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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!

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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! 

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!