{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/thc/4","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_3658-markdown","title":"Cannabis and Migraines - 3 Popular Questions Answered","slug":"cannabis-and-migraines-3-of-the-most-popular-questions-answered","content":"Migraines are extremely painful and disrupt the lives of millions of people every day. Typically, a migraine will cause throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head and can lead to light sensitivity, dizziness and even nausea. There are medications available that help some people manage migraines, whether it be over the counter analgesics like acetaminophen and anti-inflammatories to prescription barbiturate combinations or narcotics.\n\nThere are natural alternatives and [lifestyle changes](https://hellomd.com/articles/lifestyle-changes-you-can-make-to-prevent-migraines/) that help some people, including diet modification, meditation, acupuncture, and massage. Another popular solution people are turning to is medical cannabis.\n\nBelow are three popular questions and answers from HelloMD:\n\n### **Q: I have anxiety and migraines. Can medical marijuana help me?**\n\n#### Answer: Dr. Olson - HelloMD Doctor\nDaily, I use a high CBD, low THC tincture, 28 : 1, which has reduced about 90% of my migraines. I still get breakthrough migraines when I have ingested foods to which I react negatively. \n\nI use the high CBD topical salve on my neck at the first sign a migraine is beginning, and I drink a large glass of water (in case it's dehydration), a cup of black coffee, and I take about one-half scoop of de-ribose, and usually the migraine is gone. \n\nIf I still notice the stuffiness in my head, I will do more CBD drops under my tongue. I always reflect on the exposures I've had that lead to migraines because I have rarely found that one exposure to one substance leads to a migraine. \n\nCBD works well for anxiety, but if I have any breakthrough anxiety, I will rely on an oral spray of passionflower in the liposome that crosses the blood-brain barrier and is effective within 10 minutes, and there is no high. With cannabis, we must find what works for us because no one type works for everyone. With all the information we have on the website, you should be able to resolve your challenges successfully.\n\nBe certain you maintain your blood level of 25-OH D, vitamin D3 above 50 ng/ml for optimum resolution of your symptoms.\n\n#### Answer: Pamela Hadfield, Co-Founder of HelloMD\n\nIn my experience, just taking a high CBD spray is not enough to knock out my migraines. It is excellent for reducing inflammation, and as a daily regime, I do this as well. \n\n[The solution](https://hellomd.com/articles/how-to-stop-migraines/) that has worked best for me and has gotten me off pharmaceuticals 99% of the time is a varied approach using multiple products to attack a migraine as I feel it coming on. I do not experience daily migraines, and I know precisely when I am most apt to get them during the month. The nature of my migraines may be different from yours.\n\nCBD is an analgesic and an anti-inflammatory but THC is also essential for me for pain-relieving qualities, although I must be careful in how I ingest it. It tends to make me anxious if I take too much, and that doesn't feel very good! \n\nIf you suffer from anxiety, THC may relieve your anxiety, or it can make it worse. It is highly dependent on the person. For many people it helps soothe anxiety, but you need to go low and slow with any products to test your response.\n\nMy daily regime for migraines is to take Vitamin B and magnesium, as studies show that daily intake reduces the frequency of migraines for people (it may take months to feel the effects). I also take an 8:1 ratio of CBD sublingual spray, which is non-psychoactive at that ratio. \n\nI find I like this ratio the best. If I feel the onset of a migraine, I will start to take a low THC tincture. I will also use my high CBD vape pen. I usually will vape consistently throughout the day, and again this is not psychoactive, but it seems to help ward off the heavy onset of a migraine. \n\n### **Q: I get migraines, and I hear that cannabis can help to relieve this. What strain is best for migraines?**\n\n#### Answer: Dr. Olson - HelloMD Doctor\n\nI also suffer from migraines, and I have studied migraines extensively. My migraines did not start until I was 33 years old and began after a spinal injury. I thought I had a brain tumor! A doctor caused my spine injury so I had no desire to go to a doctor to find relief for my migraines, and I struggled for years.\n\nMigraines are a genetic snp (Single nucleotide polymorphism) on the X chromosome, making one very chemically sensitive. In my opinion, it is necessary to eliminate all the chemicals from your diet and your environment to eliminate migraines.\n\nMigraine sufferers are so chemically sensitive they can suffer a migraine in their emotions that manifests as anxiety, irritability, or depression after breathing chemicals like cigarette smoke or the chemicals used in a nail salon.