How much CBD do I need for inner peace?
The conflict seen in the world today is the external expression of the internal conflict that world leaders, and arguably each of us, feels inside ourselves. While hopefully most of us will never have to fight in a war (and we have the utmost respect for those who have), we all do suffer with internal conflict that can harm our mental health, inhibit our pursuit of goals, and damage our relationships. Today we're going to talk about how CBD can help you work through these personal conflicts to move into inner peace. How can cannabidiol (CBD) influence your state of mind and how you think? Can it aid in creating a balanced and peaceful mindset? How does CBD decrease stress, if at all? Is it possible to incorporate it into a routine that also includes yoga and meditation, which are also shown to have a positive effect on mindset? Today, we have enough evidence to show that CBD can help heal common problems like depression, anxiety, and chronic pain, all of which are often tied to excess inflammation. First, we need to learn more about the specific qualities of CBD and how it interacts with the body before we can describe how it will help you to achieve a state of inner peace. The History of CBD and peace The first endocannabinoid was named in 1992, anandamide, named after the Sanskrit word for bliss, though cannabis use dates back millennia before that. It was an extremely common practice to include cannabis during religious meetings, rituals, and meditation, as well as healing ceremonies. Hemp was widely used in ancient cultures as a means of calming the mind and increasing concentration during spiritual activities like prayer, yoga, and meditation. Research verifies that cannabinoids can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, provide relief from chemotherapy-related pain and other side effects, enhance psychological well-being, and improve sleep and focus. How exactly can CBD help your brain? Enhancement of Mood Having a peaceful and harmonious mind is more important than having a physically healthy mind, and evidence suggests that being able to maintain a sense of peace and acceptance can help to maintain cognition and memory into later age even when brain tissue loses integrity. Peace is an elusive emotion that originates from a combination of contentment, a sense of accomplishment, and optimism about the future. In the external world, peace is achieved by nations who maintain economic stability, meet the needs of the people, and have friendly relations with neighboring countries. On a personal scale, this is mirrored by choosing a healthy lifestyle, maintaining close friendships, and ensuring your daily activities give you a sense of purpose. That’s not always easy, and it helps to have support. This is where CBD can be beneficial. According to studies, ingesting CBD causes a surge in endogenous anandamide production. Anandamide is a chemical released by the body in times of stress or to maintain homeostasis. Scientists largely agree that increased levels of anandamide lead to reduced feelings of physical and mental discomfort. The “happy” hormone serotonin is also boosted by CBD. While the effectiveness of SSRI’s, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inbibitors, has recently come into question in terms of effectiveness for treatment of mood disorders, serotonin continues to play a pivotal role in mood regulation. Serotonin levels raised by CBD use tend to enhance feelings of happiness, contentment, and peace. While other mood altering substances can come packaged with unwanted side effects, CBD does not have this issue. Calming the suffering The key to contentment and serenity is a radiant state of health. If you suffer from chronic discomfort due to a medical condition, you may find it challenging to find serenity. Meditating with an achy back is anything but peaceful! CBD has multiple theraputic uses, and pain reduction is one of its highlights. The earliest documented usage of cannabis to treat pain was about 2900 BCE, and modern scientific testing has confirmed its beneficial effects. CBD can help you manage the discomfort of chronic conditions and get your life back on track if those conditions are keeping you from finding your inner peace. Arthritis pain, muscle soreness, joint pain, and any kind of body aches can be relieved by regular use of CBD oil. Stopping and treating disease The neurotransmitter serotonin, which lifts mood, increases in your brain in response to CBD use, making you less anxious and apprehensive. It can alleviate epilepsy and schizophrenic symptoms thanks to its neuroprotective and anti-psychotic characteristics. It helps those with insomnia get to sleep and has been shown to have positive effects on cardiovascular health. CBD also has considerable positive effects against cancer, acne, diabetes, and addiction. Combining CBD with Mindfulness Meditation One of the most effective ways to calm the mind and invite serenity is practicing meditation. It can help with everything from increasing your awareness to fostering more rational thoughts during stressful situations. Cannabis has been used for a long time as a tool to help in meditation. It's a custom that may be traced back to the Vedas and other ancient Indian writings as well as Native American traditions. CBD has been praised by proponents of the practice for the health benefits it provides. Adding CBD to a meditation practice has been shown to amplify the benefits it confers. CBD, like cannabis