need to remember 3 key components: receptors, (endo)cannabinoids, and enzymes.

Endocannabinoid Receptors

Endocannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body and are embedded in cell membranes. From your brain cells to other tissues’ cells, they are everywhere. With the help of endocannabinoids, the receptors carry the information throughout the body that signals where it’s needed.

There are 2 well-known receptors: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are mostly found in the central nervous system while CB2 receptors are found in the peripheral nervous system and other parts of the body.

Endocannabinoids and Cannabinoids

The endocannabinoids act as a key while the receptors act as a lock. They bind to the receptors to carry out information providing the specific benefit needed. There are 2 known endocannabinoids: anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG). These are molecules made by our body to pair with the receptors and carry out its function. These help keep the internal functions of our body running in perfect condition. However, scientists are still studying to figure out the typical or normal levels since the body produces them as needed. That’s where cannabinoids come into the picture.

There are more than a hundred cannabinoids known, produced by animals and plants. Scientists are very eager to learn more about the relationship between cannabinoids and the effects on the human body.

Cannabis is known to have more than a hundred cannabinoids. The most famous cannabinoids are delta-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, cannabidiol or CBD, cannabigerol or CBG, cannabinol or CBN, among others. These phytocannabinoids bind with our internal receptors to help maintain our body’s homeostasis.

Enzymes

After the endocannabinoids carry out their function, they need to be broken down. That’s where enzymes come into play. There are 2 main responsible enzymes: fatty acid amide hydrolase which breaks down AEA, and monoacylglycerol acid lipase which breaks down 2-AG.

Studies are underway to better understand the Endocannabinoid System. At the basic level, the ECS is known to regulate our body’s clock helping to maintain quality sleep, good mood, and lessen anxiety. Also, cannabinoid receptors are very present in areas of the brain responsible for memory, emotions, and metabolism. This makes them a vital part of our body’s overall wellness and basic functionality.

As we learned, the ECS is a vital part of our body. It is now being theorized that different health conditions are related to the deficiency of the Endocannabinoid System.

Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD)

In 2001, a neurologist Ethan Russo first coined the term CECD. He states that many common diseases may be related to the deficiencies of the endocannabinoid system just like how the lack of acetylcholine, a memory transmitter, is the key to dementia in Alzheimer’s, and the lack of other molecules which result to other conditions like depression and Parkinson’s disease.

Remember that ECS’s main role is to maintain our body’s homeostasis and it is known to be everywhere in our body. Any imbalance may potentially result in a wide variety of symptoms like inflammation, anxiety, pain, nausea, and mood swings. These symptoms are considered to a variety of conditions that are not pathologically related but are now being classified into the ECS umbrella.

There are many studies about ECS and there are a lot more on the way. But despite the advancement in research, therapies that target the deficiencies of the ECS are very few. Unfortunately, both cannabis and the endocannabinoid research are slowed down by political barriers and underutilization. The currently available research provides solid arguments for the theory but further research needs to be done to classify CECD as a pathology.

Summer activities and CBD

Summer is one of the favorite seasons for most people. It means vacation, warm weather, beach, and fun activities. We’re all excited about all the things that we can do in this beautiful season. However, this year is a little different, we’re living in a historic time due to the pandemic. But there’s still a lot of opportunity for summer activities and CBD can help you make the most of it from keeping your skin hydrated to muscle recovery.

Summer activities we love!

Paddleboard or SUP

Paddle surf has become very popular in the past couple of years. It’s a water sport born from surfing with modern roots in Hawaii. One of the reasons why people are drawn to paddleboarding is because is a full-body workout while you’re still having fun in the water. SUP works your core, improves your cardio-fitness and balance. It’s one of the most popular summer activities!

CBD and paddleboard is the perfect combo. While this water sport keeps you active and burning calories CBD can aid muscle recovery. Cannabidiol has natural anti-inflammatory properties contributing to faster recovery.

Fishing

Fishing is a very fun sport to do by yourself or with friends and family. You can do it by a river, lake, pond, or ocean. It’s the perfect excuse to get in contact with nature and challenge yourself. There are many different types of fishing, bait casting, fly-fishing, spinning, and trolling.

Fishing requires patience and focus. Here is where CBD can help. Cannabidiol encourages the production of your naturally occurring endocannabinoids to function better.

Going to the beach

Beach is almost a synonym of vacation. Many of us love laying in the sand, enjoying the sound of the waves, and swimming in the salty water.

As we already know, one of the most known benefits of Cannabidiol is its anti-inflammatory property. Since UV exposure causes inflammation in the skin, as redness and sunburn, it is a good idea to add CBD to your sun-care routine.

These summer activities are a great way to disconnect from the day-to-day routine and relief stress. Eating the right foods and getting quality sleep is also important to keep your body functioning at its best so you can keep up with summer!

CBD for energy

CBD has been known as a versatile chemical with many already known potential benefits and many more to be discovered. Its known benefits are anxiety relief, sleep regulator, focus enhancer, among others. So if CBD promotes sleep and relaxation, how is CBD also used for energy? That’s how great CBD is! But let’s learn more about how CBD can increase your energy.

How CBD is an Energy Booster

Our body has what is called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). This system is there to regulate body functions like sleep, mood, metabolism, and many more. Scientists are studying other connexions between the ECS and other systems in the human body. Basically, what the ECS does is to maintain the body in a state of balance, called homeostasis.

The ECS has receptors and endocannabinoids which pair together and transmits information as to how the body should function. Cannabinoids are natural chemicals outside of our body (which can be found in plants and animals) which can also pair and bind to the receptors to carry out a specific function.

Now, these functions can differ from increasing hormones, hindering pain signals, and many more. This is where CBD and other cannabinoids come into play. Cannabinoids are known to bind to receptors but scientists are seeing that CBD interacts in a specific way to influence the system indirectly.

CBD may help increase alertness by acting upon the serotonin receptors within the nervous system improving mood and energy. CBD’s role with serotonin is not yet fully understood, however, recent studies found that CBD affects how the brain responds to serotonin. Low serotonin levels mean that you might feel fatigued or lethargic. High serotonin levels help fighting anxiety which will lead to a better mood and high energy.

CBD is also known to provide you with a good night’s sleep. It is also important to know what is the cause of your insomnia like anxiety, pain, environmental factors, or diet. Cannabidiol and Cannabigerol have shown in recent research to have anti-anxiety effects and helping pain and inflammation management.

The ECS may also help to regulate the sleep cycle. CBD’s potential actions on anxiety and pain will greatly help our Endocannabinoid system to regulate sleep. Which is very important in providing us with energy. Sleep is our body’s way of charging up. It gives us strength and energy the next day.

That is how CBD works to boost energy. CBD may help to manage pain and anxiety so you can sleep better and wake up the next day full of energy!

Is CBD legal in all 50 states?

Hemp has been legalized federally since the Farm Bill in 2018 which reclassified Hemp as legal. This automatically made Hemp-derived CBD products legal in all 50 states so you’ll assume CBD or any Cannabinoid is legal in your state but it’s not so simple.

CBD’s legality depends on how it’s made and the purpose of it. CBD can be sourced from hemp or marijuana which still remains illegal in some states. Even if cannabis is legal in your state, the legality of the CBD sourced from marijuana could vary if the CBD is for medical or recreational use.

The Farm Bill

The 2018 farm bill is legislation that was passed in the US to reauthorize many expenditures in the prior US farm bill from 2014. One of the big changes of the bill was the federal legalization of Hemp, making CBD available and legal in all 50 states. However, the bill still gives the power to each state to oversee the legality of hemp and restrict it. Between 2018 and 2019, 3 states banned any form of CBD but fortunately the ban didn’t last long and now those states welcome CBD with certain restrictions.

CBD law by state

State	Is it legal?	Any restrictions?
Alabama	Yes	No restrictions
Alaska	Yes	No food or beverage CBD-infused
Arizona	Yes	No food or beverage CBD-infused
Arkansas	Yes	No food or beverage CBD-infused
California	Yes	No food or beverage CBD-infused
Colorado	Yes	No food or beverage CBD-infused
Connecticut	Yes	No baked goods
Delaware	Yes	Hemp grower must be affiliated with Delaware State University
Florida	Yes	Labeling/packaging is regulated
Georgia	Yes	No food or beverage CBD-infused
Hawaii	Yes	No restrictions
Idaho	Yes	Free-THC required
Illinois	Yes	No restrictions
Indiana	Yes	Labeling/packaging is regulated
Iowa	Yes	Less than 0.3% THC required. Sold only in dispensaries. You can buy online
Kansas	Yes	No food or beverage CBD-infused
Kentucky	Yes	No CBD tea
Lousiana	Yes	Few product restrictions
Maine	Yes	Only legal if extracted from licensed Maine hemp farmer
Maryland	Yes	Unclear
Massachusetts	Yes	Food and beverage requires testing
Michigan	Yes	No food or beverage CBD-infused
Minnesota	Yes	No food or beverage CBD-infused
Mississippi	Yes	Must be at least 20:1 CBD:THC ratio
Missouri	Yes	Minimum age 18
Montana	Yes	No food or beverage CBD-infused
Nebraska	Yes	No food or beverage CBD-infused
Nevada	Yes	No food or beverage CBD-infused
New Hampshire	Yes	Unclear
New Jersey	Yes	No restrictions
New Mexico	Yes	No restrictions
New York	Yes	No food or beverage. Purity test required
North Carolina	Yes	No food or beverage CBD-infused
North Dakota	Yes	No restrictions
Ohio	Yes	No restrictions
Oklahoma	Yes	No restrictions
Oregon	Yes	No restrictions
Pennsylvania	Yes	No food or beverage CBD-infused
Rhode Island	Yes	No restrictions
South Carolina	Yes	No food or beverage CBD-infused
South Dakota	Yes	Medical use, epilepsy.
Tennessee	Yes	No restrictions
Texas	Yes	Labeling/packaging is regulated
Utah	Yes	State registration required
Vermont	Yes	No meat/dairy CBD-infused
Virginia	Yes	No restrictions
Washington	Yes	No food or beverage CBD-infused
West Virginia	Yes	No food or beverage CBD-infused
Wisconsin	Yes	No food or beverage CBD-infused
Wyoming	Yes	No restrictions

Plants that contain Cannabinoids that aren’t Hemp

Cannabinoids have been a synonym for cannabis. “Canna” is already a big giveaway. But surprisingly, cannabis is not the only plant where you can find cannabinoids. There are many plants with Cannabinoids that aren’t Hemp. But what is a cannabinoid?

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemical compounds. These chemicals react and bind with the receptors of our Endocannabinoid System (ECS) to carry out its functions. ECS is an intricate system of receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes that work together to maintain the body’s homeostasis. The most well-known cannabinoids today are THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, CBD or cannabidiol, and the rising CBG or cannabigerol.

Plants with Cannabinoids that aren’t Hemp

Phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids found in nature. There are many plants, aside from cannabis, that contain cannabinoids, the powerful compounds.

Black Truffles

These super expensive black truffles, which are hunted by well-trained pigs and dogs, are at the top of culinary ingredients. Mostly used in sauces and shavings, many people don’t know the benefits black truffles also bring.

Italian scientists were the first to find that black truffles contain anandamide, known as the “bliss molecule”. Anandamide is an endocannabinoid and our bodies naturally produce this chemical. This endocannabinoid attaches to the CB1 receptors which result in the regulation of mood and pain.

Black Pepper

Black pepper is a staple kitchen ingredient used as flavoring to our food. Commonly found in India and Vietnam, this spice will make food much more delicious and the aroma is just very enticing. It contains a large amount of beta-caryophyllene (BCP), a terpene that can also be found in Cannabis. But black pepper has also been found to initiate a physiological response within the CB2 receptor. This plant also contains anti-inflammatory properties.

Cacao

Considered to be “Food for the Gods”, most of us love this plant because of one thing: chocolate. Yes, this is where chocolate comes from. But the cacao bean is also considered to be a superfood. Like black truffles, cacao also contains anandamide, an endocannabinoid naturally produced by our body. This is a neurotransmitter that gives us the euphoric “high”.

Unfortunately, milk chocolate does not contain anandamide as it is believed that milk prevents the absorption of anandamide in the body. For you to get the full benefits you will have to consume raw and organic cacao.

Tea

Wonder why tea calms us down? Aside from the caffeine that keeps us awake and more focused, its leaves and buds also contain the flavonoid catechins which are known to interact with our ECS. Our Endocannabinoid System is known to regulate our mood, sleep cycle, and appetite.

Echinacea

This herb has been consumed therapeutically for thousands of years. It’s mainly used to treat the common cold and boost the immune system. It contains N-alkylamides (NAAs) which is not similar to cannabinoids but still attaches to the CB2 receptor. This natural chemical is believed to bring aid in the management of pain, inflammation, and even improve skin health.

There are more cannabinoid and cannabinoid-like substances available in nature. More of them are still hidden and waiting to be discovered. This further shines the wondrous magnificence of our mother nature.

CBN Oil: what is it?

Studies about cannabis have been increasing and new ways to utilize this plant have been discovered. Hemp contains over 100 different cannabinoids, which of them with common but also unique properties. The newest cannabinoid that is starting to get attention is CBN oil. Cannabinol is one of the over 100 cannabinoids being studied for its efficacy. It is the first naturally occurring cannabinoid to be isolated in its pure form. It was first isolated by Thomas Barlow Wood, WT Newton Spivey, and Thomas Hill Easterfield way back in 1896. It was first postulated that CBN is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis until THC was first isolated by Israeli researchers Yechiel Gaoni and Raphael Mechoulam in 1964.

As THC has been found to be the cannabinoid responsible for the “high” feeling, it has also been found that CBN oil is the product of THC oxidation. Oxidation happens when THC is exposed to heat and light. High-THC cannabis left unattended will be converted to CBN after a while. It has been found that cannabis that’s over 4 years old converts the THC to CBN. This means that the level of CBN oil is synthesized by environmental factors.

Potential Benefits of CBN oil

There is a little research on CBN for now but it’s already showing a great set of potential benefits. CBN oil is known to be sedative and many people use it as a sleep aid. Cannabinol also contains other properties that may help with a variety of conditions.

Pain management

Aside from potential sedation effects, CBN oil has also been found to have painkilling properties. CBN connects to both CB1 and CB2 receptors releasing peptides to the sensory nerves providing similar results to CBD.

Seizure and Convulsion Prevention

CBN is known to have properties that prevent seizure and epilepsy symptoms. A study done by Carlini, E. A., Leite, J. R., Tannhauser, M., Berardi, A. C. in 1974 provides the first glimpse of CBN’s seizure and convulsion management.

Bone Cell Growth Stimulation

There is great research that indicates that CBN oil has the potential to heal fractured bones and promote the body’s bone growth mechanism.

Antibacterial Properties

CBN has been found to have antibacterial properties like the other cannabinoids. It has been seen to be very effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus.

Appetite Stimulation

There was a study done on mice in 2012 that showed increased appetite and feeding duration. CBN oil may be a great option to help to balance appetite.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, and CBN showed the potential to provide inflammatory effects to users like allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. It has also been seen to be comparable with CBG in reducing inflammation.

Neuroprotective Properties

CBN has been found to have neuroprotective properties. A study shows that CBN oil has the potential to be used for ALS treatment as CBN has been able to delay the onset of the ALS symptoms. But a caveat to this is that this study has been done on rodents. But this suggests a great potential in the fight against ALS.

The rise of different cannabinoids and the information available on their potential benefits continue to prove the medicinal potential that hemp has.

What is holistic lifestyle and 5 things you can do to achieve it

Woman practicing outdoor yoga. Holistic lifestyle

For thousands of years, humans have shown great adaptability. It has been proven that humans can live in harsh environments and extreme temperatures. Over time, we have developed different characteristics like skin color, hair growth, and diet depending on the conditions of where we are from. But one thing remains present in every culture and civilization, a holistic lifestyle approach to the human body’s health.

With the current global health crisis, we had to adapt to new rules… social distancing and limiting public spaces. But it also gave us the opportunity to look at our health in a different way. Doctors’ appointments are sometimes necessary but they’re also limited to treating the symptoms of a specific health concern. Here is where a holistic approach to your health could be a good weapon for your overall wellness.

What is holistic health?

Holistic health is an approach where the whole body is considered as one instead of a specific area that needs treatment. This includes your physical, mental, and spiritual being as it all works together. Doctors who practice holistic health are called naturopathic doctors.

The goal of holistic health is to find the perfect balance for you as a unique individual. It does not mean only the medications you’re taking, but also lifestyle changes.

How do I assess myself holistically?

The first thing that you need to do is look at your overall lifestyle. Get to know your body, how external factors make you feel physically, mentally, and spiritually. You may have to get yourself out of your comfort zone and face some aspects of your health that you don’t like but it’s all for a good cause, you. Here are some questions you can ask yourself:

Your current physical state. Are you experiencing pain or inflammation? If so, what do think is causing it? What are the things that I can do to improve it? Do I have the optimum weight or diet?

Assess your mental state. How often do I get anxious? What triggers my anxiety? Am I happy?

Spirituality. It’s not always about religion but also being one with nature, social connections, etc. How do I feel with my environment? What does home feel like for me?

Now that you’ve reflected on the good and bad things about you, it’s time to think of the positive changes you can make to achieve homeostasis (balance).

5 Things you can do to achieve a holistic lifestyle?

Following a holistic lifestyle is not difficult or something you can’t do on your own. However, if you can is always a good idea to consult a naturopath doctor about your initial health. the next step is usually setting your goals, what areas of your lifestyle you would like to improve. This might mean incorporating some natural supplements and adjusting your diet. But don’t feel discouraged, there are some things you can do on your own to achieve a more holistic lifestyle:

1 – Exercise. There is a myriad of different exercise routines that you can do. Being active doesn’t mean going to the gym. It can be dancing, hiking, playing volleyball, among others. Yoga is very popular and has been found in studies that can reduce the production of cortisol which is the stress-inducing chemical. All you need to do is to find something that you enjoy and create a habit.

2 – Make changes with your diet. Do your own research about inflammatory foods, types of diets, etc. Remember, changing or improving your diet doesn’t necessarily mean lowering your food intake or eating something you don’t like. It means incorporating different ingredients to improve your nutritional intake.

3 – Laugh. “Laughter is the best medicine” is not just a funny adage but laughter is really good for your health and improving your mood.

4 – Meditate. We live in a hectic world and it’s hard to find time for ourselves. Meditation can be a good option to disconnect and help you achieve a holistic lifestyle. In other words, it’s training your brain to avoid anxiety and take things differently. There are many apps and video tutorials that you can follow, it’s an art that requires practice and patience.

5 – CBD. Cannabidiol or other cannabinoids can help your body by engaging our Endocannabinoid System (ECS) to reach and maintain homeostasis (balance). There are many different ways to incorporate CBD in your daily routine. Do your own research and find what might work for you.

Inflammation and CBD

Inflammation is something we hear very often in social media but many of us wouldn’t know how to explain it. This body reaction can be experienced in different forms and lengths of time depending on the cause and general health condition. The good news is that there are natural remedies like cannabinoids that may help with inflammation.

What is Inflammation?

Inflammation is a natural, biological response of our body to foreign substances entering our system. This reaction is an immune response when an intruder is detected which can be anything from a cactus thorn sticking on our skin to broken bones and viruses. All of this can cause irritation and infections that our body tries to fight off.

When irritation or infection starts the body sends signals to the immune system (using immunoglobulins) to assess the situation. Immunoglobulins present in our body converge on the site of infection to fix it. There are 5 classes of immunoglobulins:

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) – Most present in our bloodstream. Responsible for the defense against infection.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) – Provides protection on the mucosal surfaces against microorganisms attacking the mucosal areas of the body.

Immunoglobulin M (IgM) – The first immunoglobulin to take part in the immune response. Responsible for agglutination and bacteriolysis.

Immunoglobulin B (IgB) – Controls the release of immunoglobulins in B cells.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) – Low concentration in the body but increases if there is an allergy. Releases histamines and cytokines that inhibit inflammation.

Now, these antibodies react to mitigate or initiate healing on the site of infections. But there are 2 types of inflammation:

Acute Inflammation – Mostly localized to the injured area. It will fade away once the infection is healed by taking medications.

Chronic Inflammation – when it lasts for long periods of time. Over time, chronic inflammation can even damage healthy cells which may lead to cancer, heart diseases, arthritis, diabetes, and other conditions.

One of the most common action plans for inflammation is to prescribe NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), Steroids, and supplements which can be very effective. However, over/long-term use of NSAIDs and Steroids can lead to long term side effects. On the other hand, naturopathic physicians may follow a holistic approach prescribing supplements and natural remedies.

Inflammation and CBD

Some research suggests that CBD (Cannabidiol) is a potent substance that can counteract inflammation. CBD, like other cannabinoids, interacts with the receptors CB1 and CB2 activating the ECS (Endocannabinoid System). This process encourages an effective response from the immune system. Cannabinoids like CBD and CBG have the potential of being a natural alternative against any type of inflammation. Many recent studies have shown that these phytocannabinoids have high amounts of antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.

Each body is different, and the type of cannabinoids will depend on many factors. If you have never tried CBD before, we always recommend starting with a small dosage and an easy delivery method, like liquid gels or topicals. We also encourage you to do your own research and listen to your body.

Benefits of a hot bath

When was the last time you had a hot bath? Filling your tub with warm water, lighting scented candles, pouring a glass of wine, then finally dipping your body into the hot-blissful fantasyland? It’s an experience worth having every night. Just closing your eyes and escaping from reality for an hour… sounds like a dream! A hot bath is considered a natural remedy that can help you with your physical and mental health. Many of the benefits of a hot bath are proven by science:

Relieves stress and anxiety. This one seems like doesn’t even need science to prove, right? It’s almost a fact that after a hot bath you’ll feel more relaxed. The warm water can help to calm the nervous system which reduces the levels of stress and anxiety while improving your mood.

Balances your blood pressure. The warm water temperature expands your blood vessels improving circulation. It also makes your blood more oxygenated by breathing deeper ad slower.

Improves brain activity. A hot bath cannot only make you feel relaxed but also improve your brain activity. The brain relies on blood to fuel multiple brain processes. Research shows that neck-depth immersion can increase the blood circulation in our brain improving cognition and memory functions.

Improves your sleep quality. This is no surprise. Body temperature and sleep are basic functions that are directly connected with each other. The warm water triggers important brain areas to initiate sleep. Several studies have shown that taking a 60 to 90 minutes hot bath can improve significantly the sleep quality.

The role of a hot bath in inflammation

Inflammation is a natural immune response of our bodies against something. It can be from sore muscles after exercising to having fever from the flu. When this happens levels of inflammatory markers rise which triggers a chain of chemicals released by your body to combat the high levels of inflammation.

Recent research has shown that elevating body temperature can influence this body reaction. The warm water can increase the production of nitric oxide which improves blood flow and transports glucose throughout the body.

What are Bath Bombs?

We know that a hot bath can be very beneficial but you can always enhance it with certain elements like herbs, bath bombs, and salts. Bath bombs are a combination of dry ingredients and oils. This mixture is usually compacted with mold and dried for 24 hours. This mixture will become solid and will dissolve once dropped into the water.

Bath bombs come in different shapes, colors, and smells. Some of the common ingredients are:

Epsom Salt. This essential mineral is an important ingredient in bath bombs as it creates the purifying and detoxifying effect.

Baking Soda and Citric Acid. These ingredients are responsible for creating the fizzle effect while the bath bomb dissolves in water.

Essential Oils. These have the role of incorporating aromatherapy into your bath bomb. There are many different essential oils and blends, each of them offering unique benefits to your body.

Colors and Fragrances. Different colors and scents stimulate our senses. That’s why you will find many options for bath bombs. At Vesl we believe that the best quality comes from nature and there’s no need to add artificial ingredients.

Other ingredients. These are different ingredients not essential in making bath bombs but are added to increase the overall bathing experience.

Adding Cannabinoids to your hot bath

The more the better they say. In this case, adding cannabinoids to your warm bath can give you a significantly better overall experience. For instance, CBD and CBG can help with muscle recovery, general inflammation, and skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. You can incorporate cannabinoids by using a CBD bath bomb.

Benefits of using bath bombs

Nourish your skin. All-natural ingredients bath bombs, infused with CBD and CBG can hydrate, moisturize, and help combat skin health issues including acne.

Enhance the natural benefits of a hot bath. A bath bomb can intensify the already benefits of a hot bath

Add aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is a well known natural remedy that uses plant extracts (essential oils) to promote physical and mental wellness. Essential oils are often added to bath bombs adding unique properties to your bath.

Add fun to the boring plain warm water. Bath bombs spin, fizzle, add color, and sweet smells to your bath experience!

Vesl Story Series: chatting with Alexis Doss

Alexis is a holistic health and wellness coach and lover of all things tough love. She leads online group wellness, private 1:1 coaching, as well as a new mastermind called The Tough Love Collective. She lives in Washington state with her fiance and 2 dogs and is super passionate about completely altering your mental state into a no pity party zone and a more positive one. She has been in the industry for almost 8 years and is constantly striving to help women learn how to love themselves again. Her 3 favorite things? Donuts, tattoos, and anything related to electronic dance music.

Can you share with us your transformation journey?

So it has been a wild journey full of a ton of ups and downs, but I think the thing that has helped me reach my goals so much has been patience and self-love. It started when I was diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) in February of 2013. Before that, I did NOT focus on my health at all, so when I was diagnosed, I really started to take my health seriously. No more binge drinking bud light and eating boxes of tuna helper. I focused first on fitness because that is all I knew, from playing volleyball for 13 years, but I soon realized that nutrition was going to be even more important. It was really a mixture of trial and error and figuring out what worked best for me. It’s never ONE thing that changes everything for you in terms of wellness, but the accumulation of all the little things. I was vegan for a bit, then paleo, and now I would say I just intuitively eat, but eat a paleo-ish way of eating (I hate the word “diet”). I also struggled with 2 eating disorders before all of this, so while I was learning about what was best for my body, I worked to get to the root of why I struggled with them, and now I am living a life that feels authentic and good to my body and soul.

The last thing I did that was the most important component, was to focus on personal development, self-love, and a more positive mindset. You can workout and eat healthy all you want, but if you aren’t working on your mind, things won’t fully fall into place. So I really dove deep into reading personal development and listening to podcasts consistently. Then got more into the spiritual side of things with meditations, affirmations, and really using my morning routine as a launching pad for the rest of the day. I’ve been doing online wellness coaching for about 7.5 years now and over that time I’ve figured out that for me what works is shorter, but more effective at-home workouts, along with proper portioned nutrition works best for me. And then I just fill all the blank spaces in between.

“It’s never one thing that changes everything but the accumulation of all the little things.”

What is emotional eating and why is it important?

Emotional eating is different for everyone, but in the simplest way to explain it, it’s leaning on food as a source of stress relief or happiness. Eating food, especially the really yummy, sugary, greasy, and fatty kind sets off all of the feel-good chemicals in our body like dopamine and we can think that food is the only thing that can make us feel good when we feel sad, angry, or are stressed. This is only a temporary feeling, and brief, considering that we most likely will have a sugar crash later on or just feel sluggish after eating foods like that.

Emotional eating for me, and many people, started when I was struggling with an emotionally abusive boyfriend and homelessness. I ate food because it made me feel good, and then instead of finding a healthy outlet to get out my emotions, I would just eat and eat and eat until I was sick. This is a cycle a lot of people struggle with and is WAY more common than people think. We all grew up and still live in a culture that uses food in ALL situations, to celebrate, to mourn; our parents rewarded us after a soccer game when we were kids with brownies or fast food and when we had a bad day at school, they would let us go get pizza or ice cream. So it has been instilled in us, that food makes you feel better, and that is why many people lean on it today.

It’s important to understand because while you can and should still enjoy food and celebrate with it, we have to disconnect the connection in our brain that makes us lean on food in that way. We need to find healthier outlets like meditation, going for a walk, drinking tea, or just dancing it out to your favorite song when you are stressed. It doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy food, but it shouldn’t be the constant coping mechanism when we feel highly emotional.

As a nutrition coach, how do you incorporate nutrition as part of your healing/wellness process?

My biggest philosophy when it comes to proper nutrition is to find what works for YOU. One way of eating might work really well for one person and terribly for the next. For example, some people thrive being vegan and others don’t. So the best thing you can do is work on your mind-body connection, and listening and feeling what feels best when you eat. Food journal and write down what you eat and how you feel after (not the calories or macros, just WHAT the food is). The more you do this, the more you know which foods make you feel good and which ones don’t

Healing your relationship with food is key as well. You can eat healthy but if you are doing it as a punishment or because you are “afraid of gaining weight” than that negates it all. So work on that relationship and aim for food freedom and intuitive eating and life will be a lot more fun and stress-free.

Proper food portions are important as well. They don’t have to be perfect, but you don’t want to under or overeat too much.

“Quality nutrition and CBD leaves me feeling in control, which gives me all the freedom in the world, and that is priceless.”

When and how did you discover CBD?

I’m not sure of the exact moment I discovered CBD, it would be about 4-5 years ago when I saw a CBD gummies at the gas station and all I knew about it was that it was like smoking weed (THC) and not getting high in the head, but in your body haha. Then, once I started to do more research on it, I learned about all the incredible benefits. For me specifically, taking things like CBD tincture, or smoking CBG has helped me tremendously with my anxiety. I also struggle with getting a good night’s sleep, so taking the tinctures before bed has been so helpful! Lack of sleep can cause so many issues, and I HATE not feeling rested. One of the most important things for me is dealing with chronic pain. My PCOS and EDS (Ehler’s Danlos Syndrome) both make it so I deal with chronic pain pretty much every day, but the CBD muscle gel has been an absolute lifesaver for me. I cannot express this enough – I use it every day and have been for almost 3 years. It helps me with back spasms, and tight hamstrings, and any other areas that are tight or sore. It also helps me so much with lower back pain and loosens it up so I can work out properly. I couldn’t live without it!

What does freedom mean to you?

Freedom for me means a life that isn’t controlled by the uncontrollable circumstances that I’ve been given. Having anxiety, PCOS, EDS, and some of my other struggles could leave me stressed and chained down. Using things like quality nutrition and CBD leaves me feeling in control, which gives me all the freedom in the world, and that is priceless.

Get in touch with me 😉 Follow me on my Instagram and say Hi! @onefitcoconut

CBD Fall recipe: vegan peppermint hot chocolate

Fall is here! The color of the trees starts to change to the warm dark orange, mornings are chillier, and many of us already start our Halloween decoration. This new season asks for more cozy Sundays with a big cup of hot chocolate. Thankfully, we have the best recipe for you, vegan peppermint hot chocolate with CBD. A recipe that’s not only delicious but also healthy and calming.

We wanted to recreate one of the most traditional recipes incorporating cannabinoids and all the good and healthy ingredients. CBD is well known to have many properties that may help with appetite, sleep, hormones, and even pain. For this vegan peppermint hot chocolate recipe, we used cacao, monk fruit sugar, oat milk, dark chocolate, vegan whipped cream, and CBD oil.

Ingredients’ health benefits

Cacao

Have you ever seen where chocolate comes from? Cacao is a bean that comes from a tree first harvested in South America about 5000 years ago. The bean can be processed to make cacao or cocoa powder. Cacao powder is made from fermented beans that have not been roasted while cocoa powder is made from a high-temperature process and often contains added sugars and dairy products.

The healthier version to use in your recipes is cacao powder. It contains fibers that are healthy for your digestion helping to reduce the risk of irritable bowel syndrome and other digestion conditions. Cacao may also reduce high blood pressure, risk of heart attack, improve brain function and mood, among many other health benefits.

Monk Fruit Sweetener

This type of sugar is extracted from the monk fruit, a small fruit originated in Southeast Asia. This natural alternative to regular cane sugar is zero-calories and at least 100 times sweeter than sugar. Studies have shown that monk fruit has very little impact on your daily calorie intake, glucose, and insulin levels.

CBD oil

Cannabinoids are derived from hemp or cannabis and are well-known to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce chronic pain, regulate sleep, appetite, and digestion.

For more information about CBD health benefits visit our latest articles on our blog!

Let’s get to the recipe!

Prep Time: 10 mins | 4 servings

Cooking Time: 5 mins

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups vegan whipping heavy cream (or any of your choice)

1 1/2 cups plant-based milk. Suggestion oat milk, it’s creamier than other plant-based drinks

Monk fruit sugar or any sweetener alternative of your choice

A pinch of salt

6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped

1-2 drops 1000mg CBD peppermint oil

Sweetened vegan whipped cream, for garnish. You can use the remaining vegan whipping heavy cream.

Chocolate shavings or cacao powder for garnish

Directions:

In a saucepan, combine the cream, milk, sugar, and salt and heat over medium-low heat. When the cream mixture just begins to steam, add the chopped chocolate, and stir, until melted. Stir in the peppermint oil. Divide the hot chocolate among mugs and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Enjoy your healthy and tasty cup of hot chocolate!

Natural supplements

Today synthetic prescription drugs prevail in western medicine. But plants have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Natural supplements, or herbal supplements, are created with the intent to supplement your nutrients intake and/or treat certain medical conditions. Supplements can be found in many different forms, from capsules to oils.

Many people use natural supplements to achieve a holistic lifestyle or an overall estate of wellness. The possibilities are endless and it’s easy to find almost any herb or extract in a form of a capsule. At Vesl, we strongly believe that nature offers all that your body needs to heal and thrive. We’ve created a unique new natural supplement line infused with cannabinoids.

CBG Capsules with Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil is well known for its many health benefits. This oil has been made from flax seeds and has a wide variety of uses, from skincare to cooking.

Good for your heart. Packed with Omega-3 been a good fighter against heart disease and keeping your heart healthy

May lower your blood pressure. Has the potential to prevent high blood pressure by improving the elasticity of the blood vessels

May reduce inflammation. The high Omega-3 content of flaxseed oil has been found to reduce inflammation

Brain protection. Omega-3 found in flaxseed oil is also known to protect the brain from aging.

Improves gut bacteria. It acts as an antidiarrheal agent.

CBD Capsules with Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E is a combination of fat-soluble vitamins with antioxidant effects that fight free radicals. Free radicals have been linked to a wide range of medical conditions, from small inflammation to cancer.

Vitamin E is known for Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies also support that Vitamin E has many benefits for skin health like moisturizing the skin, psoriasis, eczema, minimizing scars, and preventing wrinkles.

CBN Capsules with Almond Oil

Almond Oil has been one of the greatest natural ingredients for skin and hair care but also for cooking. Almonds contain 70% of monosaturated fat making a very healthy fat to consume. Almond Oil also contains melatonin and magnesium. Melatonin is a sleep-regulating hormone that has been shown to improve the sleep cycle. It is also an excellent source of magnesium which can improve the quality of sleep.

On the other hand, CBN or Cannabinol is one of the 100 cannabinoids present in hemp. According to recent research, this cannabinoid acts as a sedative and has the potential to help with sleep disorders including insomnia.

All the ingredients have been carefully selected and strategically paired with cannabinoids.

Best for sleep and relaxation: CBN + Almond oil. The sedative property combined with magnesium from almond oil may help you to achieve better sleep.

Best for stress and anxiety relief: CBD + Vitamin E. CBD boosted anti-inflammatory properties thanks to vitamin E may aid anxiety.

Best for focus: CBG + Flaxseed oil. The omega-3 fatty acids combined with the potent anti-inflammatory properties of CBG may help with mental clarity and focus.

How to celebrate Halloween 2020 at home

In a couple of days, we’ll celebrate Halloween. Are your costumes ready? Halloween 2020 is extra special, we’ll be seeing a Blue Moon that falls on October 31st. We’re also living in a “social distancing” situation which makes us be more creative on how to celebrate Halloween 2020 at home. But before we enjoy trick-or-treating, let’s learn more about this fun tradition.

“Once in a Blue Moon”

This year’s Halloween will fall on a Blue Moon, this event rarely happens as the next Blue Moon will happen in 2039. A Blue Moon is a second full moon that happens within a single calendar month. There are 29.5 days between full moons which makes it very unusual for 2 full moons to fit in a 30 or 31 days month. Another fun fact is that Blue Moons aren’t blue, they look just like the full moon we’re used to seeing. So why is it called Blue Moon? In 1883 the volcano Krakatoa erupted and the dust in the air acted as a “filter” turning sunsets and the moon green and blue. Nasa believes that’s what started the “Blue Moon”.

When did Halloween start?

Halloween is celebrated every October 31st. We all enjoy the tradition but many of us are not sure how it started. This tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival called Samhain. The Celts celebrated the new year every November 1st. The Celts believed that on the eve of the new year, the boundary between the world of the living and the dead becomes blurry, and the ghosts of the dead return to earth. When the Romans conquered the Celts, they combined Roman festivals with the Celts as a form of assimilation. An example would be the Feralia. It is a Roman tradition normally celebrated every late October to remember the dead.

Later, Catholicism spread around Europe. Pope Gregory III moved All Saint’s Day and the remembrance of dead martyrs from May 13 to November 1. Then around 1000 A.D., the church made November 2 All Soul’s Day. This is an attempt of the Catholic church to replace Samhain with a church-sanctioned holiday. But All Soul’s Day is celebrated very similar to Samhain. There were bonfires, parades, and costumes. All Saint’s Day is known in old English as All-Hallowmas. So the night before All Saint’s Day began to be called All-Hallows Eve the eventually, Halloween.

In the US, Halloween was not greatly celebrated before as Protestant belief was prevalent back then. All European traditions are limited to the southern colonies. The first celebrations included “play parties” to celebrate the harvest and neighbors also tell scary stories to children. By the middle of the 19th century, a wave of European immigrants flooded America. The immigrants popularized the celebration of Halloween in the US.

Trick-or-treat

As the people started to celebrate Halloween, children would go to houses asking for food with costumes. This activity became what we know today as “trick-or-treat”.

In the late 1800s, there was a wave of sentiment to make Halloween more of a family or community holiday. In fact, newspapers back then encourage parents to take anything scary or frightening out of the Halloween celebrations. Then little by little, the religious and dark connotations about Halloween started to fade. Nowadays, we celebrate Halloween with creative costumes, partying, and celebrating it as a community.

How to celebrate Halloween 2020 at home

With the current situation and many gathering restrictions, some of these traditions have to be changed. But that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate this fun holiday! Here are some tips to help you get creative and still make it a fun time with friends and family this Halloween 2020:

Carve pumpkins. This is a classic Halloween activity that surely fits our “new normal”. Make it even more fun by hosting a contest, the best pumpkin will get a prize!