\n\nMigraine sufferers tend to get irritable bowel syndrome when they eat foods that trigger this allergic reaction, especially cow dairy. One of the most pronounced pains with migraines is the pain in the neck with the muscle spasms, and it can notify you that the migraine is coming. It is a good idea to treat any spasms with topical cannabis salve which may help prevent a migraine.\n\nIf you have a migraine, drink a large glass of water, use the cannabis salve on your neck, take a dose of D-ribose (available in the health food store) to support your RNA and take CBD. Depending on your pain level, you might find the 4:1 CBD : THC sublingual spray gives great relief.\n\nOnce your migraine has started to resolve, You need to ask yourself, \"What did I do to myself?\" because the quicker you realize your migraine triggers the faster you can eliminate your migraines if you will avoid those triggers.\n\nMore migraines will be precipitated if you allow your vitamin D serum level (25- OH D) to fall to low (below 50 ng/ML), so consider taking approximately 10,000 international units of vitamin D3 with food daily long as your kidney function is normal.\n\nSome of the [best strains for migraines](https://hellomd.com/articles/the-best-cbd-marijuana-strains-for-migraines) are high in CBD. These include [Canna-Tsu](https://hellomd.com/strains/canna-tsu), [ACDC](https://hellomd.com/strains/acdc), and [Cannatonic](https://hellomd.ca/strains/cannatonic).\n\n### **Q: Why are my migraines worse around my period and what kind of cannabis should I use?**\n\n#### Answer: Dr. Bluto - HelloMD Doctor\n\nHeadaches in women, particularly migraines, are tied to shifts in the levels of the female hormone estrogen during your menstrual cycle. Estrogen levels drop right before the start of your menstrual flow.\n\nCannabis has been shown to reduce the frequency of migraines, and it also works quickly to relieve the symptoms of tension headaches as they occur.\n\nMigraines may result from generators such as a bright light or loud noises triggering a chemical reaction in the brain. We also have a built-in endocannabinoid system that produces a substance called anandamidenthat is very similar in structure to cannabis. \n\nSometimes our endocannabinoids, usually released to restore equilibrium, are low. When this happens, we have endocannabinoid dysfunction, resulting in an inability for the brain to normalize communication. Without these endocannabinoids and their respective functions, a migraine may subsequently occurs.\n\nThere is plenty of anecdotal evidence that has shown the effectiveness of cannabis in treating pain caused by migraines and chronic headaches.\n\nVarious strains that may help include the Hazes, [Purple Urkle](https://hellomd.com/strains/purple-urkle), [Grand Daddy Purple](https://hellomd.com/strains/granddaddy-purple) and [Purple Haze](https://hellomd.com/strains/purple-haze).\n\nIf migraines occur frequently, a very small, daily dose of THC may be helpful. Many people have also successfully used CBD tinctures to alleviate migraines.\n\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.7699115044247788,"src":"/static/607421e09c438bd0206347d7ab8edd4a/14b42/d1ea3e5b0d7fb7d4ef136a7d0ae6691d.jpg","srcSet":"/static/607421e09c438bd0206347d7ab8edd4a/f836f/d1ea3e5b0d7fb7d4ef136a7d0ae6691d.jpg 200w,\n/static/607421e09c438bd0206347d7ab8edd4a/2244e/d1ea3e5b0d7fb7d4ef136a7d0ae6691d.jpg 400w,\n/static/607421e09c438bd0206347d7ab8edd4a/14b42/d1ea3e5b0d7fb7d4ef136a7d0ae6691d.jpg 800w,\n/static/607421e09c438bd0206347d7ab8edd4a/47498/d1ea3e5b0d7fb7d4ef136a7d0ae6691d.jpg 1200w,\n/static/607421e09c438bd0206347d7ab8edd4a/0e329/d1ea3e5b0d7fb7d4ef136a7d0ae6691d.jpg 1600w,\n/static/607421e09c438bd0206347d7ab8edd4a/677b4/d1ea3e5b0d7fb7d4ef136a7d0ae6691d.jpg 5431w","srcWebp":"/static/607421e09c438bd0206347d7ab8edd4a/58556/d1ea3e5b0d7fb7d4ef136a7d0ae6691d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/607421e09c438bd0206347d7ab8edd4a/61e93/d1ea3e5b0d7fb7d4ef136a7d0ae6691d.webp 200w,\n/static/607421e09c438bd0206347d7ab8edd4a/1f5c5/d1ea3e5b0d7fb7d4ef136a7d0ae6691d.webp 400w,\n/static/607421e09c438bd0206347d7ab8edd4a/58556/d1ea3e5b0d7fb7d4ef136a7d0ae6691d.webp 800w,\n/static/607421e09c438bd0206347d7ab8edd4a/99238/d1ea3e5b0d7fb7d4ef136a7d0ae6691d.webp 1200w,\n/static/607421e09c438bd0206347d7ab8edd4a/7c22d/d1ea3e5b0d7fb7d4ef136a7d0ae6691d.webp 1600w,\n/static/607421e09c438bd0206347d7ab8edd4a/dc3c1/d1ea3e5b0d7fb7d4ef136a7d0ae6691d.webp 5431w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3657-markdown","title":"Need Help with a Bad Psychedelic Trip? Call the Fireside Project for Emotional Peer Support.","slug":"need-help-with-a-bad-psychedelic-trip-call-the-fireside-project-for-emotional-peer-support","content":"Have you ever eaten too much of an marijuana-infused brownie and had a really bad trip? Many of us have had one of these unfortunate experiences; we eat the whole edible, leading to a 6 hour long paranoid-anxious freakout. Minutes can feel like hours, your eyes are wide as saucers, and your mouth feels like paste as you try to rock yourself to sleep in a dark room. \n\n### Having a Bad Trip is Bad News\n\nMaureen Dowd, the well-known NY Times columnist, wrote of her experience with a pot-laced brownie while visiting Colorado during the initial hay day of marijuana legalization. She took a nibble of the brownie and then a bit more, and before she knew it, she was alone and stoned; incapacitated in her hotel room. She wrote about her experience in [\"Don't Harsh Our Mellow, Dude\"](https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/04/opinion/dowd-dont-harsh-our-mellow-dude.html?