and hemp, provides a sedative effect that is conducive to reflection and contemplation. The short-term and long-term impacts of CBD on your thoughts can also be influenced by factors such as your goals, dosage, frequency of use, and mindset. CBD and Yoga The ancient practice of yoga combines mental focus with physical resilience. There are numerous benefits to a regular yoga practice, and this can be a more traditional variety or any of the more modern interpretations. Yoga is a scientifically supported practice that enhances well-being via deliberate movement, meditation, and a focus on the breath. Similar to the effects of regular exercise, it can help you maintain your current level of health and fitness. Cannabis-infused yoga is a kind of yoga that incorporates the use of cannabis for therapeutic purposes. By using CBD oil in your yoga practice, you may find it easier to unwind and tap into your inner wisdom, as well as have an easier time achieving difficult poses. CBD is not psychoactive like other unrefined forms of cannabis. In its place, it brings a sense of calm so you can concentrate on where you want to direct your mind. Stress and anxiety melt away with CBD's soothing effects. Those who practice yoga combined with CBD use report enhanced self-tuning and heightened awareness. What’s the right dose of CBD? There is no magic amount that will produce inner peace for every person who tries it, and if you’re new to CBD, remember to start slow. Some people find that 250mg gives them just enough calmness and bliss that they feel at peace, where others need 500-1000mg for the same effect. If you are new to CBD, your best choice is the Wahoo Worms gummy, since it's a lower dose of 250mg. Most people will find an ideal balance of decreased anxiety and increased inner peace at about 500mg, so start with Maui Melon gummies and see how you feel. With mounting evidence behind it, it’s hard to deny the positive effects CBD can have on your health and your inner peace. You can bring more calm and serenity into your life by adopting a lifestyle that helps you deal with stress and restores a sense of natural equilibrium. CBD is an excellent choice to incorporate into sucha healthy lifestyle, and can aid in dealing with day-to-day stresses like anxiety, muscle fatigue, pain, and moodiness. If you already make time for mental health practices like meditation and yoga in your daily routine, CBD is a great addition to your search for inner peace.
Cascading chemicals: How brain chemistry affects mental well-being
Every feeling that you experience every day is a product of a dance of chemicals that happens in the brain. From that rush of excitement, as you plan a stress-free vacation to when you battle work burnout, every emotion is a result of chemicals called neurotransmitters, fired from a web of nerve cells in a fraction of a second. And in many cases, the balance (or an imbalance) in these neurotransmitters could determine the state of your mental health. Neurotransmitters: What are they? Neurotransmitters are chemicals that carry messages as they travel from a nerve cell (neuron) to another cell. They have a wide range of functions, but they mostly regulate: Blood pressure and heartbeat Breathing Hormones Sleep and healing Stress response Emotions and feelings When it comes to mental health, these neurotransmitters heavily influence your thoughts and mood. The nance of the chemicals So how do these chemicals affect your emotions? When a neuron “fires'' neurotransmitters, they move to the next neuron. The neurotransmitters are then received by the receptors on the next cell. Once attached to a receptor, the neurotransmitter will produce either of two effects: one, it will trigger “go” signals that tell the neuron to pass on specific messages. Or two, it will trigger “stop” signals that prevent the neuron from passing a message on. In some cases, a neuron receives different neurotransmitters. When this happens, the neurotransmitters compete to get the neuron to do as they bid. Or the neurotransmitters produce a combined effect on the neuron. It’s a complicated process, which explains why we have such a wide spectrum of moods and emotions. Types of neurotransmitters So what are the neurotransmitters that make us feel things? Here are the major chemicals that play a role in the mood you feel at this very moment: Glutamate Glutamate causes a neuron to be “excited.” When a neuron is excited, it’s more likely to fire neurotransmitters to the next neuron. Glutamate is essential to memory and learning.  GABA Often called glutamate’s lazy twin, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) does the opposite. It calms the neurons down and inhibits nervous activity. Serotonin Serotonin is a simple molecule, but it packs a punch. It has a hand over your mood and sleep. It also affects your appetite and arousal. Dopamine Of all neurotransmitters, dopamine is the one that’s closely associated with pleasure and reward. It plays a key role in arousal and appetite. Norepinephrine The primary role of norepinephrine is the body’s stress response. It affects your alertness, focus, and decision-making. It works with adrenaline to produce that “fight-or-flight” feeling.  