Make a CBD infused cocktail. CBD can be a great addition to any Halloween cocktail recipes, especially if you get scared very easily! That will definitely help you with the scary customs and ghost stories 🙂

Decorate the house. Halloween decoration also gives our homes a welcome to fall. Use pumpkins, scary elements, and candles.

Ghosting. Make a bag of Halloween goodies. Drop it off at a friend or neighbor’s house with a message to do the same to someone else. This is a trend this year and perfect for social distancing.

Make a spooky snack. Take advantage of the opportunity to spend time with your kids and family. Create Halloween themed cookies and cakes that will surely bring a fun family time!

Scary movie marathon. Many of us love to chill and watch Netflix. So a scary movie marathon sounds just like the perfect plan for Halloween 2020. If you are not a big fan of scary movies you can always make it a challenge, but make sure not to do it by yourself!

Happy Halloween!

CBD’s Role in Women’s Health

We live in a fast-paced and ever-demanding culture where we are all expected to give our 200% in every aspect of our lives. This hustling “be productive” lifestyle has increased the likelihood of developing some type of mental or physical health condition. Unfortunately, some of these well-known diseases affect mostly women, and here is where the CBD role in women’s health is worth learning.

It’s no secret that women’s and men’s bodies are different, and the same rule applies to medicine. Sex differences in health started to be addressed almost 30 years ago, in 1986 when the NIH established a policy to include women in clinical studies. After a year the FDA made public the called “Demographic Rule” requiring manufacturers to show before approval the drug interaction within the body depending on sex, age, and race.

The most common concerns in women’s health are related to hormones and the reproductive system. Hormonal imbalances, PMS, anxiety, and depression are things that we hear very often. Outside factors like stress don’t help but there are a few things you can do to prevent or alleviate some symptoms.

The Endocannabinoid System in the women’s body

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a molecular system present in all playing a fundamental role in our bodies. The ECS’s main job is to regulate and balance processes like immune response, appetite and metabolism, reproductive functions, among others. For women, this can be crucial in maintaining a healthy hormonal balance which ultimately influences PMS, anxiety and depression, skin health, and even the possibility of developing cervical cancer.

Cannabinoids are the active compounds found in hemp and cannabis plants. The most well-known cannabinoids are THC, CBD, CBG, and CBN. Each of these active ingredients provides unique properties and potential benefits to your body.

How cannabinoids can help

Anxiety Relief.

Anxiety is one of the most common mental conditions among women. Hormones and day-to-day stress can cause occasional and chronic anxiety. Feeling anxious means loss of energy, lack of focus, and unwanted thoughts. All things we want to avoid!

Because CBD is non-psychoactive, it may be a good addition to your daily routine. CBD could restore harmony to your hormones and ease the symptoms of your anxiety. A 2015 clinical study supports systemic CBD as a treatment for several anxiety disorders.

May help with PMS

Any women will agree that PMS is no joke! The rush of hormones during that time of the month can cause mood swings, bloating, cramps, and change of habits. CBD is proven to be high in anti-inflammatory properties which may help with the discomfort, and sometimes pain, of PMS.

CBD may fight Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer affects over half a million women worldwide every year. A recent clinical study has shown that CBD has the capability to promote the death of cervical cancer cells. This is very important in preventing the progression of cancer.

CBD may be your skincare solution

When it comes to skincare, women are more likely to be researching and buying skincare products than men. Not to mention that PMS and hormonal imbalances can cause hormonal acne and many other skin conditions.

According to clinical studies, CBD skincare products are packed with nutrients that may keep your skin glowing and healthy. It can also be an effective treatment for acne as it has shown to reduce sebum production and also have anti-inflammatory properties.

CBN may help with insomnia

Having a great sleep is one of the ways of keeping your health at an optimum level. But lack of sleep will make your brain and other organs work harder which can lead to deficiencies and problems. Insomnia is also very common among women and it can be related to high levels of stress and hormonal imbalances as well. Research indicates that CBN or cannabinol may be a natural sedative that may help with occasional and chronic insomnia.

What is the right product and dosage for you?

It’s always a good idea to consult your primary physician or naturopath if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned in this article. We also recommend doing your own research to find what’s best for you. Everybody is different and what may work for others may not work for you. If you’re new at cannabinoids, we recommend trying an easy delivery method like capsules with a low dosage. Another good practice we recommend is to document in a journal or in your notes on your phone any changes (positive or negatives) you experience while trying cannabinoids, or really any new supplements or ingredients.

Veterans’ Day: CBD and PTSD

To all Veterans and for those who are actively serving, Happy Veterans’ Day!

We know how much they sacrifice to defend the nation but what many of us don’t think is all the struggles veterans face back to civilian life. While most of the veterans do just fine, the fact is that 44% of them have difficulties getting back to the workforce, not following orders and making decisions, and readjusting to family schedules and roles. Common life routines that we’re all used to but are not granted for our veterans. And that doesn’t come alone, one of the most common health problems among veterans is PTSD. A holistic approach with natural techniques and supplements like CBD may help.

Risking their lives for the common good in wars and tough terrains bring physical and mental trauma. It sounds scary, right? Learning more about it can make us, as a community, more welcome, understanding, and supportive to all military members.

What is PTSD?

PTSD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a psychiatric condition that may occur in people who experienced or witnessed traumatic events like wars, sexual abuse, accidents, domestic violence, among others.

Long before PTSD has been recognized as a condition, there were many accounts of it throughout history.

2100 B.C. – Records found in the Epic of Gilgamesh had the protagonist experience recurring nightmares over his best friend’s death.

440 B.C. – Heroditus described a soldier was suddenly stricken by blindness caused by fear after seeing his fellow soldier die in combat

Circa 500 B.C. – An Indian Oem Ramayana recounts a demon Marrich experiencing hyper-arousal, avoidance behavior

1600 – The term nostalgia was coined when Swiss soldiers experience homesickness and anxiety

1860 – Nostalgia was the most common medical diagnosis for soldiers throughout the Civil War

1900 – In World War 1, this condition was termed as Shell Shock

1980 – it was officially called post-traumatic stress disorder

The holistic approach to treat PTSD

Holistic medicine treats the ‘’whole person’’ rather than focusing too narrowly on single symptoms. It emphasizes the connections between mind and body finding the root of the symptoms. There are some alternatives to conventional medicines that you can try to help with PTSD.

Acupuncture

This practice involves the insertion of thin needles into different points on the body. It helps balance the flow of energy and stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissues. In a clinical study with 60 veterans suffering PTSD, researchers found that acupuncture improved their sleep reducing anxiety and unwanted thoughts.

Meditation

Meditation is well known to help not lonely with mental health disorders but also to help to follow a healthy lifestyle. It’s a series of techniques involving active and controlled breathing exercises that promote mindfulness. It also increases concentration, clarity, and positivity. A study of PTSD patients indicated that participants who practiced meditation experienced a decrease in depression and other PTSD symptoms.

CBD and other cannabinoids

Cannabinoids have unique properties and connections to our Endocannabinoid System (ECS) that may help to reduce many PTSD symptoms. CBD targets chemical responses that produce stress, anxiety, depression, among other symptoms. Cannabinoids also have the potential of promoting natural sleep hormones production, regulating stress hormones, and blocking reconsolidation memory. A 2019 study, showed that oral CBD daily was associated with a reduction in anxiety symptoms and sleep disturbances.

Holistic health is a state of balance, not only the absence of illness. This approach has been practiced for thousands of years and it has its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. All these natural alternatives are worth trying, finding the interconnections in your body may be very helpful to not only treat PTSD but also to have a healthier lifestyle.

10 Techniques to Slow Down and Ease Your Mind

Laying in the sand, watching the sky, breathing… Sounds relaxing, right? Just thinking about that can make your stress melt away. But there’s reality, we live in a fast-paced ever-changing culture where taking time to yourself can be extremely challenging. Balancing personal and professional life sometimes seems impossible and looking at the to-dos list can give you so much anxiety. So how do you achieve that balance?

High levels of stress can affect you mentally and physically. It can compromise your immune system which would make you susceptible to any external factors. Stress management is very important in keeping our mind, body, and spirit healthy. When everything is in sync, life is better. Here are some steps you can take to slow down and ease your mind.

Eating the right foods. It’s not the first time we mention this. Eating whole and avoiding processing foods is the most basic thing you can do to help decrease your stress. Eating citrus fruits will not just give you energy but it will also ease your body.

Take at least 10 minutes to meditate. The simple act of being still, closing your eyes, and tuning on your breathing will definitely help you reach and maintain the perfect balance for you. A 2014 study showed that meditation can be a stress reducer, it’s the science speaking!

Having a fresh perspective. Did you know that your stress can be reduced or just by changing the way you perceive your environment? Trying a different perspective is very helpful when dealing with stress.

Exercise more. Having a sedentary lifestyle is a sure way to live an unhealthy life. Putting an extra 30-minute exercise before going to work is good for your body and mind.

Focus on yourself. Create a me-time! You don’t need to take a half-day to go to a spa. It can be as simple as 1h a day to take time for yourself, to do something that you really like. You can try something you’ve been itching to try for a long time, or you can just rest and relax. Anything that will make you happy will be beneficial for your stress management.

Socialize (but social-distancing). With what’s going on today, a lot of us are now stuck working at home. And whether we admit it or not, sometimes it can be lonely. Socializing while keeping a distance is possible. Facetime, text, play online games with your friends and family… all those activities can help!

Go outside. A study made in 2019 shows that being outside makes people happier and rejuvenated. The study revealed that just 10 minutes of outside lowering our cortisol and alpha-amylase levels: two biomarkers of stress.

Massaging yourself. Many people don’t know this but self-massage is a great stress reliever. Massaging yourself like your hands, and feet affects the part of the brain that controls stress and emotion. A couple of minutes a day will work. Try to incorporate a CBD muscle gel to help calm your tense muscles.

Have a nice bath. Put on a hot bath and dip yourself for about 30 minutes. It will definitely help you with lowering your stress. A hot bath is proven to keep stress at bay and helps you feel sleepy. CBD infused products, like CBD bath bombs can be an awesome addition and help your muscles reset.

Try using wellness products. There are many products available today that may help you with stress and anxiety. From natural supplements to massage tools. Find what works for you and be consistent with your daily routine.

Stress is a part of life. Whether we like it or not, everybody experiences it every day. Finding a way to manage it is a great help in helping us keep the balance in our body and maintain our vigor.

What are you grateful for? – Happy Thanksgiving!

We can all agree that 2020 has been… weird, to say the least. We all experienced hard times at some point and at different levels. Now, with the holiday season approaching, we feel more hopeful and happy. It’s time to decorate our homes, eat good food, and be (virtually) with family and friends.

Did you know how Thanksgiving started and that it’s only celebrated in the US? Here is the brief history behind this tradition.

The First Thanksgiving

The first Thanksgiving that we know of was in 1621. The Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag Native Americans shared a feast to celebrate the autumn harvest. It all started in 1620 when a ship from Plymouth left England. Their journey took a couple of months until they reached Cape Pod after a storm. From there, they crossed Massachusetts Bay and settled in a city known today as Plymouth. It was winter and they have no food, only about half of the passengers survived.

Native Americans felt bad for them, as they were sick and hungry, and taught them how to grow corn and fish. In November 1621, they were able to produce harvest from their hard work. To celebrate it the governor William Bradford gathered the people and shared with the Native Americans their first feast.

In 1789, George Washington revived this tradition after the end of the Independence War. The date was not defined until 1863 when Abraham Lincoln scheduled Thanksgiving to be celebrated on the last Thursday of November. It remained that way until Franklin Roosevelt moved the holiday a week early as a strategy to increase retail sales during the Great Depression. Many people were not happy with it and in 1941 he signed a bill dictating that Thanksgiving will be celebrated on the 4th Thursday of November.

Gratitude list: what are you grateful for?

During Thanksgiving, we’ll see many people sharing what they’re grateful for. But being grateful doesn’t have to be exclusive to this holiday. A gratitude list is a list of things you’re grateful for. Many people have it as a daily ritual, like a dairy, to help them be positive, have better relationships, and even improve mental and physical health. This simple daily habit is scientifically proven to bring more joy and happiness into your life. It makes you be more appreciative and focus on the positives rather than the negative things that might be happening around you.

So.. how can you make this tradition into a daily ritual?

Invest in a journal. This is the very first step to make it a daily routine. Look for a notebook that you like, it doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive but make it yours. Add notes, images, or any other elements that you feel a connection to. You’ll tend to invest more time in it if it visually appeals to you.

Set a goal. There are really no rules and everyone is different. Set a realistic goal and be honest to yourself with the things that you’re truly thankful for. A good goal to start with is listing at least 2 things you’re grateful for. If you’re feeling gloomy, you can start by being grateful for showing up to yourself and dedicating time to your journal.

Make it simple. Start with things like your home, good health, family, career… or maybe smaller things like the coffee you had that morning from your favorite coffee shop, the nice weather, or for your fitness class you were able to attend at your lunch break.

Keep it visible. Keep your journal somewhere where you’re present frequently so you won’t forget. Some suggestions are your nightstand, home desk, coffee table, etc.

Turn it into a routine. Set a time of your day to dedicate 5-10 minutes to it. Some people find it helpful to do it in the morning to set their mood and intentions for the day. Other people prefer it at night to release any stress and remind themselves of all the good things they experienced during the day.

Pair it with something that brings you joy. Use this time to dedicate it only to yourself and the things that make you feel good. Some suggestions are your favorite song, a scented candle, a cup of your favorite tea infused with CBD. CBD may help with anxiety and stress relief, which may help you clear your mind and focus on the positive side of things.

Happy Thanksgiving!

A stress-free Christmas

Christmas is almost here! It’s the most wonderful time of the year like Frank Sinatra says. The Christmas tree, the lights, the songs, the food, and the family all together put us in such a festive and happier mood. However, Christmas can also be a stressful holiday. Finding the perfect gifts, spending money, cooking, coordinating family members to be on the same page… It’s a busy season. Not to mention the excessive food and alcohol that might make us feel heavy and crabby. Because some people feel anxious and stressed during this time, we have created a list of useful tips to make it as stress-free as possible.

How to have a stress-free Christmas

Plan ahead. There’s nothing worse than procrastinating and leaving everything for the last minute. This Christmas, make your to-do list in early December and plan ahead for your holidays. Include categories like gifts, menu, decoration, and Christmas cards. This way you will be able to disconnect the days around this holiday and really be present with family and friends.

Stick to your budget. Money is the number 1 cause of stress in families during this season. Your outgoing finances will increase immensely because we have to think about gifts, food, travel, among others. Making a financial plan with a budget for Christmas might help and give you peace of mind while shopping. Don’t forget to leave some room in your budget for food and travel.

Natural Supplements. Some natural supplements might be good mental support during this holiday. Chamomile, Ashwagandha, passionflower, and CBD are all great additions to your shopping list this year. CBD has shown to reduce stress and anxiety, according to recent studies. Besides, it is high in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Accept that things can and will go wrong. This is 100% true, not only during Christmas but on any occasion. Dinner guests arriving late, unavailable ingredients, receiving a gift that you do not particularly like, sold-out present items… These situations can increase your stress levels and trigger anxiety. The trick here is to embrace it and adapt. If the gift you wanted to get for your sister is sold out, think of something else she might like; if you can’t find the ingredient for that one recipe you really wanted to make, look for substitutes.

Get some light exercise in there. If you are an active person, try to stay as close as you can to your regular exercising. Some people might feel anxious if they get completely out of their routine. If you’re not a very active person, it might be a good time to start moving your body. Pick something you think you will like, it can be 15 mins walk, dancing, yoga, hiking, there are many ways to exercise and not necessarily go to the gym. Keeping your body active has shown to reduce stress levels and help regulate hormones. Keeping your mind focused on physical activity will drastically uplift your psyche.

Monitor what you eat, but don’t stress out about dieting. Waking up the next morning after Christmas and feeling sick or regretting everything you ate and drank it’s not a great post-Christmas feeling. A healthy approach to overeating during this holiday is simple, eat everything in moderation. You will feel physically and mentally better.

Enjoy. It’s as simple as that. Enjoy the day, the season, and the celebration. Instead of thinking about the wrong things, why not think of ways you can enjoy it. This season is not just for the little ones, it’s for all of us.

The ultimate Christmas gift guide

We’re all excited for the Christmas season! And Christmas means shopping for gifts. This year the shopping might be mainly online, so to make it easier we’ve put together the ultimate Christmas gift guide.

CBD skincare. Skincare itself is already a good present not only for women but also for men. Everyone likes to show off a nice and healthy-looking skin without having to follow 10+ skincare routine steps. Our CBD enriched facemasks are packed with all-natural ingredients with incredible benefits for your skin. And if you didn’t know, CBD is high in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which, according to recent studies, helps with acne and dull skin. The best part of it? You can get the facemask collection that includes all 6 facemasks!

CBD muscle gel. We all know that January comes with new workout routines and healthy habits. To be prepared for those sore muscles after the holidays, consider a good pain cream as a gift. Always look for natural ingredients and avoid artificial chemicals. Want more? Add CBD to it to enhance all those already natural benefits. Our muscle gel comes in 3 different sizes and strengths that you can choose from. The perfect addition to your 2021 gym membership.

Wellness kit. If one of your best friend’s resolutions is to be healthier next year, our wellness bundle is the perfect gift. It includes our CBD gummies, travel size muscle gel and a 300mg tincture. It’s a thoughtful and all-in-one gift!

A spa at home. Everyone enjoys a warm and relaxing bath. Our CBD bath bombs are a great addition to your bath time. Our CBD bath bombs are made in small batches and formulated only with natural ingredients. These bath bombs not only have all the good stuff for your skin but also helps to alleviate inflammation thanks to the warm water benefits paired with CBD and CBG.

Something for your pet. Pets are part of the family and they also appreciate some Christmas gifts. Some good ideas are a new bed and toys. But if you want to include them in your wellness journey, a CBD supplement is the perfect present. They won’t know but our CBD Omega-3 Fish Oil is packed with fatty acids that help to improve the coat, digestion, and even allergies. You can also make a combo with the CBD Moe’s Nose for those irritated and dry nose and paws.

Don’t forget to add a dedicated note or a card to make it even more special! Let’s end this year full of optimism and happiness!

Healthy Christmas CBD Recipe

T’is the season to be jolly! The countdown for Christmas is on! While we’re thinking of things that we can do on that day, let’s think of different treats that we can enjoy. Here are a couple of Christmas themed-CBD treats that you can try.

CBD Eggnog with Honey

Ingredients:

Unsweetened almond milk.

Fresh, free-range organic eggs and/or pasteurized eggs.

Naturacentric’s CBD Honey.

Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Directions:

Combine all the ingredients and mix using a blender and or a food processor until you get a fine-frothy consistency.

Add Honey and VESL OILS Vanilla to flavor.

Chill and enjoy!

CBD Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

One whole garlic bulb

About 1 – 1 1/2kg of Potato

250ml of Cream (Double cream – preferred)

1 tablespoon of Balsamic Vinegar

Finely chopped Parsley

Salt

Pepper

Olive Oil

20 drops VESL CBD Unflavored Tincture

Directions:

Boil the potatoes with water and salt until they are soft.

Drizzle some olive oil to the garlic and wrap it in foil.

Put the garlic in the oven for 45 minutes (200 C).

Mash the potatoes.

Remove the skin of the garlic and add to the mashed potato. Mix well.

Mix cream with CBD in a separate bowl.

Added the mixed cream with CBD to the potatoes

Flavor with the balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Garnish with parsley

Chocolate Mousse with CBD

Ingredients:

2 large eggs

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 pint heavy whipping cream, separate into 2 different cups

6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 dropper full of CBG Mint Chocolate tincture

Directions:

Add 2 eggs and ¼ granulated sugar in a large bowl and mix it until it gets fluffy.

In a separate pan, heat up 1 cup of heavy whipping cream until it’s warm to the touch.

Slowly add the heated heavy whipped cream into the fluffy eggs while beating them slowly to mix.

Pour the mixture into a pot.

Mix the pot slowly over low heat for about 8 mins. Adjust the temperature for the mixture to not go over 150 F.

Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips, stir until completely combined.

Chill for about 4 hours.

Mix with the other cup of heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form.

Remove the chocolate mixture out of the fridge and fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until fully combined.

Pour the mousse into a cup and add 2 droppers full of CBG Mint Chocolate Tincture to enhance the taste

Garnish with shaved chocolates and mint leaves

No-Bake Peppermint CBD Fudge Bites

Ingredients:

1/2 cup raw almonds

1/3 cup pitted Medjool dates

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1 tablespoon mini dark chocolate chips

1/2 cup crushed peppermint

2 dropper full of VESL OILS Peppermint CBD Tincture or Vanilla CBD Tincture or both

Directions:

Grind the almonds in a food processor

Add the dates with the almonds and blend well.

Add the cocoa powder, vanilla extract. peppermint extract, and coconut oil. Blend for several minutes and make sure that the mixture is uniform. Add water sparingly just to make sure that the dough is perfect.

Add the CBD tincture and chocolate chips and mix until the dough is fully combined

Take a heaping spoon and roll it into a ball. Press into the peppermint.

Chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes

Serve while chilled.

White Chocolate CBD Peppermint Patties

Ingredients:

4 cup confectioners’ sugar

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 1/2 tsp. pure peppermint extract

1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

Cooking spray

12 oz. white chocolate, chopped

2 tbsp. solid coconut oil

2 drops VESL OILS CBD Peppermint Tincture

Crushed peppermints, for garnish

Directions:

Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Beat confectioners’ sugar, butter, cream, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and salt CBD Peppermint Tincture with an electric mixer on low speed until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Roll into 30 balls. Place on prepared baking sheets and flatten into 1/4-inch-thick disks using a greased piece of wax paper. Cover and freeze for 30 minutes.

Microwave chocolate and coconut oil in a bowl for 30 seconds and stir after. Continue to microwave and stir in 10-second intervals until the chocolate is melted.

Place 1 chilled peppermint disk on the tines of a fork and dip into melted chocolate, tap the excess and return to the baking sheet. Repeat with remaining peppermint disks. Sprinkle tops with crushed peppermints. Chill until set, 15 to 20 minutes. Store in airtight containers. Chilled disks can last up to a week.

Holiday Spirit. Merry Christmas!!

The countdown to Christmas is on! We’re just a couple of days away from the most wonderful time of the year. Some people may be more excited than others, but Christmas is always a special time for family reunions, showing love and care to our loved ones, and reconnecting with old friends.

This year the holidays will be different for most of us. But “different” brings new learning experiences and forces us to get creative. There’s always a positive side of everything and ways to enjoy the holidays. Remember, “we don’t play because we got old, we get old because we don’t play”. So let’s get creative and get into the holiday spirit!

Our favorite things to uplift your holiday spirit and enjoy Christmas (even more!):

Hype up your Spotify Christmas playlist. Singing the classic Christmas songs inevitably brings you joy. Classics like “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” by Bing Crosby, “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams, “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole, “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby, among others. Our favorite holiday playlist is “Christmas Classics” on Spotify.

Rekindle your childhood by watching Christmas movies. “Home Alone”, “It’s a wonderful life”, “Miracle on 34th Street”, “The Grinch”, “A Christmas Story”, these are A-class Christmas movies. When you try to watch it, it’s almost like you’re taken back to your childhood. And definitely to Christmas time!

Put up a Christmas tree. Nothing will make you home more Christmas-y than a decorated Christmas tree. Putting it up will make a great bonding experience with your family and friends. Plus it gives your home the ultimate most needed holiday touch!

Christmas delicacies. All holidays come with its specific delicacies. Turkeys are for thanksgiving and eggnogs are for Christmas. Enjoy your eggnogs with your family or better yet, spice up your Christmas by creating or reinventing the classics. Check out our latest Christmas CBD recipe on our blog!

Help someone. Nothing will ever make you feel good than knowing you’ve helped someone. Be of service to someone this holiday season. Remember, even if we’re socially-distant today there are always ways to help someone in need.

Merry Christmas!

Make your New Year’s Resolution List like a Pro

Finally, the end of 2020 is here! Certainly, the weirdest year of all time. But also the year that made people more appreciative of family, friends, and health.

New Year’s Eve comes with that feeling of having a ‘second chance’ to make things right and be better the next year. Here is when the resolutions list comes in handy! Making a list of goals for the fresh new year can give you a sense of purpose. Manifesting your goals, whether they’re small or big, can help to keep you on track.

How many times you have done your resolutions list but ended up not achieving your goals? Or even forgetting you even made a list? It has happened to all of us, you’re not alone! The secret to accomplishing your resolutions is to keep them realistic and be consistent. So you ask, how do I do that? Here is an easy ‘How to do a New Year’s Resolution List, just for you 🙂

Three types of Resolutions

There are 3 types of resolutions: personal, social, and spiritual.

Personal. These are the ones you make to better yourself, like being more active, reading more books, learning a new language, etc.

Social. These types of resolutions are meant to encourage yourself to be more mindful of who you surround yourself with, like improving relationships with family or maybe getting out of unhealthy relationships.

Spiritual. These aim to increase your spirituality but not necessarily with a specific religion. It means being closer to your inner self, being appreciative and receptive to your environment, and being more open-minded.

How to stick to your Resolutions

This is the tricky part, sticking to it! Here are the things you can do to make sure you keep yourself accountable to your resolutions list throughout the year.

Write it down. You’re more likely to remember things if you write them down a couple of times. Try not to write it only in a notebook, sooner or later you will even forget the notebook existed. Write it somewhere often visible like a note on your fridge or your day-to-day journal. Reminding yourself of your goals is key!

Be realistic. Unless you’re already a millionaire (if you are, good for you!) avoid having “make a million dollars” when you’re earning $70k a year or “lose 100lbs before the end of 2021”. Be real and honest to yourself and make achievable resolutions. There’s nothing better than crossing off those goals out of your list!

Be specific. Avoid generic resolutions like “I’ll be a better person”. Take time to connect to yourself and analyze what things of your personality you’d like to improve and the steps you need to take to achieve it.

Keep it short. Try not to overdo it. Don’t include everything you want to accomplish in your lifetime in the timeframe of a year. List about 5 attainable goals. You’ll feel very proud of yourself after crossing off all the items on your list.

Consistency. This is the hardest part! Starting that one diet and all of a sudden you start getting invited to parties every weekend, trying to be more active but always finding yourself with no time to go to the gym. Commitment and consistency play an important role in your new year’s resolutions. Make sure you change your priorities and you keep yourself accountable.

Our favorite resolution of all time

Getting healthier is a common goal to be included in the new year’s resolutions list. And it’s also our favorite one! Improving your diet, getting rid of unhealthy habits, and being more active is always good for your body and mind. What can you do to be healthier in 2021?

Natural supplements. If you follow a healthy whole foods diet the truth is that most likely you don’t need any supplements. But some healthy and natural ingredients such as turmeric or some adaptogens aren’t present in our daily diets. CBD is a natural alternative that is high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Study after study has shown that cannabinoids have the potential to support an overall healthy lifestyle. Too intimidated by the overwhelming information out there about CBD? Take a look at our blog or contact us if you have any questions! 🙂

Find an activity that you enjoy. Being active doesn’t necessarily mean going to the gym and lifting weights. Don’t force yourself to do something you absolutely hate! Find an activity you actually enjoy doing, it can be yoga, dance, hiking, boxing, playing tennis… there are many options out there. Try a few, pick your favorite one, and integrate it into your weekly routine.

Improving eating habits. You know that you are what you eat. The type of food you consume affects your cognitive skills, sleep cycle, mood, skin health, and many other body functions. Pick 1 or 2 diet habits you want to change for a couple of months and start progressively making those changes. By the end of 2021, you will feel much better and more motivated to continue your journey.

Our pro tip: start small, it will build discipline, consistency, and confidence. Let’s end 2020 with a bang and believe that 2021 will be our breakthrough year!

Happy New Year!

Can CBN oil help with sleep?

Having a good night’s sleep is very important to our bodies. It affects our physical, mental, psychological, and even social health. Keeping a good sleeping habit is very essential to our own well-being. Experts recommend between 6-8 hours of sleep, knowing how to improve your sleep is key to having a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

We put together a list of things you can do to improve your sleep. Our favorite one is CBN Oil which comes from hemp and is all-natural. As you already probably know, cannabinoids have the potential to help with many different mental and physical issues. This is because the human body has a system designed by nature specifically for cannabinoids, The Endocannabinoid System (ECS). CBN oil has its own receptors in your body helping your basic functions such as sleep cycle.

Top 10 things you can do to improve your sleep

Expose yourself to bright light during the day. Our bodies have a circadian rhythm. It acts as our natural clock which controls the brain, body, hormones, and other chemicals inside our body to keep us awake in the morning and tell our body when to sleep. Make sure to expose yourself to the sunlight during the day to keep your natural clock balanced.

No caffeine at night. Caffeine is very potent in keeping us awake and focused. It can stay in our bloodstream for about 8 hours. So consuming it late in the day could keep you up all night.

Hemp supplements. According to many studies, cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and CBN can help in regulating the sleep cycle. It can also reduce stress levels, improving anxiety, and other factors that might negatively affect your sleep. CBN can be taken as capsules or oil and it has shown to have sedative properties.

Improve your bedroom environment. Surely, our internal system dictates our sleep cycle. But external factors affect it as well. Make sure your bedroom is a relaxing, low temperature, quiet, and dark environment.

Relax your body and mind before going to sleep. Forcing yourself to sleep when you’re anxious or wide awake is not a good idea. The best you can do is to relax your body. Some good activities you can try are reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing breathing exercises.

Sleep conditions. If you’re having trouble sleeping, maybe a sleep condition is the cause. Consult with your physician, there are some sleep disorders like chronic insomnia, sleep apnea, among others that could be keeping you away from a good night’s sleep.

Be consistent with your sleep and wake times. If you have a stable work schedule, this should not be very hard for you. Try to set a sleep schedule and stick to it.

Remove unnecessary distractions. Listening to rock songs, playing your favorite game, or just surfing the web at night can affect your sleep. This will keep your brain awake.

No naps. Many people take naps, and it’s totally fine as long as it isn’t affecting your sleep cycle. But if this is not your case, and you can’t sleep well at night then it’s time to give up those nice naps.

Avoid working out at night. You might feel tired after a good workout session but tiredness does not always mean sleepiness. Our body produces the stress hormone cortisol when we exercise. This hormone keeps our brain in an alert mode which could affect our sleep.

CBD Skincare: How to Start your Skincare Routine

Skincare may be intimidating for some and easy for others. The skin is the biggest organ in our body. It is part of the Integumentary System which comprises the skin (epidermis and dermis), and other glands. It performs different functions like barrier function, thermoregulation, excretion, sensation, and chemical synthesis.

These functions are very important to keep our overall health. So taking care of it is essential rather than superficial. But how do you keep healthy skin? Skincare doesn’t mean or start only with topical products. Actually, the best way to start with your skincare routine is from the inside out. Good nutrition, CBD skincare, pro and prebiotics, and hydration can be the key for glowy, clean, and healthy-looking skin.

From the inside out

Skincare starts with hydration and nutrition. Spending money only on topical products but not taking care of your gut health and digestion is like taking pain meds without treating the root of your pain. Here are a few things you can integrate into your daily routine:

More Water: Water is obviously the number step to improve the aspect of your skin. Experts recommend between 12 and 15 cups of water per day.

Pre- and probiotics: skin health starts in your digestive system. Pre- and probiotics help balance your good gut bacteria and maintain healthy digestion. This will ultimately help with nutrients absorption and we promise you will see the results in your skin! Prebiotics can be naturally found in foods like bananas, garlic, onions, among others. While probiotics can be taken from foods like yogurt, kefir, and pickles. If you think you are not getting enough through your diet you can always take natural supplements.

Cannabinoids: CBD, CBG, and CBN are known to have properties that may help with several health conditions and overall wellness. Have you thought about how it may affect your skin? CBD for skincare can be very beneficial as it is high in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which makes it perfect as an active ingredient for your skin. Study after study has shown that it can help with acne, redness, inflammation, and even dark spots. CBN is the secret cannabinoid that is high in anti-bacterial properties and it can also be beneficial for our skin. You can incorporate cannabinoids as natural supplements and also for topical use.

Starting your skincare routine

If you are just getting started with your skincare routine, we got you covered! The first step is to know what type of skin you have: normal, dry, oily, or a combination. Identifying your skin type and shade is very important. The color of your own skin comes with its own positive and negative characteristics. You can check the Fitzpatrick Classification of Skin Phototypes here.

Other things to consider is if your skin presents any specific conditions such as acne, irritation, inflammation, dark spots, etc. This is going to help you build your skincare regime. But remember, if it’s something that concerns you at a health level always consult with a health care provider like a dermatologist or a naturopath.

Now that you know your skin a bit better, you can start building your custom skincare routine. Simply follow the steps and choose the right products for you.

Cleanser. This is the very first and important step. Depending on your skin type you’ll want to choose an oil-free to cleanse or perhaps if your skin is extremely sensitive and dry an oil-based cleanser. The key is to try the product and if it leaves your skin dry and rough that means is not the right product for you. Experts recommend washing your face once a day or twice if really needed. Pro-tip: use a toner or micellar water in the morning to cleanse and wash with a cleanser at night.

Facemask. Facemasks are a treat to your skin but don’t need to be part of your daily routine. Ideally, you want to do this step 1-2 times per week after your skin is clean and dry. CBD skincare products like CBD-infused facemasks can be a savior, it helps to reduce the extra production of sebum giving you back the natural glow and moisture. Choose one that also has other natural active ingredients depending on your skin type. CBD skincare is definitely a must!

Toner. Don’t skip this step! Toners can help balance your skin pH levels. Choose a toner that addresses your skin type.

Serum. Serums are a lightweight product with a higher concentration of active ingredients compared to regular moisturizers. There are many different types you can pick from depending on your skin type. This step also helps to boost hydration and other active ingredients from your moisturizer.

Moisturizer. Finding the correct moisturizer is important especially at night. It acts like a seal keeping all the other active ingredients while providing moisture and hydration to your skin.

Remember, just like any other habit it needs time to get used to it and do it every day. But if you do, you’ll be pleased with the results of having healthier skin.

How to start your workout routine with CBD

Getting in shape and starting your healthier lifestyle journey is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. We’ve all been there! To us, ‘getting in shape’ shouldn’t be just about your weight, but from a holistic approach, about your whole body being healthier. We want you to create and maintain healthy habits that end up being part of your daily routine rather than obsessing with the scale and spending 2h at the gym. We put together a series of tips and a step-by-step on how to start your workout routine and how CBD can help you achieve your goals.

Ok, the reality is that it can be hard to start and stay motivated. But we promise you that if you follow these tips it’s going to be so much easier! (and you’ll love it!)

Know your start point

First things first. Before you start even enrolling yourself at your closest gym, ask yourself these questions:

Have I been working out lately? This is one of the most important questions to have to ask yourself before starting. If you haven’t worked out in the past months or never exercised before you need to start slow. Think of a progressive routine, starting from the bottom activating your muscles with simple and basic exercises. Once you keep this routine for 2-3 weeks and you’ve gained some strength you can start adding more intensity.

What’s my goal? To start your plan you have to be specific with your goal. Is it weight loss? Improve overall health? Gain muscle mass? Your goal will determine the workout routine and your eating habits. Learn the different kinds of exercises and your options.

What type of activity do I like to do? This is going to be key to maintain your new routine. If you force yourself to do something you hate you’ll most likely end up not doing it. And, honestly, it’s going to feel like torture. Think of exercises that you’d like to try, or that you already know you enjoy. Your options are endless… yoga, dancing, weight lifting, boxing, HIIT, pilates, etc.

Pro tip: have an inspiration, someone that has the body type you like, a friend who is very healthy. Anyone that you look up to. Make them your inspiration to push yourself to do it!

Now the tips!

Make a schedule. Making a proper schedule will help you manage the time and intensity of the workouts you do. This will also help you not to feel ‘lost’ at the gym, with a scheduled and a planned routine you will know exactly what to do. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that we do moderate aerobic exercise for at least 150 minutes a week.

Warmup. Many people forget about the warm-up or thing that’s not important. Warming up helps your body and muscles prepare for the workout ahead. Not only that, but also helps with proper form, flexibility, and it also reduces soreness.

Hydration. Our body is made mostly of water. When you’re exercising, you’ll lose water through sweat. Not replacing the water may lead to dehydration so staying hydrated after every workout is very important.

Cool down. It is important to cool down just as it is to warm up. Do it for at least 5 minutes after every workout to bring your body back to its normal state. It will also help lessen the intensity and duration of muscle soreness.

Mix it up. Continuing the same workout for months will make your body plateau. Don’t be afraid to mix things up, include new workout routines, new diet plans, etc. to keep things interesting.

Listen to your body. If you’re getting great results, praise yourself and continue. If you’re feeling pain or discomfort, stop for a while then continue again. Continuing an exercise through pain is not advisable since it can lead to injuries.

How can CBD help you get the body you set to achieve?

CBD or Cannabidiol is a major cannabinoid found in hemp. According to several studies, it has many potential health benefits. CBD may also help you to get started with your new healthier version of yourself. It is high in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which may alleviate stress and anxiety, improve your mood and sleep which translates to a faster recovery. It might also reduce muscle soreness helping you stay motivated for the next workout.

There are many delivery methods, for sore muscles, it’s suggested to combine a topical and oral product. The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) receptors are also found in the skin. Applying a pain CBD infused gel or cream may reduce the local inflammation in a specific muscle group. Another great option is a warm bath adding a CBD bath bomb. Trust us, this will become your favorite Friday night plan! Tinctures and capsules may help from inside out helping regulate your body functions including sleep cycle and appetite.

Remember, if it was easy everyone will do it. Accomplishing your goals might not be easy at first, it takes time, consistency, and the right mindset. Trust the process and listen to your body! We’re sure you’ll make it happen.

CBD and Diet: love the food you eat

Nutrition, exercise, mental health, routines… all things we hear daily on social media and digital platforms. Living a healthy lifestyle can be challenging. One of the first elements to consider when improving your health is food, you are what you eat. There are many diets out there, all of them with the same promise: achieve a healthier body and life. But are they really making us healthier holistically?

The definition of diet is the collection of food that we usually eat. Diet doesn’t necessarily mean eating less, it means the style and types of foods you eat. Many people get confused with the term and automatically have a negative reaction when someone says they are on a diet. For instance, the Mediterranean diet is well known to be one of the healthiest diets in the world. It’s based on a variety of ingredients, healthy fats, sources of proteins, and carbs. The key is to always keep your food colorful, varied, and away from unhealthy fats and sugars.