_r=0), in The New York Times (to much acclaim). After Dowd finished her brownie, the story goes like this:\n\n\"I lay curled up in a hallucinatory state for the next eight hours. I was thirsty but couldn't move to get water. Or even turn off the lights. I was panting and paranoid, sure that when the room-service waiter knocked and I didn't answer, he'd call the police and have me arrested for being unable to handle my candy.\"\n\nLet's face it; whether you consume cannabis, [magic mushrooms (psilocybin)](https://hellomd.com/articles/microdosing-101:-cannabis-psilocybin-and-lsd), or any other hallucinogenic drug, there's a possibility of things going sideways. Just some of the (many) ways things may go pear-shaped:\n- Without proper education, you can consume too much and become overwhelmed which may result in a bad trip\n- You may be in the wrong location (setting)  with the wrong people (set) and begin to feel anxious or paranoid\n- Maybe you've had a great experience but feel isolated afterward and need someone to talk to\n\nThe bottom line, many psychedelic/psychotropic experiences go off the rails when you feel alone, disconnected, or fearful. There is good news. [Fireside Project](https://firesideproject.org/), a new psychedelic peer support line, is out to change all of that. \n\n### What is a Psychedelic Peer Support Line?\n\nFireside's mission is to \"help people minimize the risks and fulfill the potential of their psychedelic experiences\". Through a free, emotional peer support line, you are one phone call (or text) away from receiving support before and during a trip (whether it be \"bad\" or \"good\"). You may also want to receive integration support after having a psychedelic/psychotropic experience. \n\nFireside's Founder, (a former lawyer turned psychedelic advocate), Joshua White, says \"We started Fireside Project because we want to make sure that no one ever has to feel alone with a psychedelic experience. We see Fireside Project as a glowing mycelial web of connection and understanding that will start in the United States and eventually embrace the whole world.\"\n\n![Screen Shot 2021-05-12 at 9.48.37 AM.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_05_12_at_9_48_37_AM_1e60222403.png)\n\nFireside Project aims to provide compassionate and culturally responsible peer support while helping to educate the public. Through providing free and confidential support to those in need, they create a culture of belonging through compassionate, non-judgement, and transparent communication.\n\n### Is Cannabis a Psychedelic?\n\nWell, technically, cannabis is not a psychedelic. Psychedelic drugs are typically classified as those that produce hallucinations or an apparent expansion of consciousness. Marijuana is a psychotropic, meaning it has psychoactive qualities due to its THC content. \n\nHowever, many psychiatrists and mental health professionals believe cannabis effects can be psychedelic in nature. Increasingly, as the THC content goes up in cannabis and people have more access, there is a higher likelihood that people may need support before, during, or after a cannabis experience. For many people, the psychoactive element of THC,  can also be [extremely disorienting](https://hellomd.com/articles/the-pros-and-cons-of-psychoactive-thc). Patients using THC may find themselves feeling confused or unable to think clearly. \n\nJoshua agrees with this saying, \"Fireside Project welcomes people who are having psychedelic experiences of all kinds. Cannabis experiences can definitely be psychedelic, and we are honored to provide support for those types of experiences as well.\"\n\n### What Happens If You Call Fireside?\n\nWell, it depends on who you are and why you're calling. Fireside was created to helps people tripping in the moment, and people wanting to talk about past trips, aka 'integration' talk. That said, you don't need to be having a bad trip, maybe you just need some emotional support from someone creating a 'safe space'. \n\nWhen you call Fireside it is completely confidential, you don't even need to tell them your name. The person on the other side of the line is for emotional support only, they are not doctors or therapists. Rather, think about that person like you would a trusted friend. Fireside is not to be used in lieu of medical care and is not a medical screening service. So, if you believe you are having a medical emergency or are suicidal, call your local crisis hotline or 911.\n\nWhen appropriate Fireside may refer you to sources of information, but it's up to you whether you rely on that information. Fireside is available only in the United States at the moment but hopes to expand service to other countries. If you like your Fireside conversation, you can call back as many times as you like, but you will most likely speak to different people.