Effect on mental health As mentioned earlier, imbalances in these neurotransmitters can disrupt your mental health. Here are some examples: Glutamate - Imbalances in the glutamate levels in the brain are associated with diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. GABA - Imbalances in GABA levels are linked to problems in sleep, anxiety, irritability, and concentration. Serotonin - An imbalance in the serotonin levels is associated with depression, anxiety, and even chronic pain. Dopamine - An imbalance in the dopamine system is associated with diseases such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Norepinephrine - An imbalance in the norepinephrine levels is linked to ADHD, depression, and hypotension (low blood pressure). Does our mental health depend on brain chemicals? Although much of our mental health relies on this delicate balance of chemicals, there are many ways we could support our mental well-being. This includes: A Healthy Diet Nutrition provides the body with the building blocks needed to produce and transmit neurotransmitters. As a result, a healthy diet will help your mental well-being. In addition, some bacteria in the intestines can produce neurotransmitters. As such, your gut health can help maintain the chemical balance, too. Stress Management Everybody needs a healthy amount of stress. However, chronic stress will manifest as health problems and disrupt the neurochemicals. So set aside time to decompress and relax by: Trying meditation Scheduling enough rest Incorporating Verma Farms CBD oil into your sleeping routine Learning breathing exercises While your mental well-being is largely influenced by your brain chemistry, remember that there are many things you can do to help maintain that chemical balance. From eating healthy food to getting enough rest, these healthy habits can lead to a healthy state of mind.
Can CBD Help Relieve Depression Symptoms?
CBD is a safe and effective choice when it comes to managing the symptoms of depression and other mental health challenges. You can feel a greater sense of peace and feel more like yourself while using a compound that works with your nervous system to balance neurotransmitters and mood alike.
How to Ease Back Into Your Work Routine
No matter the reason for your prolonged absence from the office, it’s hard to bounce back to employee life. Whether you took a wellness break for your health, enjoyed a well-deserved vacation to the tropics, or took care of a loved one, it’s gonna take a while to get used to the bustle of business. Here are 4 tips to help you ease back into an office routine and get you in shape for the grind. Tip 1: Go to Bed Early Before Returning to Work To face the modern office culture, you have to show up well-rested. So don’t just sleep early on the night before the big Monday — sleep early for a couple of nights before returning to the office. This gets your body accustomed to sleeping at the same hour every night and helps you establish a healthy bedtime routine.  Don’t Be Sleep-Deprived According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults need 7-9 hours of sleep. However, almost a third of Americans get less than 6 hours. Try your best to get the sleep you need. If you’re sleep deprived, you might: Find it difficult to stay focused and concentrate Commit more errors Forget a lot of things Overall, the quality and quantity of your sleep affects your performance and experience at work. Tip 2: Keep Your Workday Structured As you return to the office, you’re bound to be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of things you have to do. In your absence, tasks and emails have piled up, and your overflowing inbox won’t empty itself.  A structured workday will keep you sane. Don’t enter your office doors without a realistic schedule and to-do list. Make a List Write down everything you need to do for the day: answer emails, attend meetings, update co-workers, pay bills, and run errands. Be specific and add as many details as you can. As the adage says, “well-planned is half done.” Structure Your Day Determine which parts of the day you should accomplish the items on your to-do list. For example: Mornings. You’re still feeling the caffeine rush, so it’s best to do the tasks that require lots of mental energy. Midday. Tasks that require a moderate amount of effort are best done at midday. You sustain your momentum, and you’re still in your productivity zone. Afternoon. As the day draws to a close, finish your easiest tasks and prepare for another workday tomorrow. Tip 3: Make Space for Flexible Time Let’s face it, life gets in the way no matter how well you plan your day. And if your schedule is airtight, a single delay could derail your entire workday structure. So, make space for flexibility.  Give Your Schedule a Buffer Don’t hesitate to put gaps in your schedule. A few minutes between tasks gives you wiggle room, just in case something comes up.  If there are no hiccups, you get to enjoy a little break to refresh your mind. Studies show that even a 5-minute walk can re-energize an employee. Also, many people swear by “exercise snacks,” bite-sized bursts of movement to support physical fitness. Tip 4: Make Time for Rest Don’t take rest for granted. Remember, your body is adjusting to a new schedule and new environment, so it needs to relax and rest. So make sure you get some quiet time at the end of a long day. Try CBD gummies that will help you chill and wind down.  Using your phone before bedtime might keep you awake and alert, so put your phone away an hour before sleeping. Lastly, keep in mind that your routine doesn’t have to be perfect the first time. As mentioned earlier, it takes a while for the body to adjust. So as you test-drive your routine, you might have to fine-tune your workday structure to achieve balance. 