CBD may help you

CBD and diet are closer than what you think! Cannabidiol has shown to regulate appetite being helpful when transitioning from an old diet to a new eating habit. It can also help to inhibit certain cravings and maintain internal balance. A CBD-infused diet comes with more benefits!

Another good reason to consider CBD for digestion is its high anti-inflammatory properties. Certain foods can cause inflammation, even healthy ones. Food intolerance is very common. It simply means that your body does not agree with certain ingredients. CBD may help to reduce these types of inflammation allowing your digestive system to function properly. A good way to incorporate CBD into your diet routine is as a supplement. There are many options like capsules or oils that are easy to take and have fast absorption.

Where to start?

Start with small changes while creating new eating habits and enjoying the process. Human beings have taste buds for a reason, so make sure you enjoy your food! But first let’s talk about calories, macros, and micronutrients.

Calories. It’s a unit of energy that you will get from eating or drinking something. You don’t have to count the calories of everything but calorie intake is important if your goal is to lose weight. We believe that a holistic and happy diet is the one that you don’t count calories, you eat intuitively while being aware of what’s on your plate.

Macronutrients. These are nutrients that we need in large amounts like protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Meats, potatoes, and nuts are part of the myriad of food under this category.

Micronutrients. These are vitamins and minerals that are very important to support functions like bone growth, immune system, among others. Many people don’t know how crucial micronutrients are but they’re essential if you want to thrive in life and be your healthiest version.

Our tips to maintain a healthy diet (and love it!)

Don’t starve yourself. Do not fall to the yo-yo curse. If you’re hungry, eat. Starving will only make your cravings worse and once you give yourself permission to eat, you will most likely overeat. The secret is to listen to your body and if you’re hungry eat something healthy. If you’re craving sweets, try fruits like strawberries or grapes. Always opt for whole foods.

Reprogram your metabolism. Metabolism is the capacity of processing and transforming food into energy. It’s one major key in weight management and healthy digestion. As we age, our body’s metabolism changes. Notice that when you were younger, you probably didn’t gain much weight from eating the same food vs now. That’s because your metabolism tends to slow down as you get older. But did you know you can reprogram it? A good way to do it is having 5 meals (smaller portions) a day instead of only 3 and snacking during the day. In the Mediterranean diet, Europeans generally have 5 meals a day and almost no snacking.

Be happy with your diet. If your diet is making you sad, obsessed with calories, or anxious it might mean that’s not the right diet for you. Anxiety and depression can lead to eating disorders. All you want is to create a healthy and happy relationship with food, not the opposite. Stay away from crazy diets!

Avoid processed food. Processed foods contain low nutritional value and empty calories. Plus, they are full of preservatives and artificial ingredients that are not good for your body. Eating too much of these foods can lead to obesity. We know they seem convenient, but you can find very easy and simple recipes to make with natural ingredients.

Try smaller plates. If you want to reduce your portions, changing to a smaller plate can help. It can give you the impression of having a full meal even though it’s actually a smaller portion.

Exercise. This is something everyone should do. You don’t need to enroll yourself in the fanciest gym and go 6 days a week. It can be as simple as 1h walk, stretching, or dancing. The key is to keep your body active and functional.

Add pre and probiotics to your diet. Adding pre and probiotics to your diet will help maintain a good gut bacteria balance and healthier digestion. What does that mean? It means better absorption of those macro and micronutrients which will better the basic functions in your body and improve your metabolism.

Lastly, keep yourself motivated and in a good mindset. Your body and your future self will thank you!

CBD Recipe: Immunity CBD Infused Golden Milk

The western civilization has been incorporating into its diet certain traditional Asian foods that are shown to have many health benefits. Ayurveda is a very popular diet in western culture and medicine as it provides natural immune and digestive benefits. One of the most popular recipes is the Immunity golden milk. Commonly known as turmeric milk, this popular drink from India has people swearing to its benefits. Our version CBD Immunity golden milk will boost anxiety and stress relief properties. Here is why this ‘milk’ is so popular:

Full of Antioxidants. The key ingredient of this recipe is Turmeric, full of natural substances that boost our immune system. Curcumin, which is the active ingredient, is high in antioxidant properties. Other ingredients like cinnamon and ginger contain antioxidant properties as well.

Antibacterial and antiviral properties. Aside from antioxidant properties, Curcumin also contains antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties which are great in helping your body fight infections.

May relieve anxiety and depression. Aside from the antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties of Curcumin, it is also known to have potential properties in managing stress and depression. Adding CBD to the recipe will give it a boost to the already existing nutritional properties. Cannabinoids have shown to have

May help reduce inflammation and pain. The key ingredients ginger and cinnamon are also high in anti-inflammatory properties. This golden tea can help with chronic pain and inflammation.

May help lower blood sugar level. Cinnamon and ginger, known for their anti-inflammatory properties, also helps lower blood sugar levels. Cinnamon is known to reduce insulin resistance and also how much glucose is absorbed in our body after a meal. Ginger, on the other hand, lowers the hemoglobin A1C levels which is a marker for controlling the blood sugar long-term.

CBD Immunity Golden Milk can help to maintain strong bones. Calcium and Vitamin D are very important substances for our body. They aid in maintaining strong bones. Low calcium levels may result in brittle and weak bones. Some plant-based milk products provide Calcium and Vitamin D.

The recipe

Ingredients:

1/2 cup (120ml) of unsweetened oat milk or milk of your choice
1 tsp of turmeric
1 small piece of grated fresh ginger or 1/2 tsp of ginger powder
1/2 tsp of cinnamon powder
1 pinch of ground black pepper
1 tsp of honey or maple syrup (optional)
1-2 drops of CBD or CBG oil (or both!) – the cinnamon flavor will be perfect for this recipe

Directions:

Mix all the ingredients into a pan and let it boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until you smell the fragrance (about 10mins)
Using a fine strainer or clean cloth, strain the solution and top it with cinnamon
Put 1-2 drops of CBD or CBG into the solution

Stress Management Activities

Stress is inevitable in certain situations or stages in life. It can be positive or negative, mild or severe, it can affect your overall health or it can be just temporary. How stress affects you depends on how you mentally manage it. Yes, that’s right! Any type of stress can be manageable and there are a few stress management activities you can do to better deal with it.

What is stress

Stress is the body reaction to a challenge or demand making you feel more alert, angry, nervous, or frustrated. Stress comes in many forms and it can be positive or negative. In a short period of time, it can help you avoid a dangerous situation or overcome a challenge. However, if the stress lasts for a long time, it can become chronic and negatively impact your body potentially causing medical issues such as immune system disorders.

Learn how to manage your stress

As we said, stress is always there in different forms. The way you see it and manage it is key to not let it become a problem in your day-to-day life. We give you tips and some activities you can do anytime and anywhere to make you feel better when stress hits.

Breathe. It may sound cliche but it’s true. Breathing is a great way to release stress. There are multiple breathing exercises that you can try. Belly breathing, roll breathing and rolling breathing are the most popular ones.

Exercise. Although some people find exercising a hard, painful, and even fearsome endeavor, it proves to be very effective in fighting stress. Exercising releases endorphins which are called the “runner’s high”. You’ll feel less stressed, happy, and energized even after a good workout. Plus, you’re getting into shape so it boosts your confidence.

Eating right. What you eat plays an important role in your overall health and how you mentally feel. Eating intuitively and a diet based on wholefoods should help your body balance hormones including those associated with stress.

Laugh. Laughter is the best medicine indeed. Remember when you had a bad day but someone told you a joke and for a moment you forgot what made you feel bad? That’s the effect of laughing, it instantly makes you feel good and science proves it. Research indicates that laughing releases endorphin and lowers cortisol levels which is the stress hormone.

Meditate. People have been practicing it for thousands of years. It was born as a way to connect to a deity. But modern meditation is more about connecting to the inner you and listening to your body. Being alone, closing your eyes and breathing helps you relax and keep your stress level low. Do it for about 10-15 mins a day and you’ll see the results.

Take a long bath. We always have things to worry about; work, family, money. But most of the time we neglect ourselves. It is very important to dedicate at least 1 hour a day to yourself. A hot bath can be a good option and adding a CBD bath bomb can make it even more relaxing. The warm temperature changes your core temperature which relaxes your body decreasing stress levels.

Sleep. As said in the former statement, sleeping helps you manage your stress. Feeling well-rested and resetting overnight is crucial to function properly and be able to be yourself. Are you getting enough sleep?

What about sleep?

Sometimes getting a good night’s sleep can be a challenge often caused by stress. So if you need to sleep to better manage stress but you’re not sleeping because of stress… How do you break this cycle?

Your body is wired to find the balance between waking up and falling asleep, eating and fasting, working and resting, finding holistic homeostasis which keeps you healthy and in tip-top shape. Any imbalance will have a domino effect in all systems in your body.

When this happens it can be difficult to get back on track on your own if you’re experiencing stress or anxiety for a long time. In this case, it’s a good idea to explore natural ways to help you get quality sleep. Get yourself into a consistent bed routine, make sure to stay hydrated, and find herbal remedies to ease your mind. Cannabinoids can be helpful when balancing your body. CBN or Cannabinol is one of the cannabinoids found in hemp that has sedative properties calming your mind and body while bringing balance to your Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Having a balanced ECS can improve your immune system, pain response, and hormonal activity including cortisol.

What is CBN oil? Benefits and Uses

Today, the most popular cannabinoids are THC and CBD. There are many studies that show their properties and potential uses in alternative medicine. Cannabis and hemp have over 100 components, CBN is one of the minor cannabinoids that is starting to be researched and getting more attention from science. In this article, we’ll take a look at what CBN is and it’s benefits and uses.

What is CBN?

CBN or Cannabinol is one of the minor cannabinoids from cannabis or hemp. It is produced as the plant grows and as THC ages, it becomes CBN. Aged THC will start a natural process of oxidation (exposure to heat, oxygen, and light) converting it into CBN. CBN has shown to have sedative properties and the potential to calm the mind and body without the ‘high’ effect of THC.

CBN Delivery Methods

Just like CBD and other hemp-derived products, there are a lot of ways we can take advantage of CBN’s benefits and uses. Cannabinol can be made in different forms such as capsules, tinctures, vaporizers, among others. These products work in different ways depending on how you need them.

Inhalation – This is one of the most popular methods. Vaping or smoking CBN by-passes the “first-pass effect”. Once the CBN goes inside the lungs, it will pass through the capillaries to be distributed throughout the body through the bloodstream and making it the fastest way to get the properties of CBN.

Oral-Sublingual – This is a popular method because of its convenience. The vast capillaries located underneath the tongue will transfer the Cannabinol throughout the bloodstream. This method is also fast and is known to be the most bioavailable, meaning it provides the highest rate of absorption into the body.

Oral – This is the most common way of CBN intake. It is known to have the longest rate of efficacy since it has to travel through our digestive tract and has to pass the liver. The liver enzymes will metabolize the Cannabinol before entering the bloodstream (first-pass effect). As a result, CBN will be broken down and only a certain amount will be available to the bloodstream. Even though there is a downside in taking CBN orally, it has been known to provide the longest effect, up to about 8 hours.

What are the Benefits of CBN?

Researchers now are studying CBN for its benefits and uses. But it has already shown to have sedative properties with potential health benefits as a natural supplement. Some of the potential benefits may be:

Sleep. A good night’s sleep is very important to keep your body functioning the way it’s supposed to. It regulates mood, appetite, and hormones. Although CBN is in the initial phase of research, there is already some evidence that shows that cannabinol may be helpful as a sleep aid. CBN may alleviate insomnia and help you get a better sleep pattern.

Anti-inflammatory effects. Cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, and CBN have shown the potential to provide anti-inflammatory effects to users like allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. It has also been seen to be comparable with CBG in reducing inflammation.

Antibacterial properties. CBN has been found to have antibacterial properties like the other cannabinoids. It has been seen to be very effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus.

Appetite. While CBD has the potential of regulating appetite, it’s been found in recent research with mice that CBN may increase appetite and feeding duration. CBN oil may be a great option to help balance appetite.

Neuroprotective Properties. CBN has been found to have neuroprotective properties. A recent study shows that CBN oil has the potential to be used for ALS treatment as CBN was able to delay the onset of the ALS symptoms. The results are promising in treating ALS patients.

Pain management. Aside from potential sedation effects, CBN oil has also been found to have painkilling properties. CBN connects to both CB1 and CB2 receptors releasing peptides to the sensory nerves providing similar results to CBD.

Even though this is the early stages of CBN, it already shows promise in overall health and also specific medical conditions.

Hemp and Sleep: 5 Ways to Start a Healthy Sleep Routine

Sleep is considered very essential to our physical and mental health. It gives us the much-needed rest and helps us recharge for the next day. Unfortunately, many people have trouble sleeping leading to mood disorders, lack of energy, and even other health conditions. With that in mind, here are 5 ways to start and maintain a healthy sleep routine:

Make and keep a consistent sleep schedule. Your body has a process called the circadian rhythm. It is a process that regulates your wake-sleep cycle, essentially your internal clock. It releases chemicals that induce sleep and triggers the waking-up processes. Keeping a consistent schedule will help the circadian rhythm be on point.

Lighting. Your circadian rhythm is a loop that determines your night and day. To keep it regulated, expose yourself to bright lights, if possible natural light, during the day and make sure your bedroom is dark when you go to sleep. Pro tip: red light stimulates sleep. You can integrate a red light in your bedroom and keep it on for about 30 minutes.

Blue lights. Technology is a big part of our day-to-day and sometimes even at bedtime. But screens emit blue light which tends to keep us awake. White and blue light can mess with your circadian rhythm. It’s best to avoid exposure to screens at least 30 minutes before going to bed. If you can’t resist, you can download several apps that can eliminate blue light from your screen.

Create a sleep-inducing bedroom environment. Creating a relaxing and calm environment will for sure help you build a healthy sleep routine. Make sure your bedroom is dark, your bed is comfortable, and the temperature is right. Most people find around 70F or 20C to be the optimal temperature to sleep in. Another element you can add to your room is a diffuser. Essentials oils such as lavender are known to help your body relax.

Supplements. There are many supplements out there that can help you fall asleep quicker. But the ideal supplement, if you need one, is one that will rebalance your sleep cycle. Hemp-derived cannabinoids, such as CBN or cannabinol, may help your body balance its circadian rhythm. CBN has shown to have sedative properties plus those similar to CBD that may help regulate your Endocannabinoid System (ECS).

These are easy steps you can follow to have a better sleep experience and hopefully regulate your sleep cycle.

CBN Oil: Reset your Sleep Routine and Sleep Better

For mental and physical health, adults need between 7 and 9 hours of quality sleep. Having a consistent bedtime routine with healthy habits will promote a healthy sleep cycle. Unfortunately, many factors of our daily life can negatively affect our sleep making it inconsistent and all over the place. But there are many things you can do to create a sleep routine, keep reading to find out our favorite tips to reset your sleep routine and get your internal clock back on track.

Why do we need to have a good sleep routine?

Routines are key to have a healthy work-life balance. Any type of routine will make you feel organized, less stressed, and accomplished. Practicing the same activities in a pattern will create a habit of making your body feel balanced, the same thing applies to sleep.

The human body has the circadian rhythm which is the main driver of your sleep routine. It is also known as your body’s internal clock and it works 24/7. The circadian rhythm recognizes certain factors or stimulus such as lighting and temperature. Any changes will affect your internal clock and could throw your sleep cycle out of whack.

What are the things that throw off our Circadian Rhythm?

Believe it or not, there are many things on a daily basis that can potentially mess up with your circadian rhythm.

Caffeine. Coffee is a big part of some cultures and in the majority of people’s morning routines. However, sometimes caffeine can be damaging to certain body functions. Caffeine is the main component of coffee and some herbal teas and it lasts in your system for about 3 to 5 hours. It can keep you focused during the day but it can also keep you awake at night. Avoid any caffeinated drinks or food in the afternoon and keep it only as part of your morning routine.

Jet lag. Are you traveling a lot? Visiting different places with different time zones will affect your circadian rhythm.

Artificial lighting. One stimulus that your body recognizes is light. When you’re in a bright environment, your internal clock thinks it’s daytime and won’t release the sleep hormones. Make sure your bedroom is dark enough before you go to bed.

Screens. Scrolling down your social media or checking emails in bed. Can you relate? This can be affecting the quality of your sleep. Screens have blue light which keeps you awake and can potentially mess up your capacity of staying asleep through the night. Avoid any screens at least 30 minutes before going to bed.

Stress and anxiety. Unfortunately, stress and anxiety are the number one factor that causes occasional and chronic insomnia leading, in some cases, to other health issues. It is part of our daily life but there are things you can do to better manage it and not let it affect your sleep. Check out our stress management activities article!

Work schedule. If you work at night it can affect your circadian rhythm. If this is something you can’t change, make sure to mimic night time when you go to sleep during the day. Adjust the lighting, noises, and temperature of your bedroom to let your internal clock that it is time to sleep.

How to reset your sleeping routine

Resetting your sleeping routine can take easy steps or some major adjustments in your bedtime routine. It depends on how your current sleep is and if you have any sleep disorders. Here are some of the tips you can use to reset your sleeping routine:

Create a sleeping schedule and stick to it. Create a schedule that is based on your lifestyle and be consistent. Start with setting a time to go to bed every night, that will already help your body slowly get back on track.

Remove distractions. Remember that things like temperature, light, and noise can affect your sleeping routine? We can’t stress this enough! Make sure to remove any screens at least 30 minutes before you go to sleep.

Have a good bedroom atmosphere. Sleeping in a comfortable bed, pillows, and sheets can help you sleep better and stay asleep throughout the night. Make the room dark and at a cool temperature (about 70F).

Lower your stress levels. Try meditation or breathing exercises to take you back to a relaxing and calm state. Making a to-do list for the next day can also help you release some of the stress.

Hemp Supplements. Cannabinoids such as CBD and CBN have been used for many years as a sleep aid supplement. It has been shown in different studies that hemp supplements can help regulate your internal body balance known as homeostasis. Having a balanced body system will help regulate your sleep cycle naturally. CBN has recently shown, according to research, to have sedative and other properties that might be helpful with insomnia.

What is CBN?

CBN or Cannabinol is one of the minor cannabinoids found in cannabis. It is not originally found in the early life of the plant but when THC ages. As THC matures, it starts a natural oxidation process (exposure to heat, oxygen, and light) becoming CBN.

What are the Benefits of CBN?

Sleep. There are already studies that support the sedative properties of CBN and its potential health benefits.

Anti-inflammatory Effects. Cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, and CBN have shown the potential to provide anti-inflammatory effects to users with allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. It has also been found to be comparable to CBG in reducing inflammation.

Antibacterial Properties. Like CBD and CBG, CBN has antibacterial properties that might be effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus.

Appetite Stimulation. CBN may stimulate appetite potentially helping with certain eating disorders and balancing appetite and digestion. A 2012 study showed an increased appetite and feeding duration.

Neuroprotective Properties. CBN has been found to have neuroprotective properties. A recent study showed that CBN oil delayed the onset of symptoms of ALS.

Pain management. CBN oil has also been found to alleviate pain and chronic pain. CBN connects to both CB1 and CB2 receptors releasing peptides to the sensory nerves providing similar results to CBD.

Our body is really amazing. It’s really up to you to make the best of it. Making good choices and creating healthy habits will for sure give you a better and healthier life experience.

Mental Hygiene and How to Maintain Good Habits

We’re all familiar with physical hygiene, keeping your body healthy to move and function. It can be through exercising, eating healthy foods, and investing in certain products to achieve the optimal condition. But focusing on your physical body alone will not give you the key to thrive in life. The human being consists of 3 parts: body, mind, and spirit. Their 3 combined make who you are as a whole. To thrive and be the best version of yourself, you can’t forget to give attention to your mind and spirit as well. Today, we’ll focus on your mind, your mental hygiene, and how to maintain good habits.

Your mind is a very powerful part of your body and it plays an integral part of our system. All the processes that your body does every day start in your brain. This includes thoughts, dreams, aspirations, and worries which collectively are considered to be your mind.

Your mental health deserves as much, if not more, attention as your physical health. How you take care of it, it’s called mental hygiene which keeps your mind sharp and healthy. Here are our tips to have good mental hygiene:

Change the way you think. There are many studies showing the relationship between stress and certain physical health issues. Stress comes from negative thoughts and experiences. It can be hard to change the way you see things but is it possible to choose to think more positively. Take the difficult experiences as opportunities for learning, it’s all about perspective.

Manage your expectations. Learn how to accept and embrace things that are out of your control and you can’t change. Use your energy to focus on what you can do. We all have different sets of skills and gifts, and those gifts sometimes don’t align with what you want to do. By accepting that there are certain things in this world that are not meant to be for you, you set your mind for success. Think of problem-solving instead of focusing on the problem itself, you will free yourself from frustration and disappointment. For example, if you always wanted to be a singer but you weren’t gifted with a singer’s voice, accept it and focus on how you can work on something else in the music industry. This is important to improve your mental hygiene and maintain good habits.

Take care of your physical health as well. Remember when I said that you have 3 important aspects of life? Taking good care of your body is very important to your mental health as well. Your mind, body, and spirit work holistically to bring out the best in you. If one is lacking, the whole system will not work at its best. If you have bad physical health, your mental hygiene will be affected as well. Exercising regularly is not just good for your body, it also clears your mind. You’ll feel satisfied after so your brain is flooded with dopamine, the “happy” hormone.

Also eating the right food will keep us healthy. Make sure to have a balanced diet every day to keep your body healthy.

Positive affirmations. Sometimes we feel silly when we talk to ourselves. But it is actually a good way of improving your mental hygiene. Saying things like “You can do it!”, “I believe in you!”, “You’ll nail this!”, among others, are a good way to boost your confidence. Uttering and thinking of positive affirmations will help you manage stress and give you more energy to tackle the daily adversities.

Socialize. No man is an island: and this line has never been more true today. We are wired to socialize and interact with other people in one way or another. There are things that you might not be able to handle on your own, and it is ok to ask for help. Learn to accept it and have a special circle of friends you know you can trust.

Sleep. I can’t stress this one enough! Sleep is a basic need to reset and give your body energy to keep functioning properly. Lack of sleep can lead to a variety of physical and mental health conditions including heart disease, depression and even suicide. That is why sleep is one of the most important way to keep an optimal mental hygiene and maintain good habit. If your sleep cycle is out of whack you may want to try a natural supplement to help you reset it. CBN is a cannabinoid that has shown to have sedative properties among others similar to those found in CBD. It may help to regulate your internal clock and calm your body and mind without giving you the “high” effect.

Remember, everything starts from the inside and your mind is a powerful tool to make your body thrive and be in its best shape.

CBN Oil: Why You Want it in Your Wellness Routine

We are not all informed about the varying cannabinoids hemp contains. There are more than 100 major and minor cannabinoids in hemp, plus the different terpenes mixed into it. Most of us only know about THC and CBD, the 2 most popular cannabinoids found in hemp and marijuana. But other cannabinoids carry other potential benefits and CBN is one of the emerging cannabinoids that deserves some time in the spotlight. We’ll learn in this article how much we need CBN oil into our wellness routine.

What is CBN?

CBN or ‘Cannabinol’ comes from properly aged THC. THC, when exposed to a process called oxidation – the process of exposing a substance to heat, light and oxygen – converts to CBN.

CBN is known by cannabis enthusiasts as a “sleeper” cannabinoid and loved for its mild sedative effects. One of the first studies was in 1975 and it measured the sedative effects of CBN in combination with THC.

Potential Benefits of CBN

Aside from sleep aid, which is the most popular benefit of CBN, there are more potential benefits CBN can provide:

Antibacterial Properties. A study conducted in 2008 showed that CBN was able to kill the MRSA bacteria, which is resistant to most antibodies.

Potential Pain Reliever. A recent study in 2019 showed that CBN provided pain relief in rats. There is still no human study to prove it but anecdotal evidence shows a lot of promise.

Anti-inflammatory properties. CBN is known like other cannabinoids to contain anti-inflammatory properties. A 2016 study shows its potential.

Neuroprotective properties. A study has found that CBN has neuroprotective properties and can delay the onset of ALS.

Appetite Stimulant. Another study showed that CBN has a stimulant effect on appetite.

How can you include CBN to your wellness routine?

Wellness is defined as “the state of being in good health, especially as an actively pursued goal”. Being in good health means the state of our body and mind is good and well; which makes CBN oil and other CBN products a perfect part of your wellness routine.

Skincare. Since CBN is great in treating inflammation, it can be great in treating your zits. Combining it with CBD can help improve your skin.

Exercise. After a workout, pain and inflammation are things that prohibit a lot of people from continuing the habit of exercise. CBN can potentially help in treating the muscle pain and inflammation helping you to recover better and faster.

Diet. If you’re someone who lost your appetite because of mental or physical conditions, or if you need to gain weight, CBN can help you increase your appetite and help you reach your optimal weight.

Sleep. Sleep is one of the most important processes of our body. Sleeping helps regain lost energy and rejuvenate the body. People need to have at least 7-9 hours of sleep everyday and not having enough sleep will decrease your energy, make you sleepy throughout the day and a prolonged sleep disorder can lead to a variety of health conditions.

CBN’s sedative effects can help you increase your sleep duration and help alleviate the effects of sleeping disorders like insomnia. It can also, with the help of other sleep inducing activities, reset your body clock and help you manage your sleep a lot better.

Further studies are needed to complete CBN’s efficacy profile. But initial studies and anecdotal evidence are promising.

Adaptogens: Are Cannabinoids Adaptogens?

In the course of human history, people have been trying to find ways to improve our body. We are always trying to find the perfect plant, food, or concoction to keep our body physically fit, energized, and healthy. If there is a possibility for immortality, we’ll be looking at that too. But most of us are not even thinking about the cause of most health conditions: Stress! In this article, we’ll uncover what stress is and the role of adaptogens in stress relief and the similarities between cannabinoids and adaptogens.

Stress, stress, stress!

Stress is a part of life. Cramming to finish your homework, losing a game, making a presentation to the board, problems with finances, there’s a lot of ways stress starts and gets the best of you. Stress management is a very important thing that we need to proactively do because mismanagement of stress can result in a variety of anxiety issues and can contribute to a myriad of physical conditions as well.

So learning everything we can about stress is important! When our body is stressed, our body goes into 3 stages:

Alarm Phase

Phase of Resistance

Phase of Exhaustion

When stress is introduced to the body, our system recognizes it and releases different chemicals, like adrenaline, increasing the body’s ability to pay attention and handle the stress which is part of the phase of resistance. After our body is finished dealing with stress we feel fatigued, signaling the start of the phase of exhaustion.

Normally, our body can deal with a significant number of stressors. But sometimes we need help dealing with them. Adaptogens and cannabinoids are what a lot of studies are trying to uncover.

What are Adaptogens?

Adaptogens are plants or herbal pharmaceuticals that help us manage stress and normalize our body’s hormone levels. Essentially putting our body into homeostasis. Adaptogens work in a way that lengthens the Phase of Resistance when dealing with stress giving us more energy and increasing our focus. A study published in 2010 found a variety of benefits adaptogens can bring us such as:

Helping us fight fatigue

Protecting and stimulating our Central Nervous System

Antidepressant properties

A couple of adaptogenic plants that are popular are: Turmeric, American Ginseng, and Schisandra and there are more adaptogenic plants out there.

Adaptogens and Cannabinoids

As we have learned, adaptogens cause our body to reach homeostasis, an optimal level in our body wherein everything is right. Although cannabis is not regarded as an adaptogen, cannabinoids in cannabis work similarly with adaptogens. There is a general rule that adaptogens take about 3 to 9 months to work, but cannabinoids take less time than that to take effect.

Of course our body needs time to build up the adaptogens and cannabinoids so it may not take effect immediately, but combining the 2 can be very beneficial. CBD, Cannabidiol and other cannabinoids will work effectively with adaptogens to enhance stress and anxiety relief. CBN or Cannabinol is a perfect combination with adaptogens because while adaptogens work with stress, CBN can potentially help manage your sleep giving you more energy.

Conclusion

No matter how much we want to, we can’t shake stress. It’s a part of our lives. Managing it is essential. With adaptogens and cannabinoids, the dream of stress relief is possible now more than ever.

The Role of the Endocannabinoid System in the Human Body

The endocannabinoid system or ECS, is a relatively new concept or system in our body. It has been found to be responsible for running different functions and processes that regulate the body and maintain homeostasis. The endocannabinoid system plays a very vital role in keeping everything in balance.

Think of your body as a car. It may be beautiful and shiny on the outside but if the internal parts are not working properly, it won’t run smoothly.

Just like maintaining a balance with family, work, friends, and other responsibilities, our bodies need balance to get the output that we need to tackle everyday issues.

History of the ECS

Human’s thirst for knowledge paved the way in the discovery of ECS.

In the early 20th century, scientists wondered why people that take cannabis exhibit the symptoms that they do. Scientists successfully isolated CBN. Then by the 1940s, they were able to isolate THC and CBD from cannabis. Raphael Mechoulam successfully synthesized both compounds in the 1960s. Since then, we now have knowledge of over 100 different cannabinoids.

Back then, scientists were really interested in the psychoactive effects of cannabis. And in the 1980s, when a study found that CBD can work against epilepsy, they started to wonder how these chemicals affect our body.

Allyn Howlett’s in-vitro analysis of cannabinoids in the 80’s pondered the possibility of cannabinoid receptors. This led to the discovery of CB1 and CB2 receptors in the early 90’s.

Raphael Mechoulam posited the idea of endocannabinoids because of the existence of cannabinoid receptors. He then discovered the endocannabinoid anandamide in 1993 and the 2-arachidonoylglycerol, or 2-AG soon after.

Endocannabinoid Receptors

Endocannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body and are embedded in cell membranes. From your brain cells to other tissues’ cells, they are everywhere. With the help of endocannabinoids, the receptors carry information throughout the body that signals where it’s needed.

There are 2 well-known receptors in the endocannabinoid system: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are mostly found in the central nervous system while CB2 receptors are found in the peripheral nervous system and other parts of the body.

Endocannabinoids and Cannabinoids

Endocannabinoids act as a key while the receptors act as a lock. They bind to the receptors to carry out information providing the specific benefit needed. There are 2 known endocannabinoids: anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). These are molecules made by our body to pair with the receptors and carry out its function. These help keep the internal functions of our body running in perfect condition. However, scientists are still studying to figure out the typical or normal levels since the body produces them as needed. That’s where cannabinoids come into the picture.

Enzymes

Studies are underway to better understand the Endocannabinoid System. At the basic level, the ECS is known to regulate our body’s internal clock helping to maintain quality sleep, a good mood, and lessen anxiety. Also, cannabinoid receptors are very present in areas of the brain responsible for memory, emotions, and metabolism. This makes them an important part of our body’s overall wellness and basic functionality.

As we learned, the ECS is a vital part of our body. It is now being theorized that different health conditions are related to the deficiency of the Endocannabinoid System.

Roles of the ECS

Although studies are being conducted to learn how the ECS affect our system, here are some of its vital functions:

Metabolism

Pain Response

Immunity

Thermoregulation

Sleep

Reproduction

Memory

Stress Management

Motor Control

Cognition

All these functions are necessary to maintain the balance and harmony in our body.

ECS Deficiency

A lot of scientists believe that our ECS plays a more vital role than initially anticipated. Clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CECD) is a theory that imbalances in our ECS can cause the development of different ailments.

Studies have discovered that deficiencies of the ECS can create an imbalance that can lead to minor conditions like stress and headaches to more serious conditions like arthritis, epilepsy, obesity, glaucoma, cancer and so much more.

If the CECD is proven, this will definitely affect how our medical practitioners approach in treating different conditions but more studies are needed.

IBS Awareness Month: Natural Remedies

April is IBS awareness month. So, for the 1st article of the month, we’ll look back on what IBS is, what we can do to lessen the intensity of the symptoms, and to see if natural remedies can help us treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Statistics

According to the data provided by the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFGD), IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects 25 to 45 million people in the United States. It affects about 10-15% of the population worldwide.

Among patients suffering from IBS, about 40% suffer from Mild symptoms, 35% moderate symptoms and 25% suffer from severe symptoms.

It is now considered to be a dominant health issue for women since around 65% of people who suffer from IBS are females.

What is IBS?

IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects about 1 out of 8 Americans today. Common signs and symptoms include moderate to severe abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, flatulence, or constipation.

It can be misdiagnosed as the symptoms are very similar to gastrointestinal issues. While Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be treated it can’t be cured, it’s a chronic condition that patients have to learn how to best manage it over time. Changes in diet and lifestyle can help you control the symptoms, however, severe symptoms need medical intervention.

What causes IBS?

The cause is still unknown and researchers keep conducting studies to understand it better, but there are factors that play an important role in causing Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

Muscle contractions: The intestines contract every time food passes the digestive tract. Weak contractions can cause constipation as food passes slowly. Flatulations can be caused by strong contractions. Changes in the normal intestinal contractions can cause IBS.

Bacterial overgrowth: IBS can be seen in patients with a high bacterial count in the intestines.

Changes in the gut flora: The gut contains a lot of “Microflora” or good bacteria that fight the bad bacteria we may ingest. Studies have shown that some IBS patients have a slightly different microflora composition than non-IBS people.

Stress: People known to have IBS can have more severe attacks during periods of increased stress.

Hormones: It has been known that more women suffer from IBS than males. Most IBS attacks occur during the menstrual period.

Food: IBS patients can have more severe symptoms when they eat or drink certain food products. Beans, citrus fruits, dairy products, milk, and carbonated drinks can be triggers.

Remedies

At this moment, there is no known cure for IBS. Being a chronic condition, the best thing we can do is manage it. A visit to your gastroenterologist may give you a lot of information on how to alleviate the symptoms. Doctors can prescribe you with Anticholinergic medications, Anti-diarrheal medications, Laxatives, Pain medications, and other medicines that can help fight the symptoms of IBS. A lifestyle change will be one of the top pieces of advice your doctor can give you but there are also different home remedies that we can try to help manage IBS.

Deep Breathing. As people have known to have severe IBS symptoms during stressful situations, practicing deep breathing exercises can help lessen our stress levels and help keep the symptoms at a minimum.

Peppermint Oil. A study in 2014 found that Peppermint oil can help improve symptoms of IBS like bloating and gas. It also helps with lessening abdominal pain.

Probiotics. Probiotics are good bacteria that can help maintain a good gut flora. It can help correct any abnormalities in our gut that can cause IBS symptoms. Probiotics can also help reduce pain caused by IBS.

Exercise Regularly. Exercising will not just help you get the body you’re hoping for, it can also help you fight stress and anxiety.

High-fiber diet. Eating food with high-fiber content can help you not stress out your intestines. Fibrous food will help flush out bad things out of your digestive system.

Avoiding certain foods. Avoiding carbonated drinks, alcoholic beverages, high-gluten food, and some carbohydrates can help you not trigger IBS symptoms.

Cannabinoids. CBD and CBG are known to potentially have potent anti-inflammatory and pain relieving effects that can help you when you’re experiencing symptoms.

How to Create and Maintain Good Eating Habits

Eating and our eating habits is something that has been honed ever since we were young. The food we prefer and the food we don’t. The tastes, types, consistencies – everything. These preferences have been developed by the food we used to eat to the ones we love eating now.

Food is a part of who we are.

You’re fortunate if you were taught as a child to eat healthy, well-balanced meals and not to indulge in sweets and junk food. But what if you’re one of the millions of us who love sugar and everything that includes it? You know you need to eat healthy but can’t resist its sugary embrace. Now you’re in a fight with your own mortality.

So you make a radical change; from a sweet tooth to a vegan; good, but not sustainable as making a complete 180 will not benefit you in the long run. Here are some things to know and do to help destroy bad habits and develop good ones.

Know your food. What goes in our body is responsible for making you healthy or sick. Knowing the basics will be your foundation in building great eating habits.

Calories. A unit of energy that you will get from eating or drinking something. You don’t have to count the calories of everything but a general knowledge of your caloric intake is important if your goal is to lose weight. We believe that a holistic and happy diet is the one that you don’t count calories, you eat intuitively while being aware of what’s on your plate.

Macronutrients. These are nutrients that we need in large amounts like protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Meats, potatoes, and nuts are part of the myriad of food under this category.

Then,

Reflect. Try to recollect your thoughts and think about your eating habits. Think hard and separate the good from bad habits on a piece of paper. With your good and bad habits separated, you now have a better grasp and understanding on what you needed to do.

Time. We all want to take the easiest route to change, but most of the time it won’t be easy. Oftentimes, the roads that lead to change are rather hard and full of obstacles and frustrations. Habits take time to develop, a long time. Give yourself room to grow with what change you want to make with your eating habits. You may encounter setbacks, fail, or have a cheat day and that’s ok. What’s important is you’re still pushing through.

Focus. Making the change needs 100% of your focus and discipline. Cannabinoids like CBD and CBG can help you keep your focus on your goal.

Exercise. You don’t need to enroll yourself in the fanciest gym and go 6 days a week. It can be as simple as 1h walk, stretching, or dancing. The key is to keep your body active and functional.

Be positive. This is what I think is the best way to be successful in changing and maintaining your healthy eating habits. Believing in yourself is the first step and being positive all the way can bring out the best in you!

CBD and Muscle Recovery

We are living in a time where everything is uncertain. We’re forced to adapt to the sudden changes in our environment; from the pandemic to global warming. That’s why right now it’s more important than ever to take care of our bodies. Not just to make us look good, but to feel good. Let’s discover how CBD affects your muscle recovery.

We hit our local gyms after what feels like 100 years of convincing ourselves to do it, only to stop after your first session due to the ever-present truth; the after-workout pain. This pain has swayed more than half of gym aspirants back to the couch – especially for gym newbies, the soreness can be severe.

But why do we feel pain and soreness anyway?

When we work out, no matter what type of workout, we expose our body, especially our muscles, to stress. This stress creates microscopic damages to our muscle strands. The pain and inflammation are our body’s triggers to commence repairing the site of damage, making our muscles even stronger.

Now working out doesn’t just affect our muscles, it affects a lot of our body’s processes as well: we lose fluids through perspiration, calories are burned and energy is used. So it’s important for us to rest so that we can give our body a chance to heal.

How can CBD help us with the after-workout soreness and pain?

CBD or Cannabidiol is a major cannabinoid found in hemp. According to several studies, it has many health benefits. CBD also helps your recovery process. It is high in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which may alleviate stress and anxiety, improve your mood and sleep which then translates to a faster recovery. It also reduces muscle soreness helping you stay motivated for the next workout.