\n\n### The Future of the Fireside Project\n\nFireside Project launched in April of 2021 and has quickly entered into a research partnership with UCSF. The hope is to learn from the psychedelic experiences of community members, then share the lessons learned.\n\nThe study with UCSF researchers explores whether the support line is an effective risk reduction tool. People who use the peer support line are sent an anonymous survey 24-hours after the initial call. So far, callers have indicated that Fireside has helped them overcome various challenges.\n\nFireside is available Thursday to Sunday, from 3:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. PST and Monday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. PST. The line will eventually be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are interested in supporting Fireside with a [tax free donation](https://firesideproject.org/donate), they welcome your support.\n\n**Call Fireside Project: 623-473-7433 OR 6-2FIRESIDE**\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5625,"src":"/static/37836d7f28227caf37ef5bc34559671f/ee604/2fd50a8551e4b84321792eeccf67710d.png","srcSet":"/static/37836d7f28227caf37ef5bc34559671f/69585/2fd50a8551e4b84321792eeccf67710d.png 200w,\n/static/37836d7f28227caf37ef5bc34559671f/497c6/2fd50a8551e4b84321792eeccf67710d.png 400w,\n/static/37836d7f28227caf37ef5bc34559671f/ee604/2fd50a8551e4b84321792eeccf67710d.png 800w,\n/static/37836d7f28227caf37ef5bc34559671f/f3583/2fd50a8551e4b84321792eeccf67710d.png 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/37836d7f28227caf37ef5bc34559671f/58556/2fd50a8551e4b84321792eeccf67710d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/37836d7f28227caf37ef5bc34559671f/61e93/2fd50a8551e4b84321792eeccf67710d.webp 200w,\n/static/37836d7f28227caf37ef5bc34559671f/1f5c5/2fd50a8551e4b84321792eeccf67710d.webp 400w,\n/static/37836d7f28227caf37ef5bc34559671f/58556/2fd50a8551e4b84321792eeccf67710d.webp 800w,\n/static/37836d7f28227caf37ef5bc34559671f/99238/2fd50a8551e4b84321792eeccf67710d.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3652-markdown","title":"Easing the Symptoms of PMS, Perimenopause and Menopause with Cannabis ","slug":"ease-the-symptoms-of-pms-perimenopause-and-menopause-with-cannabis-and-beyond","content":"\nPremenstrual syndrome, perimenopause, and menopause are all natural parts of women’s reproductive cycles and each come with their own set of discomforts, disruptions, anxieties and challenges. The fact that they’re natural, however, doesn’t mean they need to go unattended. There is powerful help in the form of plant medicine for each of these life stages. All you have to do is find the solution/s that work for you!. \n\n### Premenstrual Syndrome\nThough there is still so much we don’t know about the causes of [premenstrual syndrome (PMS),](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780) it is generally thought to be caused by hormonal fluctuations, including drops in serotonin levels. Common symptoms and side-effects of PMS can include mood swings, anxiety, sleep disruption, physical pain, depression, bloating, joint pain, heaches and more. There is no “cure” for PMS-- it’s a natural part of life and not an illness. But there is help and hope to be found in the [world of plant medicines](https://hellomd.com/articles/3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-womens-health-answered/).\n\n### Cannabis and PMS\nIn a [recent interview,](https://goop.com/wellness/sexual-health/can-cannabis-help-with-pms/) Psychiatrist Dr. Julie Holland, a psychopharmacology specialist and [bestselling author](https://www.amazon.com/Julie-Holland-M-D/e/B002G5S71Q?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1618599816&sr=8-2) said, “I started asking my patients about their cannabis use and learned many of them were using it for cramps, and some for PMS...Cannabis can potentially help with many symptoms that women who take antidepressants (as well as those who don’t) experience—including irritability, insomnia, depression, and anxiety.” \n\n[Dr. Holland](https://www.naturalmood.com/) goes on to explain that when it comes to PMS, cannabis, which most often contains both CBD and THC, can be a one-stop-shop for many women. ”CBD can help with anxiety and THC can help with mood swings, irritability, and low resilience (your ability to handle stress). Both can help relax the uterine muscle where cramps occur, and alleviate many PMS symptoms.” Many patients seeking pain relief seem to benefit from the use of the whole plant or from products that feature both CBD and THC. But, Dr. Holland is quick to note, “if you don’t like the altered feeling of THC, you can get a lot of PMS relief just using CBD.”\n\nIf you’re ready to try cannabis for relief of your PMS symptoms, but are unsure where to start, Dr. Holland recommends smoking or vaping, as it can bring the quickest relief. If this sounds like a plan, you might find [this list of go-to strains](https://www.shethinx.com/blogs/thinx-womens-health/science-behind-cannabis-pms-helping-period-pain) compiled by Portland-based cannabis shaman, Meryl Montgomery helpful. \n\n “For cramps, I recommend a beta caryophyllene or pinene terpene dominant strain, such as Sour Diesel. CBD (cannabidiol) also acts as a muscle relaxant and is anti-inflammatory. \n\nTo alleviate fatigue, I recommend pinene or limonene dominant strains, such as Super Lemon Haze or Blue Dream.