CBD and your Endocannabinoid System
Ancient humans relied more heavily on the resources they could find in their natural environment than we do today. We became so closely intertwined with some compounds that we evolved right alongside them. Such is the case with cannabis and our endocannabinoid system. It’s easy to visualize your skeletal or muscular system with bones and muscles respectively. The endocannabinoid system is different because you can’t see it with the naked eye, even though you can clearly feel its effects. The endocannabinoid system, or ECS, consists of three major parts: the cannabinoid molecules themselves, which are most often consumed from the cannabis plant but can, surprisingly, sometimes be produced by your own body, receptors for these cannabinoids, and the enzymes that are involved in breaking down cannabinoid molecules. Let’s take a deeper look at each of these. There won’t be a test at the end, but you might be interested to know what’s happening in your body when you enjoy our CBD products. Endocannabinoids Cannabis (and many other plants) contain compounds known as cannabinoids, which have an effect on the ECS. Cannabis compounds like THC and CBD are well-known for their intoxicating and calming properties, respectively, but other cannabinoids are less well-known. Even so, the cannabis plant includes more than 150 distinct chemical compounds. Endocannabinoids are a class of cannabinoids synthesized by the human body and which interact with other components of the ECS. All cells in the nervous system, up and down the spine, in every brain cell, and even in our skin have receptors for endocannabinoids. THC's endogenous counterpart, anandamide, is found in the human body as well. While THC creates a sense of euphoria in many, anandamide has a comparable effect on the body and has been called after the Sanskrit term for eternal bliss — "ananda." Another important cannabinoid is 2-AG, which has both anti-inflammatory and pain-killing properties. The central nervous system contains significant quantities of 2-AG. Receptors There are cannabinoid receptors throughout the human body, which makes the ECS like a central nervous system computer. This means that cannabinoids and endocannabinoids interact with a wide variety of receptors, including CB1 and CB2 receptors, as well as GPR55 and opioid receptors as well as dopamine and serotonin receptors. CB1 and CB2 receptors are at the root of understanding how cannabis affects the human body. CB1 receptors are concentrated in the central nervous system and play a major role in how cannabinoids affect the brain. A "high" is caused by molecules like THC binding to CB1 receptors. What is the mechanism by which cannabis affect brain cells? There are two proteins called glutamate and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) that are released when CB1 receptors are activated by cannabis. GABA soothes the neurological system where glutamate stimulates it. GABA levels tend to be lower when glutamate levels are higher, and vice versa. Think of it this way: Glutamate generates a Go signal, while GABA signals for Stop. GABA production is inhibited by THC. An accumulation of glutamate, a "go" signal, can lead to an increase in the overall quantity of dopamine circulating in the body, which can lead to a psychoactive "high" as a result of this. The activation of CB1 receptors in the body also has the following effects: An altered perception of the passage of time Drives increased hunger and food seeking behavior Can reduce sensation or perception of pain Can reduce nausea and anxiety There are a lot of CB2 receptors in the immune system, as well as some neurons in the brain, intestines, and peripheral nervous system (PNS). Several studies have linked CB2 receptors to immunological suppression, cell death through apoptosis, and the activation of cell migration and development. This may have a beneficial effect against cancerous tumors and precancerous cells. Additionally, it is possible that CB2 receptor agonists (compounds that activate CB2 receptors) have anti-inflammatory characteristics that can aid in the treatment of pain and inflammation. CB2 receptors have been proven to be useful in the treatment of autoimmune illnesses and arthritis, according to recent studies. Enzymes Enzymes that break down and metabolize cannabinoids and endocannabinoids are the third component of the endocannabinoid system. FAAH (fatty acid amide hydrolase) and MAGL (monoacylglycerol lipase) are two of the most important enzymes in the breakdown of anandamide and THC. These inhibit the body's production of potentially harmful endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids. These cannabis concentrations can be dangerous because the ECS requires a strict equilibrium. The ECS's Functions What the endocannabinoid system doesn't do is a better question. A number of life's most fundamental processes are controlled by the ECS, including: Perception of reward after effort. Seeking intimacy. Immune system response. Balancing inflammation. Hunger. Perception of pain. Cognitive ability. Emotional