There are many delivery methods, but for sore muscles, it’s suggested to combine a topical and oral product. The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) receptors are also found in the skin. Applying a CBD-infused gel or cream may reduce the local inflammation in a specific muscle group. Another great option is a warm bath and adding a CBD bath bomb. Tinctures and capsules may help from inside out helping regulate your body functions including sleep cycle and appetite. These are common ways that CBD can be used to treat soreness and help with muscle recovery.

Our bodies are very resilient, we can achieve more than we ever wished for, we just have to take care of ourselves. There are a lot of natural options that are a safer route to treating your pain.

A CBD Guide For Your Dog

We all love our dogs. Whether big or small, few or many, calm or hyperactive, we can’t even survive a day without playing with our furry friends. We even treat them as a very important part of the family. In return, they give us loyalty, joy, and happiness that cannot be matched. As we want to provide them with everything they deserve, most of us are thinking if CBD can be a good tool to use to treat their ailments and keep them healthy. We’ll try to uncover how CBD can help your dogs.

What is CBD?

CBD or Cannabidiol is just one of the 100+ Cannabinoids present in Cannabis and Hemp. It is currently studied and used for its potential benefits. It is non-psychotropic so users will not feel any “high”. It works together with our ECS or Endocannabinoid System to bring about the positive effects of CBD.

How can our dogs take advantage of CBD?

Dogs, like humans, also have the ECS or Endocannabinoid System and dogs also create Endocannabinoids which are involved with the immunomodulation, neuroprotection, and control of inflammation in the central nervous system. These endocannabinoids interact with the Endocannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. The activation of the Endocannabinoid receptors brings about potential benefits.

Potential benefits of CBD for dogs

Pain and inflammation.

A recent study suggests that CBD can significantly decrease pain and increase joint mobility among dogs who suffer from osteoarthritis.

Epilepsy.

Canine epilepsy affects about 1 out of 20 dogs and CBD has been found to decrease the frequency of epileptic seizures in dogs.

Cancer.

As hard as it may sound, about 50% of adult dogs get cancer. It can be a very challenging time for a dog. CBD has been extensively researched for its efficacy against cancer and it is very promising. CBD has been found to induce apoptosis in cancer cells and stop tumor growth.

Anxiety.

Dogs can feel anxious and get stressed out as well. Separation anxiety, past abuse, and loud noises are common things that can affect the dog’s mood. CBD can help alleviate our dog’s stress levels.

Aggression.

A study published in 2021 found that CBD can help reduce a dog’s aggressive behavior.

How can you find the right CBD product for your dog?

There are a couple of things that you should look for when finding the right CBD for your dog.

Find the right company.

Look for a reputable CBD company that has been doing this for years. Find some reviews from other people to see if the company that you choose can be trusted with your dog’s CBD needs.

Certificate of Analysis.

Any reputable CBD company willfully posts its COAs on its websites as part of the company’s aim to show transparency to its customers. It’s also a show of confidence of the company to the product.

Dosing.

The FDA is not regulating over-the-counter CBD products so companies may have different dosing for different products. It is known to the CBD communities that the dosing should start at the lowest possible dosage and gradually increase until you get the desired effect. That same principle applies to our dogs as well.

Source of CBD.

There are 3 known types of CBD products: isolate, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum. The full-spectrum contains THC, broad-spectrum does not typically contain THC but sometimes traces can be found, and isolates do not contain THC at all. It’s best to look for pet products that are not full-spectrum as THC can be toxic to your dogs.

Our dogs are our ever-trusty ally in this life. Let’s make sure to repay all they do to us by providing the best care possible.

History of Hemp: 6,000 years to now

People now have a lot of information about Hemp, Cannabis, CBD, THC, Terpenes, etc. Hemp is now utilized for medical and recreational purposes because of its potential benefits. Possible benefits for pain, anxiety, and sleep, cancer symptoms, neurological conditions, heart conditions, among others, are being studied for efficacy. The results have been promising and that’s the reason for the sudden rise of Hemp. But little did we know that humans are taking advantage of this miraculous plant for thousands of years. Let’s look at how hemp was used, is being used, and potentially will be used in the near future. Here’s a brief summary of the 6,000-year history of hemp.

Early Civilization.

We now know a lot about our history by watching historical TV shows, movies, documentaries, and many more. We can instantly get more information about our past just by a touch of a button.

But Hemp was estimated to have been used by humans for around 10,000 years. Historians posit that the history of hemp started in South-East Asia and the plant migrated to China where people first recognized the importance of the plant. The first-ever recorded historical evidence of hemp was around 4,000 BC. The Pan-P’o Village in China was the first record of hemp being cultivated for industrial use. Little is known if hemp is used recreationally at that time but hemp is regarded as one of the “five grains” people usually cultivate around that time. Hemp was used as rope, textile, paper, and oil.

Around 3,000 BC was the first time that hemp was used medically as found in the Pen Ts’ao Ching which was the world’s oldest pharmacopeia. The Chinese believed that hemp can heal around 100 different ailments ranging from gout to malaria.

The Hindu religious texts of Atharva Veda describe cannabis/hemp as the “source of happiness” and the “bringer of freedom” around 2,000 BC most likely because of the psychoactive effects of the THC which is present in cannabis.

Egyptians also note medical cannabis as a treatment for inflammation. Also, cannabis pollen was found in the mummy of Ramesses II suggesting that Egyptians have been taking advantage of cannabis and hemp since 1,000 BC.

Middle Ages.

Ancient civilizations utilize hemp for industrial use any later on dabbled on its medicinal effects. Now in the Middle Ages, cannabis/hemp are consumed primarily on its potential medicinal benefits. Assyrians, Greeks, and Romans use cannabis mainly for pain treatment. Even the Chinese use cannabis as an analgesic.

Around 1,000 AD is when cannabis/hemp started to be utilized as an epilepsy treatment.

Avicenna, in 1025 AD published the Avicenna’s Canon of Medicine stated that cannabis is great for headaches, gout, and even infectious wounds. Arab merchants trade this because it is also known to treat asthma, fever, and dysentery.

Around this was when people consumed cannabis for its recreational use. Southern Africans call it “dagga”.

In the 1500s, the Spanish Conquest brought cannabis to South America where it was used for industrial purposes. This is very important in the introduction of cannabis in the US.

Modern History of Hemp and the New Era.

This is the most important part of cannabis/hemp history. What happened moving forward paved the way for cannabis to be known as a medicinal plant.

In 1798, William O’Shaughnessy, an Irish doctor, essentially introduced cannabis to Western medicine. His paper “On the preparations of Indian Hemp, or gunjah” really made cannabis popular around that time.

The 1900s brought about hemp and cannabis to the new century. At this time, over 100 articles and studies were published on its therapeutic uses. This is also the time when the psychotropic properties of cannabis were introduced to Americans.

Mexican migrants love using cannabis and the psychoactive properties sometimes lead to fights, destructions, and bad things. That’s why Americans were prejudiced about the plant calling it “locoweed”.

The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 prohibited the sale and consumption of cannabis in the US. In 1970, cannabis was categorized as a Schedule 1 drug; preventing further studies on its benefits.

But the discovery of THC in 1964 actually paved the way for scientists to discover the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the Endocannabinoid System in our bodies. They were curious as to how THC affects the brain bringing in the potential medical and psychoactive effects.

After this, the legalization of marijuana took place in the 1990s in California. At this point, cannabis is only legal for medical use. But in 2012, Washington and Colorado became the first states to legalize the recreational use of marijuana.

Most recently, CBD is becoming more and more popular with promising studies in treating anxiety, stress, pain, inflammation, and many more. Myriads of CBD companies and products emerged on the market.

Conclusion.

From ropes to stress relief, cannabis/hemp has been a part of human history from the beginning of time. This brief summary shows how big of an impact cannabis/hemp has on our physical, spiritual, and social constructs.

I’m very excited to learn how hemp will help future generations. Are you excited as well? Here’s to another 6,000 years!

Cannabis and Culture Around the World

The word “marijuana” paints a hazy picture of young hippies with their bell-bottom jeans smoking and getting really “high”. That’s how the people, the era, and the media portray cannabis. But this plant is utilized differently in parts of the world. Depending on the need, cannabis can provide very good use. Let’s see and learn about Cannabis and culture around the world.

Ways Humans Use Cannabis.

Recreational.

This is the most common and popular use of this plant, especially in this day and age. Still considered as a Schedule 1 drug in the US, the Cannabis’ major cannabinoid THC provides the psychoactive effect or the “high” that people look for.

Industrial.

Especially true with hemp, cannabis was actually first cultivated not for its psychoactive effects but for its industrial applications. Evidence suggested that hemp was first utilized to make ropes, paper, oils, and other textile products.

Medical.

Advances in medical technology have taken advantage of the potential benefits of cannabis. Epidiolex, the only FDA-approved medicine with CBD as the active ingredient, is very effective in reducing seizures in certain severe epileptic conditions. Cannabis can help in treating Parkinson’s disease, tremors, and other neurological conditions.

Spiritual.

People have been using cannabis since the dawn of age to increase their spirituality. Hindus, Sheiks, and especially Rastafarians use cannabis as a way to increase and unlock their spiritual awareness. When used correctly and appropriately, it can increase your quality of life.

How different cultures around the world use Cannabis

Africa.

Cannabis was introduced to Africa around six centuries ago from Egypt. Ceramic smoking-pipe bowl artifacts were recovered in Ethiopia that dated around the 14th century contain traces of Cannabis. This shows that Ethiopians have been smoking cannabis for a long time.

With lots of people enjoying the hit they get from Cannabis, they used it as means of trading with other tribes. They exchange cannabis for other supplies like feathers, hide, food, among others.

In North Africa, they have “kif” rooms, where they can gather to smoke cannabis and sing, dance, and do other cultural traditions.

Different tribes also use cannabis for different reasons. The Baluba tribe in Congo incorporates cannabis into religious and magical beliefs. The Bashilenge tribe uses cannabis as a form of punishment. Criminals are forced to smoke Cannabis “dagga” until they admit their wrongdoing or until they lose consciousness.

Jamaica.

Cannabis was introduced to Jamaica by India around the 18th Century. Jamaicans saw that the Indians use cannabis for religious ceremonies. Dreadlocked mystics, known as Sadhus, smoke cannabis and perform religious acts which led to the “cannibalization” of Jamaica. Today, the religion with Jamaican origins, Rastafari, promotes the use of cannabis for religious use. Rastafarians believe that smoking cannabis becomes a portal to deeper spirituality.

India.

With a long history with Cannabis, India is one of the reasons why cannabis is so popular all over the world.

The Atharva Veda is a religious text that was discovered around 2,000 years ago described cannabis as a “source of happiness”, and “bringer of freedom”. In 1798, William O’Shaughnessy published an article “On the preparations of Indian hemp, or gunjah” which highlights the medical benefits of consuming Indian Hemp.

Today, even though recreational consumption of cannabis is illegal in the country, religious people still use cannabis to treat a range of conditions. A cannabis drink called Bhang is popular among people because they believe that this drink is a jack-of-all-trades in terms of treating common aches and pain.

The Netherlands.

We all know that Amsterdam is essentially the new capital of marijuana because of its laid-back and friendly appreciation of cannabis. But technically, cannabis is still illegal in The Netherlands but small consumption is now decriminalized. You’ll find a lot of cafes and restaurants that offer cannabis as smoke or as part of a delicacy.

Iceland.

This country now tops the list of the countries that consume cannabis the highest. Over 18% of the population participates in the consumption of weed. It is still illegal under their federal law but it does not stop them from enjoying cannabis.

Cannabis is very popular among its people because it had its own kind of prohibition in 1915 and only allowed beer in 1989. So people had to find something to do especially during the cold.

Cambodia.

Even though it’s technically illegal to consume, enforcement is a different matter. It’s a bit relaxed especially if you’re only caught in one or two ounces.

But Cambodia is becoming popular with cannabis connoisseurs because of “happy pizza”. It’s a popular pizza in the country that contains cannabis. A lot of tourists have been flocking the country excited to try this unique cannabis culture.

Uruguay.

This is the first country to legalize the sale and consumption of marijuana in 2014. Production of marijuana is also legal and you are allowed to buy up to 40 grams from approved pharmacies. But you need to be registered in order to buy so that the government can track your purchase record.

Canada.

Canadians are very progressive in treating cannabis. Medical marijuana has been legal for more than 16 years and the government is striving to legalize it all together soon. If everything falls into place, it will be the first industrialized nation where cannabis is legal throughout.

Cannabis has become a legitimate business that some medical marijuana growers even take their business public on the Stock Exchange to generate capital.

The United States.

Cannabis and the USA have a very polarizing relationship. At the end of the 19th century, cannabis was marketed as an over-the-counter medication used to treat nausea, rheumatism, and common pain. In the early 20th century, the USA did its best to prohibit the use and sale of cannabis in the country because of the stigma it created when Mexican immigrants used what was called “locoweed”. Through the Harrison Act and Marihuana Tax Act, it forces people to see cannabis in a bad light.

But research done in the mid-20th century paved the way for Americans to start appreciating cannabis again. From the hippies to the discovery of THC, CBD, CBN, CB1 and CB2 receptors, and ECS, people are now starting to see cannabis positively.

Now, cannabis is legal in 29 states. Some states made only the medical use of cannabis legal and some states made it legal altogether. Definitely, the cannabis culture in the USA is flourishing.

Cannabis now has a place at everybody’s table. We have THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, and other cannabinoids that will surely help people treat and manage illnesses. Wherever you are in the world, you’ll see people finding ways of taking advantage of the myriad of potential benefits of cannabis. The future of the culture of Cannabis is now brighter than ever!

Is CBD Skincare Worth It?

CBD has become all the rave today. From oils, tinctures, salves, gels, vapes, to face creams and wash, there are a lot of CBD products out in the market. With CBD’s awesome potential benefits reaching millions not just in the US but around the world, sometimes we wonder if CBD can also work as a part of our skincare regimen. Today we’ll lay out all the facts and answer: Is CBD skincare really worth it?

What is CBD?

CBD or Cannabidiol is just one of the more than 100 cannabinoids present in cannabis or hemp. It is non-psychoactive which means that you will never get the “high” you normally get from THC. CBD, directly and indirectly, affects our ECS or Endocannabinoid System to bring about internal processes that maintain our body’s homeostasis.

What are the CBD Skincare facts?

CBD is still being tested for its efficacy.

Let’s make things clear for everyone: There is still no conclusive research that proves the effectiveness of CBD except for certain epileptic seizures. Epidiolex is the only product with CBD as an active ingredient that has been approved by the FDA to be considered safe for human consumption and found out to be effective against severe forms of epilepsy. However, early clinical trials and anecdotal evidence clearly show that CBD shows a lot of promise.

CBD is not just for anxiety.

Although the most popular use of CBD today is for anxiety management, there is still more about CBD that we need to know. CBD’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipsychotic, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective potential is being studied and the current findings are promising.

CBD can be your perfect skincare partner.

Preclinical evidence suggests that topical application of CBD may be effective in treating skin disorders, such as eczema, psoriasis, pruritus, and other inflammatory conditions of the skin. Research indicates that CB1 and CB2 receptors are also found in the epidermal keratinocytes, cutaneous nerve fibers, dermal cells, melanocytes, eccrine sweat glands, and hair follicles. Scientists are still uncertain as to what are the underlying molecular mechanisms that bring about the treatment but receptors being found under our skin provide a great clue.

Consistency is key.

At this moment, CBD is still not regulated by the FDA so this may cause some concerns, especially to customers new to CBD. Remember that not all CBD is created equally. Make sure to ONLY choose companies that are reputable and transparent to all their customers. Look for companies that have lab tests available to all their customers.

Conclusion

CBD is still not regulated and it’s research is still in its infancy. But no one can refute the overwhelming anecdotal evidence of CBD. CBD will definitely be proven effective against a lot of conditions, especially our skin. But until that happens, look for companies you can trust. Congratulations on getting the best skin ever with CBD!

Creating A Self Care Routine That’s Uniquely Yours

As human beings, we have the ability to love, act, speak, think, and care. We have the independence to explore ourselves and have the disposition to think of self-care ideas or activities for ourselves and others, and also to seek professional health care if needed. In this article, let’s talk about creating a self-care routine that’s uniquely yours.

What is Self-Care?

Self-care, in short, is the ability of anyone to take care of oneself. Dorothea Orem posited the theory that focuses on the performance of activities that individuals do of their own volition to maintain life, and well-being. The Theory of Self Care has categories of requisites that should be evident in every self-caring individual.

Universal Self Care Requisites

These are activities associated with keeping the functioning integrity and maintenance of the human structure.

Developmental Self Care Requisites

These are processes that are derived from a condition associated with a specific event.

Health Deviation Self Care Requisites

These are processes done in response to an illness, injury, or any health issue that may require diagnosis and treatment.

Basically, this theory suggests that human beings have the innate ability to take care of themselves. We are able to recognize processes that we need to do to keep our body alive (i.e. breathing), we have the ability to adapt in every environment that pursues self-preservation, and seek assistance if the issue is way beyond our own control.

Taking care of ourselves is embedded in our psyche. But that doesn’t mean that we all take the time to do it. Humans are motivated by habit. The routines we develop determine our personality and how we live our life. But our minds sometimes work counterintuitively to the things that we need to do. Being convinced by our brain to do the wrong thing too often can develop a bad habit. So identifying those small steps to create good habits is key to finding a balanced self-caring lifestyle.

Components of Self Care

Self-care can be divided into 3 components. They are:

Physical

Exercising, eating fruits and vegetables, dieting, or any activity that promotes a healthy physical being is part of physical self-care. Find any activity that will promote good physical health and that you also enjoy doing. Find your balance.

Mental

Breaking down stress and beating anxiety is the main goal of mental self-care. Finding ways to declutter your mind, creating a daily schedule, and finding activities that you enjoy are very important to reduce stress and anxiety.

Emotional

Find activities that keep you in touch with your emotions. Sometimes stress can come out of negative experiences. Listen to your favorite songs, socialize, motivate yourself and others, and be with the people that uplift you.

How Can I Create My Own Self Care Routine?

Think of the self-care ideas or activities that suit you.

Following generic tips and steps may not work for everyone. Learn to find the things that make you happy. Put that on a list on a piece of paper.

Look for ways to incorporate that in your daily life.

This will be a practice of discipline and consistency. I’m almost 100% sure that most of the things you listed on the paper are not part of your daily routine. It will be crucial to incorporate the activities in times that will not be a bother to you. Incorporating cannabinoids into your daily routine can also be an act of self-care.

Set realistic goals.

You can put “playing basketball” on the weekends, “meditate every Monday”, whatever it may be, put it in a time that fits with your schedule. Your body and habit will fight you in doing the activity if it coincides with a big part of your daily habit.

Evaluate.

Make sure to evaluate yourself after seven days. Of all the self-care ideas and activities you set to do in a week, which one was the easiest, hardest, will you most likely not do moving forward, etc. Be honest with yourself.

Adjust.

Once you made a true and honest evaluation, tweak and modify your current self-care activities to your goals.

Remember, self-care is important and should be done with joy. Doing good activities that don’t make you smile is just work.

Fatherhood with Vesl founder Bobby Scott

What does fatherhood mean to you?

For me, it means I have the opportunity to build one of the strongest relationships two humans can have during their lifetime. I am excited to do everything I can to help my son be the best version of himself he can be. I now have a chance to build a great life with my son.

Is fatherhood everything you thought it would be?

I would say that I am actually more shocked at what it takes to be a mother than a father. The sacrifices I have seen my wife make are far greater than what my expectations were as a father. Huge shout out to my mom and all the single mothers out there, I had no idea how hard it was. That being said, being a dad is better than I could have imagined. I have never loved anything as much as I do Carter, it’s CRAZY!

What is the hardest part of parenting?

Adjusting to the new sleep schedule was hard at first for sure, we’re catching a groove now though. Also, the new work/life balance is something we are still working on. My wife is able to stay home so that is helping us out a lot.

Parenthood comes with a constant learning experience in patience and acceptance. How do you approach this?

I just constantly try to put myself in the mind of a 2-month-old. He is learning everything in real-time and I always just try to make sure I remember that. Also, my wife reads so much online and we try and really understand constantly where he is at in his developmental stages so we can cater to his needs and make things easier on everyone.

What excites you most about being a dad?

Having a new best friend and golfing buddy for life! I can’t wait to get him swinging a golf club. Also, just seeing him grow up, I can’t wait to see what his interests and talents are.

How do you make hemp products part of your routine?

My wife has taken our CBD capsules every day since we found out she was pregnant and still takes them daily. It helps her body maintain itself and keeps her mental state where she feels most comfortable. My cannabinoid intake hasn’t changed much at all! Cinnamon CBG oil in the morning, CBD gummies after lunch, and a CBN capsule at night. Now that we’re all sleeping better the CBN has made a huge difference. I wasn’t able to take it at first because we weren’t getting ANY sleep. Now that I can get my full night’s sleep, I’m back on it!

Closing thoughts?

Overall, being a dad is the best thing that has happened to me. I understand love, sacrifice, and patience more than I ever have in life. I am thankful for the level of motivation my family gives me to go out and be the best I can be for them every day. I can’t wait for what the future holds. My wife and I were at the perfect place in our lives to bring a child into this world and it has brought us even closer than we were before. He is the best blessing either of us has ever had!

5 Tips on How To Meditate At Home

Majority of people think meditation is a way to take your mind off stress, anxiety, problems in life, etc. But meditation, especially meditation at home, the other way around, isn’t about transforming you to a new and different person from who you were. It’s about making you conscious about everything in your life and finding a new perspective and acceptance. It’s not about hitting the switch and offing everything: feelings, thoughts, plans, aspirations, issues. But instead training yourself to recognize all of it and have the mindfulness to be ok.

Mindfulness is the ability to be fully engaged in the moment. Easier said than done, right? Your mind can sometimes be your unwitting enemy and it can take a lot of training. It may go over the heads of many people but meditation is a skill. It’s not like you’ll lie in bed, or sit in a corner, close your eyes and you’ll be in a trance.

Make your mind your ally, not an enemy.

With all the things that you’ve experienced in your life, you’re to develop a couple of habits. Some may be good, and some…not so much. But one thing is for sure, your mind always goes for the comfortable one and 99% of the time, it’s the bad habits. Medication can work in a way to instill discipline and self-control. But there are more benefits that meditation at home can provide.

Meditation Benefits

Depression.

A 2019 review concluded that mindfulness-based meditation has a positive effect on depression.

Pain.

A recent study shows that Mindfulness-based stress reduction resulted in great low back pain improvement.

Blood Pressure Regulations.

Meditations appear to produce small reductions in blood pressure.

IBS.

Meditation reduces the severity of irritable bowel syndrome in women.

Insomnia.

Meditation techniques can reduce the effects of insomnia and is found to aid sleep

… and many more. Now the challenge is to develop and maintain the habit of meditating at home. We want to share with you our tips on how to start from home, for free.

How do I meditate at home?

Find your perfect spot.

You don’t need to dedicate a special room so no one can bug you. Just a corner and a window because #2.

Bring in natural light.

You are developing focus when you’re meditating at home. So having natural light can help you stay awake and focused while meditating. Because let’s be honest here, meditating can make you feel sleepy.

Keep it clean. Cut the noise down.

Clutter on your space will definitely be clutter on your mind. It will keep you from improving your focus. Find a spot where you can meditate in silence. Small noises like sounds of the TV or buzzing of gadgets can alter and ruin your concentration. Make sure that before you start meditating, everything that could potentially distract you is out of the room.

Make that spot yours.

Adding your personal touch will actually help you in your meditation ritual journey. Imagine seconds before closing your eyes you see an image of the reason why you’re doing it.

Add CBD to your meditation routine.

CBD can potentially be your partner in meditating at home. It has been known to potentially assist in the reduction of your stress and anxiety.

The key here is to create the best possible situation for you to start and maintain a habit of meditation at home. Get creative and add any steps or small rituals that will keep you motivated.

Broad Spectrum CBD And Its Benefits

Hemp is composed of many chemicals called cannabinoids. THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, CBL, are just some of the many chemicals present in hemp. Cannabidiol has become a go-to natural remedy. A study conducted in 2018 revealed that people mostly use broad-spectrum CBD for its benefits ranging from providing stress and anxiety relief to pain management.

CBD products are divided into three categories, Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and Isolates. Let’s learn about their differences to help you choose which CBD category will work best for you.

CBD Isolate

Pros: Great with people who don’t want THC.

Cons: You won’t get the entourage effect.

Full Spectrum

Full-spectrum is the extraction of all cannabinoids, including THC. This type is high in CBD but also contains flavonoids, terpenes, and other cannabinoids like CBN, CBDV, THCV, CBG, CBC, THCA, CBDA. Many people like the “entourage effect” which combines all the compounds found in the plant. Full-spectrum will typically have less than 0.3% THC.

Pros: You’ll get the best chance of the entourage effect.

Cons: Must be bought from reputable companies. Unregulated products may contain THC levels that can cause a feeling of “high”. 2mg/ml is enough to cause THC’s “psychotropic” effect.

Broad Spectrum

Broad-spectrum CBD is the middle option between isolate and full spectrum. Like the full spectrum, the broad spectrum CBD preserves all the compounds in the extract, except THC. Broad-spectrum CBD is a great way to enjoy the positive benefits of the other cannabinoids with the “high” of THC. Our CBD and CBG oils are now broad spectrum with higher doses which can better help us whatever life throws our way!

Pros: The safest bet when you want to get the entourage effect without worrying about THC.

Cons: Not much really.

Which is the best for you?

Some evidence suggests that full-spectrum and broad-spectrum is the best option but it depends on you.

How would you want to enjoy the benefits of CBD? Plain and pure like the isolate, broad-spectrum CBD’s THC-free benefit or getting a little bit of everything with full spectrum. Whatever your choice is, rest assured that VESL OILS got you covered!

Remember to buy from reputable companies with lab tests posted on the website or better yet, talk to a healthcare representative if you want more information before trying CBD.

CBD and PMS: The Perfect Pair!

Anecdotal evidence shows that CBD along with other cannabinoids is responsible for providing anxiety and stress relief but most importantly, pain management and women are banking on CBD’s efficacy to manage their PMS symptoms. But before we start looking for treatment options, we need to understand what PMS is and how CBD can help anyone that is suffering from it.

What is PMS?

Premenstrual symptoms or PMS are uncomfortable symptoms that 90% of menstruating women experience about 2 weeks before the actual menstruation. This condition is considered to be a part of being a woman since most of them suffer from this every month.

Scientists believe that PMS symptoms may be related to 2 different chemicals in the brain: estrogen and serotonin.

Estrogen is a hormone that is very valuable in the body but so much more in females as it controls female characteristics.

Serotonin on the other hand is another hormone that is responsible for our mood and feelings and it is also responsible for helping us sleep better, among other things.

What Causes PMS?

Hormones are responsible for the women’s menstrual cycle. Progesterone and estrogen go up and down during this cycle. After ovulation, the level of estrogen goes up (Luteal Phase). If the egg in the fallopian tube is not fertilized, estrogen together with progesterone levels will go down to and the cell lining of the uterus will go through apoptosis and the actual menstruation will occur.

The rising of estrogen is believed to bring the physical symptoms of PMS like breast tenderness. Serotonin is aligned with estrogen so if the estrogen falls, serotonin follows. Since serotonin is the hormone that controls our feelings, decreased serotonin levels are associated with the psychological effects of PMS like anxiety, and unfortunately many more.

What are the symptoms of PMS?

Psychological

Anxiety
Depression
Fatigue
Irritability
Emotional outbursts
Sadness
Food cravings

Physical

Breast soreness
Changes in sleep pattern
Constipation
Acne
Headaches
Muscle and Joint pain

Can CBD help with PMS?

Cannabidiol is just one of the many cannabinoids present in hemp. Recent studies point out CBD’s effectiveness to manage and potentially treat PMS symptoms. But how can CBD help with it?

Pain Management.

Analgesic property is one of CBD’s benefits. This can potentially help women suffering from muscle and joint pains associated with PMS.

Anxiety Relief.

Cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and CBN contribute to improving our stress levels and help us find anxiety relief. Cannabinoids interact with the ECS to modulate our body to find homeostasis.

Appetite control.

When PMS occurs, women normally have sudden food cravings – especially for sweets. One of CBD’s potential benefits is reducing appetite. This can help women to somehow control eating unnecessary food.

Mood regulation.

CBD is known to help maintain a good mood for people suffering from PMS symptoms. CBD is known as an agonist of serotonin 5-HT1A receptors. Anxiolytic effects are the result of the activation of this receptor.

May remedy skin disorders.

An article published last 2020 shows the potential therapeutic benefits to improve and maintain skin homeostasis and prevent the proliferation of acne and other skin disorders.

Choosing your CBD for PMS partner

The FDA still does not regulate CBD so there are a few points that you need to remember in choosing the right company and product for you.

Choose a transparent company.

CBD is not the end-all-be-all answer to your PMS symptoms and it is still not widely accepted as medicine aside from “Epidiolex”. A lot of research is needed for it to be considered as medicine.

Lab tests.

A company that provides lab tests is a company that has nothing to hide. Support companies that are true to you.

Choose a product that will work best with you.

There are a ton of CBD products available out there with varying dosages. From gummies to topicals, to oils and candies, CBD comes in different forms. Choose a product that will work for your taste and your schedule.

Conclusion

CBD offers a way so that PMS should not be part of women’s everyday lives. It may not be the complete answer to PMS. But CBD and PMS are a great match and it should not hinder anyone from giving it a try.

Health Benefits of CBG: The Caffeine-Free Clarity Alternative

We all have those days that we wake up feeling sluggish but still have to go to work and perform and nothing comes first to our mind than having our morning coffee. Coffee is part of many cultures around the world. But we’ll tackle how the health benefits of CBG can outweigh whatever we’re getting with coffee.

The National Coffee Association (NCA) in 2020 released the National Coffee Data Trends report that states that 7 out of 10 Americans drink coffee every week and 62% drinks coffee every day. Also noteworthy, the overall consumption of coffee in the US increased 5% America since 2015 and we can safely assume that it’s continuing to increase this year as well.

So why do we love coffee?

Simple. It gives us the kick that we need plus it tastes good, it’s a nice and comforting ritual. Whether in the morning or afternoon, studying or cramming for a test, or when we need to be awake for long hours because of work, coffee has been there to give the extra jolt of energy to focus on the task at hand. But the question at hand, is coffee really what we believe it is?

The word that we need to remember is caffeine, it is the natural stimulant that is active in coffee. It counters the effects of Adenosine in the brain, promoting wakefulness, focus, and increased mood.

But while it gives us the focus and energy we desperately need to focus on daily activities, overindulging in this chemical can be a bad idea. Studies point out that chronic high levels of caffeine in our system may lead to migraines and poses a risk for high blood pressure.

Caffeine’s positive effect on us has a threshold. Cross that line and caffeine can be counter-intuitive because it can provide the negative effects that we’re trying to get rid of in the first place.

Health Benefits of CBG

CBG is another popular cannabinoid found in hemp. Believed to be a very potent analgesic, people have been using it to treat their pains but there is more to CBG than that. CBG also contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial as well. CBG can also help you in different ways:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

CBG is found to have the potential to reduce gut inflammation caused by IBS.

Bacterial Infections.

CBG is potentially effective against bacterias especially MRSA.

Bladder issues.

CBG is the most effective cannabinoid in managing bladder contractility.

Glaucoma.

CBG may potentially help glaucoma patients by relieving intraocular pressure.

Stress.

CBG has been found to have a function in response to stressors.

Is CBG a caffeine replacement?

Anecdotal evidence shows that CBG impacts not just the body but the mind as well. CBG does not have psychoactive effects but it works in a way that relaxes your mind. A relaxed mind can focus better on any task at hand.

CBG works by attaching itself to the 2 main receptors of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), the CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors can be found in the brain and CB2 receptors can be found in the rest of the body.

It is thought that CBG attaching to these receptors enhances and strengthens the function of the chemical anandamide, the endocannabinoid which is found to play a role in enhancing bliss, regulating sleep, and alleviating pain.

CBG not just helps you get focused and alert, it can also help you get a good night’s sleep; increasing energy and keeping anxiety away.

Also noteworthy, CBG is believed to be well tolerated by humans. 25ml is an excessive amount for daily CBG intake but even at this dosage, it is well tolerated by humans. There is also a study that shows that it is well tolerated by rats. Sure there more research is needed to definitively say the fact but it is very promising.

Are the health benefits of CBG worth it?

Even though coffee is embedded in our system with its benefits, it would not be wrong to find a far healthier alternative. CBG has come a long way and is here to give you extra energy and focus, as well as other benefits that we will love.

5 Best Hiking Spots in Colorado

The United States is indeed blessed with natural beauty. The peaks and valleys seem to never end; forests, mountains, deserts, all splashed with vibrant colors and different states boast their beauty and character; Colorado’s beauty is in a class of its own. The state’s natural wonders are very astonishing. Situated in the heart of the country, Colorado boasts its peaks, lakes, trails, and parks. But unlike the other states, Colorado has the highest mean altitude across 50 states. It has 58 mountain peaks that are at least above 14,000 feet. So getting to beautiful destinations may be easier said than done. Today, we give you the 5 best hiking spots in Colorado, the things you need to prepare for, and the hiking essentials that you’ll need.

Hiking Tips in Colorado?

Since Colorado is elevated, everything in its topography is different. This is especially true for the people living outside of Colorado. If you want to make a trip:

Make sure you give your time to acclimate yourself to the weather and elevation.
Since the weather is constantly changing, don’t forget to bring extra layers and raingear.
Don’t rely on your phone. Bring maps, flashlights, and anything that can help you with your hike.
Start your hike early. Hiking late in the afternoon is very dangerous and the nighttime exponentially increases the risk for accidents.
Don’t forget to hydrate!
Ask the locals. They know the place better than any information available on the internet.

The List of the Best Hiking Spots in Colorado!

The Flatirons

This place can be the best-near hike in Colorado if you don’t want to get far outside of Denver. These magnificent slabs of rocks create a wonderful backdrop to your hike. The area provides trails of meadows, forests, and slopes; practically everything beautiful packaged in one.

The Blue Lakes

If you’re in it for the views, The Blue Lakes trail is perfect for you. It’s not an easy trail to track but it will give you 8.5mi of stunning views. Experienced hikers can feast on the views of the lake at the top.

Fish Creek Falls

If you’re a beginner hiker, trekking along the Fish Creek Falls will be a treat for you. The first waterfall is only a 1mi trek but if you’re adventurous, go to the Upper Fish Creek Falls, an additional 5mi but the views will keep you full for a week!

Perkins Central Garden Loop

An easy hike with a rewarding view. The loop is just 1.5mi long and will bring you up-close and personal to the Garden of the Gods which will give you a beauty that is out of this world.

Maroon and Crater Lakes

Definitely, one of the best hiking spots in Colorado, the hikes on these two beautiful lakes are relatively easy. It is located just outside of Aspen, the 4mi hike will give you the chance to see the lakes which pass through a valley surrounded by beautiful greens. An Instagram-worthy view!

5 VESL’S BEFORE-DURING-AFTER PRODUCTS FOR YOUR HIKE

Packing your food and tools for the trip is important. But don’t forget to pack your CBD on-the-go products as well. CBD can help you keep the stress away and manage pain because of course, you’ll have some on the trip. Not to mention that it can help you with faster muscle recovery!

Before

CBD Tinctures

CBD Liquid Gels

While you’re acclimating to the elevation and weather of Colorado, make sure you pack your body with our CBD liquid gels and tinctures to keep the stress away before starting your journey.

During

CBD Muscle Gel

Our CBD muscle gel is and will be your perfect CBD partner during the hike. Our 1,000mg and 2,000mg CBD Muscle Gels are easy to carry and their ease of application will be perfect for every hiker.

After

CBD Muscle Gel

CBD Bath Bomb

CBG tinctures and capsules

CBN tinctures and capsules

After a long day of trekking on the best hiking spots in Colorado, take the tiredness away by submerging in a hot tub filled with our CBD Bath Bombs. Then use our 5,000mg muscle gel to topically apply relief to your sore feet, knees, and hands. Before going to sleep, take our CBG tincture and capsule to further help you manage your pain and maintain a calming experience. Try our CBN sleep aid as well so you can have a better sleep giving you enough energy when you wake up!

Parting Words

Going on hikes is important for our health and psyche! It can also make you feel that you’re free and not just confined to the four corners of your house. As stressors and anxiety risks are at an all-time high, going away to free your mind and unwind would not be bad at all.

CBD Mocktail Recipes for Summer

Enjoying the summer so far? This is the best season for most people. We can wear our favorite sundresses and with more and more cities opening up again, we can brave the outside world and go on picnics and other summer adventures. With wonderful food and company, a perfect drink will complete it. So let us beat the heat with our compilation of CBD mocktail recipes for summer!

What is a Mocktail?

Mocktails are flavored drinks without alcohol. Basically, cocktails without the booze. Instead, a perfect combination of flavoring agents and liquor-like alternatives is important in mimicking the flavor of famous cocktails or creating new and delicious mocktails.

There are many popular mocktails like Shirley Temple, Arnold Palmer, and Roy Rogers because of the people associated with the drink and the refreshing flavor it brings. But let’s make a twist, let’s make the best CBD Mocktail Recipes for this summer.

5 CBD Mocktail Recipes This Summer

Part of this list are the most delicious but at the same time, easy CBD mocktail recipes to do. Try to do them all and choose your favorite!

CBD Raspberry Shrub

Ingredients

300g raspberries

50g raw honey (see tip)

75ml raw apple cider vinegar (see tip)

½ small pack mint leaves only

750ml bottle sparkling water

Ice

6ml 2000mg CBD Unflavored Tincture

Method

STEP 1

Place the raspberries, about half in a large bowl, and crush lightly. Gently stir while pouring the honey. Leave in the fridge to chill overnight.

STEP 2

Take it out of the fridge then add the vinegar. Stir gently then use a sieve or strainer to strain the mixture. Use the back of the spoon to press the mixture down gently.

STEP 3

If you have remaining raspberries, add them together with mint leaves. Add ice and sparkling water. Drop 1ml of the CBD Unflavored Tincture per serving. Stir gently to combine, then serve.