\n\nFor malaise or moodiness, I recommend linalool and limonene heavy strains such as Lavender and Pink Kush.”\n\nThis is what works for Meryl, but keep in mind it may take a few tries to find [which strains work for you.](https://hellomd.com/articles/top-5-marijuana-strains-for-pms-and-menopause/) The common practice around cannabis is to start low and go slow, especially if you opt for edibles over inhaling. Low doses taken over longer periods of time can help you monitor your reactions and avoid the unpleasant experience of adding cannabis-induced annoyances like anxiety, hunger, irritability or horniness to your already PMS-filled day.\n\n### Supplements for PMS\nA [study published in the Journal of Caring Sciences](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25276694/)points to magnesium and b6 supplements as effective ways to calm PMS symptoms. Other studies recommend [calcium supplements as a way to reduce moodiness,](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28217679/) and [vitamin D as an anti-inflammatory supplement that may reduce cramping, aches and bloating](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31624297/).\n\n\n### Entering Perimenopause\nIn their 30s and 40s, when estrogen levels rise and fall less predictably, women may experience perimenopause: the phase leading up to menopause. During this time women may retain some of the symptoms of their PMS, gain new symptoms of PMS or begin to experience symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness and problems sleeping. \n\nAs with PMS symptoms and solutions, each woman will have her own. Cannabis and supplements, however, can be a great place to start.\n\n### Cannabis and Perimenopause\nWhen interviewed, Dr. Holland offers encouraging advice saying “the symptom cluster associated with perimenopause can be relieved with cannabis.”  It’s not surprising then, that at the [2020 Virtual Annual Meeting of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) it was announced that more women than ever are considering the use of cannabis for relief of common menopause symptoms.](https://www.contemporaryobgyn.net/view/cannabis-for-managing-menopause-symptoms)\n\nWomen turn to cannabis in perimenopause for the same [mood-regulating]( https://hellomd.com/articles/8-cannabis-products-to-brighten-your-mood), and anti-inflammatory benefits mentioned earlier, but in this perimenopause cannabis has something additional to offer: phytoestrogens. This plant-based hormone is similar to human estrogen in many ways and can help to make up for the estrogen dip experienced during perimenopause.\n\nHere’s how it works. We all have an endocannabinoid system in our bodies that helps us regulate homeostasis: general physical, mental and emotional stability. This system is made of receptors that respond to the cannabinoids made by our bodies. Estrogen, a hormone found in both women and men, helps break these cannabinoids down so the receptors can use them as efficiently as possible. When estrogen decreases, so does access to these stabilizing cannabinoids. This natural process may be to credit (or blame, depending on how you look at it) for the symptoms that arise during perimenopause. This is where cannabis’ phytoestrogen saves the day with it’s endocannabinoid-activating powers!\n\nIf you’re ready to give cannabis and its hit of phytoestrogens a whirl, you may consider trying cannabis strains containing higher CBD ratios to THC.\n\n### Supplements and Perimenopause\nCompelled by [studies linking phytoestrogens to relieve symptoms of perimenopause,](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/13697137.2014.966241) but not sure cannabis is for you? Great news! Other supplements and plant medicines are ready to rise to the challenge, but there are a few things you should know.\n\nDon’t be lulled into thinking that “plant medicine” means “safe medicine”. There is some thought, and a growing body of evidence, suggesting that [phytoestrogen supplements may carry with them the same risks of estrogen supplements](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3074428/). For advice, you may want to do some research and consider expert advice.\n\nA safer alternative would be to add foods containing safe doses of phytoestrogens to your diet in slightly larger amounts. Chances are, you’ve been eating phytoestrogen-rich foods like broccoli, carrots, beans, peas, peanuts, oranges, tofu, tempeh, miso and soy milk all of your life! Red clover, green and black teas and coffee are phytoestrogen-rich too and easy to incorporate into your diet. These small changes can have big benefits. Give them a try!