CBD and COVID-19 Recovery
The COVID-19 virus continues to be a threat to public health. It has claimed millions of lives and livelihoods which may take economies years to recover from. Unfortunately, cases are surging again globally.  For vaccinated individuals experiencing mild to moderate illness, a smooth recovery can be achieved with rest, medication, and proper nutrition. More serious symptoms like joint and muscle pain, depression or anxiety, brain fog, and fatigue can be harder to manage.   Meanwhile, previously infected people continue to suffer from long COVID or the long-term effects of the infection. While people can experience a wide range of symptoms at varying degrees, people are desperate for medical breakthroughs that would make living with the virus less life-altering.  Researchers all over the world are scrambling to understand post-COVID conditions better. One study has reported evidence that CBD or cannabidiol products can prevent infection.  The link between CBD and Covid-fighting interferons A study published in Science Advances has found that CBD can potentially help prevent early-stage COVID, a finding that warrants future clinical trials. Co-authored by researchers from the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois Chicago, the study tested pharmaceutical-grade CBD on human cells in mice.  The researchers observed that while CBD can’t prevent SARS-CoV-2 from entering cells, CBD inhibits the virus’ ability to replicate early at a certain threshold concentration. It does so in part by up-regulating the host ER response and interferon-signaling pathways. In simple terms, CBD signals the interferon pathway to fight the virus. And interferons have been tested clinically as potential COVID-19 treatments. Moreover, the effect is the same for three other variants of COVID and two other types of cells.  The UC and UChicago researchers also pretreated mice with CBD for one week and observed suppressed infection in the lungs and nasal passages. While definite answers can only come from intensive clinical trials, the study highlights the potential of CBD in preventing severe illness.  However, the researchers caution against the use of CBD as therapy for COVID. They note that the products used in the tests are high-quality, high-purity, pharmaceutical-grade CBD, which means that they have been rigorously tested against FDA standards.  In addition to the tests done in the lab, the researchers also look at 1,212 patients from the National COVID Cohort Collaborative. The retrospective analysis revealed that patients who were taking medically prescribed CBD for epilepsy treatment were less likely to test positive for COVID compared to those who weren’t taking CBD.  CBD and its therapeutic potential  Countless active natural products have medicinal potential. Many studies have reported the beneficial impact of CBD on pain, depression, anxiety symptoms, and overall well-being. CBD is known to have anti-inflammatory effects, and severe COVID infection is notorious for triggering the so-called “cytokine storm,” a severe immune reaction in which the body releases an excessive amount of cytokines into the blood. If it’s proven that CBD can inhibit replication of the virus, the fatal second phase of COVID infection won’t have to be a problem.  Now that there's a potential link between CBD and COVID, researchers can further look into CBD and obtain clinical evidence of how it can mitigate the harm of COVID. After all, experts claim that the virus is here to stay and that we’ll all have to find a way to live with it.  While vaccination is still the most effective way to lower the risk of infection and severe illness, it would be comforting to know that natural options can be available in the future. But researchers warn consumers to always go for CBD products like oils, tinctures, and edibles that have been extracted and created in the most reliable way possible.  The COVID-blocking effects of CBD were only observed in products that are highly pure and concentrated. The study also found that combining pure CBD with THC, the psychoactive element found in marijuana, drastically reduced CBD’s efficacy.  Verma Farm’s range of CBD products are made from pesticide- and GMO-free and organic plants, which are meticulously selected for production. Our distilling method ensures that all the naturally occurring cannabinoids are preserved.  Explore our blog today to know more about the benefits of our Hawaiian-inspired CBD. 