Serving Size: 6

Summer Cup CBD Mocktail

Ingredients

1cm thick slice of cucumber

1 sprig mint

few frozen red berries

120ml clear, sparkling lemonade

Ice

1 ml 1500mg Tropical CBG Tincture

Small slices of fruits and berries and mint leave to garnish

Method

STEP 1

In a small pan, boil 200 ml of water and put the cucumber and sprig (cut into small pieces). Turn off the heat and leave the mixture for 2 mins. Defrost a handful of berries for a minute, add them to the mint and cucumber then crush them lightly with the back of a spoon. Strain the mixture and keep it in the fridge for 24 hours. This will be enough to make up to four drinks.

STEP 2

Pour 40ml of the strained mixture into a tall glass, add some ice, and top up with 120ml lemonade. Add 1 ml of 1500mg Tropical CBG Tincture. Garnish with more berries and mint leaves or whatever chopped fruit you like. Stir gently to combine and enjoy!

Serving Size: 1

Non Alcoholic Sangria

Ingredients

4 cups white grape juice (1 l)

1/4 cup blueberries (40 g) + 3/4 cup blueberries (120 g)

1 cup orange juice (250 ml)

Juice of 1 lime + 2 limes

2 oranges

2 bananas

2 peaches

10ml of 1500mg Watermelon CBG Tincture

Instructions

Blend the white grape juice with 1/4 cup of 40g blueberries. Pour the liquid mixture into a jar or bowl.

Add the orange and the lime juice. Stir until it is well mixed.

Place ice in a jar, add the mixture, the chopped fruits (2 oranges, 2 bananas, 2 limes, and 2 peaches), and 3/4 cup of blueberries. Add 10 drops (10ml) of 1500mg Watermelon CBG Tincture. Let your Sangria stand in the fridge for 2 hours.

Serving Size: 10

Faux fizz CBD Mocktail Recipe

Ingredients

2 tsp apple cider vinegar

sparkling water, to top up

3ml Citrus 2000mg CBD Tincture

For the base syrup

1 sliced pear

4 dried apricots

75g golden caster sugar

25g honey

1 sprig rosemary, plus extra to garnish (optional)

1 strip lemon zest

Method

STEP 1

To make the base syrup, put the dried apricots, honey, sliced pear, a sprig of rosemary, a strip of lemon zest, and golden caster sugar in a saucepan with 100ml water. Heat for at least 10 mins or until the sugar has dissolved and the pear becomes very soft, then leave to cool completely.

STEP 2

Add the apple cider vinegar after draining the syrup into a jug then place in the fridge for at least 30 mins. Pour about 25ml of the syrup into a champagne flute and add cold sparkling water. Put 1 drop (1ml) of 2000mg Citrus CBD Tincture and garnish with a rosemary sprig if you like.

Serving Size : 3

Virgin Mojito CBD Mocktail Recipe

Ingredients

1 tbsp sugar

small bunch mint

3 limes, juiced

soda water

2ml 2000mg Peppermint CBD Tincture

Method

STEP 1

Using a pestle and mortar (or a small bowl and the end of a rolling pin), muddle the sugar with mint leaves.

STEP 2

Put a handful of crushed ice into 2 tall glasses then divide the lime juice between the glasses with your mint mix. Add 1ml of 2000mg Peppermint CBD Tincture per glass, put a straw and top up with soda water.

Serving Size: 2

From being the perfect meal partner to beating the summer heat and keeping yourself refreshed, mocktails are not just a fancy juice. Unfortunately, it is still being overshadowed by cocktails and beers. But now is the time that it receives the credit it deserves. Let’s follow this easy CBD Mocktail Recipes and raise our non-alcoholic glasses and cheers to enjoy every bit of this summer season!

What is the best CBD Product for Endometriosis?

CBD is like a wildfire that has taken over the wellness genre. You can find a lot of different CBD products everywhere. It’s not just a fad though. CBD is being researched and has a lot of anecdotal evidence providing relief for stress and pain. Women are now discovering CBD’s magic as pain relief for Endometriosis. It is something that affects about 11% of American women. It is especially common in women who are in their 30s and 40s. But is it treatable? How do we help someone with Endometriosis? And what is the best CBD product for Endometriosis?

What is Endometriosis?

The normal growth of the endometrium should be inside the uterus as it serves as a cushion or site of attachment for the fertilized cell. But if no fertilization occurs, the body sheds it off as menstruation.

Endometriosis is the growth of the endometrium outside the uterine wall. It can be seen in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or outside the wall of the uterus. This condition (endometriosis) is not cancerous but is painful and uncomfortable. Also, the endometrium growing in these sites can’t get out of the body easily. That’s why women have been searching far and long to answer if CBD is the new best product for Endometriosis. It is very important to know that since it is a chronic condition and pain management is very important.

What causes Endometriosis?

The exact cause of endometriosis is still uncertain. Scientists are still conducting studies to get to the bottom of the cause of the pain and discomfort. But there are theories floating around as to how this came about.

Hormones.

It is believed that high levels of estrogen promote endometriosis.

Immune System Issues.

It is known that women with endometriosis may have immunodeficiency disorders because a faulty immune system won’t detect endometriosis to treat and fix it

Genetics.

If you have family members that suffer from endometriosis, chances are you’ll have it as well.

Surgery.

This is common for C-section patients. Endometrial tissue can be moved by mistake thus ending in non-suitable places like the abdomen.

What are the 4 stages of Endometriosis?

Endometriosis falls under 4 stages or categories. These categories are based on the depth, location, extent, and severity of scars.

Minimal.

There is just a small presence of scarring. Most endometriosis falls under this category.

Mild.

This classifies the presence of scarring and minor superficial implants.

Moderate.

You’ll see the formation of cysts and severe scarring in this stage

Severe.

Your endometriosis will fall under this stage if you are now experiencing infertility along with severe scarring

What are the symptoms of Endometriosis?

Pain.

It can be similar to menstrual pain and it’s more common in the lower back and pelvis, during sex, intestinal, and during bowel movements.

Bleeding.

This can be just as small as spotting or menstrual bleeding for more than 7 days.

Digestive Problems.

This may include diarrhea, bloating, constipation, especially during the menstrual period.

What is the best CBD Product for Endometriosis

What are the health issues associated with Endometriosis?

Cysts.

The trapped blood due to the blocking of the fallopian tubes has a risk of forming cysts.

Inflammation.

Irritation caused by substances not supposed to be there will cause inflammation as our body’s way of informing the immune system that something is wrong in that area.

Scars.

Continuous endometrial issues around your pelvic area may cause scars and adhesions that can cause pain and will make it harder for the affected individual to get pregnant.

What are the possible treatments for Endometriosis?

Sadly, there is no known cure or sure-fire treatment for endometriosis. The only thing you can do is find ways to alleviate pain and discomfort. Here are some tips on managing endometriosis:

Physical Therapy.

Not a lot of people know but Endometriosis affects how your pelvis work so if the inflammation and scarring caused by Endometriosis make your pelvis askew, you’ll be in a lot of pain. Go to your nearest PT clinic so that they can make a plan of action to correct those areas.

Surgery.

Surgery is usually chosen for severe symptoms, when hormones are not providing relief or if you are having fertility problems. During the operation, the surgeon can locate any areas of endometriosis and may remove the endometriosis patches. After surgery, hormone treatment is often prescribed unless you are trying to get pregnant.

Hormone Therapy.

Hormonal medications help treat endometriosis by reducing excess tissue growth and the formation of new adhesions. These adhesions can be caused by chronic inflammations creating a scar in the tissues. It can be found throughout the pelvis and in the organs housed by it as well.

CBD.

Cannabidiol may assist in managing the symptoms of endometriosis. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may help to resolve and treat inflammations caused by endometriosis. It may also alleviate the pain and manage your stress and anxiety level hindering the further aggravation of the symptoms. Normally, you’ll have a variety of products to choose from but the CBD tincture is the best CBD product to use for Endometriosis and you can use it sublingually for a higher CBD concentration in your system.

Conclusion

Living with pain and discomfort will definitely affect how a sufferer faces a life so this blog should serve as a way for everyone to understand endometriosis and what other people can do to help someone who’s experiencing it.

The Best Alternative Treatment for Arthritis

You may know someone with arthritis or you may be suffering from arthritis yourself. We all know that arthritis is always associated with debilitating pain and inflammation. A pain that’s long-lasting and normally affects the elderly. But in this article, we’ll give you the best alternative treatments for Arthritis and we’ll compare CBD and NSAIDs in relieving pain.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a common disorder that affects the joints of the body. It’s so common that the CDC stated that it affects 23% or 54 million adults in the US. When you have arthritis, you feel pain and inflammation mostly on your fingers, hands, hips, knees, and feet. Having this condition makes living and doing daily activities very hard.

Why are our joints important?

Joints serve a very important role in your body. It serves as a way to keep the body mobile. We can’t walk without our joints. Joints are the connection between bones. We have a wide range of motion because of our joints. Once it is affected, it feels like our whole body structure is affected.

Our joints have the articular cartilage which is the connective tissue that keeps our joints running smoothly. We also have the synovial fluid that serves as our joint lubricants. Issues with our articular cartilage or the synovial membrane can cause arthritis.

What are the types and symptoms of arthritis?

Consider the word “arthritis” as a general term blanketing different presentations of symptoms on different parts of your body. Here are some examples:

Osteoarthritis.

This is referred to as the most common form of arthritis. It is attributed to the normal wear and tear of the joints.

Gout.

This is known to be a very painful and common form of inflammatory arthritis that affects one joint at a time, most commonly found on the foot. This is caused when uric acid forms in the joints.

Rheumatoid Arthritis.

It is an autoimmune disease that happens when your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake, causing inflammation around the joints.

Ankylosing Spondylitis.

AS is a form of arthritis that mostly affects the spine and sometimes other joints. It causes inflammation of the spinal joints. This leads to chronic pain and discomfort.

Psoriatic Arthritis.

This is a chronic joint inflammation that affects about 30% of psoriasis patients.

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

Also called JIA, this type of arthritis affects children wherein the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissues.

What causes arthritis?

We can’t pinpoint arthritis as the sole cause of the problem. Different factors contribute to the flaring up of arthritis. However, you can develop arthritis if:

You have a family history of arthritis
Doing activities that stresses a certain joint or group of joints repeatedly
Autoimmune diseases
Infections

CBD and NSAIDS

For the longest time, health providers have been prescribing different pain medications like NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) to treat and manage arthritis; and NSAIDs have greatly improved over the years. However, these types of medicine can give you other types of inflammation while masking the pain from arthritis. It ends up not being sustainable or healthy. This is one of the reasons why more people are choosing CBD over NSAIDs. Cannabidiol is natural, with little or no side effects, and it has potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Studies also show its effectiveness against arthritis and you’re less prone to getting side effects if you don’t overdo it. CBD is one of the best alternative treatments for arthritis out there. So, between CBD and NSAIDs, going natural is certainly worth the try.

Here are the possible adverse effects of NSAIDS:

GI disturbance – Either pain or bleeding
Indigestion
Headache
Allergic Reactions
Kidney and Liver Issues

Alternative Treatments for Arthritis

Our body is not designed to suffer. Whenever we feel pain, inflammation, or anything that keeps us off balance, we try to find a solution to it. Alternative treatments have become more popular since the side effects of NSAIDs are better understood by medicine and patients. Here are some of the best alternative treatments for arthritis:

Acupuncture.

It is designed to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue, improve blood flow and activate the body’s natural painkillers.

Massage.

Gentle manipulation with moderate pressure can reduce stiffness and joint pain. Also, it has been shown to improve range of motion.

Weight Loss.

Losing weight is a sure way of relieving the pressure put on the joints especially for the joints of our lower extremities.

Physical Therapy.

Therapists may help you by providing various ways of getting relief from pain. They can also counsel you on better arthritis management. Assistive devices are sometimes allowed to help relieve pressure and pain.

CBD Topical Gels.

It works by attaching to the cannabinoid receptors in the skin providing inflammation and pain relief at a specific area.

Oral CBD Oil.

This is either complementary to CBD topical or an alternative. Cannabidiol works with your Endocannabinoid System regulating and establishing balance in the rest of your body. It also activates immune cells helping against any inflammation in the body.

Conclusion

Arthritis: some people hate it, others despise it. But when hit by it, we’re in for the long haul. So instead of stressing yourself on how to fix it. Let’s use these alternative treatments for arthritis as tools to manage and live happily with it.

How to Include CBG in Your Daily Wellness Routine

Cannabinoids have been popular for quite a while now. From THC to the very popular CBD, we see different brands and products on store shelves. CBG is gaining popularity as one non-psychoactive cannabinoid that provides a lot of health benefits to its users. In this blog, we’ll learn how you can incorporate CBG tinctures, CBG capsules, CBG vapes, and other CBG products into your daily wellness routine.

What is CBG?

CBG or Cannabigerol is one of the 100 cannabinoids found in hemp. It is considered to be the mother molecule because this is the first compound that this plant produces. It is similar to stem cells.

Why is CBG important in your daily routine?

One of the many potential properties of CBG is its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect which helps to relieve pain.

Another great quality of CBG is that it promotes the production of anandamide which is known to be the “bliss molecule”. Elevation of anandamide in our system will result in a great mood and less stress in the system.

CBG is also neuroprotective and has antidepressant properties that naturally support healthy brain function and mental health

Having a wellness routine is very important, it will not only keep you healthy but happy and more resilient. Knowing the benefits that CBG can provide for you will make you more excited about having CBG as a part of your daily wellness routine.

What are the different ways you could incorporate CBG into your daily routine?

Since there are many options for CBG, it’s not hard to find one that works for you. Here are the common CBG products available:

CBG Tincture / Oil

Ingesting CBG via tincture, designed to be taken sublingually, is a great way to get the most out of it. The blood vessels under our tongue absorb the cannabinoid and transport it to the part of the body that needs it. This method is perfect if you have pain and inflammation.

CBG Capsules

Perfect for people on the go! These soft-gel capsules are already prepared to give you enough CBG. No further measurements are needed.

CBG Vape

Vaping CBD and CBG help these compounds reach your bloodstream faster. This method bypasses the liver so it provides the fastest way to get the effects of these compounds. This is the best choice for addressing the mental and emotional balance.

CBD Topicals

For external applications, a salve can be great for finding treatment for a specific location. Combined together with other ingredients like menthol, camphor, eucalyptus, etc. It can bring a soothing feeling to the user.

Using the CBD + CBG bath bomb can be a great way to get the molecules while taking the stress away. Just drop 1 bath bomb in your bathtub with warm water and dip for at least 30 mins. Your skin will be able to absorb the cannabinoids and distribute them to the tissues and organs of your body.

Conclusion

Maintaining a good wellness routine is important for our physical and mental well-being. That’s why a lot of companies promote products that help us achieve these wellness goals. With CBG vapes, capsules, and other products available for customers, CBG will help us get to our goal naturally. Remember to choose the CBG company that is transparent and will help you understand how you can take advantage of this great molecule.

The Top Five Essential Oils for Your Health + CBD

There are a myriad of alternative and natural remedies available in the market today: CBD, Acupuncture, Yoga, Meditation, and Aromatherapy. Everyone has their go-to remedy for different things: pain, inflammation, PMS, acne, etc. Aromatherapy is one of the most popular ones so we want to cover the top five essential oils for your health and give you an overview of how they work.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the holistic health practice of achieving therapeutic benefit using mainly your olfactory sense. With the aid of essential oils, inhaling these scents can be absorbed by our olfactory nerve and sent to the brain triggering a therapeutic effect.

The most common way of achieving this is by putting essential oils in a diffuser and letting the scent cover up the room. But combining the essential oil with a massage base is also a great way of getting the potential benefits of essential oils. These applications aim to assist the body’s natural abilities to heal, rest, and recover from stress and illness.

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are extracted from different aromatic and medicinal plants combined with a carrier oil. History has a lot of evidence suggesting that people from ancient times have used essential oils for bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal, antiparasitics, insecticidal, medicinal, and cosmetic applications.

Studies are citing the positive effects of essential oils. Essential oils from aromatic medicinal plants are shown to exhibit exceptional antimicrobial effects against viruses, filamentous fungi, yeast, and bacteria.

What are the Top Five Essential Oils for Your Health?

Lavender.

Easily the most popular and widely used essential oil, lavender is the perfect relaxing scent to have in your aromatherapy stash if you’re experiencing stress and anxiety. Lavender is known to have positive effects on sleep and it also treats headaches.

Frankincense.

Known as the king of oils, Frankincense provides a wide variety of potential benefits such as anti-inflammatory, gut relief, asthma management, moisturizer, antibacterial, oral health, and many more!

Orange.

For sure, many of us love the scent of a freshly peeled orange! Known for being the “happy oil”, the perfectly citrusy and uplifting aroma of sweet orange essential oil helps support a happy mood. It may also help manage anxiety and pain. But not a lot of people know that citrus essential oils like grapefruit and orange are great at suppressing appetite which is great for people trying to lose weight.

Peppermint.

This oil is perfect for massage since its cooling effect is great in relieving muscle pain. It has also been found to manage IBS symptoms and improve skin conditions.

Oregano.

An unlikely partner for aromatherapy because of its strong-spicy scent but this essential oil packs a punch. It has antioxidants, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It’s great in treating skin diseases and bacterial infections as well. This can also treat fevers and respiratory issues.

Essential Oils and CBD

CBD and other cannabinoids are also very popular natural remedies. Combining CBD with essential oils can boost both therapeutic and medicinal properties giving you the best of both remedies.

Hemp produces terpenes in the same way as cannabinoids such as CBD and CBG. These terpenes are what give the plant the aromas and flavors. Early research has shown that terpenes have therapeutic effects. Essential oils also contain different terpenes and in combination with cannabidiol can be the perfect natural remedy for you. The best way to use the best of both worlds is using it as a topical. A CBD lotion or muscle gel can help you with skin conditions like eczema or acne; it can also help to alleviate muscle pain and any type of inflammation.

Conclusion

More studies are still needed to be conducted to definitively say that it can be used as a treatment. But anecdotal evidence is undeniable and it should be worth exploring more.

Ultimately, seek the advice of a medical professional as they know much better and you’ll get more information on natural treatments and remedies.

Been stressed lately? Try CBG and these tips

We all experience stress in one form or another. Business, parenting, studying… all the different roles you have can make you stressed sometimes. The first sign usually is overthinking about something. Then low and behold, stress has overtaken us. If you’ve been stressed lately, better read intently because today we’ll talk about how to manage stress and make sure it doesn’t take over your life.

What is stress and what causes it?

Stress is our body’s way of responding to outside pressure or demand. Experiencing something new or threatening can induce stress. An upcoming test, work, family problems, health issues, worries about the future are just some situations that can cause stress. But wait, not only do negative experiences generate stress, positive and happy events can also be a root of stress (i.e. moving to a new home, a promotion, marriage). We deal with it differently but it always starts with our brain.

Once a stressor has been recognized by our brain, the hypothalamus sends signals to our adrenal glands which release hormones. Adrenaline aka epinephrine is one of the main hormones released by the adrenal gland. It is released to prepare us for dangerous situations, increasing our chances of survival. Adrenaline is also known for its fight-or-flight action.

But the main hormone responsible for stress is cortisol. Cortisol is released from the adrenal cortex and is regulated at the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis.

These hormones perform different functions to cater to the immediate need of the body responding to stressors. Cortisol is responsible for:

Keeping the body on high alert
Increasing gluconeogenesis and decreasing glycogen synthesis
Affecting the part of the brain that controls fear, motivation, and mood

What are the effects of stress?

Essentially, adrenaline and cortisol are good hormones that prepare and keep our body on high alert during stressful situations. But having these hormones in our system for a long time may induce negative effects. Here are the negative effects of adrenaline and cortisol:

High blood pressure
Higher risk for heart attack
Diabetes
Weight gain
Insomnia
Anxiety
Lethargy

These effects will definitely be observed if one does not manage stress. Chronic stress can lead to a low immune system making you susceptible to foreign substances like viruses and bacteria.

What are the ways to manage stress?

If you’ve been stressed lately, it’s hard to handle continuous stress without any help. In the long run, is not healthy or a smart choice not to take care of your mental health.

So learning how to manage stress should be one of your priorities. Here are some tips that we can share to help you manage stress and continue to live your best life:

Breathe. It is the most basic thing we can do. Controlling your breath can ultimately lower your cortisol levels. You can find many breathing exercising on the internet and start with the basics.
Sleep well. Sleeping is the foundation of rest and lowering cortisol levels. Lack of sleep can result in higher cortisol levels which can lead to many negative effects in your body such as medical issues or mental illnesses like depression.
Choose to be happier. Thinking about yourself negatively will not result in anything good. Choosing to be happy may not be easy sometimes but it is the best approach to managing stress. Being happy is the best way to lower your stress levels.
Socialize. Many people report isolating themselves unconsciously while going through stressful periods. However, socializing with family and friends can be key to managing stress. There are many ways to build and maintain relationships even when social distancing.
Take care of your body. Eating right, exercising, taking natural supplements like CBG can help.

How can CBG help in managing stress?

CBG or Cannabigerol is one of the many cannabinoids present in hemp. It is non-psychoactive and presents a ton of potential benefits to its users.

ECS or the endocannabinoid system is a system inside our body that keeps the balance of everything just right. CBG binds to the receptors of the ECS to bring about its benefits. One of the key CBG benefits is strengthening anandamide function, known as the bliss molecule. It has also been found to counteract oxidative stress and is a potential treatment for neuroinflammation because of its neuroprotective properties.

Takeaway

No one is exempted to stress – everyone experiences it and everyone reacts differently. Sometimes there are good situations that stress can bring us but only for a short period of time. It will be a different story if you have been plagued by stress for a long time. So recognizing and learning how to manage it is important. If you’ve been stressed lately, applying these simple but very important tips in your daily lives will help make a difference. Discipline and control will play a big key in managing stress and there are natural alternatives like CBG that will help you along the way.

Nature Driven Anti Anxiety Remedies

Anxiety, we all hear about it. Whether you know someone that suffers from it or you experience it first hand. Instances that present stress, pressure, and even danger, make us anxious. But for some people, anxiety is an everyday issue. Prolonged anxiety may present a myriad of negative physical conditions so for today, let’s explore nature-driven anti-anxiety ways, tips, and remedies to better manage stress should we experience it in the future.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is the body’s physical and mental response to stress. It’s a feeling of fear, being overwhelmed, sometimes a disproportionate reaction to a simple problem, and even hyperventilating. These symptoms can go away and only show up occasionally. However, some people may experience it on a weekly basis and sometimes even daily. If the anxiety persists, it can be considered chronic. It can lead to other mental health issues such as depression or panic disorder. Learning to recognize symptoms and being able to track the frequency is important.

Chronic Anxiety Disorders

Key statistics show that around 31% of adults have experienced anxiety disorders some time in their lives.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

People with this disorder show signs of worry, irritability, fatigue, sleep problems, and restlessness. This experience may last for 6 months and sometimes more. Allowing yourself to be in this state may lead to more and harsher mental, physical, and emotional disorders.

Panic Disorder.

A lot of people are suffering from this and this disorder manifests through recurrent panic attacks. These attacks are associated with sudden and intense fear mixed with sweating, heart palpitations, trembling, feelings of being out of control.

Phobia.

These are classified as feelings of irrational fear of specific things, objects, and situations.

Separation anxiety disorder.

Mostly observed in children but studies suggest that even adults can experience it too. People who have separation anxiety disorder have fears about being separated from people to whom they are attached.

Anxiety Sensitivity

Recently coined around 1985, Anxiety Sensitivity refers to the extent of beliefs that anxiety symptoms can have harmful effects on our physical and mental being. Anxiety is now considered a risk factor for anxiety disorders.

Anxiety Sensitivity makes the actual anxiety worse because you recognize that a panic attack can lead to something bad when you’re actually having a panic attack. This compounds the symptoms of anxiety even more.

Nature Driven Anti Anxiety Tips

So finding a solution, if not, a management plan to at least keep your anxiety at bay is really important. We all want to lead a healthy and stress-free life, so here are some nature-driven anti-anxiety tips that you can follow:

Exercise.

Exercising, or just keeping active is a great way to release your stress, eliminating the possibility of anxiety issues. A simple 15-30 walk or jog around the neighborhood is enough to reduce your stress.

Sleep.

Not having enough sleep can cause stress and anxiety and evidently, these can lead to sleep deprivation. It’s a vicious cycle so we have to start by sleeping right.

Cut on caffeine.

If you have a chronic anxiety disorder, caffeine is definitely not good for you. Caffeine is a stimulant, meaning it will give you a boost of energy and increase your alertness. It’s really bad if you want to keep and maintain a healthy length of sleep.

Healthy Diet.

Keep your diet away from processed foods that can lead to increased blood sugar and toxicity from chemicals that are needed in preservatives of canned goods.

Meditation.

A lot may have a hard time believing but meditation and deep breathing have a scientific basis. Doing mindfulness meditation and deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Tea.

Yes, there are teas, especially chamomile tea that can help you reduce your stress. As easy as sitting and sipping your favorite tea can be relaxing and help to lower your cortisol levels.

Natural Supplements.

There are a variety of natural supplements that we can use to aid in getting away with anxiety. Some people like melatonin and CBN to help them sleep better, others use CBD and CBG oils as part of their daily regimen to reduce and manage stress.

Takeaway

Just like stress, anxiety is now an unwelcome part of our lives because of everything that is happening. But never let anxiety dictate how you should live your life. It can be fought, managed, or even treated naturally. These tips are common as well all know but following them and having the discipline to come through is critical. May we all be disciplined and live better lives!

How to Get Out of a Depressive Episode

Depressive episodes are not an uncommon mental health issue. In fact, at least 6.2% of adults in the U.S have experienced a depressive episode in a given year. Some people suffer from this condition for far longer and many of them in silence. Some claim that they have depression but some actually do but reject the notion for fear of negative social implications. Mental health is really important and learning the signs, types, symptoms of depression are important to help us learn. So learning how to manage depression and especially knowing how to get out of a depressive episode is really important.

Before we continue, we want to make a disclaimer that we are not, by any means, health care providers and this article is for informational purposes only. Now, let’s get into it…

What is Depression?

Depression is a common and serious mental condition. Around 5.90% of Americans have experienced depression. It affects how you feel, think, and even act.

Depression is believed to be the underlying cause for 30% – 70% of suicides. So knowing the symptoms and warning signs are important and in some instances lifesaving.

What is a Depressive Episode?

A depressive episode is a period where the symptoms of depression are manifesting. Episodes are characterized by very low mood, energy with other depression symptoms as well. These episodes can last weeks or even months.

As per NIMH data, an estimated 17.3 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. The data also shows that the prevalence of major depressive episodes is more evident in women than in men.

What are the Symptoms of Depression?

Depression affects people differently but most of them show these common symptoms:

Sad, anxious, and empty mood
Pessimism
Feeling of worthlessness
Lethargy
Difficulty concentrating
Appetite changes
Thoughts of death, suicide, and dark acts
Difficulty sleeping
Loss of interest
Aches and pains

These are the common symptoms of depression. Another symptom that most people are not noticing is oversleeping. Oversleeping is a coping mechanism for people who are under depression. They are forcing themselves to sleep frequently or even longer because they want to limit as much time of a day as possible of them being in a depressive state. We have to better understand and be vigilant that we can help ourselves and our loved ones.

How to Get Out of a Depressive Episode?

This isn’t a fit-all protocol, instead, these are just some tips that might be helpful if you or anyone close to you is going through an episode. As always, it is very important to seek professional help.

Know your symptoms.

Everyone is different, knowing your own personal depression symptoms is very crucial for you to identify when it’s time to find help. Sometimes even talking to a friend can be helpful.

Don’t panic.

Try to stay calm and talk to someone about it.

Be healthy.

Keeping yourself healthy by exercising and eating whole foods can make a huge difference.

Natural remedies.

Hemp-derived cannabinoids such as CBG may help. CBG has neuroprotectant properties, is anti-inflammatory, and has been shown in clinical studies to reduce cortisol levels.

How can CBG help you with Depression?

CBG or Cannabigerol is another non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in hemp. It is normally observed in the early life of the hemp plant and transforms into other cannabinoids in the hemp’s adult life. CBG shows promise with the management of depression and studies show promise. CBG is actually being studied for its neuroprotective property which helps our mental state in balance. Here are the benefits of CBG.

Can help reduce neuroinflammation.
Attaches with Alpha-2 Adrenoceptors which helps lower blood pressure and stress
Strengthens the anandamide function and boosts the production of the chemical which helps us get rid of stress better and have a more pleasing mood
CBG can inhibit GABA uptake and increase serotonin levels keeping us in the right state of mood and mind

Conclusion

Depression, once felt, will definitely leave a mark on us. It has become more rampant in these times. But it can be managed, we’ve listed some tips on how we can fight depression back. Remember that the physician’s advice is very important so if you’re unsure, make sure to schedule an appointment. We are in control! Never forget that.

Can I Take CBD Oil While Breastfeeding?

CBD is a well-known cannabinoid that can help with anxiety, depression, mood swings, pain, and many other physical and psychological conditions. Besides all these potential benefits, CBD is 100% natural and it’s a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, in other words… it doesn’t get you high. It sounds like a no-brainer to use it to cope with the discomforts of pregnancy and postpartum. Because of it, many millennial moms wonder ‘Can I take CBD Oil while breastfeeding?’ – While there’s no ‘right’ answer, there are many factors and strong evidence that will help you make an informed decision. However, as always consult your health provider.

CBD: A Summary

CBD or cannabidiol is one of the many cannabinoids present in hemp. It is actually the 2nd most popular cannabinoid, aside from THC. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive and its potential therapeutic properties have been studied in many countries.

Pregnancy comes with happiness and excitement but also discomfort and eventually postpartum which means… more discomfort. I couldn’t think of a better candidate for CBD than new moms. However, it is important to keep in mind that anything you take goes to your baby and there are many factors to consider before taking supplements even if they’re natural.

How can CBD help me while breastfeeding?

As a new mom, stress, anxiety, worry, feeling isolated, and lack of sleep can become part of your day affecting your mental health. CBD’s potential benefits can be very helpful in these situations.

Anxiety Relief.

Making sure that the baby is well-taken cared of, going with the baby’s ever-changing sleeping patterns, finding ways to make the baby stop crying, are the most common anxiety triggering stimuli a mother faces every single day. Finding a solution is very important. CBD is known for its potent anxiety relief properties. Its properties can potentially help mothers stay calm and collected all throughout the day.

Sleep Issues.

As babies keep changing their sleeping patterns, mothers have to be sure that we’re available to cater whenever they need us. Having that responsibility can cause issues to the mother’s sleep pattern, duration, and quality of sleep. Some studies suggest that CBD can help in mitigating the changes in our sleep patterns.

Postpartum Depression.

The CDC has found out in their research that about 13% of women in the US have experienced some/all symptoms of postpartum depression. CBD is now under a phase 2 clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of CBD against depression and it shows promise to help manage depression.

Can I take CBD Oil while breastfeeding?

Now, this is the big question. Anything that a mother takes will be passed to the baby through her breast milk. It is important to understand this before taking any supplements, herbs, or anything beyond your regular diet.

Breast milk is rich in fatty acids and compounds so the milk can transfer fat-soluble substances. CBD is a fat-soluble substance so CBD can be transferred to the baby via breast milk.

That alone should raise some concerns: can CBD affect my baby negatively?

The answer: We can’t be sure. There are still ongoing studies on the subject but nothing conclusive yet. CBD is non-psychoactive and it helps maintain internal balance in our system. A study also found out that mothers that use cannabis do not rear babies with defects whether to the babies’ motor or intellectual faculties.

However, the FDA cautions anyone who uses CBD as there are limited human studies about CBD’s effects. The CDC data are also insufficient to come up to a conclusion.

Bottomline

Our mission is to help you make an informed decision and do what’s better for your personal and unique situation. We stand by our products and encourage everyone to seek the advice of medical professionals and do their own research.

Having synergy between nature and science is key to ensuring a healthy body, sound mind, and a fulfilled life.

The World Health Organization’s CBD pre-review report

It’s no surprise that people prefer natural alternatives to alleviate pain, inflammation, and mental imbalances. And it’s no secret that CBD is at the top of the natural remedies for any physical or mental condition. CBD has many potential therapeutic benefits. While the FDA doesn’t regulate CBD, the World Health Organization has published a CBD pre-review report. They address some of the most common concerns about cannabidiol such as potential side effects, tolerance, and abuse, medical uses, etc. Let’s take a closer look at what the World Health Organization CBD pre-review report says.

CBD: A Summary

CBD or Cannabidiol is one of the more than 100 cannabinoids present in hemp. It is found to be non-psychoactive and attaches to the receptors in the Endocannabinoid System to bring about the potential benefits it offers. And it is legal in all 50 states under the 2018 Farm Bill.

CBD side effects

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) CBD pre-review report, cannabidiol is well tolerated by animals and human beings and does not cause adverse reactions. Many controlled studies and clinical trials have shown that even with a high dosage, CBD seems to have a good safety profile.

CBD dependence potential

Even though CBD is extracted from Hemp, it has no potential to create dependence. Unlike THC, CBD is well tolerated by humans and does not present any signs of physical dependence effects.

A study published in 2019 took a look at that. Based on the results, CBD was found to not get the participants addicted. It can actually help as part of addiction treatment. This gives a strong basis for the safety of CBD. Although it’s not the final evidence, it provides further proof about this chemical’s potential safety and efficacy.

What does the WHO say about CBD?

At this time, the FDA is still not regulating CBD. In fact, they are discouraging people from using CBD. This report signifies that aside from Epidiolex, they are not considering CBD as part of therapeutics due to a lack of clinical trials. But since Epidiolex has passed clinical trials as a treatment to reduce seizures for epileptic patients, seems very clear that CBD does have therapeutic properties and it can help many people improve their lifestyle.

The CDC agreed that CBD will not cause the ‘high’ effect, but still warn the public of its potential dangers mainly due to the lack of regulation on the market and not really knowing what certain brands put in their ingredient list.

The World Health Organization CBD pre-review report concludes that “CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence”. The report added that “CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile. Reported adverse effects may be as a result of drug-drug interactions between CBD and patients’ existing medications.” and “To date, there is no evidence of recreational use of CBD or any public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”

Conclusion

Yes, government agencies that are responsible for our health are advising people against CBD because of a lack of research. But the scientific community is also pleading with the government and other financial sources to back them up in pushing the CBD research forward.

Anecdotal evidence of CBD’s potential benefits is hard to disregard. But researching about its safety profile is important as well. Initial studies concluded that CBD is well tolerated by humans and a further proof will be provided the more we study CBD.

Mental health life hacks

Have you ever felt sad and depressed all of a sudden and you can’t tell anyone because you know that they won’t understand it. Even you are finding it hard to rationalize what you’re feeling at the moment. It sucks because calling for help is hard and with the current situation in our society, even socializing can cause fear, stress, and panic. It would be great to have something you can easily tap to solve your current stress and anxiety. Luckily, there are things that you can start practicing brain hacking to hack mental health.

What is Brain Hacking?

Brain hacking is the use and application of techniques or technologies to influence our brain positively. Basically, these are either gadgets that we can use or methods to either lower your stress levels or just make you happier in general.

What are the different Brain Hacking Techniques?

There are different kinds of brain hacking or self-care techniques you can try to positively hack your mental health. These techniques are not uncommon and can be easily done at home on your own. The hardest thing to do here is just being consistent… if you’re not able to keep consistency it would be almost impossible to build a habit thus these tips won’t help you. Let’s take a closer look at the tips on how to hack your happy hormones:

Meditate.

Meditation is the ability to focus one’s mind mostly in silence, to bring about relaxation. It is really important to find your center and focus on that whenever you can. This will help you relieve anyone of stress and anxiety.

Sleep.

This is one activity that we’ve been doing ever since we were born. Sleeping is the body’s chance to recuperate after the hustle and bustle of being awake. But sleep is often neglected because of the responsibilities that we have or sometimes due to other physical conditions or ailments. But sleeping is very important in keeping us healthy, happy, and full of energy.

Socialize.

Humans are not meant to be alone. There is an undeniable sense of security, happiness, and joy when talking and interacting with others. A study further posits that socializing can reduce work stress. It is understandable that we have to be more careful at this time but isolating yourself from everybody will bring about more harm than good to your health.

Eat foods for your brain.

We get nourishment from the food that we eat and mental health can be affected by the food we eat as well. Eating food rich in Omega-3 will help you reduce stress and keep you mentally healthy.

Natural Supplements.

There are many different types of natural supplements that might help you feel mentally better and happier naturally.

CBN and/or melatonin can help you get substantial sleep and CBG and CBD to help keep you calm and focused.

Don’t be too hard on yourself.

We all have this fantasy of us being perfect and doing all things according to our own plans and deviating from that gives us stress. People with OCD have obsessive compulsions to follow certain plans or orders. But the reality is that oftentimes our plans go awry and things don’t always fall into their proper places. But learn how to forgive yourself and understand that this world is bigger than us and we can’t always have our way and it’s OK.

Conclusion

Working and maintaining the balance within you and hacking your mental health is actually easy to achieve but very hard to consistently do. We as humans are not really programmed to be self-disciplined because we are used to running away from things that are hard and uncomfortable. But learning to follow these techniques and building a habit will lead to more stable and healthier mental health.

The Premium Hemp Gummies You Need

Hemp gummies are easy to take anytime and anywhere, and they help you feel more you. And what better time than now to get a boost of mental clarity, calmness, and good sleep to feel more like yourself again? The things we used to have or do seem so far sometimes from our newly redesigned lives. We’ve all been there… feeling isolated, mentally exhausted, and sleepless. That’s why it now felt that this is the best time to develop an improved formula with all the 3 best cannabinoids in 3 different premium hemp gummies. All-natural gummies, organically sourced CBD, CBG, and CBN so you can take each one when you need it, whenever and wherever. Wellness CBD gummies by the hour to meet your needs throughout the day

“These manifestations shouldn’t be regarded as just humans being humans. These symptoms can deeply affect our physical and mental health.”

Want to reduce anxiety and reconnect?

Try our Wellness CBD Gummies

Need to reconnect with yourself? It’s just a gummy away. Our Wellness CBD Gummies come with superpowers to help you feel calmer, more balanced, and resilient. A single remedy to add to your daily wellness routine. Packed with 25mg of pure hemp-derived CBD and all-natural ingredients, this organically sourced supplement comes in 5 mouth-watering flavors; Strawberry, Orange, Grape, Lemon, and Cherry. Take it in the morning, afternoon, or after a long day.

Want focus and enhance mental clarity?