\n\n### Entering Menopause\nAfter perimenopause comes [menopause, complete with hot flashes](https://hellomd.com/articles/womens-health-and-marijuana-pms-dysmenorrhea-and-menopause/), mood swings, insomnia, pain, low libido, weight gain, fatigue, osteoporosis and anxiety. Due to a history of shame around aging and menopause there has been a lack of education (among girlfriends, family members and even the medical community!) that can add to this anxiety. While they won’t cure hot flashes, pain or insomnia, [books](https://www.amazon.com/Moody-Bitches-Taking-Missing-Having/dp/0143107909/), [lectures](https://www.ted.com/search?q=menopause) and other forms of education may relieve anxiety and remind you that this phase of life is experienced by every biological woman with the privilege of making it to middle age.\n\nFor the things that education can’t calm, there’s always plant medicine!\n\n### Cannabis for Menopause\nThe use of cannabis helps relieve menopause symptoms in the same ways it helps relieve symptoms of perimenopause. This is for all the reasons explored above, only more so. Hot flashes that were occasional during perimenopause may become a more regular occurrence. Vaginal dryness that was just inconvenient earlier may cause pain during menopause. As symptoms change, it can be beneficial to tweak your cannabis use to suit. Whether it means increasing THC levels to combat hot flashes or trying an indica strain to enhance intimacy, help can be just a toke, gummy or vape away.\n\n### Hot Flashes and Menopause\n During menopause [anandamide,](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41401-018-0075-x#:~:text=Anandamide%20is%20a%20lipid%20mediator,psychoactive%20ingredient%20in%20Cannabis%20sativa.) a temperature-regulating neurotransmitter made by the body, decreases. It is thought that this is one of the reasons women experience [hot flashes during menopause.](https://hellomd.com/articles/can-cannabis-help-with-hot-flashes/) Cannabis doesn’t contain anandamide, but it does contain THC which binds to the same heat-regulating receptors. [Research shows that increasing THC doses can relieve hot flashes by having a cooling effect on the body.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12052044/).  Ann Arbor’s [Bloom City Club](https://www.bloomcityclub.com/about-us/) suggests taking “a few small draws on a cannabis vape pen is a discreet way to manage the onset of hot flashes.” But you should experiment to see what works best for you.\n\nBonus: Anandamide can also increase feelings of happiness or bliss. That may be the sexiest thing to happen to menopause since [Claire Underwood took a moment to cool her hot flash]( https://maryguiden.com/2013/05/12/claire-the-refrigerator-and-the-heat/)by the freezer. \n\n### Hormone Driven Weight Gain \nLike THC and CBD, [THCV](https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/what-is-thcv-and-what-are-the-benefits-of-this-cannabinoid) is a cannabinoid found in cannabis. It’s superpower when it comes to menopausal weight gain is its ability to suppress appetite. Bloom City Club recommends craft cannabis strains and cartridges like [Durban Poison](https://www.leafly.com/strains/durban-poison), [XJ-13](https://www.leafly.com/search?q=xj-13&searchCategory=strain/) , and [Blue Dream](https://www.leafly.com/strains/blue-dream) as go-to sources of THCV.\n\n### Headaches from Hormones\nHormonal fluctuations can cause intense headaches. Lucky for you, cannabis can bring intense relief. A [recent study published in the Journal of Pain](https://www.jpain.org/article/S1526-5900(19)30848-X/fulltext) found that the severity of headaches was decreased by 50% for women who used cannabis. The study also found that cannabis concentrates appeared to offer more significant relief than whole plant preparations.. There is a [wide range of concentrates on the market today.](https://urbnleaf.com/blog/concentrates-101-a-quick-breakdown-for-710/) Whether you try dabbing a bit of concentrate through a dab rig, e-ri or vaporizer or add a little resin to your bowl, it’s important to remember that concentrates are more powerful than flower. Start low and slow and proceed gently until you find a solution that works for you.\n\n### Vaginal Dryness from Menopause\nTaking cannabis in the usual ways is widely known to support arousal, feelings of love and relaxation. This can go a long way toward easing vaginal dryness and supporting sexual pleasure. Other alternatives include [microdosing cannabis](https://hellomd.com/articles/microdosing-cannabis-for-a-more-blissful-menopause/) with an arousal focused product like [1906 Love Drops or Chocolates](https://1906newhighs.com/products/love/), using a cannabis-infused lubricant like [Foria](https://hellomd.com/articles/foria-on-the-hellomd-set/) or an intimate oil like [Night Moves from Quim](https://itsquim.com/product/night-moves/). If you live outside California or in an area where cannabis is not yet legally sold, try Quim’s CBD-infused [Smooth Operator](https://itsquim.com/shop/) or Happy Clam which is billed as an “eye cream for your vagina.” All three topical products are focused on relaxation, moisturization and lubrication that can make sex more pleasurable for all involved--even those not yet in menopause!