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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.

“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 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.

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 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. 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Topical – CBD topicals target relief in specif areas in your skin, mostly used to aid pain in the joints or specific skin conditions. 
  4. 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.

 

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.

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.

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.

VESL hits the NBA All-Star festivities with new partner, Isiah Thomas
[wdi_feed id=”1″]Contact Bobby Scott: 720-827-4494
On the heels of announcing their partnership with basketball legend Isiah Thomas, an Arvada-based CBD company is making the most of the NBA All-Star weekend.
“It’s incredible being here with him, everyone has a lot of respect for him,” said VESL Oils President Bobby Scott, who is attending the Chicago festivities this weekend, about being in the company of the 12 time all-star. “But he’s really a humble guy – always has a smile on, always happy. He’s a lot of fun to be around.”
Earlier this week, Thomas’ company, ISIAH International announced its partnership with VESL Oils. At the heart of Thomas’ interest is marketing CBD muscle gels to professional athletic teams, and VESL is now packaging a specific gel at higher strength and a larger size for that purpose, Scott said.
Among the events this weekend VESL is sponsoring an after-hours party for the National Basketball Retired Players Association following the slam dunk contest Saturday evening. Isiah Thomas’ son, Joshua “Zeke” Thomas, chief marketing director at VESL, will be the DJ for the event, along with NBA legend Shaquille “Shaq” O’Neal.

Cannabigerol: what is CBG good for?

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 Cannabigerol molecule. We want to help you to understand this “new trend” and 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.

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. (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.

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.”

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

 

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.

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. 

 

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.

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.

 

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

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:

  1. Palpitations
  2. Restlessness
  3. Insomnia
  4. 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

 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

 

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 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.

 

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.

Can you give CBD Oil to dogs?
black and white dog

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!

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.

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  

 

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 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. 

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.

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. 

 

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.

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!

 

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 News: what’s happening at Vesl?

We have some CBD news! We are very grateful to have all of your support. We started this business because we believed in something, the power of natural healing. 

In 2016, we started this company with the sole vision of sharing with people the many potential benefits Cannabinoids can provide. The stigma created many years ago made a skeptical society but our vision is to change that. We started small but now we operate at our 8,000 sq ft manufacturing facility just outside of the beautiful city of Denver.

2020 has been full of unexpected surprises and changes. But we always look at the bright side of things and see opportunity. We see an opportunity to reinvent ourselves, grow, and work harder than ever. As a result, we will soon share with you new unique products to help you maintain your healthy lifestyle. Products that so many of you have been asking for and will be available just for you! And a brand new Vesl look that you will love! There are a lot more surprises in the works!

We are a community bonded together with the miracle plant, hemp. We want to make a lasting impact on the cannabis industry. Thanks for being with us on this journey!

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!

 

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.

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

 

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.

Plants that contain Cannabinoids that aren’t Hemp
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.

 

 

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.

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. 

 

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.

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. 

 

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.

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! 

 

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.

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.

 

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.

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!

 

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’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. 

 

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.

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.

 

 

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.

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. 

 

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.

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! 

 

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.

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.

 

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 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. 

 

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.

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!  

 

 

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 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:

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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!

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.

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 body. Not just to make us look good, but 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 work out,  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 trigger 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.

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.

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 you 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 the potential benefits.

Potential benefits of CBD for dogs

Pain and inflammation. A recent study suggests that CBD can significantly decrease the 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 the 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 have 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 their COAs on their 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. 

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.

History: 6,000 Years of Hemp

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 posits that hemp came from 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 at 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 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 pharmacopoeia. The Chinese believed that hemp can heal around 100 different ailments ranging from gout to malaria.

The Hindu religious texts of Atharva Veda describes 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. Assyrian, Greeks, and Romans use cannabis mainly for pain treatment. Even 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 consume cannabis for its recreational use. Southern Africans call it “dagga”.

In the 1500’s, 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 Era.

This is the most important part of the 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 the 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 the 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 in our physical, spiritual, and social constructs. 

I’m very excited to learn how hemp will help with future generations. Are you excited as well? Here’s to another 6,000 years!

Cannabis 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 portrays cannabis. But this plant is utilized differently in parts of the world. Depending on the need, cannabis can provide a very good use. Let’s see and learn other countries’ cannabis culture.

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, which 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 contains 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 feather, 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 to religious and magical beliefs. The Bashilenge tribe use 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 “cannabization” 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 the 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 consumes 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 to 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 altogether 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 over-the-counter medication used to treat nausea, rheumatism, and common pain. In the early 20th century, the USA did it’s 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 the people to see cannabis under a bad light.

But researches done in the mid-20th century paved the way for American’s 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.

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 on 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 is 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 oneself. 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 counter intuitively 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 find 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 the 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 suite 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 to 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 to 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. 

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

 

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. 

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 a 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.

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

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

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.

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.

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 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 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.

 

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

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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 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.

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 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.

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

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: 

  1. Make sure you give your time to acclimate yourself to the weather and elevation.
  2. Since the weather is constantly changing, don’t forget to bring extra layers and raingear.
  3. Don’t rely on your phone. Bring maps, flashlights, and anything that can help you with your hike.
  4. Start your hike early. Hiking late in the afternoon is very dangerous and the nighttime exponentially increases the risk for accidents.
  5. Don’t forget to hydrate! 
  6.  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!

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