Try our CBG Gummies

Fuel your brain with our CBG gummies formulated to improve mental clarity, stimulate energy, and support brain function. These are all-natural gummies packed with 25mg of CBG to give you an ideal amount every day. Cannabigerol (CBG) has neuroprotective and neuromodulation properties helping maintain optimum mental health. CBG gummies are designed to be part of your morning routine to help you start your day with the right mindset.

Want to sleep all night?

Try our CBN Gummies

Sleep is one of the most basic biological processes and is often involuntarily neglected. We get it! Sometimes it is hard to switch off and that is precisely why we created the CBN gummies. Cannabinol (CBN) is a wonderful and natural calming agent found in hemp. This non-habit-forming sleep supplement is designed to support a restful and uninterrupted sleep so you can wake up feeling refreshed and renewed.

Parting Words

Nature has all the not-so-secret ingredients to align your body systems allowing you to chill and feel more balanced. Our premium hemp gummies are made from nature and backed by science. Feeling better has never been so achievable.

Mental Health Awareness Month: Benefits of Psychotherapy

Have you ever felt like you’re burning with no one to help you fight the fire? Feel like drowning but thirsty at the same time? Your mind is boggled about everything and you don’t know what to do. We’ll you’re not alone. What you’re feeling is most likely stress, anxiety, burnout, or a combination of all 3. We know the word therapy can bring misconception and stigma but it can be the best thing you could do for yourself. It’s an act of self-care. The benefits of psychotherapy are endless… from improving your relationship with yourself to growing in your professional career and feeling overall happier. Here is how.

Therapy, Explained.

Therapy by definition is a medical intervention to remediate a health condition, which can be physical, mental, or emotional. Now, there are different types of therapy depending on the patient’s health condition and goals. Let’s talk about psychotherapy.

What is therapy?

Therapy, psychotherapy, or more commonly known as talk therapy is usually an ongoing treatment divided into weekly or biweekly sessions. The therapist offers a calm, safe, and trustworthy environment for patients where they can openly talk about their worries, traumas, and thoughts. It’s an amazing way to de-stress and feel comfortable expressing yourself without the fear of judgment from others. Your commitment will allow the full benefits of psychotherapy to be evident in you.

Types of Psychotherapy?

There are different types of therapy depending on the approach you want to have and your goals.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy.

This is an approach to change a negative and inaccurate perspective about the world and provide a way to read and decide the right assumptions about yourself and others.

Supportive therapy.

Therapists can coach you on ways that you can deal with the anxiety symptoms. They can recommend activities like listening to music, going to an art gallery, or even having a pet since it’s been proven they can help relieve anxiety.

Psychodynamic therapy.

Childhood experiences mold us to be who we are for better or for worse. Mental health experts think that these experiences can drive unconscious, inappropriate thoughts that may lead to a negative outcome. This type of therapy is geared to improve self-awareness to change the old negative patterns.

Interpersonal therapy.

This is a therapy that helps patients to understand underlying personal issues that can cause negative impacts like unresolved grief, relational disputes, sudden work, or personal role changes. Understanding these can help the patient express their emotions positively and can relieve any depressive feelings.

Therapy and CBD

A holistic approach is to do therapy combined with a wellness routine. Cannabinoids are rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties supporting healthy brain cells function. CBD may help decrease cortisol levels, CBG can enhance mental clarity, while CBN has natural calming effects helping you get restful and uninterrupted sleep.

The Real Benefits of Therapy

A balanced wellness routine and natural herbs and supplements combined with a health professional could make a big difference in your lifestyle and have incredible outcomes. The benefits of psychotherapy are many such as understanding behaviors, emotions, regaining a sense of control and pleasure in life, and learning healthier ways to address problems. All of this comes with improved overall health, better relationships with others and yourself, growth in your career, and new opportunities.

Remember, mental health is health. Therapy is an amazing tool that can boost your self-awareness, self-love, appreciation, overall health, and even your career.

Mental Resilience Activities to Improve your Health

Ever wondered how you (us) survive for this long with everything you’ve experienced your whole life? Remembering the good things is easy and fulfilling but the hardships and the highs and lows of the sea that we call life is what makes us who we are. You’re tougher than you think and you’re most likely practicing mental resilience activities without even knowing.

Let’s dive deeper into this topic and help you understand mental resilience, and how you can improve it day by day.

What is Mental Resilience?

Mental resilience is the process of adapting and thriving through adversity, trauma, and other significant sources of stress. It means having the capacity to “bounce back” especially from not-so-good experiences and use them to learn.

Building mental resilience is not learning how to avoid bad experiences and skate through life, but rather facing it head-on; feeling optimistic that whatever it may bring, you’ll survive and learn something in the end. But having strong mental resilience doesn’t happen overnight. Just like everything, mastery involves doing something over and over again, perfecting your craft. It comes with time, trial and error. These experiences make you mentally tough and have a more positive attitude and perspective in life.

Demonstrating Mental Resilience

Now, what do mentally resilient people do? What are the personality traits projected by those who are mentally resilient? Take note of the following because these are the outcomes that we all try to achieve:

Optimism.

It is being able to be excited about everything and looking at things positively. It also means being ok at things that you’re not.

Rational thought process.

Having a capacity to create well-thought plans with the steps to carry them out.

Moral strength.

It is not influenced by your surroundings. You know what’s right and wrong and you stand for what you believe no matter what others think.

Being calm under pressure.

These are what problem solvers are made of. They understand the severity of a situation and have the mental toughness to plan and execute a resolution.

Intrinsic faith.

This may be faith in God, or humanity, or the universe, but having faith requires high mental fortitude because by definition, “faith” is believing in something/someone that may or may not have a rational explanation.

Balance.

Having the ability to balance your time with work, family, friends, and yourself is a mark of a mentally resilient person.

Sociability.

Being able to get along with different types of people and trust someone as you go into a personal relationship.

Empathy or Compassion.

Learning that life is not just made for you and creating ways to extend help to people is a very important sign of mental resilience.

Joy.

Being joyful even in tough situations is what we all need to develop.

Good habits.

Having the discipline to eat healthily and do positive habits is evidence of mental resilience.

Effects of Mental Resilience

A happy body is a healthy body. The effects of mental resilience are positively too many to count but on the surface, there are different positive health outcomes:

Greater resistance to stress
Lesser anxiety attacks
Better sleep
More energy
Better immune system

5 Mental Resilience Activities

Go out of your comfort zone.

Getting out and being in somewhat difficult situations may be a great way to build mental resilience. Mental resilience is a built-in resistance to negative situations and being out of your comfort zone will definitely set the stage.

Find your purpose.

No matter what anyone says, remember that you’re here for a purpose. Learn how we can be of help to other people. Search for it and once you find it, never let go.

Build relationships.

Talking to someone new, going out with your friends, or having a friendly night out is very essential in connecting with other people and ourselves. We build empathy, compassion, and fairness.

Find your time alone.

Your inner peace will keep you centered in the middle of the hustle and bustle of life. Meditation is one great activity to keep you centered and mindful even at your own time.

Take care of your body.

A car will not run empty, that’s why we need to take care of our body for us to take care of our mind. Sleeping early, exercising, eating right, and taking supplements like CBD, CBG, and CBN will definitely help you get there.

Takeaway

Through ups and downs, we are able to develop strength and fortitude that we may have not imagined having. Improving your mental fortitude by religiously following the mental resilience activities will definitely help you better prepare for the journey ahead.

Black Friday Must Have Items: Vesl Edition

November is a month for family time, lovely meals, and cozy weather. And also, the most anticipated annual sales are just around the corner. Black Friday means savings, friends’ time, and excitement. But also an overwhelming amount of great deals in your inbox and social media. So how to organize your shopping list this Black Friday? Here is our compilation of shopping pro tips and our list of favorite Black Friday must-have items.

The Shopping Tips First

Our best tip is to make a list of the items you want to purchase on Black Friday. Starting with your Black Friday must have items followed by the may or may not buy. Next, sign up for your favorite brands’ email list so you know when they start their deals. Some brands have great discounts for an entire week – keep an eye on those 😉

Lastly, leave the shopping on actual Black Friday (day) for those items that don’t have a week’s sales. This will minimize your shopping time (we’re all busy!) and the anxiety and overwhelming feeling… and probably avoid compulsive purchases too. Now that you have the tricks, here is our favorite Black Friday must-have items and potential Christmas gift ideas.

Our wellness Black Friday must-have items

What: CBG Gummies

Why: Rise and Shine with CBG! This one just arrived in our hemp supplements collection and it’s already a best seller. Here is why: cannabigerol (CBG) has neuroprotectant properties supporting healthy brain functioning. In other words, it helps you to keep a balanced and positive mindset. Our formula is designed to enhance mental clarity and help you manage cortisol levels. When anxiety arises, CBG gummies are the easiest way to keep those confusing thoughts away! They’re natural, organically sourced, and made with pure hemp-derived CBG (no THC). All in one gummy easy to take whenever and wherever.

What: CBN Capsules

Why: CBN is a very special and unique cannabinoid found in hemp. It has sedative and calming effects supporting healthy sleep patterns. Let’s be honest, productive and happy days start with good sleep, that’s a fact. Cannabinol is a non-habit-forming supplement designed to help you unwind so you can sleep all night and wake up feeling rested. It’s perfect for occasional insomnia and we even heard great reviews from customers with chronic sleep disorders. Personally, this is the best product you can purchase… definitely a Black Friday must-have item! There’s nothing better than being able to rest and reset. If you’re thinking about Christmas gifts, sleep is the best present you can give to someone 🙂 (we highly recommend it!)

What: CBD Face Mask Collection

Why: No one has time for a 10-step skincare routine. So we made a quick and sweet option for you! Not to brag about it but we formulated the best but yet simple CBD skincare you can find 😉 These CBD-powered face masks come in 6 unique formulas targeting different skin concerns. They are made with all-natural and research-based ingredients that actually work for your unique skin type. CBD is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent that helps control sebum production, treats inflammation, nourishes, and moisturizes the skin. And the best news about it is that you can get all of these benefits in one step! Use it after your regular cleanser once a week and finish with your everyday moisturizer. The collection includes one of each face mask but you can also purchase your favorite one separately.

What: Pure CBD Oil

Why: Our OG CBD product, the favorite for so many, and the most versatile supplement you can own. CBD is an adaptive cannabinoid that delivers what your body needs, literally. It’s the ultimate ‘listen to your body’ supplement. Why is that? Cannabidiol (CBD) works for hand in hand with your Endocannabinoid System (ECS) being its main function to activate and align your other body systems. This means that CBD connects to your ECS, observes and addresses what is off, bringing back your internal balance called homeostasis. That’s why CBD works differently for everyone and each person has their unique dosage. If you had to pick just one supplement, CBD would be your must-have item!

Let us know in the comments what your Black Friday must-have items are. Happy shopping month!

Incorporating CBD Into Your Daily Routine for a Healthy Body and Mind

External stressors in our day-to-day life can cause anxiety, depression, burnout, and chronic fatigue. Taking care of yourself is the minimum you can do for your overall health and should definitely be one of your top priorities. We know sometimes it’s just hard to make room for self-care but trust us, you want to make the effort! Our expertise is everything hemp and CBD so we want to give you some tips that might fit easily in your unique lifestyle. We put together a compilation of how to incorporate CBD into your daily routine for a healthy body and mind. Let’s get into it!

CBD in a few words

CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in Cannabis and Hemp. Many studies and clinical trials have shown that CBD has the potential to lower cortisol levels and improve anxiety episodes. CBD works by helping the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) regulate and balance the other systems in your body, this is called homeostasis. Click here (please link the article about CBD or the one about the ECS) if you want to learn how CBD can help you in-depth.

The Potential Benefits of CBD

The homeostasis we mentioned before is a fancy word for internal balance and alignment. The function of the Endocannabinoid System is to make everything else work properly but it needs some help to do its job. CBD connects with this system and triggers a chain of connections and signaling to the rest of your body. This process can result in many physical and mental health benefits.

May relieve anxiety
Can be used as an alternative treatment for seizures (a good example is the FDA approved CBD medication Epidiolex)
May help and prevent Alzheimer’s Disease
May help with Multiple Sclerosis
May help manage Parkinson’s Disease
May help in managing arthritis pain, chronic pain, Multiple Sclerosis pain, muscle pain, and spinal cord injuries
Has anti-acne properties
May help alleviate cancer symptoms and cancer treatment side effects
May regulate appetite

How you can take CBD

Like any other substance, there are different ways to administer CBD varying the rate of effectiveness. There are 4 main delivery methods: Inhalation, Sublingual, Oral and Topical. Let’s find out what’s the best delivery method for you.

Inhalation

Vaping or smoking CBD bypasses the “first-pass effect”. Once the CBD goes inside our lungs, it will pass through the capillaries to be distributed throughout our body through the bloodstream and making it the fastest way to get the effects of CBD.

Sublingual

This is a popular method because of its convenience. The vast capillaries located underneath the tongue will transfer the Cannabidiol throughout the bloodstream. This method is also fast and is known to be the most bioavailable, meaning it provides the highest rate of absorption into the body.

Topical

CBD topicals target relief in specific areas in your skin mostly used to aid pain in joints or specific skin conditions.

Oral

This is the most common way of CBD intake. It is known to have the longest rate of efficacy since it has to travel through our digestive tract and has to pass through the liver. The liver enzymes will metabolize the Cannabinoid before entering the bloodstream (first-pass effect). As a result, CBD will be broken down and only a certain amount will be available to the bloodstream. Even though there is a downside to taking CBD orally, it has been known to provide the longest effect!

How to Incorporate CBD Into Your Daily Routine for a Healthy Body and Mind?

Thanks to its many forms and availability, CBD can be easily incorporated into your unique daily routine. Here are some of our tips:

Morning.

Our favorite! There’s something about a morning routine. It’s the easiest time of the day to make an effort in creating a ritual. Whether is taking vitamins, working out, or simply drinking a half-gallon of water… it’s when we’re most receptive to stick to a routine. Include your hemp supplement (CBD or CBG are great options!) to your morning ritual while you have your coffee, breakfast, or right before leaving the house. CBD can help increase alertness by stimulating the serotonin receptors improving mood and energy. Who doesn’t like to start the day feeling balanced and grounded?

Exercise.

Any physical activity is welcomed, running, lifting weights, stretching, or dancing. These movements can make tiny microscopic damage to the muscles’ tissues causing inflammation, which results in soreness. CBD is a wonderful natural anti-inflammatory. that can reduce sore muscles and speed your recovery. Plus it will make you feel like ‘you got it’. CBD muscle gel is easy to take with you and a great way to incorporate hemp into your wellness routine.

Afternoon.

CBD is a great addition to your post-lunch routine to help you reconnect and get back to that morning mindset. Tiredness is an effect of the accumulation of the neurotransmitter adenosine. Once there is a build-up of adenosine, our neurons become slower at transmitting messages making you feel fatigued. CBD improves the efficiency of adenosine receptors giving you a boost of energy.

Evening.

We have the best 2 ways to incorporate CBD into your night routine. CBD and CBG bath bombs for a calming and restoring warm bath and CBN gummies for a restful night. This combo will have you go to bed feeling calm and balanced.

Do you have any wellness routine tips? How do you incorporate your CBD into your daily rituals? Let us know!

How to have a Healthy Christmas?

Helping you stay healthy is our mission no matter the time of the year. Here are our tips on how to have a healthy Christmas without giving up the fun, the comfort food, and the late nights.

Smart Food Management

Overeating is just something that comes with comfort Christmas food. We have some tricks that might help you survive Christmas meals while still enjoying all the deliciousness. Having a plan for the day can be very helpful. For example, for Christmas eve you can have smaller portions during the day so for dinner, your body will have more room for those extra calories.

Choosing healthier food options is another way to have a healthier Christmas. Learning to be selective with your meal and incorporating more nutrient-dense foods is a great way to do it!

Don’t Sit, Stand more!

Holidays are not just the season to be celebrating with our loved ones but also the time for us to relax from our everyday responsibilities such as work, chores, and others. It is indeed very tempting to not just eat the food we don’t usually consume but also stay seated during the celebrations. Keeping some sort of activity here and there will actually help your body and mind enjoy the season even more.

There are many activities that you can easily incorporate during this season. Create some games where you and your family can join and enjoy, having a quick walk, or even helping do some chores at your family house.

Hydrate yourself

Drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day is one of the golden rules to stay healthy which should be followed every time and Christmas shouldn’t be an exception. We all know the benefits water can give to our bodies and especially during the Holiday season. It’s very important to keep ourselves hydrated to avoid the effects of having alcohol, rich foods, and sugar. Making sure you drink enough water is key to not getting dehydrated.

Have at least 8 hours of Sleep

As we all get busier and busier with work, hobbies, and life in general, we often find ourselves doing something even after hours. We get it, it can be hard to get a good night’s sleep. A study in 2010 proved that sleep deprivation will not just lead to less energy, lack of focus, lower immune system, but can also increase the risk of certain illnesses. CBN is a natural non-forming habit that supports healthy sleep patterns. Some foods are also good to help you sleep better such as almonds, kiwi, and tart cherry juice.

Do not wait ‘till January!

Never ever fall into the “I’ll just do it at the start of next year, I promise!” trap. New Year’s resolutions are great but you can start healthy habits any time! If you want to start eating healthy, start now. Why wait ‘till January 2022 to start exercising if you have to for it now? Never delay things that will bring about good things in your life. Consistency is something that we need to learn and doing healthy and good is surprisingly inevident with people even though we are creatures of habit.

Takeaway

The Christmas season is a season of cheers and giving. Let’s celebrate with your friends and loved ones with love and merriment. Just make sure to listen to your body as well and take all the necessary actions to keep it healthy. And remember to always be kind especially during Christmas it can be a challenging season for some.

Our Christmas Favorites!

December is a magic month for many of us. We wait for the first snow, get excited about Christmas parties, exchanging presents, and enjoying extended free time with family. Speaking of that, thinking about the perfect gift for everyone can be tedious. To help you with that, we put together a list of our Christmas favorites.

Build Your List Early

We all know how hard it is to buy last-minute gifts during Christmas time. And that’s exactly why we made this post, to help you make an early list and get the Christmas shopping ready (before Christmas!) Keep reading to find out our Christmas favorites: Vesl Edition.

Focus on Health!

Health is everything! And there’s nothing more thoughtful than giving someone something that will improve their health and wellbeing. These past 2 years have taught us to prioritize our health more than ever.

Our VESL Christmas Favorites

What: Peppermint CBD Oils

Why: Want to find the perfect partner for your hot chocolate? Peppermint CBD oil will definitely fit the Christmas feels while assisting in maintaining your optimum health level. CBD is now very popular as a natural alternative for stress and anxiety relief. Its potential neuroprotective properties will help us maintain our mental health on point. Christmas is fun but it can also be stressful so don’t forget your Peppermint CBD Hot Cocoa.

What: CBD Face Mask Collection

Why: It can be harder to keep your skin glowy and hydrated in winter. A good hydration solution is key to preventing dry, flaky, and irritated skin. Our face mask collection is here for the rescue! It has 6 unique variants for all skin types. It also contains CBD which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties helping with protecting your skin from the elements. Always have our CBD face masks handy to keep your face and skin glowing like Christmas.

What: CBD + CBG Bath bombs

Why: Baby, it’s cold outside! What sounds better than a calming and restorative hot bath? Soak in CBD warm water to revitalize your body (and mind!). Our bath bombs come in 3 different essential oil blends to help you relax and unwind.

Remember: Health is wealth and now is the time to take care of yourself! Merry Christmas!

Merry CBD Christmas

Merry CBD Christmas! It’s the most wonderful time of the year, indeed! It’s only a couple of days before we hit Christmas and the new year. 2021 is about to close and it’s time to celebrate. A lot has happened and there are always things to be thankful for. This season can also be stressful and trigger anxiety for some people, always remember to be kind. Here are our tips on how CBD can help you this Christmas.

The most common issues

Christmas is the season of cheers but for some people, it can be a stressful situation. Family reunions, finding the perfect present, cooking, etc.

Stress and anxiety

Aside from holiday cheers, this season can bring unwanted stress and anxiety to people as well. Those who recently lost a loved one, family issues (it happens in the best families!), or those who are challenged financially will most likely feel stressed. Yes, it feels good to be with your loved ones with food to feast on but don’t forget that Christmas is about love and being kind.

A study has shown that 31% of adults have experienced an anxiety attack or condition at some point in their lives and around 18% of people under 18 have already experienced stress and anxiety disorders. These disorders can be acute or chronic depending on the presentation. Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Phobia, and Separation Anxiety Disorder are the most common forms of chronic disorders.

Overeating and drinking

It’s impossible to think of Christmas and New Year’s celebrations without thinking of food, which means that it is also one of the busiest times of the year — from doing groceries, and the actual preparation of our Holiday meals. Other activities like shopping, gatherings, and partying can also send us feeling more stressed than ever. And what is the best way to de-stress this holiday season? Of course to indulge ourselves with food and drinks that remind us of childhood and all the festivities happening around us. But we all know that this is not always a good idea. Unhealthy eating and drinking patterns will not just give you a sense of dread and stress during Christmas and New Year but may also impact your overall health in the long term. Some of us, especially women, will have a hard time getting back on track so they have to face the upcoming new year feeling more stressed. We should also be aware that overeating and overdrinking can increase our risk of health complications and other chronic health issues.

But how do we manage it?

Financial woes

If this season is giving you stress due to financial reasons, instead of stressing out, focus on finding meaningful gifts instead of expensive ones. Budget according to finances allow. Don’t push or force anything just to create a Christmas feast. Be creative and work around the things that are available for you and find affordable ways to have fun.

Family tension

The real sad thing about this is that most families have some kind of tension: from divorces, split families, and unresolved conflicts, planning for a Christmas reunion would be easier said than done and will most likely cause stress and anxiety.

Learn to accept that not everyone will be down and happy about meeting this Christmas. Once you manage that, be mindful of topics that can be sensitive especially while together at the table. Lastly, smile; it is contagious.

Loneliness

If you’re alone this Christmas and can’t be beside your family to enjoy, try connecting with friends and go to Christmas parties together. Also, try volunteering, you can always do something good for the benefit of others. Do not dwell on what causes your loneliness. Always choose to be happy.

Stay healthy

The best thing that you can do for yourself is to stay healthy. You know your own body so you understand what triggers your stress and how you can avoid it. Start with eating right and getting full sleep. It can work wonders for you. You’ll get more energy to deal with stress if you eat right. Your body will be nutritious enough to fight and battle bad microorganisms that cause negative physical conditions.

Taking supplements that can mitigate and help you avoid stress and anxiety will be a great partner for you. Maintaining your body’s homeostasis is key to having an optimum body and mind and will help you get through the stress that this Christmas season may bring.

A more recent 2018 review of existing studies concluded that CBD has anti-stress effects, which may reduce depression related to stress. The human body has many different receptors (protein-based chemical structures) that are attached to your cells. These receptors receive signals from different stimuli.

CBD is thought to interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors which are mostly found in the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.

The exact way CBD affects CB1 receptors in the brain is still being studied. However, it may alter serotonin signals. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, plays an important role in your stress levels. Low serotonin is commonly associated with people who have depression and in some cases, not having enough serotonin may also cause anxiety.

Studies also found that people with obesity have CB1 receptors that are more widespread, especially in fatty tissue. Because of this, researchers believe that there may be a link between the activation of the CB1 receptors and weight gain.

CBD works with other cannabinoids to potentially activate many receptors, such as endocannabinoids and serotonin. This may play an important role in managing stress and weight gain.

Now that Christmas is just around the corner, let us celebrate it with joy by being with the people we love and staying healthy. Happy CBD Christmas, everyone!

Creating Realistic Resolutions this New Year

It’s the end of the year again and we’re all starting to think about our new year’s resolution. But have you thought about all the resolutions you achieved this year? It’s important to praise yourself for your achievements, even the smallest ones. A new year is a new opportunity to write those new goals and make a plan to reach them. 2022, is the year for us to build back our stock so here are tips that you can follow to start and nail realistic resolutions for the next year.

Three types of Resolutions

Normally, new year’s resolutions fall under these categories: personal, social, and spiritual.

Personal.

These are realistic resolutions that concern your individual well-being. Whether it’s physical, mental, or psychological improvements, it points to the betterment of yourself.

Social.

These can be positive changes towards other people. Improving relationships with family and being more concerned about the welfare of others.

Spiritual.

We are composed of body, soul, and spirit, and taking care of your spirituality is also a good way of improving yourself. Start by going to congregations of your respective faith. Talk and be in fellowship with others. Improving your recognition of your inner self.

Why are we not completing our resolutions?

Realistic resolutions, sometimes, are tough to achieve and complete, whatever you set out to do because it requires discipline and dedication. But here are the most common reasons why sometimes we leave behind some of our goals.

Big goals, bigger failures.

We always want to start the year the right way. But we go big immediately and that might mean disappointments right the way. Learning to celebrate little wins is key. Start small, and step by step, we’ll achieve the big goal we originally set out to do.

Accept setbacks.

In our quest to hit all the goals we set out to do, there will be setbacks, you’ll stumble, forget, or flat out get lazy. Accept that from time to time, we’ll fail. But it does not mean that it’s all a waste. Pick yourself up and start over

Focus on the journey, not the destination.

This is a cheesy line but it’s true. We are so concerned about achieving the goal itself that we forget to embrace and enjoy the journey. If you want to get fitter, enjoy the changes in your body, see yourself get healthier. Enjoy every bit of it and seeing the results will push you to go further.

Different resolutions that you can follow

This list is not specific but it’ll give you more freedom and rids you of the pressure of always hitting the magical number. Try these out and you’ll surely be better.

Health.

This 2022, as we have been forced to take care of our health, assess your current health situation. Think of the food that you eat, the things that you put on your body, and the activities that you do. Look for natural options like processed foods. I know you’ve heard about CBD and I think it’s time to try it out. If you’ve already tried CBD and loved it, try other cannabinoids like CBG and CBN and see how these chemicals can help you achieve the best version of “You”.

Learn something new.

The worst thing that you can do is be stagnant. Our mental health is taking a hit every time we stagnate. Learn a new instrument, read a new book, learn to code, do a new task, being busy prevents us from stressing out and keeps our juices flowing.

Set Professional Goals.

It’s easy to be complacent at work. Just do the routine and clock in and out. But that’s boring and that attitude will not propel us to achieve our professional goals. In 2022, look for a mentor that will hone your skill. Be a sponge and learn as much as you can. It’ll pay off soon.

This coming year, work on things that will help you in every facet of your life. Be patient, accept stumbles and keep on grinding. 2022 will be good for us! Happy New Year!

How to Happily Achieve your New Year Wishes and Goals

How is 2022 treating you so far? Writing down your resolutions is the first step to committing to achieve your goals. In our latest blog post, we give you tips on how to set realistic goals for the new year. Read it here! Once you have a pretty good idea of your new resolutions for 2022, the next step is making a plan and being intentional about your choices. Here is our 101 on how to happily achieve your new year wishes and goals

WHY DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU’RE NOT ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS?

The time management firm FranklinCovey found out that ⅓ of people with resolutions will fall within the first month. And that doesn’t even guarantee that the remaining ⅔ will succeed the rest of the year. We have to face it head-on and learn and understand why we fail miserably to give us a chance of succeeding. The phrase “ignorance is bliss” doesn’t mean anything anymore in this day and age. Ignorance will make you fail.

Resolutions, sometimes, are tough to achieve and complete, whatever you set out to do because it requires discipline and dedication. Consistency is key if we want to happily achieve our new year wishes. But here are the most common reasons why sometimes we leave behind some of our goals.

Big goals, bigger failures.

Wanting to achieve too much too soon is a recipe for disaster. Start by dividing your end goal into monthly, smaller, and achievable goals. That way you’re putting yourself into situations with a higher degree of success.

Accept setbacks.

This happens in everything. We set our minds to something, we work hard in achieving that goal then something unexpected happens that derails all our plans. Then we get frustrated and just stop.

This notion that every goal can be achieved smoothly is a fallacy. All goals whether big or small face challenges. That’s how life is. What should we do then? If we fall, brush the dirt off yourself and start running again.

Focus on the journey, not the destination.

If you want to eat healthier, don’t feel defeated if you eat unhealthy food occasionally. It’s all about balance. The key is to embrace the journey and enjoy the process. Don’t forget to celebrate the small wins, those are the ones that will get you to achieve the bigger goal. Stick to your plan, having consistency with exercise are now habits that you’ve acquired and that should be a success in itself.

HOW CAN WE HAPPILY NAIL OUR NEW YEAR WISHES AND GOALS?

For us to get the best chance of achieving our new year goal and wishes, we have to start with setting our goals and resolutions. In setting your goals, take into consideration the 3 types of resolutions: Personal, Social, and Spiritual.

In writing our resolutions, make it SMART!

Specific.

Your resolutions should be clear and accurate. Write “Lose 50lbs” instead of “Lose weight”. Don’t allow the vagueness of the resolution to let you fail.

Measurable.

Setting measurable resolutions is another key in nailing anything you wish to do. Having the ability to track your progress will give you the extra push to achieve it.

Achievable.

Trying to save 200k this year with a 200k yearly salary is unachievable. When making resolutions, make sure you take everything into consideration and make sure it’s achievable.

Relevant.

Are you sure your resolutions will positively affect you this year? If not, I would suggest for you go back to the drawing board. Make sure all your goals mean something to you. Create relevant goals because if you know a goal may affect you positively, you’ll push through.

Time-bound.

Separate your big goals into smaller achievable goals that can be timely measured. Divide your goals into quarterly, and/or monthly smaller goals. This will give you time to reflect on your current goals and the improvements you can make.

The last tip, create faith-based resolutions because having faith and believing in something makes you achieve that. We’ll not do something if we don’t believe in it, right? Have a blessed 2022!

Morning Ritual Mastery with CBD

Morning ritual mastery will not just help you be more productive but will also benefit your overall wellness. Sticking to a schedule can be a great way to avoid stress and anxiety. So we gathered some rituals that you can easily incorporate into your morning routine.

Have a good night’s sleep

Without sleep is impossible to have a productive day. So start your morning routine at your nighttime by giving yourself the opportunity to have a restful sleep. CBN is a unique cannabinoid with natural calming effects supporting healthy sleep patterns. It’s the perfect non-forming habit sleep aid to help you unwind and have uninterrupted sleep.

Warm lemon water

Lemon works wonders, especially in the morning. It can improve your immune system, aids digestion, help you set the day for success, and stimulate healthy brain function. Add some freshly squeezed lemon juice to a cup of warm water and drink it on an empty stomach. Lemon is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. Pro tip: add CBD oil to your warm lemon water for a boost of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory.

Journaling

One of our favorites! Journaling is an excellent ritual to help you connect with yourself, relieve anxiety, and help disconnect. Find a nice spot and start journaling while having a cup of coffee or tea with a drop of CBG. Research shows that CBG can increase mental clarity leading to better-managed stress.

10 minutes meditation

Spending a few minutes meditating early in the morning can help you find balance and be present. Meditation helps relaxation, improves focus, and keeps you away from anxiety. Don’t know how to start? Try to wake up 30 minutes before everyone else, find a calm place in your home, and pick the meditation style you want to learn: breathing deeply, repeating a mantra, reading in a quiet place, or listening to a meditation playlist. Don’t forget to take a CBD gummy before you start your meditation for a better sense of calmness and balance! Research shows that CBD can help manage stress and anxiety which in turn can lead to a calmer mind and relaxed state, which will help a lot in developing morning ritual mastery

Making your bed

This can even sound silly but making your bed can give you a sense of organization, accomplishment, and set the tone for the day. It’s all about the small wins! This easy-to-do chore can also be both fun and productive if you add some twist to it like wearing a CBD Facemask. Packed with antibacterial and antioxidant properties and paired with CBD which has potent anti-inflammatory properties, our CBD face masks can help your skin’s overall health and longevity.

Starting a load of laundry

Starting a load of laundry first thing in the morning can sound like a bad way to start your day. But actually, it’s a perfect time to do it. Getting the laundry done, during the week or on a daily basis means that you don’t need to be doing it on the weekend. It also means being on top of your laundry game and feeling organized in your daily routine plus… you’ll always have your favorite jeans clean and ready. CBG capsule before you start doing your laundry and your other household chores may help complete your tasks quickly. This cannabinoid can enhance focus and mental clarity helping you be present and start your day with the right mindset.

Making a 3-5 things priority to-do list

Consider this a very practical morning ritual. Writing down a priority list for the day will help you avoid forgetting important tasks and improve time management. This will not just benefit you in the short term but you will notice that achieving long-term goals will be easier when you know where to focus your time and energy. While writing your to-do list for the day, you can also enjoy some me-time while wearing a CBD face mask.

Being a working mom. How can CBD help you?

Some say that being a mother is the hardest job in the world. It is like a race that never ends. From taking care of the family to making sure that the house is clean and organized, it is easy for moms to be overwhelmed by all the responsibilities and expectations. But what more if you are working as well? We list some of the challenges a working mom experiences and faces on a daily basis and how CBD can help.

Anxiety and Stress

When you are a mom or the default parent, being stressed out is just a part of your day-to-day life. But what more if you are working while attending to your parenting responsibilities? Going home after work and the responsibility doesn’t end there, you have to make sure that you feed the kids, drive them to their after-school activities, help with homework, do dishes and laundry. A 2005 University Michigan study states that in the United States, 78 percent of mothers with kids ages ranging from 6 to 17 are not just working on a paid job but are also the ones responsible for child care and housework. These doubled responsibilities – from home and work can mean more stress that sometimes can lead to other health issues

Time management

Ever heard of a morning rush? Surely this is something a lot of moms can relate to. Waking up your child early, preparing breakfast, getting them ready for school while also getting yourself ready to go to work is a lot for just a couple of hours first thing in the morning. You need to be able to manage your time well so both of you won’t be late but sometimes there are just factors that make it very difficult to do. Time management is a big concern for working moms. With everything that needs to be done in a day, 24 hours might not seem enough.

Tiredness and lack of sleep

With everything that is going on around you, finding time for yourself can look almost impossible to do. Most moms, unintentionally or sometimes deliberately forget that having a few minutes of ‘me time’ in a day is very important to keep yourself going (and sanity). Not being able to rest and having a complete 8-hours of sleep can make you feel tired throughout the day and this can lead to serious complications in the long run. Feeling tired and exhausted all the time? You must be experiencing a “Parental Burnout”. This is a distinct type of fatigue with symptoms specifically related to the role of parenting which was stated from a recent study conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

CBD is here to help

Busy moms need to be physically and emotionally healthy to be on top of their game so taking supplements such as CBD Oil and CBD Capsules is a good idea to help reduce stress, anxiety, (back) pain, improve restful sleep, among others.

While research is still being done to determine the potential effects and benefits of CBD, people who have used it claimed that it provided them relief for symptoms caused by these conditions. CBD is a natural stress-buster, helps manage pain, can be an anti-aging solution, and is an ideal dietary supplement.

Is CBD a potential treatment for COVID?

The World and COVID-19 Now

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and its variants such as the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and now Omicron have changed the whole world. Mental health and neurological consequences such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse are also some of the big issues we currently face. Due to widespread and extensive efforts, a lot of information has already been known about COVID-19. Treatments and vaccines were also created to fight this highly contagious and infectious disease but there are still uncertainties as to when and how this pandemic will end. Scientists and researchers around the world are still looking for alternative treatments against COVID-19 and its variants. Here comes CBD and its potential to aid against a number of health and mental issues. In this article, we will talk about the journey and efforts to prove the effectiveness of CBD for COVID.

CBD Against COVID-19

Through secondary metabolism, numerous chemicals are produced in Cannabis Sativa plants. These include cannabinoids, terpenes, and phenolic compounds. Studies show that Cannabinoids such as Cannabidiol (CBD), Cannabinol (CBN), and Cannabigerol (CBG) among others exert outstanding antimicrobial, antiviral, and therapeutic properties and therefore, systematic investigations are being done to know if they can be a potential treatment against COVID-19. One thing that is very important to understand is the inflammation process, its origin, and its development.

Cannabidiol is known for its therapeutic benefits as a natural anti-inflammatory agent so studies are being made to fully identify the efficacy of CBD for COVID. Currently, a recent early study has been published about CBD inhibiting the COVID virus replication in a human lung. This test has been done in a lab using high potency and pure Cannabidiol. The results showed that CBD potently inhibited SARS-CoV-2 viral replication under non-toxic conditions. CBD showed to be effective in blocking the entry of the virus in the host cells but even better, it was very effective (~95–99%) at inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 spike protein expression in host cells at 2 and 6 hours after infection post entry.

‘it was very effective (~95–99%) at inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 spike protein expression in host cells at 2 and 6 hours after infection post entry’

The Pandemic, Mental Health, and CBD

CBD is also being advertised for the treatment of mental health issues and substance use disorders brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. CBD is known to help alleviate anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other cognitive illnesses as well as pain.

At this moment, there is limited research that includes CBD as a potential treatment for patients with opiate, alcohol, and tobacco abuse. No clinical trials have yet to prove its effectiveness against COVID-19 and its associated mental health issues so studies are being made to validate these claims. But anecdotal evidence has shown CBD’s worth in aiding substance abuse.

CBD has come a long way

There is no denying the great amount of progress made by CBD in terms of its medical use through the years. From being recognized for its benefits since ancient times by several medicinal systems to being one of the most investigated medicinal plants in the world, Cannabinoids can truly be considered as wonder drugs.

CBD has an extensive variety of usage and there are a lot of claims supporting its effectiveness against certain health and mental issues. Now that the pandemic is still nowhere near the end, demand for complementary and alternative medicines has surged and will continue to rise so finding alternative treatments is critical.

We may need more research and clinical trials that will prove the efficacy of CBD for COVID patients but there is a lot of promise for CBD and surely, it won’t be long till more will be discovered.

How to Break the Insomnia Cycle

Insomnia, the ZZzzz Disorder

Have a hard time falling or staying asleep during the night? You must be suffering from insomnia. Most of us are already familiar with this sleep disorder which is characterized by regularly struggling to fall asleep, waking up several times during the night, waking up too early even if you had less sleep, difficulties in trying to take a nap during the day, and feeling tired and irritable. Sounds horrible, right? Up to 70 million Americans every year are affected by this disorder. The amount of sleep needed for us to function at our best varies from person to person but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, most adults need at least 7–9 hours of sleep every night, depending on their age. Knowing what this sleep-related disorder is and learning how to break the insomnia cycle are very important because well, everyone deserves to have a good night’s sleep.

Slumber or Stumble? What Causes Insomnia?