control. How to support your ECS Your ECS likes balance and equilibrium, which is something that’s often lacking in a loud and busy modern life. The ECS plays a critical role in homeostasis, which is the ability to maintain the body's physiological functions in a stable state. In order to strengthen and heal your own ECS, you already have the resources you need within yourself. To keep your ECS in peak condition, here are a few simple tips: Get 7-9 hours of restorative sleep each night Eat a diet rich in phytocannabinoids, such as those found in dark chocolate, nuts, seeds, and vegetables Maintain a healthy weight and spend time outside in the fresh air, ideally exercising and eating a balanced diet. Choose a high quality CBD supplement to support ECS activation for improved health and well-being
6 Ways to Optimize Working From Home
Working from home offers many advantages, including more flexibility in your schedule and the ability to work in your PJs when you want. But with all the distractions at home, it can be hard to get your work done, especially if you’re not super self-disciplined or organized. In order to be as productive as possible from home, keep these six tips in mind. Create an Office Space When you work from home, it can be tempting to leave your office-like setting for other things. If you want to maximize your productivity when working from home, create an office space and dedicate a room as such. This will allow you not only focus on work with minimal distraction but also help give your house a clean look. Dedicating an entire room or section of a room as an office space helps remind others that they should not disturb you while you are working in said area. Do Not Multitask Multitasking is a myth, and it's taking a toll on our work ethic. When you multitask, you're doing two things at once. While you might think that by doing two things at once you're getting twice as much done, your productivity actually suffers because of your inability to focus fully on either task. It's better to tackle one thing at a time, so give yourself permission not to multitask; instead, carve out time in your schedule each day for focused productivity.  Need help focusing? Tackle that to-do list and get ready to zero in on what's important, with our Focus Nano CBD Oil. Infused with Fish Oil and Magnesium for that boost you need, it can help you hone in on your work tasks without getting distracted. Keep a Calendar As a remote worker, it can be easy to lose track of time, miss appointments and deadlines and otherwise fall behind. That’s why it’s critical to keep some kind of calendar; not only will it help you stay on top of your professional commitments, but it can also keep you more organized in general. Try using an app like Fantastical or Apple Calendar on your phone or computer; both offer extensive features that allow you to schedule everything from meetings and coffee dates with coworkers to tasks and reminders for personal tasks. Work in 90-Minute Cycles If you have trouble focusing and getting a lot done, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, traditional work structures don’t work for everyone. If you find yourself often distracted or unable to focus for more than an hour at a time, try working in 90-minute cycles. Break up your day into four 90-minute chunks. During each cycle, stop and take stock of what needs done, set mini-goals that are easily achievable within that time period, and then restart your timer when those goals are met. Even if it takes longer than 90 minutes sometimes, breaking up your day with small breaks will make it easier to stay focused without losing out on valuable work time. Have Structure and Rituals Working from home is great—there’s no commute, no annoying coworkers and no annoying boss. But if you don’t have a strong structure, it can be very easy to get lost in distractions. If you’re trying to maximize your time at home and get a lot done, consider creating some rituals or routines that will help you stay on track. For example, make certain times of day dedicated to checking email or other professional tasks; other parts of your day are better spent on recreational pursuits. Also be sure to designate a time when the work day is over and you can stop checking work emails or notifications. This can be helped by establishing a wind-down routine, especially before bed. Try out our Sleep Nano CBD Oil, infused with Ginseng, Chamomile, and Melatonin, to help you get those important eight hours of sleep. Be Kind to Yourself When you're at home, there's no reason not to indulge in a little cat nap or movie-watching marathon. If you want to feel less guilty when taking an hour off, remind yourself that working from home can actually be more productive than office time because it allows you to focus on what matters most. If distractions aren't your thing, set up designated work hours—say 9am-5pm M-F or 9am-1pm Saturdays—to reduce your chances of getting off track during prime working hours. By carving out blocks of time for work and play, you can maintain a healthy balance between them while getting tons of done!