\n\n### Menopause and Osteoporosis \nA recent study reveals that [cannabis can help prevent osteoperosis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12052044/) and is shown to stimulate bone formation and protect against age-related bone loss. What a great way to guard against frailty and injury. It’s certainly more fun than broccoli or milk. \n\n### Supplements to Ease the Transition\nThere are as many supplements and herbal remedies for menopause as there are grains of sand on the beach. Dipping your toes in this market can be daunting at best. Whether you look for a single-ingredient supplement or a multi-ingredient product formulated to address a range of symptoms, you’ll benefit from knowing some of the more tried and true vitamins, herbs and plants to try.\n\nThe [Mayo Clinic’s recommendations](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hot-flashes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352795) include plant estrogens like soy, which may reduce hot flashes and other symptoms, ginseng which may help stabilize mood and [promote healthy sleep patterns](https://hellomd.com/articles/how-cannabis-helped-solve-my-menopause-induced-insomnia/) and vitamin E which can offer some relief from mild hot flashes. St. John’s Wort is a popular herbal remedy shown to even mood swings that may come with menopause. \n\nIf you want to take things to the next level, consider Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy.\n\n### Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)\n[BHRT uses hormones derived from plants to work with the endocannabinoid system to reduce the symptoms of menopause.](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/natural-hormone-replacements#definition) The goal is to replace the naturally decreasing hormones with plant-derived hormones so that the system is supported in working as it did before. These hormones include [estriol: a weaker form of estrogen](https://www.hormone.org/your-health-and-hormones/glands-and-hormones-a-to-z/hormones/estradiol); [progesterone: associated with menstruation cycles and pregnancy](https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-760/progesterone); [dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): a hormone that supports production of estrogen and testosterone](https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-dhea/art-20364199); and [melatonin: which helps regulate the sleep cycle.](https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-940/melatonin) BHRT medications are available in the form of [(FDA)-approved medications](https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/fda-approved-bioidentical-hormones-for-menopausal-symptoms) or as [custom-compounded BHRT medications,](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28509626/) which can be tailored by your doctor to suit your needs. Both sources offer medications in the form of [pills, creams, gels, sprays, and vaginal inserts.](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15660-bioidentical-hormones)\n\nIn recent years BHRT has become quite popular. The [North American Menopause Society (NAMS) reports](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15660-bioidentical-hormones) that about 1.4 million women are using BHRT and that 40% of those women are in menopause. BHRT comes with risk of some side effects like weight gain, blurred vision, facial hair, tiredness, acne, bloating and even bleeding, but these side effects sometimes disappear after the first few doses. Charting pros and cons, listening to your body and working with a professional can help you find solutions that work for you.\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana) post. HelloMD can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5873015873015872,"src":"/static/57cb4c7f43ce97fea03189ac082abfd8/ee604/342d259cd1759c7a155683774b33eb00.png","srcSet":"/static/57cb4c7f43ce97fea03189ac082abfd8/69585/342d259cd1759c7a155683774b33eb00.png 200w,\n/static/57cb4c7f43ce97fea03189ac082abfd8/497c6/342d259cd1759c7a155683774b33eb00.png 400w,\n/static/57cb4c7f43ce97fea03189ac082abfd8/ee604/342d259cd1759c7a155683774b33eb00.png 800w,\n/static/57cb4c7f43ce97fea03189ac082abfd8/8ed91/342d259cd1759c7a155683774b33eb00.png 1115w","srcWebp":"/static/57cb4c7f43ce97fea03189ac082abfd8/58556/342d259cd1759c7a155683774b33eb00.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/57cb4c7f43ce97fea03189ac082abfd8/61e93/342d259cd1759c7a155683774b33eb00.webp 200w,\n/static/57cb4c7f43ce97fea03189ac082abfd8/1f5c5/342d259cd1759c7a155683774b33eb00.webp 400w,\n/static/57cb4c7f43ce97fea03189ac082abfd8/58556/342d259cd1759c7a155683774b33eb00.webp 800w,\n/static/57cb4c7f43ce97fea03189ac082abfd8/ac735/342d259cd1759c7a155683774b33eb00.webp 1115w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3646-markdown","title":"DIY Recipe: A Cannabis-Infused Trail Mix for Outdoor Workouts","slug":"diy-recipe-a-cannabis-infused-trail-mix-for-outdoor-workouts","content":"Spring is here, and for many people, warmer days bring a welcome return to outdoor activities after the dark days of winter.  While COVID-19 still casts a long shadow over most aspects of daily life, getting outside and spending time in nature remains one of the best ways to stay safe—and healthy. Whether you’re hiking, cycling, or just enjoying time in your favorite park, a cannabis-infused trail mix is a tasty bring-along treat. If working out is part of your routine, recent research shows that cannabis provides [a long list of benefits](https://lightshade.com/cannabis-secret-enhanced-athletic-performance-recovery/), including athletic recovery. \n### Cannabis: Your New Workout Partner?