Insomnia can be short-term or ongoing. Acute insomnia which usually lasts for just a few days or weeks can be a result of family pressures or conflict, stress at work, or a traumatic experience. Chronic insomnia, on the other hand, can last a month or longer. It can be primary or secondary. Sleeplessness, not linked to any existing medical condition, mental health issues, or environmental factors is called primary. On the other hand, secondary is when symptoms arise because of medical illness, mental disorders, or other sleep disorders such as Sleep Apnea and Narcolepsy.

According to research, this sleep disorder is mainly caused by a state of Hyperarousal. It is defined as the increase in activity of ascending reticular activating system (nerves at our brainstem that filter out unnecessary information so the important stuff gets through) or a reduction in the adaptive drive to sleep. This can be physical and mental and it can be triggered by many factors:

Stress

Can be both the primary cause or the result of insomnia. Work, school, and social relationships are the most common stress triggers. Others also experience it due to traumatic situations including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Lifestyle

Greatly affects the quality of our sleep. Many of us might not be aware that unhealthy habits are the main reason why we cannot have that much-needed snooze. Using electronic devices such as mobile phones and video games, an unhealthy diet, too much caffeine, and alcohol intake are just some of the examples. Taking late naps in the afternoon can also throw off your sleep timing.

Irregular Sleep Schedules

Circadian Rhythm is an internal process that controls the pattern of time we spend awake and asleep roughly every 24 hours (also known as the sleep-wake cycle). Changes in sleep schedules affect the circadian rhythm. People who had just traveled to a different time zone or those who need to work on a night shift may experience difficulties following their usual sleep pattern. But there are also cases where shifts in the circadian rhythm happen without a clear cause.

Other factors that attribute to poor sleep are physical and mental health disorders, neurological problems, medications, pregnancy, and age.

Tips on How to Break the Insomnia Cycle

While some of the symptoms need medical attention to be treated, there are also things that we can do to prevent or manage cases of insomnia. Tackling the root causes and making simple changes to your habits and routines such as creating a sleep schedule and sticking to it, staying active, avoiding large meals and drinks before bedtime, limiting activities in bed, and creating a comfortable sleeping environment are just some of the ways how to break the insomnia cycle. In addition to these, there are also activities that may help you achieve that deep, restful sleep.

Meditation

Mindfulness Meditation is about breathing techniques and focusing the attention on the present moment blocking away all worries and problems. This technique helps establish feelings of relaxation and calmness.

Sleep Mantra

Before closing your eyes every night, try to recite words that you think can give you a restful and peaceful sleep. It can be anything from words of gratitude to words of encouragement or short lyrics from your favorite song, as long as this mantra can give you peace of mind and can help you let go of anxious thoughts and worries.

Yoga

A Harvard Medical School study found that a regular yoga practice improved sleep efficiency. Yoga exercises involve stretching and relaxing of muscles causing significant physical and mental exertion resulting in less sleep latency, more deep sleep, fewer sleep disturbances, and better sleep. The following are simple asana (yoga techniques) on how to break the insomnia cycle:

Paschimottanasana (Queen Pose)

Stretch your knees and place your palms next to them while sitting on your hips. Extend your arms and grab both the toes with your fingers and thumb. Bend down from the pelvic region of the back while maintaining a concave back. Relax your shoulders and try to get your forehead between the knees. If you can’t get the forehead completely down, gaze at the toes. Rest your elbows on the mat and stay in this pose for 2-3 minutes. Inhale, raise the head from the knees, and relax.

Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold Pose)

Stand straight and keep the knees tight. Exhale then bend forward without bending your knees. Place the palms on the floor next to the feet. Stretch the spine to get your head as close to the knees as possible. You may also place your palms behind your ankle. Hold still and take a few breaths. Inhale and straighten your spine.

Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)

Start by lying flat on your back with palms facing down. Raise your legs and hips up while keeping your chin close to your chest. Then, using your palms to support your lower back, lift it off the mat while keeping your knees and back straight. Breathing deeply, gaze at the point between the toes. You can also close your eyes. Remain in this position for 3-4 minutes. Lastly, relax your palms and come down gently.

Soothing Music

This might sound a bit common, but listening to soothing music especially the music of your choice can improve the quality of your sleep. This can be attributed to being able to block external or environmental factors that affect sleep such as the sound of traffic or filling uncomfortable silence. Research also concludes that people who listen to music before snoozing off can reach restful REM sleep – the restorative part of our sleep – more quickly.

Massage

A relaxing massage increases the immediate production of melatonin (the hormone that regulates sleep) which leads to better sleep quality and has the effect of eliminating insomnia. This doesn’t mean going out every day to go to your favorite day spa or massage salon. You can either do it with your partner or learn how to do a massage yourself. Setting the mood like playing relaxing music, dimming the lights, and lighting a scented candle together with your favorite massage oil can do the trick!

Taking CBN Oil

CBN is known for its benefits in improving the quality of sleep. Studies show that compared to CBD, CBN contains more powerful sedative properties making it a go-to for people who suffer from insomnia.

CBN, your Sleep Expert

Scientists have discovered CBN’s potential to alleviate insomnia since 1976. A popular study conducted in 1995 showcased the compound’s influence in managing occasional insomnia, restless nights, and difficulty staying asleep throughout the night hence promoting a healthy sleep cycle. CBN, short for cannabinol, is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid naturally found in the hemp plant. Even though it was a result of the degradation of THC, it does not generate any psychoactive effects. This non-habit-forming supplement is best known for its calming effects and is best taken at least an hour before bedtime. CBN can be taken in different ways. It can be in a form of a tincture, gummy, or capsule.

Having a restful sleep is something we shouldn’t be deprived of. It plays an important role in our well-being. Not being able to sleep properly will not just affect your mood and level of energy but also your family life, relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life. It can also lead to mental and physical health issues. Finding ways how to break the insomnia cycle is a must and luckily, there are some activities that we can incorporate into the daily routine that might save us from having another restless night, including taking supplements such as CBN oil, gummy, or capsule!

How to Maximize Downtime at Work?

The Ups of downtime

Have you ever experienced working on a very important task at work when suddenly the internet connection was lost? Or maybe completing a job quickly where you end up with a few more hours left for work without anything more to do? I believe the answer is yes but did you maximize your downtime? Did you spend it surfing the net or talking, having some catch-up with your co-workers? What did you feel after? Did you feel unproductive or maybe refreshed afterward? Downtime is anything that is not work-related. It can be a system failure, slow days, or those extra breaks at work.

Our workdays are often full of activities like meetings and projects that leave us physically and mentally exhausted by the end of the day. Both our brain and body need some breather to re-charge. How do we use our slow days wisely so we don’t end up regretting the time lost?

Maximize downtime with CBD!

Being a workaholic is not a bad thing. It only means that we are passionate about our chosen careers. So we aim for more and always want to learn more. But it becomes bad when we put our health- both mental and physical, aside. So the best way to spend free time? With activities that will help you unwind, feel relaxed, and keep both your body and mind healthy!

Leave your desk

According to a study, productivity declines when we spend too much time sitting. The brain works better when the body moves so during breaks, stand up from your desk, stretch, and walk. You can even ask a co-worker if you both have the same break time to walk with you outside the building to get some fresh air or if your workplace does not have a place to breathe some fresh air, you can simply walk in the hallway. It is not the destination, really, but the chance for your body to move.

But even before you leave your desk, take a CBD capsule. Its potential therapeutic benefits make it the most popular phytochemicals that hemp produces. It is a natural remedy to alleviate anything from inflammation and pain to stress and anxiety. So the result is a calmer, healthier you.

Read a nice book

Reading stimulates the mind and improves memory and concentration. So what can be a better way to spend slow days at work than to grab and read your favorite book. Don’t ever think that your time will be wasted because this simple and relaxing activity can help you perform and communicate better. You can even take a CBD gummy while reading. CBD gummies don’t just improve your overall state of mind and body because of their benefits, they’re also the easiest way to get your CBD!

Learn something new

Waiting for the right time to attend those free workshops for self or career development? Then, now is the right time. Learning something new is one of the best ways to maximize downtime! It allows you to destress while still being mentally productive. But it doesn’t matter if the seminar you wanted to join is not work-related. It can be as simple as attending seminars or watching videos about self-development or learning a new hobby. Remember, taking the time to invest in yourself helps boost your creativity and mental health and these will definitely affect your work performance. It’s even better if you are working from home! While watching or listening to a self-help video, you can enjoy a warm and relaxing bath with a CBD bath bomb! Bath bombs are not just easy to incorporate into our baths, they are also packed with nutrients that are beneficial to our skin. Our bath bomb formula contains both CBD and CBG and they are made with all-natural skincare ingredients without harsh chemicals, heavy metals, or artificial dyes.

De-clutter

Clutter distracts us. We might not always notice it, but trying to relax in a cluttered room or place is difficult. It may even affect the quality of your sleep if your bedroom is not tidy. So if you no longer have any workload to do and are just waiting to end your day at work, why not start removing those candy wrappers, empty cups of coffee you have accumulated on your work desk or even check your drawers and sort papers so you can bring those that are no longer needed to a shredding machine. You can also start decluttering or organizing your emails and if you are working remotely, try to apply a CBD facemask while doing this. Our CBD facemasks are packed with ingredients including CBD that your skin will surely love! CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory properties so it may help reduce swelling, pain, and redness from existing breakouts or irritation from skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Help others

Helping each other at work does not just help maintain a stable workplace and increase productivity, it also helps reduce stress and anxiety. You can help a co-worker by simply checking up on them, asking how they are doing and if they need advice on a project they are currently working on, especially if your colleague is new. Invite them to a coffee break so you can talk about new ideas or hobbies that the other might want to try. For a healthier twist, don’t forget to add a few drops of CBD oil to your coffee. This helps relieve anxiety and will help you feel relaxed and calmer.

Conclusion

Downtime is sometimes uncontrollable but it doesn’t mean we cannot control how we maximize downtime at work. Do things that won’t just help you increase productivity but will also help you look after your wellbeing and enjoy your stay at work. Remember, a happy and healthy employee leads to a successful company!

Keep both your body and mind healthy!

The Best Cannabinoids and Adaptogens for Stress and Anxiety

Stress and Anxiety: Disruptors of Homeostasis

Adaptogens are plants that help put our bodies into homeostasis. They boost the brain’s resistance to stress and decrease sensitivity to stressors. Just like cannabinoids, adaptogens restore balance and optimize activity between nerves and cells. So what are the main disruptors of homeostasis? Stress and anxiety.

These are our body’s responses to worrying or threatening situations. Stress is our emotional and physical response to daily life’s demands. It can be good or bad. Good stress or eustress is the feeling of excitement without any threat or fear. While bad stress can negatively affect your mental and physical well-being. Bad stress is either short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). Anxiety on the other hand is the persistent, excessive worry that stays with you even without a stressor. If left ignored or untreated, both of these can lead to poor mental health. Thankfully, there are ways to help us deal with them and enjoy life.

The Best Cannabinoids and Adaptogens for Stress and Anxiety

Different plant species play an important role in drug discovery. Their success is from many years of experience with folk medicine in numerous countries. Plant Adaptogens and Cannabinoids are great examples. Although continued research and studies are being done to prove their therapeutic benefits, they’re already used for several purposes. Today, we list the top cannabinoids and adaptogens for stress and anxiety.

Adaptogens

Panax Ginseng

Asian Ginseng, Chinese Ginseng, Korean Ginseng, Red Ginseng, and White Ginseng are some of its common names. This wonder plant is popular for increasing resistance to environmental stress and improving overall well-being. Panax Ginseng is a dietary supplement promoted for a variety of mental and physical health conditions. These include depression, anxiety, and health problems, such as respiratory and cardiovascular disorders among others.

Siberian Ginseng

Some of its common names are Devil’s Shrub, Wild Pepper, and Devil’s Bush. Siberian Ginseng helps the body to recover from extreme physical and mental activities. Its adaptogenic qualities make it a must-have for those engaged in stressful jobs or high-energy activities.

Rhaponticum or Maral Root

Research shows that Maral Root possesses adaptogenic properties just like Panax Ginseng. Other health benefits include replenishing energy reserves, sharpening concentration, improving mood, and stimulating the immune system. It also promotes lean muscle growth and reduces body fat.

Rhodiola Rosea

Arctic Root, Golden Root, Rose Root, King’s Crown are some of this flowering plant’s popular names. It is currently promoted to resist the results of stress and help manage depression, anxiety, and other symptoms. Research shows that it also increases energy, stamina, strength, mental capacity, and improves athletic performance.

Schisandra Chinensis

Magnolia berry or five-flavor fruit is one of the best adaptogens for stress and anxiety. Chinese medicine also used its fruit for cough, wheezing, liver diseases, stomach disorders, and excessive sweating. Today, more benefits of this vine plant include aid in congestive heart failure, diabetes, obesity, hepatitis, menopause, pneumonia, and others.

Cannabinoids

Cannabidiol

CBD is the most widely researched cannabinoid along with Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. It helps relieve the symptoms of stress and anxiety without the psychoactive effect by raising the levels of anandamide. Anandamide helps in the regulation of other chemicals found in the brain. These chemicals include dopamine and serotonin. Low levels of serotonin often cause behavioral and emotional disorders while dopamine is the “happy hormone”. CBD regulates both which in turn promotes the feeling of happiness, pleasure, and satisfaction.

Cannabigerol

Just like CBD, CBG helps fight pain without having the intoxicating effect of other cannabinoids like THC. Research also says that it has very strong anti-anxiety and muscle-relaxing effects. CBG binds to certain endocannabinoid receptors in the brain that alleviate anxiety and pain.

Cannabinol

Lack of sleep regularly increases cortisol which is the primary stress hormone. CBN is one of the most sought-after cannabinoids because it is useful in regulating sleep. This cannabinoid will give you mild sedative effects without having the “high” effect. It may help you not just sleep better but also maintain a good sleeping pattern. As a result, our bodies can cope better with stress.

Conclusion

Stress and anxiety are indeed part of our lives. Some say they are good because they activate our fight or flight response in some situations. While those who suffer from stress and anxiety – and their symptoms can agree that they harm not just our health but the quality of life. There are ways to avoid them. But if they are already present and cannot be eluded, we should know how to overcome and deal with them – in a healthy way. Plant cannabinoids and adaptogens for stress and anxiety are two of nature’s best gifts to mankind in this battle. So it is a must that we are equipped with knowledge about them.

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Instant Mood Boosters for a Happier and Healthier You

We all have our “bad days”. With all the things happening around us, it is normal to feel down or be in a bad mood sometimes. Pressure at work or school, sickness, and stressful events – are just some of the factors that affect our mood daily. This feeling can affect your relationships, performance, and your health negatively. Sometimes we wish this grumpy state would go away immediately so we try to fake and suppress it. Pretending it’s not happening at all. But does it really help? Suppressing negative emotions can be harmful not just to our mental health but also to our physical wellbeing. Instead of avoiding them, we should learn how to acknowledge, deal and eventually work with them. There are instant mood boosters that can help. Trying these simple, yet effective tips might just be what you need to beat those Monday blues.

Go Outside and Cheer Up

A simple walk in the park or a picnic with a friend can lift someone’s spirits. Research says that spending time in nature boosts endorphin levels and dopamine production. The “happy hormone” or dopamine releases when endorphins attach to receptors of the central nervous system. This promotes the feeling of happiness, calmness, creativity and can even improve concentration.

Move your Body

We can’t stress this one enough! The benefits of exercise to our body and mind are countless. The levels of chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, stress hormones, and endorphins, change when you move your body. Being active can help you sleep better and good sleep helps boost your mood. Exercise can improve your sense of control, coping ability, creativity, discipline, and self-esteem.

Bear Up Through Meditation

Ever experience a sudden mood change from being happy to suddenly feeling down? Don’t worry, it is just normal. Sometimes we feel irritated and annoyed without even knowing why. It can be because of a sudden shift in your hormonal levels. But if you think other factors can be influencing these mood swings, it might be time to find a natural solution. Starting a new activity will help you. Mindfulness Meditation not just releases stress but also helps better understand your emotions through breathing methods and guided imagery. It slows down racing thoughts so you’ll feel calm and refreshed after. It is indeed an instant mood booster!

Daily Affirmations to Lift your Spirits

One of the best mood-boosting acts that you can do for yourself is, well being kind to yourself. Practicing daily affirmations help you let go of negative thoughts and help strengthen self-worth by boosting your positive opinion about yourself and your capabilities. “I am in control of my life and my mood”, “I can handle anything that comes my way”, “I am positive”, “Good things are coming my way” are just some of the nice words you can mumble to yourself.

Get that Daily Dose of Omega-3

Fatty acids are a great source of natural and instant mood boosters. Omega-3 or “fish oil” easily travels through the brain cell membrane and interacts with mood-related molecules. They are also known to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help fight depression. You can get an adequate amount of Omega 3s by eating a variety of food such as fish, other seafood, nuts, and seeds, and by taking a supplement. Just always remember that taking a supplement alone isn’t enough to get your daily dose of fatty acids. So it is advisable to take it alongside a meal to maximize its absorption.

Boost your Mood Instantly with CBD

Cannabidiol or CBD is known to help contribute to feelings of happiness and well-being because it interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that carries signals between neurons or nerve cells. It regulates mood, emotions, and other body functions like appetite and digestion. Other studies suggest that CBD may also help prevent mental health conditions related to stress such as depression and anxiety. Getting your daily intake of this instant mood booster is both easy and fun! Our collection of CBD includes oils, liquid gels, and gummies to help you say goodbye to those “bad days”.

Conclusion

Emotions are an essential part of human nature. When you are emotionally healthy, you are in control of your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. It is also easier to manage pressures and cope with life’s challenges if you know how to work with your emotions. Taking initiative to boost your mood when you feel at your lowest will help you not just deal better with your current situation but also benefit your mental health in the long run.

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Conclusion

Green Superfood + CBD St. Patrick’s Day Smoothie Recipes

Aside from Ireland, Saint Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. It has become a tradition to make everything green during this national festival. This includes everything from dresses, food, and even beverages! So we collect 5 CBD St Patrick’s day smoothie recipes for you to try this upcoming holiday!

These recipes are not just healthy, they are interestingly yummy too. They will not just give you the festivity vibe but will also satisfy your health junkie side!

Green Tea Smoothie

Ingredients:

½ peeled banana

1 cup of peeled strawberries

1 cup of fresh spinach leaves

½ teaspoon of matcha green tea powder

½ to 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder

1 dropper of CBD Oil – Vanilla

1 cup of unsweetened almond milk

¾ cup of ice

Directions:

Place all the ingredients in a blender.

For 45 seconds, make a puree using high speed until the mixture is completely smooth.

Do you know that St. Patrick’s Day has been celebrated since the 17th century in the commemoration of the foremost patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick? In the early days, it was celebrated with feasts, festivals, public parades, and a lot of beers. To become invisible to leprechauns, people dress in green, shamrocks, and as leprechauns. According to Irish folklore, leprechauns like to pinch people when they see them. They are short, red-haired faeries dressed in green suits often with a clover accent. These mythical creatures like to partake in mischief and practical jokes.

Shamrock Shake Smoothie

Ingredients:

2 frozen bananas

1 cup of baby spinach

1/2 avocado

1 teaspoon vanilla

12–15 fresh mint leaves

1 dropper of CBD Oil – Vanilla or CBD Oil – Unflavored

1 1/2 cups of milk

whipped cream, cacao nibs, or chocolate shavings (optional)

Directions:

Add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.

You can also garnish it with whipped cream, cacao nibs, or chocolate shavings. Best served cold.

Healthy Kale Smoothie

Ingredients:

2 cups of chopped with stems removed, kale leaves

1 medium-sized banana

¼ cup of pineapple pieces

2 tablespoons of creamy or crunchy peanut butter

¼ cup of plain non-fat yogurt

¾ cup of milk

1-3 teaspoons of honey

1 dropper of CBD Oil – Unflavored

Directions:

Combine all the ingredients in a blender.

Blend until the mixture is smooth. You can also add more milk as desired.

For a healthier twist, we incorporate these CBD St Patrick’s day smoothie recipes with Green Superfood. Superfoods give maximum nutritional benefits with minimal calories. Although there are no standard criteria to label any food as a superfood, most of these are plant-based. Some of the common green superfoods are tea, spinach, kale, collards, parsley, broccoli, barley grass, wheatgrass, oat grass, alfalfa grass, and seaweed.

Cucumber and Parsley Smoothie

Ingredients:

3/4 cup of water or coconut water

1/2 chopped English cucumber

1 bunch of chopped flat-leaf parsley

2 cups of fresh or frozen pineapple

2 medium peeled and seeded lemons

1 dropper of CBD Oil – Citrus

5 drops of liquid stevia (optional)

fresh ginger (optional)

Directions:

Place all the ingredients in a large blender.

Blast on high speed for 1 minute, until smooth and creamy.

St. Patrick Barley Smoothie

Ingredients:

2 medium-sized ripe bananas

a little bit of spinach

3 tablespoons of chopped mint

1 dropper of CBD Oil – Peppermint

2 tablespoons of lime juice

2 tablespoons of barley grass powder

1-3 tablespoons of healthy sweeteners like honey

Directions:

Put all the ingredients in a blender.

Puree until it is completely smooth.

Conclusion

Celebrating a holiday can be both fun and healthy with these carefully selected CBD St. Patrick’s day smoothie recipes. And since this is the day to make everything green, we use the most popular green superfood for you to try and enjoy. By trying one or maybe all of these smoothies, you will not just get your daily dose of a healthy superfood but will also get the benefits of CBD oil! It has calming and anti-inflammatory properties and can be taken alone or added to your recipes. CBD is one of the most popular homeopathic medicine out there – and even leprechauns know it!

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Natural Endocannabinoid System Booster

ECS or the endocannabinoid system plays a critical role in maintaining the homeostasis of the human body. Homeostasis in simple terms is our body’s internal balance and stability. CBD supports ECS by interacting indirectly with its receptors. Aside from CBD, there’s a natural endocannabinoid system booster that stimulates ECS, hence promoting a better quality of life.

But before we list some of the natural endocannabinoid system boosters we gathered, let’s learn more about ECS, Cannabinoids, and CBD.

What is ECS?

ECS is a biological system found throughout the body like the brain, organs, immune cells, and connective tissues. It consists of endocannabinoids, receptors (CB1 and CB2), and enzymes.

The endocannabinoid system helps control and balance many of our most critical bodily functions. Some of these are learning and memory, emotion, immunity, sleep, temperature control, pain control, stress management, and eating.

ECS and CBD

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Their molecules are the same as Endocannabinoids.

THC and CBD are both cannabinoids. THC binds with the receptors of the ECS and imitates its actions, hence producing the “psychoactive” effects. While CBD does not attach itself to the receptors of ECS. Instead, it grants the ECS access to its own endocannabinoids which allows it to carry out its functions effectively.

Natural Endocannabinoid System Booster

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 Fatty Acids are needed for the normal functioning of our brain and nervous system. Research also shows that they increase the interaction of the endocannabinoid system and regulate the CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Our body cannot produce these essential fats on its own. So it is crucial to consume enough of these fatty acids through our diet. Some of its popular food sources are fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel, sea-bass), chia, flax seeds, seaweed, and edamame.

Exercise

Exercise activates the endocannabinoid system by regulating the CB1 receptors and enhancing their sensitivity. As a result, exercise helps manage stress and increases levels of anandamide (an area in the brain that influences pain, appetite regulation, pleasure, and reward). Exercise is also key for having optimal brain health.

With our busy schedules, sometimes it is difficult to find time to get active. Though it is understandable, we might be depriving our bodies of all the benefits that it can give us. We suggest starting with simple activities such as walking, stretching, or yoga. There are a lot of fun ways to get active and once you found the one that works for you, just remember to be consistent.

Manage Stress

Stress is never good news even for the endocannabinoid system. Emotional stress affects the CB1 receptors. While chronic psychological stress reduces endocannabinoid levels in the brain. Although it is impossible to avoid it completely, making an effort to deal with and manage stress is essential for our mental and physical health.

There are simple yet effective ways to deal with stress and we list them on our other blogs. Breathing exercises, meditation, taking long baths, getting enough sleep, and eating right are just some of them.

Social Engagements

The pandemic had restricted us for a long time from the in-person social interactions that we were used to. These include going out with friends, movie dates with your bestie, and family outings.

But thanks to all the different technological options, it has become easier than ever to feel connected and close emotionally even being far away. A simple call to your mom or video chat with a friend can do a lot not just for your mental health but also for your general well-being.

Social interaction is a great endocannabinoid system booster. It also increases the levels of anandamide or the “bliss neurotransmitter”.

Coffee and Tea

It is impossible to start your day without any of these two. Although they have their own health benefits, coffee and tea both modulate the endocannabinoid system.

Researchers believe that the cannabinoid system is involved in the psychoactive properties of caffeine. Regular caffeine consumption also enhances the activation of CB1 receptors.

Tea, on the other hand, contains catechins that bind to cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system. It is also a very good source of antioxidant compounds that have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.

Conclusion

Because of the continued research and studies, we are being equipped with the knowledge of how important the endocannabinoid system is to our mental and physical health. And although CBD consumption would always be the number one source of balanced ECS, there are other natural ways to stimulate the endocannabinoid system.

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5 Healthy Habits that will Change your Mood

When talking about happiness, some of us might think of eating delicious food, going out with friends at night, or drinking alcohol. These activities indeed give us pleasure and satisfaction, but only in the short term. Happy and healthy people know that the key to happiness lies in the choices they make including their daily habits. Building healthy routine changes not just your mood but you as a whole. Today we list 5 healthy habits that will change your mood for the better.

Tips to Form New and Healthy Habits

Humans are creatures of habit. But sometimes, we find it difficult to create and follow new healthy routines. It might be because we are doing it the wrong way. For example, every new year we make bold resolutions to lose weight. We do this without planning and taking the steps needed to set ourselves up for success. So we get easily distracted and less motivated.

Start in Simple Steps

Start with small routines that are easy to follow and do not require a high level of motivation. For instance, start with increasing your water intake every day.

Stack your Habits

Find a habit that you can tie to an existing one. While drinking your tea or coffee, you can start meditating or go outside to watch the sunrise.

Do it Every Day

Consistency is the key! You can write down that “new habit” on a sticky note and paste it somewhere visible… like the fridge or your bathroom mirror.

Give Yourself a Treat!

Don’t forget to reward yourself every now and then. This doesn’t mean you have to indulge in sweets when the habit you want to create is to eat healthily. Inviting a friend over to share the salad you made for dinner or a pizza if you feel like it. It’s all about balance and self-discipline.

5 Healthy Habits for your Mood

Get that Beauty Rest

Sleep is closely linked to mood and mental state in general. It’s necessary to support healthy brain function and help maintain physical health too. This applies to all ages, although young children and infants need more sleep than adults due to their constant brain and body development.

Sleep deprivation causes negative moods such as anger, frustration, and irritability. It can also lead to stress, depression, and other mental and physical health issues. There are many reasons that explain why some people can’t get quality sleep. It can be external (having a baby, inadequate room temperature, outside noise, etc) or internal factors (anxiety, stress, depression, hormonal imbalance, illness, etc). Identifying the root of your occasional or chronic insomnia is the first step to finding ways to manage it.

Get more Active

We already know that exercise is good for both your body and mind. It doesn’t just make your body stronger and more resilient but also gives you a sense of wellbeing. The levels of chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, stress hormones, and endorphins, change when you exercise. It helps us sleep better, manage stress easily, and improve memory and concentration. As a result, our mood becomes more positive and we feel better about ourselves.

Finding the right exercise routine might not be as hard as most of us think. Start by choosing an activity that you enjoy like yoga, dancing, running, or biking. Next, try to set aside and prioritize exercise time each week. You can start from 15-20 minutes/ session until you can increase it as much as you want. There are also different apps and groups that you can join to help you stay motivated without the need to leave your home.

Eat your Five

Vegetables and fruits contain important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, carotenoids that can reduce oxidative stress. According to research, oxidative stress is responsible for negative moods and a variety of mental disorders such as depression, stress, and anxiety. Increased intake of fruits and vegetables together with other healthy habits can improve mood and mental well-being.

Make it a habit to incorporate fruit and vegetables into every meal. You can start by adding more veggies to your salad or omelet or making fruit smoothies for your snack. A “5 in a Day” diet which recommends eating a minimum of 400g of fruit and vegetables a day is also a great way to start your healthy eating plan.

Go Outside and Socialize

The environment we’re in greatly affects our mood. It can either increase or reduce stress and other mental issues. Surrounding yourself with nature or with the people that makes you feel like yourself and comfortable can greatly impact your happiness.

Nature helps you feel calm and relaxed. These emotions bring you into the present moment. As a result, you can de-stress easily and focus more on the positive things around you.

Interactions with other people, family, friends, and special someone keeps your mind alive. Building social connections exercise the mind. Therefore, it improves cognitive skills such as memory, attention, decision making, and, problem-solving.

Healthy Habits with CBD

According to studies, CBD can alter serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in mood, emotion regulation, and other mental issues such as stress. Getting your daily dose of CBD can help you change your mood for the better. And this effect is not just temporary, making it a habit to incorporate taking CBD in your daily routine can have a long-lasting effect on your mental health.

There are a lot of easy and fun ways to get CBD. It comes in a form of oil, capsules, gummies, vaporizers, and even topical.

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Conclusion

Making small changes with our daily routines can make a big impact when it comes to self-improvement. So we hope that with these 5 healthy habits, you can start your journey to be the best version of yourself.

CBD and PMS Symptoms. Can CBD Help?

What is PMS?

Mood swings, bloating, and cramping are just some of the symptoms women suffer from during their period. While others get over this monthly-occurring phase without any signs or only very mild side effects, most women experience more symptoms.

Premenstrual syndrome or PMS affects up to 75 percent of women. These can hinder them to perform and do daily tasks like going to school or attending work. Cannabidiol or CBD is becoming a sensation especially for women because of all the potential benefits it offers. This includes managing the symptoms that come before and even during the menstrual cycle. So let’s learn more about CBD and PMS symptoms.

Symptoms of PMS

Symptoms are different and may also change throughout the life of every woman. It can either be physical or emotional or for some women, both.

PMS’ physical symptoms can include any of the following:

Cramping

Headache or backache

Swollen or tender breasts

Bloating

Constipation or diarrhea

Lower tolerance for noise or light

While emotional or mental symptoms of PMS may include:

Mood swings

Mild Irritability

Fatigue

Appetite changes or food cravings

Sleep problems

Concentration and memory difficulties

Anxiety

Causes of PMS

The exact cause of premenstrual syndrome is not clear and is still being researched, but what we do know is that several factors may contribute to the condition:

Hormonal Imbalance

Every menstrual cycle, a woman’s body goes through preparation for the possibility of pregnancy. This may cause hormonal imbalance. Signs and symptoms of PMS change with hormonal fluctuations or imbalance. While it disappears with pregnancy and menopause.

Serotonin Levels

Fluctuations of serotonin could also trigger PMS symptoms. Serotonin is defined as a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that is known to have an important role in mood changes. Insufficient amounts of this may result in premenstrual depression, as well as fatigue, sleep problems, and changes in appetite.

How to Manage PMS Symptoms

Finding ways to manage and deal with PMS is a must. Yoga, meditating, eating healthy, getting enough sleep, avoiding tobacco, and coping with stress are just some of the things we can do not just to help relieve the symptoms of PMS but to be healthy in general.

There are also prescription, over-the-counter, and alternative medicines that can help treat some of the symptoms. It is advisable to talk to your doctor first before starting with any medication to better understand the benefits and risks of taking any of these medicines.

CBD and PMS Symptoms

Research shows that CBD helps manage some of the symptoms and side effects of PMS.

The cannabinoid receptors throughout the body work with the endocannabinoid system as a homeostatic regulator. Its aim is to maintain a state of balance in all its cells.

CBD helps by promoting the body’s own internal cannabinoids to function more effectively. As a result, it helps reduce stress and inflammation within its own cells. This together with CBD’s pain-relieving and mood-boosting properties may help relieve the symptoms of PMS.

Based on studies and feedback from women who use CBD, it helps lessen cramps, nausea, mood swings, stress, and anxiety while on their period. It may also promote a general feeling of well-being. All of these without the psychoactive effects.

Getting your daily dose of CBD is easy and can be taken in a variety of ways. CBD comes in the form of tincture, capsule, gummy, smokable, and even topical.

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World Autism Awareness Month 2022

Inclusive Quality Education for All

The celebration of this year’s World Autism Awareness Month 2022 is about “inclusive education” in the context of SDG 4. Sustainable Development Goal 4 or simply SDG 4 is about quality education and is among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations in September 2015. These Global Goals provide a blueprint to address the world’s major challenges, including the lack of quality education.

We celebrate World Autism Month every April which begins with United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) on April 2. Established in 2008, it honors the strength of those affected by the disorder. It also supports causes that increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism.

Leave No One Behind

More than 90 percent of students worldwide were impacted by the temporary closure of schools because of the pandemic. It also affects students with autism who rely on services and support provided by schools. So for 2022, the focus is to ensure equal access to all levels of education. This includes vocational training for persons with disabilities as well as building and upgrading education facilities that are disability sensitive.

What is Autism?

Autism affects an estimated 1 in every 44 children in the United States based on recent studies. It is a neurological developmental disability with a broad range of conditions. It includes challenges with social skills, communication, and repetitive behaviors.

According to research, there are multiple causes of Autism. These act together to change the most common ways people develop. Its diversity means that each person’s individual experience of autism and needs for support and services can differ.

Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD

Autism, pervasive developmental disorder, and Asperger syndrome used to be diagnosed separately. But these conditions are now all called autism spectrum disorders.

ASD signs are often present from early childhood and can impact daily functioning. But it is also important to remember that some people without ASD might also have some of these symptoms. Some of its characteristics are as follows:

Difficulty with communication

Trouble interacting with other people

Restricted interests

Repetitive behaviors

Other symptoms that affect the ability to function in school, work, and other areas of life

How can you be more Inclusive?

As a parent or someone close to an autistic individual, it may be difficult to deal with the realization that your child or the person you know has ASD. Autism is a life-long condition and there is no known cure for it. Symptoms may also vary from each individual. People with this condition, especially children, need support from their families to overcome the challenges that come with their special needs.

These are some of the things that we can do to show our care, support, and be more inclusive:

Create a Safety Zone

A safety zone is a place where someone can feel confident, secure, and safe from outside stressors. For autistic people, it is also a space where they can have a sensory break and a place where they can safely throw tantrums if they are prone to it. Consider designating a space in your home where your child can feel calm and relaxed. You can also put some of their favorite objects like toys and blankets into their quiet zone.

Look for Nonverbal Cues

People with ASD may communicate differently. Some of them may use non-verbal cues to do so. And whether you are a family member or someone close to them, it is important to look for non-verbal cues to connect with them. Just be observant, patient, and understanding. Things to pay attention to are their facial expressions, gestures, and the sounds they make. Throwing tantrums is also another form of their communication. When they feel confused, afraid, or stressed out, autistic children may act out.

In return, you should also be more careful with how you interact with them, especially with your body language and the tone of your voice.

Pay Attention to Sensory Sensitivity

Autistic people are sometimes overly or under-sensitive to sensory information. They may have difficulties interpreting and organizing what they see, taste, touch, hear and smell. These can lead to anxiety and meltdowns. So try to figure out what sensory information triggers their negative behavior as well as their positive response. This way you can find more ways to help them overcome the challenges. It also helps you create an environment where they feel calmer and more confident.

CBD and the World Autism Awareness Month 2022

In April 2019, Colorado’s Governor Jared Polis signed a bill into law adding autism spectrum disorder to the state’s list of Medical Marijuana (MMJ) conditions. This event happened during the celebration of World Autism Awareness Day. It only shows that the world is now recognizing CBD as a potential treatment for managing this disorder’s symptoms.

Cannabidiol or CBD is one of the cannabinoid compounds present in cannabis plants. It is one of the most studied compounds for its therapeutic benefits in the human body. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce mind-altering effects. It is also well tolerated by children and teenagers with relatively low side effects.

CBD Benefits for Autism

Scientists have and continue to publish small-scale studies on treatment trials that use cannabis-based products for reducing symptoms of autism. The results are all promising and encouraging.

To start off, they saw a significant reduction in core and comorbid autism symptoms in most participants. Additionally, they observed improvements in language and restrictive interests which are core symptoms. They also found reductions in many other autism-related challenging behaviors and signs. These include aggressive and self-injuring behaviors, irritability and tantrums, sleep and cognitive functioning, sensory difficulties, and food acceptance. Feedback from parents and people using CBD to relieve symptoms of autism also backed up these studies.

Endocannabinoids and Autism

CBD’s potential to treat autism may be linked to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system or ECS. Because it binds with the receptors and works by preventing endocannabinoids from being broken down.

So what is ECS and why is it important for autism?

Endocannabinoids are produced by the human body and are part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). They bind to the cannabinoid receptors of the brain/nervous system, various kinds of immune cells, gut lining, blood vessels, sensory receptors, skin, bone, and many others.

Endocannabinoids help with the regulation of various processes in the body such as brain function, immune and other systems, stress response, pain management, social behaviors, and many others.

Endocannabinoids interact and influence the functioning of many other receptors and signaling molecules that are important in autism. These include GABA/glutamate, oxytocin (the social attachment hormone) serotonin, and dopamine. According to studies, people with autism have very low levels of endocannabinoids. As a result, dysfunction of ECS has been proposed as one of the possible causes of autism.

CBD helps create balance in ECS. It acts as a support for the endocannabinoids and their receptors to provide a more positive effect on the human body.

Conclusion

As we celebrate the upcoming World Autism Awareness Month 2022, it is important to not just remember the resilience of those people and their families affected but also to support causes that aim to find ways in reducing or treating the symptoms of autism.

Fuel the brain. CBG and brain function

The brain is indeed one of the most important organs in the human body. It controls and coordinates memory, thought, mood and emotion, sensory information, motor skills, appetite, and more. It regulates critical body functions and every mechanism in our body. So it is a must to keep it sharp and healthy. Some people might ignore their mental state until they notice memory loss and some cognitive changes. But it is not too late to be on top of your brain health. There are many ways and activities that help fuel the brain including CBG.

So, what is a healthy brain?

Currently, there is no general definition of a healthy brain. However, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describe brain health as the capability to perform all the mental processes of cognition. These include the ability to learn and judge, use language, and remember.

Why is brain health important?