How to Infuse Your Favorite Summer Drinks With CBD
Summer has arrived, and with it comes some of the best times of the year to relax and get outside. Whether you’re lounging on the beach or picnicking in your backyard, there’s no better drink than one infused with CBD oil to add flavor to your summertime activities while also soothing your mind and body as well as helping your overall health and wellbeing. Here’s a quick guide on using our bestselling (and delicious!) CBD oils to concoct the perfect for summertime drink to serve at your next party. Things to Consider Before You Start Before you infuse your drink, you should consider how it will taste. If you’re looking for something that enhances flavor while still letting your drink shine through, a small amount of high-quality CBD oil or tincture might be enough. However, if you want an intensely flavored infused drink, use more cannabis extract so it doesn’t overpower any other flavors in your beverage. Always remember that different liquids require different ratios of cannabis to liquid! The right proportions will depend on what exactly you are infusing (think: water vs. alcohol) as well as how potent you would like your end product to be. The Dosage CBD is most effective when consumed in dosages of 15 milligrams or more. It's best to start small, especially if you're taking it for a health reason, as opposed to trying it recreationally.  Many people don't realize that you won’t get high on CBD. It contains too little THC, which is the psychoactive element of the hemp plant. Everyone is different so it may take some experimentation before finding your sweet spot.  Drink Mixes The best way to infuse your drinks with CBD is by using a drink mix. These mixes are pure CBD, which means you’ll get all of the medicinal effects without any residual THC that you would find in raw flowers. If you don’t want pure CBD, there are flavored drink mixes available as well that can be a great ingredient when preparing alcoholic or non-alcoholic summer drinks. Fresh Squeezed Juice A great way to start your day with CBD is by drinking a refreshing glass of fresh squeezed juice. Fruit juices, like grapefruit or pomegranate, provide a base of healthy, whole food for our bodies. Mix in one or two drops of cannabidiol (CBD) oil and you’ve got yourself an energizing drink that will also help keep you cool during these hot summer months. Check out our Fruit Pack CBD Oil for a variety of fruity flavors that compliment your favorite summer fruit juices.  Don’t have CBD oil? Use hemp seed oil! Hemp seed contains both phytocannabinoids, which interact with your endocannabinoid system; meaning it mimics what your body naturally produces when exposed to cannabinoids like CBD. It also has high levels of polyunsaturated fats, vitamin E and protein! Non-Alcoholic Beverages Beverages make up a third of your total caloric intake on average, and drinking too much can throw off your weight loss plans. Cutting out soda is a great first step—diet or regular, it’s full of unnecessary sugar that we don’t need. If you do drink coffee, opt for a green tea latte—they are incredibly low in calories (about 80 calories for a 12 oz. serving) as opposed to something like chocolate milk that’s loaded with upwards of 400 calories (and doesn’t even really taste that good). Simply adding an additional splash of grass-fed butter can help you save hundreds or thousands more calories throughout each year by offsetting other drinks.
5 Natural Ways to Avoid Work-Related Burnout
Burnout was born in the workplace. It is characterized by exhaustion and feeling distant from one’s job, leading to poor work performance. The World Health Organization lists possible causes of this phenomenon, including unclear job expectations, unhealthy dynamics, and work-life imbalance. While some stress levels are normal and healthy for growth, the persistent and overbearing kind isn’t. It may even cause bodily complaints such as migraine, tight muscles, upset stomach, and shoulder pains. Let’s tackle some of the ways in which you can prevent the negative circumstances and manage the discomfort. Set Healthy Boundaries Assuming your job description is succinct and well-understood, there are instances when the job requires you to go “over and beyond” your contract. It’s okay to accept part of the extra work, renegotiate your contract to accommodate such requests with additional compensation, or reject it.  Long-term productivity and peace of mind are better for your mental and physical health, not to mention your company’s overhead costs. Feeling guilty might be your first impulse. If you can’t shift the energy to a more positive direction, you may also consider finding a company that aligns with your values. Build Rapport and Get Support From Your Peers Making friends in the office is a good way to add some balance. Healthy office banter is a quick way to remove your eyes from the monitor. More importantly, it’s an excellent way to identify peers with the same values as yours. Knowing your kind of people in the workplace makes you feel less lonely and detached. You can also seek professional connections, which will allow you to grow as a part of the team or as a leader. Having a circle of friends in professional settings will also be fruitful in addressing issues in projects or influencing changes in workplace dynamics. Limit Your Contact With Negative People As much as you need to develop interpersonal skills to make meaningful connections at work, it’s also important to avoid prolonged contact with negative people in the office. These are the people who complain too much, gossip, or are those who are generally energy drainers. If these people are part of your direct working environment and there’s no way to avoid them, you can manage the stress by limiting the interaction without being rude. Keep a Healthy Lifestyle Outside of Work The lifestyle you have outside work can affect who you are when you’re inside the office. Specifically, you can manage your mood and energy levels by minimizing sugar and refined carbohydrates. You can also improve your mood greatly by avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol in moderation. Wind Down With Natural Alternatives  You can make food choices to boost your mood, including Omega-3-rich fish, berries, nuts and seeds, and bananas. After a long day’s work, some people may wind down at happy hour with alcohol. Instead, consider natural alternatives like CBD, which in many forms, including gummy candies in delicious flavors and CBD oil. CBD or Cannabidiol is derived from the hemp plant but does not cause any psychoactive effects. Studies conducted with animals and self-reports from human beings who have used such products suggest that CBD can help with anxiety, inflammation, and chronic pain, making it the ideal way to end your day and prepare for a calm night’s sleep.