How to Celebrate National Relaxation Day
Did you know that once a year, you can forget about everything stressing you out, put your feet up, and relax without feeling guilty? Yes, that's right! August 15 is known as National Relaxation Day, a day to unwind and practice self-care. If you read our recent blog post, you'll know that getting good sleep every night has many health benefits that will improve your well-being. Aside from great sleep, relaxation also elevates your enjoyment of life so it's definitely something you should prioritize. But what exactly does rest and relaxation mean to you? You don't have to just lie on the couch, eat your favorite comfort food, and binge-watch Netflix shows. There are many ways to rest and relax your way to a better, healthier life. Here are some ideas for National Relaxation Day to help alleviate stress and anxiety.  Surround Yourself With Nature Studies have shown that spending time in nature is a good way to deal with stress. Check out a not-too-difficult hiking trail (one with a waterfall is best), take a walk on the beach, or stroll around a garden. Don't feel like moving? There's no need to! "Spending time outdoors" doesn't have to mean going on a hike. You can just sit down in a park, bask in the sunshine, and admire the natural scenery. The idea that nature can calm you down makes perfect sense, since nature is peaceful and serene compared to a loud, busy city. Plants also produce oxygen, which will make it easier for you to breathe in fresh air and rejuvenate your lungs. Indulge in Stress-Relieving Foods Many types of food are rich in nutrients that can help you deal with the demands of life. For instance, yogurt, dark chocolate, and brazil nuts all have flavonoids, antioxidants, and good bacteria known for their ability to lower anxiety and stress levels. You can also drink your way to less stress by washing down tasty food with green tea or a cup of caffeine-free turmeric latte. Meditate There is a lot of evidence showing the relaxing and calming effects of meditation. Meditation can help increase your ability to focus, remain calm during stressful situations, and sleep better. Meditation also has many other benefits, such as making people less angry, more compassionate, and more aware of their surroundings. Over time, the effects can lead to better sleep, weight loss, and improved relationships with other people. Listen to Classical Music According to scientific studies, listening to classical music can lower your heart rate, stress hormones, and blood pressure. Typically, classical music sounds elegant, not overtly intense or aggressive. Check some out, even if it's not your regular musical preference.  Of course, classical music is a wide genre and there are songs that are not necessarily soothing, so pick carefully. Choose a playlist of music that creates serene mental images, such as a serene elevator ride or fancy dinner at a fine dining restaurant. If you have to finish work, listening to classical music while doing your tasks can help alleviate any stress or tension that may arise. Try CBD Cannabidiol (CBD) can help lower stress by making the body produce more anandamide, which is an endocannabinoid that controls and regulates mood. CBD has also been shown to increase serotonin, a hormone that can make you feel calmer and less anxious. Additionally, having high levels of cortisol in your body due to poor sleep habits or chronic stress worsens inflammation. CBD can act as an anti-inflammatory, helping you relax and alleviate tension from the worries and stresses of everyday life. From CBD oil and creams to gummies, there are many ways to indulge in the sense of relaxation that CBD offers. Verma Farms is well known for making quality CBD products that are inspired by Hawaii and made with hemp grown in the United States. Enjoy a sense of calm and relaxation with our flavorful oils, or chew your way to goodness with our delicious CBD gummies that will take you away to a peaceful paradise. End the Day Early With With a Good Night’s Sleep Getting a good night's sleep has immediate benefits you'll feel the next day, such as making you more focused, alert, and optimistic. All of these will make it easier for you to find a little more joy, peace, and quiet in your daily life. Don't turn on any screens right before bedtime if you want to go to sleep on time. That means you shouldn't use TVs, phones, or computers. Instead, try reading a book to lull yourself to sleep and dream all the worries away.