Brain health is an essential part of your overall health. It changes throughout life, adapting to the things we learn and experience. Having a healthy brain function means you are more capable of making the right decisions, performing better at school or at work, and managing stress easily.

Fuel the brain with CBG

Cannabigerol or CBG is a type of cannabinoid that comes from the cannabis plant. Other cannabinoids are derived from their acidic form which is the cannabigerol acid (CBGA). Because of this, it is often called the mother of all cannabinoids.

CBG, just like CBD, is becoming popular because of its potential health benefits. Based on recent studies it may support brain function, and treat neurological disorders such as Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease. It may also help with antibacterial activity.

CBG supports the body’s endocannabinoid system or ECS. ECS consists of molecules and receptors that are found throughout the body including the brain. They are responsible for keeping our bodies in a balanced state. CBG also works by binding to both receptors (CB1 and CB2). This process strengthens the function of anandamide, a neurotransmitter that promotes a sense of happiness and mental wellness.

People who use CBG also notice increased mental clarity which leads to better-managed stresses and anxieties. CBG won’t give you the “high” effect so it is safe to use. It can be consumed in a variety of ways such as oils, capsules, and gummies.

Other tips to fuel your brain

To live a healthy and productive life, it is vital to keep our brains sharp and active. These are some of the things that we can do to fuel the brain:

Move your body

Exercise boosts blood flow to the brain. Studies also show that it can increase the size of the hippocampus. It is the part of the brain responsible for memory, which naturally shrinks as you age.

You can walk, play sports, or ride your bike. Choose an activity that you like and can commit to doing on a regular basis.

Get plenty of sleep

We spend about one-third of our lives sleeping and there are reasons why. During sleep, our brain stores new information and gets rid of toxic waste. It slows down and engages in processes of recovery. Nerve cells also communicate and reorganize. These processes are essential to overall health function. They promote better mental performance not just for the next day but over the long term.

Eat a Mediterranean diet

Food fuels both our body and brain. Without it, it is impossible to function properly and even survive. But not all foods are created equal. Eating a healthy and balanced diet is a must but there are certain foods that fuel the brain.

According to research, the Mediterranean diet improves memory, cognition, and brain volume. A Mediterranean-style diet typically includes:

plenty of vegetables, fruits, bread, grains, beans, potatoes, nuts, and seeds;
olive oil as a primary fat source; and
fish, dairy products, eggs, and poultry in low to moderate quantities.

Stay mentally active

As we age, it is normal to experience occasional forgetfulness, lack of concentration, and a decrease in attention span. But it is possible to keep your brain in shape and cope with changes in your mental ability. One of the ways to have a healthy brain function is to stay mentally active. People who have intellectually stimulating lives are more likely to avoid dementia conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

Some of the activities to help you improve memory and overall brain function are daily puzzles or crosswords, reading, listening to music, and exploring new hobbies.

Be a social butterfly

Having social networks and participating in social activities are important for maintaining healthy brain function. They are like exercises for your brain because they keep your mind agile. It can even help prevent mental decline and lower the risk of dementia.

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How to cope with PMDD naturally

Almost all women experience mild premenstrual symptoms like bloating, cramps, and food cravings before or during their monthly periods. But some have more severe symptoms that actually interfere with their ability to function and their quality of life. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD is a severe form of PMS. Thankfully, there are ways to deal with this disorder, not just through medication but with natural remedies. Just always keep in mind that whatever makes you healthier and happier is better than being miserable. Let’s dive into this not-so-known subject and learn more about how to cope with PMDD naturally!

What is PMDD?

Women with PMDD might experience serious emotional, psychological, and physiological symptoms. These show up the week before they start their period and last a few days after it begins. PMDD affects up to 5% of women of fertile age. Other health conditions like anxiety or depression may also trigger its symptoms.

Its exact cause is still unknown but researchers conclude that it may be from an abnormal, stronger reaction to physiologically normal hormonal fluctuations. Changes in serotonin levels throughout the menstrual cycle may also play a role. Because some women may be more sensitive to those changes.

What are the symptoms?

PMDD affects daily functioning. Its most common symptoms are:

Severe anxiety

Depression

Panic attacks

Anger or irritability

Suicidal thoughts

Extreme fatigue and exhaustion

Trouble thinking or focusing

Social withdrawal

Lack of interest in daily activities and relationships

How do I know if I have it?

Finding out if you have PMDD might be difficult. It is because some of its symptoms are very similar or even the same as PMS. Other signs are also relatively the same as other health conditions such as hormonal imbalance unrelated to PMDD, thyroid problems, depression, generalized anxiety disorder or GAD, and bipolar disorder.

It is best to consult your doctor if you think you suffer from PMDD. But there’s also something you can do if you suspect you have it. You can track your symptoms along with the time in your cycle that you start feeling them. Repeat this process for about 3 months. If your psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety arise every time during your luteal phase, it might be PMDD.

How to cope with PMDD naturally?

Despite the lack of specific evidence, lifestyle changes and natural supplements might help manage or ease some of the symptoms.

These natural treatment options are always worth the effort because they do not just help lessen the burden of having PMDD but may also improve the quality of life in general.

Therapy

Seeking help from a therapist may help manage some of the psychological symptoms. In particular, cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT may be helpful.

This type of therapy helps you develop new behaviors and thought patterns. And these will help you better navigate difficult situations. By using CBT, your therapist can help develop strategies that you can use when your mood starts to plunge before your period.

Lifestyle Changes

Adjusting your daily habits might be effective in reducing the burden of PMDD. Being healthy both physically and emotionally improves both social and occupational functioning.

Some of the healthy habits that might have an impact on the symptoms are exercising daily, eating a balanced diet, avoiding highly processed foods, and having a full night’s rest. Activities such as meditation, yoga, acupuncture, and aromatherapy can also be very effective in providing relief.

Natural Remedies

There are a number of natural remedies that may help alleviate symptoms. But because of the unique experience of each woman, the effectiveness of these natural supplements truly depends on the kind of symptoms they’re dealing with each month.

CBD

Cannabidiol or CBD might provide some relief. It offers many pharmacological benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It may also help alleviate medical symptoms, including those that overlap with the physical and emotional well-being of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). These include insomnia, irritability, depression and anxiety, and joint pain.

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system or ECS improving receptor activity, reducing inflammation, and working with neurotransmitters to support healthy brain and body function.

Vitamin D

Studies suggest that women suffering from PMDD have low levels of blood calcium and vitamin D. Vitamin D plays an important role in both calcium metabolism and antioxidant activity.

There are many ways to increase your Vitamin D levels. These include spending more time in the sunlight, consuming fatty fish and seafood, mushrooms, egg yolk, and plant-based milk fortified with vitamin D.

There are also food supplements that you can take to get your daily dose of Vitamin D.

Fish Oil or Omega-3

According to studies, omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the psychiatric symptoms of PMDD including depression, nervousness, anxiety, lack of concentration, and feeling of hopelessness.

Omega-3 can be consumed through proper diet and food supplements. Fatty fish like salmon, shellfish, walnuts, chia seeds, soybeans, and canola oil are just some of the food sources that are rich in Omega-3. While fish oil, krill oil, cod liver oil, and algal oil are examples of dietary supplements with these fatty acids.

Iron

Iron is involved in many processes in the body. This is why insufficient amounts of iron may increase the risk of PMDD. According to research, the proper amount of this mineral in the body might help reduce the physical and emotional symptoms associated with the disorder. One of the reasons is that it boosts the levels of serotonin. It is a chemical in the brain that helps transmit nerve signals. Some brain cells that use serotonin also control mood, attention, pain, and sleep. Hormonal changes may decrease serotonin levels, leading to PMDD symptoms.

Choose iron-rich foods to increase your iron intake. Some of these are red meat, pork, poultry, seafood, and dark green leafy vegetables. It is also important to remember that Vitamin C enhances iron absorption.

Adaptogens

Adaptogens are herbs, roots, or mushrooms that give a variety of health benefits. Some adaptogens can ease and even significantly reduce the symptoms of PMDD by creating balance inside the body. It also regulates hormones, reduces inflammation, and improves physical and mental resilience.

Some of the most popular adaptogens that scientists find effective in managing certain symptoms of menstrual disorders are ashwagandha, maca root, Rhodiola, Schisandra, Shatavari, vitex, and holy basil.

What about medication?

If lifestyle changes and natural remedies aren’t offering any relief, it is best to consult your doctor and ask for further help.

Your doctor may recommend medication to help with the symptoms. Some of the treatments that you may be prescribed are antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or hormonal medications like birth control pills and mood stabilizers.

What food to avoid when you have PMDD?

Proper diet is crucial to managing PMDD. It’s still unclear how diet directly impacts this menstrual disorder, but eating healthy may help minimize severe symptoms.

Some of the foods to avoid are salt and salty foods, highly processed foods, caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and sweets.

Conclusion

Not everyone is aware of PMDD. So proper diagnosis with a health professional is crucial to determine if you have it. Learning how to cope with PMDD is also important. Lifestyle changes, natural remedies, or medications will help manage its symptoms for a better quality of life.

Science-backed health benefits of growing indoor plants

Plants are indeed vital to human existence. We rely on them for water, food, medicine, the air we breathe, habitat, our climate, and more. Not just that, nothing adds more beauty and comfort to our homes and offices than the sight of vibrant flowering pots or lush green plants. Multiple studies also prove that there are many health benefits of growing indoor plants.

Reduce Stress

A 2015 study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology concluded that having and caring for plants could reduce both physiological and psychological stress. Active interaction with plants like planting can help manage daily stress and anxiety. One of the reasons is that soil contains microbes also called “outdoorphins”. These outdoorphins work as natural antidepressants because they release cytokines that help the brain produce more serotonin. This boosts the mood and gives the feeling of happiness.

The study also suggests that plants confer positive changes in the brain’s electrical activity, muscle tension, and heart activity. This is why it’s very likely that we feel more relaxed and calm when we are with nature or near our houseplants.

Improve Air Quality

Did you know that the air indoors can be more polluted than the outdoor air? And because people spend more time staying inside their homes and offices, risks to health are much greater.

According to a NASA study, certain houseplants are exceptionally good at cleansing the air. They can remove harmful gases such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. Some of the plants that NASA recommends are English ivy (Hedera helix), aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis), spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum), and spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum), and snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata).

Houseplants also improve indoor air quality by adding oxygen and humidity to the air. In addition, researchers at Virginia Tech found that houseplants can reduce indoor dust by up to 20%.

Aid cognitive health

People experiencing symptoms of mental illness may find relief from indoor gardening. That is why some therapists use gardening to help treat depression, schizophrenia, and other psychiatric conditions.

Horticultural therapy, in particular, is a professional practice that aims to help improve mental and physical health with the use of plants and gardening. HT has been widely recognized as an effective form of therapy since the ancient Egyptian era.

Help increase productivity

House plants are great brain boosters! A study conducted by researchers at Exeter University in the UK found that allowing staff to be surrounded by plants while working in their office resulted in increased well-being by 47%, increased creativity by 45%, and increased productivity by 38%. Additionally, being in close proximity to plants can increase memory retention by up to 20%. So keeping indoor plants in your office can help you do very well at work.

Support restful sleep

During sleep, people’s oxygen levels in the blood are lower. This is because of the mildly reduced level of breathing. But in some cases, sudden drops in blood oxygen levels happen while sleeping. This can heighten blood pressure and put stress on the cardiovascular system.

Plants help support restful sleep by taking in carbon dioxide and giving off oxygen. Some plants like gerbera daisies, keep giving off oxygen even after the sun goes down. So putting a few charming pots in your bedroom may help you sleep more soundly.

Reinforce healing

Being around plants can help you feel more relaxed and heal faster from injuries. In fact, according to Kansas State University, potted plants and flowers can be a “noninvasive, inexpensive, and effective complementary medicine for surgical patients.” This is after they conducted a study and found out the health benefits of growing indoor plants on patients. So health care facilities need to consider the use of plants and flowers to enhance healing environments for patients.

Conclusion

According to research, we spend more than 85 percent of our lives indoors. And due to the pandemic, many of us have spent and are still spending more time at home. This only means less time staying outdoors and being with nature. So adding a little green to your space is an easy way to still be connected with nature and enjoy all of its health benefits.

Mother’s day 2022 gift ideas: Vesl edition

Each year, we dedicate a day to honor our mothers and all the wonderful mother figures in our lives, including wives, in-laws, grandmothers, and sisters. Mother’s day is celebrated around the world but it’s held on different dates, depending on the country. In 2022, this very special holiday will be observed in the US on Sunday, May 8th.

Traditions vary from country to country. In many U.S. households, Mother’s day begins with breakfast in bed, homemade cards, or a bouquet of flowers for mom. In the UK, “Mothering Sunday” falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent so many people celebrate this holiday by going to churches. While in Japan, kids give fresh red or pink carnations to their mothers along with helping them with household chores. They choose this flower because, in Japanese culture, carnations symbolize love, purity, and endurance.

We may have different ways of showing our love and how grateful we are to our mothers but one thing remains the same – we wanted to make this day extra special for the most special woman in our lives. So we spend so much time thinking of the best present to give. But many of us might still have a hard time deciding what gift to choose. That’s why we prepared a list of unique and healthy gift ideas that our moms will surely love!

Calm and balance for the hard-working moms!

Let’s face it, a mother’s responsibilities never end. Whether you are a stay-at-home or a working mom, sometimes 24 hours are not enough to accomplish all the day’s tasks and chores. That’s why most of the time, mothers are tired and stressed out.

Health is wealth and the best gift to give one of the most precious people in our lives? The gift of good health. On Mother’s day, why not give her a bottle of CBD Oil to help her be calmer and more balanced.

Our line of CBD oils is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties making them the perfect supplement to alleviate anything from inflammation and pain to stress and anxiety. With many flavors and strengths to choose from, our moms will definitely benefit from this wonder oil.

For the moms that love skincare: CBD facemask collection

Pamper your mom this Mother’s day by gifting her with a CBD face mask collection. Every once in a while you hear your mom saying that she has no time for herself. Remind her that self-care is necessary and is an important part of being a mom. It helps her reset, feel appreciated, and de-stress.

Skincare is part of our physical self-care and busy moms don’t have time for a 10-step beauty routine. That’s why our CBD face masks are perfect for moms that are always on the go! It is packed with natural ingredients that are suitable for any skin type. CBD rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties proved to support healthy and young-looking skin.

For the moms that enjoy bath times: CBD:CBG bath bombs

If your mom loves a warm and relaxing bath after a long day, our CBD and CBG bath bombs are the perfect present for her. Our bath bombs are created with all-natural skincare ingredients without any harsh chemicals, heavy metals, or artificial dyes. By combining the power of CBD and CBG together with carefully selected essential oils, we came up with a formula that will not just repair, hydrate, and make the skin healthier and smoother but may also help relieve chronic pain and inflammation.

For the tired mamas that need quality sleep: CBN Gummies

On average, adults should get between seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Unfortunately, most new parents, especially new moms lose sleep after the first baby is born. This is because of a number of reasons and it doesn’t end when the child gets older.

If you are looking for a thoughtful present, our CBN gummies are a no-brainer. CBN is a minor cannabinoid with calming and sedative effects supporting restful sleep. Our CBN gummies are sweet little treats, perfect for bedtime! They are made with all-natural ingredients and whole hemp extract.

Conclusion

Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to recognize all the hard work and sacrifices of all the moms in our lives. Whether it’s the woman who gave birth to you, raised you, your grandma, your sister, or your mother-in-law, they deserve nothing but the best. So on this special day, give them the gift of wellness and self-care with the help of our Mother’s Day 2022 gift ideas – she’ll love it!

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Mother’s day special: A tribute to all the wonderful moms in our lives

Today, we celebrate Mother’s day! We dedicate this very special day to all the wonderful moms in our lives. It goes without saying that being a mother is one of the toughest but most rewarding jobs out there. So whether it’s the woman who gave birth to you, raised you, your grandmother, sister, or mother-in-law, they all deserve to be honored and appreciated not just on Mother’s day but every day. One day is indeed not enough for us to show our love and how grateful we are to have them in our lives.

How did mother’s day start?

Thanks to all the efforts of Anna Jarvis, Mother’s Day became an official holiday in the US. After her mother’s death in 1905, she created the concept of Mother’s day. A day to honor the sacrifices mothers made for their children.

In May 1908 she organized the first official Mother’s Day celebration at a Methodist church in Grafton, West Virginia. This event became possible after she gained financial backing from John Wanamaker, a Philadelphia department store owner. That same day thousands of people also attend a Mother’s Day event at one of Wanamaker’s retail stores in Philadelphia.

Jarvis worked very hard for this day to be official and be added to the national calendar. By 1912 many states, towns and churches had embraced Mother’s Day as an annual holiday. Jarvis also established the Mother’s Day International Association to help promote her cause. All her work and persistence paid off in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson signed a law. This law officially establishes the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

But did you know that this celebration started with the ancient Greeks and Romans? In honor of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele, Greeks and Romans used to hold festivals that lasted for days.

An old Christian holiday in the United Kingdom and some parts of Europe also resembles Mother’s day. This tradition called “Mothering Sunday”, fell on the fourth Sunday of Lent. People would go to their “mother church” for a special service. Over time the Mothering Sunday tradition became a holiday where children would gift their mothers with flowers and presents. But this custom eventually faded in popularity before merging with the American Mother’s Day in the 1930s and 1940s.

Gift ideas to all the wonderful moms

This year, the Mother’s day celebration may be a bit different as it has been for the past 2 years since Covid -19 started. Mother’s Day during the pandemic has affected the way we celebrate our mothers. Many of us skipped tradition for safety as health officials across the country issued warnings against travels and visits during the holiday. Now that the world starts to open up again and more and more activities are becoming available, it is the perfect time to be more creative and think of fun and unique ways that don’t cost much to celebrate our moms!

Since this day is dedicated to all the wonderful moms in our lives, we list some of the gift ideas that the other women in your life might also like. This year, instead of flowers, gift them something extra special that will show how much you care for them!

A healthy mom is a happy mom!

Everyone wants their mom to stay healthy and fit forever. Gift her a supplement that is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to help her with anything from inflammation and pain to stress and anxiety! CBD has a lot of health benefits that will help mom stay healthy and happy. You can even choose from capsules, tinctures, and gummies. Other healthy gift ideas that we have in mind are a gym or yoga class membership and a full body check-up.

Help mom start a new hobby

Moms spend most of their time looking after the family, working, and doing chores around the house. But that doesn’t mean she won’t love to find a new hobby to help her relax and unwind. Our top picks that’ll inspire mom to try a new hobby are a new book, an outdoor activity workshop day, and candle-making tools.

Give mom a gift of self-care

Because moms are always busy, sometimes they do not have time for self-care. On their special day, give the mom in your life a gift that will remind her that she needs to carve out some time for herself. A day in a spa is one of the first things we have in mind. But if you don’t have the budget for that, setting up a nice bath complete with CBD bath bombs, CBD facemasks, and a scented candle will be perfect. You can also help her do the house chores or maybe just do all of it so mom will have time to just relax, sleep, and do whatever she wants on Mother’s day.

To all the wonderful moms and mother figures out there, Happy Mother’s day!

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3 power plant based high protein breakfast ideas + CBD

We call breakfast the “most important meal of the day” for a good reason. We put together a list of plant based high protein breakfast ideas that will help you jump-start your day. Plus, we’ve added CBD and CBG to these recipes!

Eating a healthy breakfast before you start your day will give you the energy you need to get things done and will help you focus at work or at school. It also restores the glycogen levels that the body used up while sleeping and kick-starts your metabolism. In addition to that, breakfast provides us with nutrients that we need to stay healthy such as protein.

Protein is found throughout the body. It helps build nails, hair, bones, and muscles. Our body needs protein each day to function properly and to maintain lean muscle mass.

CBD and CBG are some of the cannabinoids that are known to provide a lot of potential health benefits. CBD has the potential to be more effective in managing stress, general anxiety, OCD, PTSD, social anxiety, and any other forms of anxiety disorders. While CBG has potent pain-relieving effects, can potentially block cancer cell growth, and can also regulate appetite.

Overnight Oats in a Jar

This recipe is perfect for you if you are always on the go. What is the best way to get a nutritious ready-made breakfast than to prepare it before you go to bed?

Protein per serving: 12g

Prep time: 5 minutes

Servings: 1 jar

What to prepare:

½ cup of rolled oats; about half the jar

2 tsp chia seeds

2-3 tbsp soy yogurt

cup almond milk or any milk of choice

1 tsp maple syrup

a drop of CBD oil – vanilla

1 tbsp of chopped almonds

½ cup of fresh or frozen raspberries

How to make it:

Place the oats, chia seeds, yogurt, and almond milk into a jar.
Stir until they are completely mixed together. If your jar is bigger enough, you can also close it and shake it until the contents are mixed together nicely.
Then put it in the fridge for at least six hours.
To loosen up the mixture, add a little more almond milk the next morning.
Lastly, add the raspberries, maple syrup, CBD oil – vanilla, and topped it with chopped almonds.
Best served chilled.

Vegan Banana Pancakes

Your family will surely love these vegan pancakes! They are not just healthy and vegan, but also incredibly tasty!

Protein per serving: 21g

Prep time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4 pancakes

What to prepare:

a cup of rolled oats

1 cup of your favorite non-dairy milk

⅓ cup wholewheat flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 pinch salt

1-2 ripe, medium-sized bananas

1 tbsp of CBG oil – cinnamon

2 tbsp quinoa seeds

How to make it:

Add all the ingredients into a large bowl and blend them using a hand blender.
Spray or drizzle some olive oil in a non-stick pan then heat it using low-medium heat.
Pour in a small amount of the mixture. Best if you make it small and thick.
Put the lid on and let the pancake cook gently. When the side facing you starts to bubble, it means that the other side is done. So flip it using a spatula.
Cook the other side of the pancake. You’ll know it’s ready when its color is already light brown.
If you have a large pan then you can cook two or three small pancakes at the same time.
Serve it while it’s still warm.

White Bean Scramble with Almond Bacon

Craving for a versatile breakfast that is vegan and flavorsome? Try this delectable recipe that is not just perfect for breakfast but also during brunch, light dinner, or even as a side dish.

Protein per serving: 32g

Prep time: 30 minutes

Servings: 2

What to prepare:

For the almond bacon:

5 tablespoons of flaked almonds

a teaspoon of tamari; you can also use soy sauce as a substitute

1 teaspoon maple syrup

a pinch of smoked paprika

1 pinch of cayenne chili pepper (optional)

For the white bean scramble:

1 tablespoon of CBD oil – unflavored

finely diced small onion or shallot

1 minced clove of garlic

¼ teaspoon each of ground cumin and turmeric

400 g (14oz) tin of drained and rinsed white beans, cannellini beans, butter beans or haricot beans

few handfuls of kale or spinach

1 red pepper that is cut into matchsticks

salt and pepper

How to make it:

For the almond bacon:

First, put and mix all ingredients in a small bowl.
Then medium heat and fry it in a frying pan for around 5 minutes until the bacon is crisp.
Lastly, set them aside on a plate. Make sure they’ve spread apart as this will help the almond bacon crisp up.

For the white bean scramble:

In the same frying pan, heat up the CBD oil – unflavored then add the onion and garlic.
Fry for around 10 minutes, until they become very soft.
Add the cumin and turmeric then fry for about a minute.
Put the white beans along with a splash of water or any kind of milk.
Leave for a few minutes until white beans have softened slightly. Then gently break the beans up into smaller pieces using your stirring utensil. If it’s looking a little dry, add a little more water or milk.
Add the spinach and red peppers, and season them with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook for another few minutes until the spinach has wilted and peppers are lightly cooked but still retain some crunch.
Then serve onto plates, and sprinkle over the almond bacon.
Lastly, serve it together with other dishes such as salad, roasted potatoes, or baked sweet potatoes.

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11 simple morning habits that will change your life

We all want to live healthy, happy, and productive life. So, we think of ways how to make each day count. We strive to make every waking moment worthwhile and meaningful. In order to do so, some might think of big changes. Like buying new appliances, moving into a new apartment, or a vacation. These things can indeed make a difference in someone’s life. But many of us don’t realize that simple things matter such as morning routines. They do not just set the tone for the rest of your day but also help you to have a more positive outlook. Here is a list of 10 simple morning habits that will change your life:

Making the bed first thing after waking up

This simple morning act will definitely improve the quality of your day. As the saying goes, “The way we do one thing is the way we do everything”. It only means that discipline in all aspects of life is the key to success. Making our bed as soon as we wake up gives us a sense of satisfaction (and won’t give us the temptation to go back to bed and continue our slumber.)

Opening the blinds to get natural light exposure

Having access to daylight can make us feel more awake, put us in a better mood and improve our health and wellbeing. So opening the windows is a great way to start your day!

Drinking water right after waking up

After going several hours without water, drinking a glass first thing in the morning can hydrate the body. It also aids in digestion and metabolism. We all know that water is an essential nutrient. The organs and tissues in our body depend on it to function. Make sure to grab a glass of water or 2 in the morning before drinking your cup of coffee or tea.

Doing a load of laundry

While waiting for your kettle to boil for your oh-so-needed coffee, why not use the time for a quick house chore. Try putting a load of laundry in the washing machine. Accomplish at least one thing around the house instead of browsing through your phone. You’ll have lesser chores to do when you come home from work at the end of the day.

Doing your skincare routine

Our skin goes through a lot every day. Sun exposure, sweat, pollution, and dirt can all make us feel and look tired and haggard at the end of each day. Protecting your skin by doing your skincare routine every morning is important. Having healthy and protected skin can also boost your confidence so you are ready to face any challenges that come your way.

Avoiding screen time right after getting up

morning habits that will change your life

Whether we admit it or not, it is so tempting to reach for our phones and start scrolling through different apps, especially social media. However, this can really affect our productivity for the rest of the day. It can leave you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and distracted. What might be just a quick five-minute browse can quickly turn into thirty or more minutes. This in return, can set back our morning routine.

The temptation to use our phones as soon as we wake up might be hard to avoid but we can start with simple changes in our habit. If you usually spend 30 minutes on your phone, try to reduce the time to 15 minutes, until you can completely avoid screentime in the morning.

Watering your plants every morning

Plants are beneficial to us in so many ways that most of us might not realize. Keeping a plant in your home cleans the air and promotes quality sleep. It also helps improve our general wellbeing. Watering your plants in the morning as part of your chores or before you leave for work can help you feel calmer and more relaxed, thus decreasing levels of anxiety.

Staying active – meditate or exercise

Meditation is a great way to bring harmony between body and mind. Set aside a few minutes every morning to focus on your breathing. Twenty minutes of meditation will help you stay focused, cheerful, and optimistic for the whole day.

Exercise on the other hand fires off endorphins and gets the blood flowing to our brains. Being active every morning puts you in a positive mindset, and it gives you an energy boost to be more productive.

Eating a healthy breakfast

Make sure to fuel your mind and body with a healthy meal before you start your day. No time to make breakfast? Prepare them before you go to sleep at night. Try to bag up some chopped fruit and vegetables for smoothies in the morning. You can also make pancakes and freeze them so you can heat them up when you wake up.

Taking your daily dose of CBD

Taking supplements every day is very important. They provide additional nutrients that may be lacking from the food or drinks we intake. Studies show that taking them in the morning with a meal helps with better absorption, plus it won’t affect your sleep.

Cannabinoids such as CBD, CBG, and CBN are not considered supplements according to FDA but they support both mental and physical wellbeing. Although each of them offers its own health benefits, their calming effects help you stay centered and grounded. They also help you feel more relaxed as you go about your day.

Spending some quality time with your family

Families who share everyday activities together form strong, emotional ties. Before your family members start their day, make sure to spend some quality time with them. You can do this during breakfast, by going for a quick run or doing chores around the house together.

Conclusion

Your morning routines not just set the tone for the day but also defines the quality of your life. So start the day right with simple morning habits that will change your life for the better.

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The law of attraction. How to manifest your goals

We often feel like life is an endless battle. But these challenges should not hinder us from manifesting our dreams and achieving our goals. Some say that in order to make your dreams a reality, you have to practice the law of attraction. It is a philosophy suggesting that positivity leads to positive outcomes, while negativity gives negative results.

What is the law of attraction?

The law of attraction or LOA is a spiritual principle that claims your thoughts can determine your reality. We attract positivity or negativity based on the energy we’re putting ourselves into.

LOA is one of the 12 universal laws that some believe control the way our world works. Each of them has an important role if you want to achieve and manifest your goals.

Some believe that LOA is a new concept because it became popular after the self-help book by Rhonda Byrne, The Secret was published. However, that is not the case. Several ancient practices from different parts of the world have elements of the law of attraction. Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism writings and teachings entailed information about this philosophy.

The term Law of Attraction was introduced when Helen Blavatsky, a Russian occultist published her book, Isis Unveiled in 1887. Thomas Troward, on the other hand, was the brain behind many modern Law of Attraction manuscripts. He has a similar opinion to Helena believing that humans can learn significantly by combining teachings from various spiritual traditions. During the 20th century, more books and teachings came out to further educate us about this principle. Writers like Wallace Wattles, William Walker, James Allen, Charles Haanel, and Napoleon Hill released different books about their views and ideas and how to manifest what you desire through the law of attraction.

How to manifest your goals?

But even with all this knowledge and information available, most of us might still not really understand how LOA works especially when it comes to manifesting our goals. But it’s not really that hard or complicated. Yes, we all have layers of limiting beliefs, fears, and worries that cannot be changed overnight. But by working towards our goal step by step and by putting in the effort to have a more positive outlook in life, you are already beginning to manifest your desires. Here is a list of simple ways that will help you on your manifestation journey.

Focus on what’s right

Aside from asking how to manifest your goals also ask yourself, do you usually pay attention to what’s going right in life, or what’s going wrong? Always keep in mind that life is full of challenges and obstacles. This is something you can’t control but what you can be in charge of is what you focus on. Focusing on the positive side of things helps you become a problem-solver rather than a whiner.

Make a list of your worries

It’s okay to worry and think of the bad things that are happening or might happen when you are trying to achieve your goals. But what’s not okay is, if these thoughts affect your point of view. And actually hinders you from focusing on positive things. Why not make a list of all the things that bug you. This practice will help you release the negative energy that often keeps you stuck. You might also realize that some of these worries are not really worth thinking of.

Deep breathing and meditation

Meditation is good to our overall wellbeing. It can reduce stress, improve cognitive health, lessen symptoms of depression, promote quality sleep, and many more. One form of meditation, which is deep breathing is a great way to help relieve anxiety.

Practice deep breathing for 10 minutes or until you feel calmer and more relaxed. Then, work your way up to 15-20 minutes. If you have a busy schedule, a few deep breaths can help. Lastly, once you’ve practiced it a few times, try to incorporate additional meditation techniques such as mindfulness and focused meditation. To help you feel calmer and more relaxed, try using CBD and add it to your meditation routine.

Move your body

Do you know that hidden or unexpressed feelings become frozen into the structure of your body? In particular, negative emotions become stored along your spine and in the backs of your legs while anger and fear are stored in your back.

Moving your body is one way to release stress and negative energy. Doing yoga, dancing, or walking are just some of the activities that you can do to free your body from all the negative energy.

Appreciate the good things in life through a journal

Gratitude is always associated with happiness. This is because it helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships. So keep a journal with all the things in life you are thankful for. These do not need to be material things. Your relationship with your family and friends, waking up on a sunny morning, or the beautiful sunset are just some of the blessings that can give you feel-good energy.

Be clear with your goals

Some of us might desire a lot of things at the same time. Although it’s totally fine to aspire to many things in life, trying to manifest them all at the same time may be overwhelming. Write down a list of goals that you want to work on one at a time. Do not also forget to include why you’d like to achieve them and how to manifest your goals. You’ll have a clearer mindset as to why it’s a part of your list and the steps you’d take to attain them.

Visualize and feel

Now that you have a clearer idea of what your aspirations are, take time to visualize and feel what it must look and feel like once you achieve these goals. This will help create more positivity, and encourage you to continue working towards your dreams.

Conclusion

The law of attraction teaches us that if you want to have a positive outcome, you have to believe that it will happen. Manifesting our goals may not always be as easy as how we want them to be. Sometimes we can’t help but think and worry about all the negative things around us. Again, it is okay to be aware that it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. But if we are only able to see the bad things happening in our lives, we become trapped in a cycle of recognizing negativity. This prevents us from realizing that there are still a lot of good things we should be thankful for. Having a more positive outlook on life and believing that these obstacles are just part of the process will help us to become a better version of ourselves.

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5 reasons why you should warm up before exercise

We get it, with our busy schedules and never-ending responsibilities, finding time to exercise can be difficult. So some of us tend to just skip the warm up and proceed right away to the workout. Although warm ups probably won’t help much with burning calories or building muscle, they’re important and will help set you up for success! And here are the reasons why you should warm up before exercise:

You’ll have a lower risk of injury

The last thing we want when trying to become the best version of ourselves by hitting the gym is to become injured. Warming up before you begin any physical activity is crucial to make sure that you’re actively taking steps to reduce your likelihood of an injury. It also preps your body for the upcoming workout. In addition, it improves muscle elasticity which in turn reduces muscle soreness.

Certain physiological responses such as increased blood flow, respiration, and heart rate play important roles in helping your body avoid certain injuries. Warm ups trigger these responses making your body become more resilient.

Your body and muscle temperature will increase

Increased body and muscle temperature are essential during a workout and a good warm up helps you achieve these.

An increase in blood temperature allows you to work out longer and harder. While increased muscle temperature improves muscle elasticity and flexibility and decreases muscle tightness.

You’ll increase your flexibility

Warming up activates and primes the connections between your nerve and muscles. These in return improves the efficiency of movement, limits the chance of muscle pull and joint pain, and prepares your muscles to stretch during exercise.

You may exercise longer

When too much lactic acid builds up in the blood, you may experience muscle ache, rapid breathing, nausea, and even stomach pain. Lactic acidosis may happen if you don’t warm up before an intense workout. This may be temporary but it affects the quality of the exercise.

Acid builds up less quickly and suddenly if you warm up. So your body adjusts to the increased demands during exercise. As a result, you can work out harder and longer.

reasons why you should warm up before exercise

You’ll be prepared mentally

Aside from being prepared physically, it is also very important that you are mentally prepared before you start a workout. Achieving body goals is not easy and won’t happen right away. So if you don’t have the right mindset every time you hit the gym or start exercising at home, you might give up easily. Use your time warming up to think about what you’re about to do. This will help you face both failures and success while exercising with enthusiasm.

Simple tips to warm up like a pro

Now that we already know why warming up is a must before workout, let’s learn some simple yet effective tips so you can warm up like a pro!

Avoid the foam roll

Foam rolling, trigger ball, or self-massage techniques place our muscles in a state of relaxation. This may benefit you if you have some pain-based problems but if you are about to undergo strenuous exercise, the last thing you want is to be in a state of relaxation. Choose a warm up that will prepare your body for movement rather than calm you down.

No static stretching

Stretching your back and hamstrings by bending forward is not necessary during warm up. Why? It’s because that is not the way our body behaves during exercise so it’ll just be a waste of warm up time. Choose a routine depending on what type or how intense your workout would be.

Start doing dynamic warm-ups

Movement, mobility work, light resistance, and moving your joints or muscles in a way that would reflect what you are about to do is best. These are some of the dynamic stretches that help you warm up before your workout: Hip Circles, Arm Circles, Arm Swing, High Stepping, and Lunges with a twist.

Start easy then build the intensity

Start easy then build the range and speed of movement of your limbs and the load on each muscle. Doing to properly helps you feel the transition into your chosen exercise to be easy and non-stressful.

Create a routine but keep it short

Having a routine helps you to stay on track. But there is no scientific evidence suggesting that longer warm ups are better than short ones. So just keep it short but build it up quickly.

Be prepared!

Making sure that you have your workout gear and equipment ready before your warm up and exercise helps you to get the most out of your limited time or schedule.

Also, don’t forget to carry your CBD muscle gel every time you hit the gym or exercise at home to help ease muscle soreness and joint pain.

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Cycle Syncing Guide

During the menstrual cycle, a woman might experience a range of emotional and physical symptoms such as fluctuating levels of energy and uncontrollable mood swings. Some have milder symptoms while others have more severe conditions. These can be attributed to their shifting hormones. It impacts the way women feel throughout their menstrual cycle. It affects them in so many ways; emotions, appetite, thought processes, strength, and so much more.

A lot of women are finding ways to help them cope with their changing hormones. And many found relief with Cycle Syncing. By syncing your lifestyle and diet to the different phases of your menstrual cycle, you may be able to balance your hormones and be in control of your body. This concept is still in its infancy but it offers a lot of promise! So to help you learn more about this concept, we prepared a cycle syncing guide that every woman should know about.

What is Cycle Syncing?

It was first introduced by Alisa Vitti in her debut book Woman Code published in 2014. Alisa is an integrative nutritionist and an expert on women’s hormones. According to her, this method will help women correct hormonal imbalances and decrease hormonal symptoms by adjusting their lifestyle according to their menstrual cycle.

What are the benefits?

The following potential health benefits may seal the deal if you want to consider cycle syncing:

You will feel more energized.

You’ll feel more balanced and experience fewer mood swings, including PMS and anxiety.

Your workouts will be more effective.

You’ll have fertility support and will know the best time to conceive.

You’ll know what to eat in a particular menstrual cycle phase hence your food cravings will lessen.

Your workouts will be more effective.

You should try it if you

have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
experience PMS and anxiety
are overweight
are overly fatigued
want your libido back
want to conceive

While everyone can benefit from cycle syncing, these certain groups may benefit the most.

The four menstrual cycle phases

A menstrual cycle varies from each woman but the average is to have periods every 28 days. This cyclical shedding of the uterine lining is divided into two overarching phases. And these are the follicular phase and luteal phase. They also encompass four more specific phases which are the following:

Menstrual phase

This is when the uterus begins to shed its lining due to decreased levels of estrogen and progesterone, and normal vaginal bleeding occurs.

Days of your cycle: days 1–5

How long it lasts: 3–7 days

You may experience abdominal cramping, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or dysmenorrhea.

Follicular phase

The first half of your cycle is when the follicle develops in the ovary. During this time, estrogen and progesterone levels start to rise.

Days of your cycle: days 6–14

How long it lasts: 11–27 days

You may experience higher levels of mood and energy, pain and other menstrual phase symptoms are no longer present.

Ovulatory phase

Estrogen peaks, and progesterone levels continue to rise as the egg is released mid-cycle. Pregnancy is also most likely to occur during this

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