A Guide to CBD and Healthy Skin
CBD in skincare products has been gaining traction, but how does it work? Which product should you choose? What skin ailments can it help alleviate? These are just some of the questions that need to be answered if you’re interested in learning more about CBD when it comes to your skin, and how you can incorporate it into your daily skincare routine. How does CBD benefit my skin? By moisturizing your skin externally with CBD-based topicals or internally by ingesting CBD gummies or oil, you’re tapping into its anti-inflammatory properties, which can be very effective for ailments such as psoriasis and eczema. It can also help reduce redness, soothe irritation and help fade blemishes. CBD also helps reduce sebum production, which can come in handy for those with acne-prone or oily skin. With regular use of these products, you can keep your skin looking fresh and healthy when you need it the most! As always, it’s recommended to consult a doctor before trying any new product.  How do I take CBD for my skin? There are a few different ways you can take CBD for your skin. If you’re treating an inflammatory skin condition like eczema, one or two drops of the best CBD can be rubbed onto each of your hands every night before bed. This can help reduce redness and swelling associated with certain skin conditions. The oil will absorb quickly through your fingers, allowing you to breathe easily as soon as you lay down. If taking CBD orally isn’t possible due to taste or other issues (like irritation from another supplement), try another method like rubbing it on topically at bedtime. Your body processes CBD more slowly when applied topically rather than internally, so it won’t get your heart rate racing in the middle of a good night’s sleep. You can also apply full-spectrum salve to your skin after bath time; not only does it moisturize dry patches and chapped lips, but some claim its application helps soothe sore muscles. Are there any side effects? With these alternative treatments, you’ll want to consider both pros and cons. Like anything else, CBD oil can have side effects. Some users report headaches, anxiety, nausea, or diarrhea when taking a high dose of THC-rich products. It’s best to consult your doctor before attempting any new treatment or supplement, especially if you take other medications regularly. Always pay attention to how you feel and make sure that CBD is compatible with your skin type (and lifestyle). For example, if you have sensitive skin that easily bruises or are allergic to many beauty products, CBD may not be ideal for use on your face. Use caution when choosing topical oils (like hemp seed oil) because some forms are too abrasive for bare skin (or combinations of skin types). Know yourself as well as possible when deciding which way is right for you! How can I find a brand I can trust? How do you know which products are right for you once you’ve decided that CBD can play a positive role in your skin-care routine? Now countless brands of topical creams, lotions, oils, serums, and salves are available. Still, as with any product containing cannabinoid compounds like THC or CBD, it’s important to choose wisely. Look for brands that explicitly offer hemp oil made from agricultural hemp grown in accordance with U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines, especially if you’re looking for cannabidiol (CBD). Also, consider using only products derived from organic, non-GMO plants when possible. Read ingredient lists and third-party lab reports carefully; rather than skipping over unknown words completely, focus on learning about potential triggers and irritants related to your specific skin concerns before making a purchase decision. Of course, consult your doctor for expert advice on what will work best for your body's specific needs.
7 Tips For a Stress-Free Vacation
A stress-free vacation isn’t just about where you go or what you do, but rather how you prepare before you leave. By following these seven tips for a stress-free vacation, you can ensure that your time away from work and the daily grind will be as relaxing as possible. Tip 1: Set realistic expectations. This is easier said than done. If you’re going on vacation with a partner or significant other, it’s important to have an open discussion about what each of you is looking for. Are you looking for an active getaway? A beachy relaxing trip? A quiet retreat away from everything? There’s no right or wrong answer to these questions—everyone is different. But knowing what you expect will make planning and experiencing your vacation more enjoyable. In addition, be sure to research any activities that interest you in advance so that when you arrive at your destination, there won’t be any surprises waiting for you. It can also help to look at photos and reviews of popular attractions beforehand so that if they don’t meet your expectations (which they often don’t), you won’t feel disappointed when things don’t go as planned. Also remember: vacations are supposed to be fun! Tip 2: Get some rest before you go. Make sure you sleep well before your trip and use that time to relax. This will help reduce stress, improve your mood, and improve your vacation experience. Plus, it’s hard to enjoy yourself when you’re exhausted! If you have trouble sleeping at night, try taking a warm bath or reading something calming. You can also try some relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga poses. If you need extra help winding down after a long day, try our Sleep CBD Oil. Infused with Ginseng, Chamomile, and Melatonin, it can help you achieve a restful, peaceful night's sleep when you need it the most. Tip 3: Start packing in advance. Many of us have trouble fully relaxing on vacation for many reasons: We feel like we need to check-in at work or are worried about what might be happening back home. But if you start packing before your trip, you’ll prevent that type of stress. Start by compiling a list with everything you want to bring — and stick to it! If you get something extra, ask yourself whether it was worth adding; if not, leave it behind next time. Also, when possible, take advantage of any hotel laundry services. You can wash clothes during your stay and then pack them when you head out. This is especially useful if you’re traveling somewhere warm or humid where things will get dirty quickly. Tip 4: Unplug for a bit. As technology continues to advance, we’re finding ourselves tethered to our devices in increasingly unhealthy ways. It’s great that you can stay connected 24/7 and be reached anywhere at any time, but if you never let go of that hold, it will start to take its toll on your overall well-being and stress levels. Leave your phone behind when you travel—even if just for a day—and enjoy some peace and quiet without interruption. If you do have to bring it with you, make sure airplane mode is activated so that all incoming calls or notifications are blocked out while traveling (and while sleeping). You don’t need to sacrifice productivity during vacation; there are plenty of apps available that allow you to block specific websites or set aside certain times of day where you won’t be disturbed by work emails. You can also opt for an offline email account if that feels more comfortable. The point is: Unplug as much as possible, even if only for a little bit, because it will help give your mind and body a break from constant stimulation and encourage relaxation. Tip 5: Have a plan. But leave room for adventure. It’s important to have an idea of what you want to do, see and eat on your vacation. But don’t get so caught up in the plans that you miss out on opportunities for adventure. A little spontaneity goes a long way towards relieving stress, which can only add to your enjoyment of your trip. Be flexible and go with it – there’s always another chance to hit that museum or try that restaurant later! Trying to stick to a rigid itinerary can be stressful, especially when everything from weather, traffic, and last-minute closings can easily upend those plans at a moment's notice. Instead, see these roadblocks as a chance to diverge from the beaten path, explore an unexpected location, or wander around a new place, soaking in the new sights. Tip 6: Set guidelines with your fellow travelers. You can avoid letting your family fall into their typical sniping at each other by setting guidelines early on. If you have different goals for your vacation, make sure everyone understands them: are you doing it to unwind? To have fun with your kids? Or do you want to get some work done while you’re away? Set expectations from day one and discuss what constitutes a successful trip—then encourage everyone to meet those expectations. That way, no one will be disappointed when they don’t get what they wanted out of their vacation. Whether you're traveling with a group of friends or your rambunctious kids, make sure you carve out some time to be alone and unwind. After all, that's what vacations are for! Tip 7: Set the mood for relaxation. Since vacations are all about unwinding and de-stressing, consider snacks that will help you do just that. CBD gummies are pre-dosed, which eliminates the need to do any sort of measuring. All you have to do is open the bottle and pop a gummy or two into your mouth -- plus they're easy to pack on a road trip or in your beach bag. Verma Farms offers a full collection of CBD gummies inspired by the Hawaiian islands, including beachy flavors like Maui Melon, Blueberry Wave, and Peachy Pau Hana. Let your stress float away while your mind escapes to your favorite tropical paradise, whether that's your actual destination or just a state of mind.