\n\nThe various compounds and terpenes in strains of the cannabis plant create numerous benefits for both the body and brain. Our bodies are home to a wide-ranging network of cell receptors called the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. The ECS responds to natural cannabinoids we internally produce and those found in cannabis, such as CBD (cannabidiol), and THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol). The ECS is a relatively recent discovery, and researchers are still working to understand its many functions. But numerous studies have shown that the ECS plays a crucial role in regulating pain, moderating mood, boosting immune functioning, and much more. Because ECS receptors throughout the body respond to CBD, THC, and other cannabis compounds, consuming cannabis in its many forms can help to relieve pain, boost mood and reduce the symptoms of many health conditions. And for the same reasons, it can make workouts and other physical activities more productive and less painful.\n\nWhether you’re an elite athlete, a serious trainer, or simply someone who wants to stay fit, [research reveals](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6116792/) that cannabis, especially the non-psychoactive CBD, can offer multiple [benefits](https://onbetterliving.com/cbd-for-sports-recovery/) that include:\n\n- Relieving post-workout pain and soreness.  \n- Promoting relaxation and better sleep\n- Reducing inflammation and muscle spasms\n- Supporting cardiovascular health\n\nSome studies also suggest that CBD also has anti-catabolic properties, so that it can help to reduce the breakdown of muscle tissue and boost muscle mass.  The benefits of cannabis may come from smoking, vaping, and even topical applications in creams, tinctures, and lotions. But cannabis edibles combine the power of the plant with the nutritional benefits of foods—and cannabis-infused trail mix blends your favorite cannabis strains with protein, fiber, and healthy carbs in a quick and healthy snack for your next outdoor adventure.\n\n### Making a Cannabis Infused Trail Mix\n\nAlso known as gorp or scroggin, [trail mix](https://goop.com/recipes/goop-gorp/) is a handy, nutritious blend of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and even a bit of chocolate. Some trail mix recipes require simply mixing all ingredients, while others involve baking them. In general, though, an essential trail mix blend should include:\n\n**Nuts**: peanuts, almonds, pistachios, cashews or a mix of any other nuts, roasted, salted or raw\n\n**Seeds**: sunflower, pumpkin or other seeds for fiber, minerals and vitamins\n\n**Dried fruits**: raisins, berries such as cranberries and blueberries, and other dried fruits such as apples or bananas\n\n**Spices to taste**: a sweet trail mix might include cinnamon or cardamom. For a spicier one, add pepper, chile powder or cumin.\n\nSome trail mix recipes also include some form of chocolate, such as chocolate, cacao nibs or powder, carob chips, or M&Ms. The recipe options are virtually endless, with variations including things like crunchy cereals or pretzel sticks. Trail mixes are customized to your taste. Combine them in the proportions you like best and the quantity you need, whether it’s a small bag for one or a large bowl for a group of friends.\n\n![Screen Shot 2021-03-30 at 1.16.47 PM.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_03_30_at_1_16_47_PM_f95c5d44d5.png)\n\n\n### Adding Cannabis to Basic Trail Mix\n\nThe simplest way to make cannabis-infused trail mix is to include a cannabis edible in your ingredients list.  Cannabis chocolates or gummies make it easy to add various cannabis strains to any basic trail mix recipe.  Mix a few cannabis-infused chocolates with other sweets to get precisely the cannabis effects you want. Another way to add the effects of any cannabis strain you like is by coating trail mix ingredients with a [cannabis-infused oil](https://video.vice.com/en_us/video/smokeables-how-to-make-weed-infused-trail-mix-weedweek2017/58e40951eae7374076f583a4) or butter.  \n\nDrizzle cannabis oil or melted [cannabutter](https://www.bonappetit.com/story/a-beginners-guide-to-making-weed-butter) over a bowlful of your favorite trail mix ingredients and stir thoroughly to coat them evenly. For [baked recipes](https://theweedblog.com/cooking/marijuana-recipes/how-to-make-marijuana-trail-mix), spread trail mix ingredients on a cookie sheet and cover them with a light coating of cannabis-infused oil or butter before baking.\n\n### Our Favorite DIY Cannabis Trail Mix\n\nThis is as simple as can be. Take all of the ingredients, mix them together, and \"Oila!\", you have your trail mix to-go.\n\n**Ingredients**\n\n- 1 cup unsalted cashews\n- 1/2 cup salted peanuts\n- 1/2 cup dried cranberries\n- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (Bob's Red Mills)\n- 1/2 cup blueberry granola\n- 2 cups rice Chex cereal mix\n- 1 low dose cannabis chocolate bar between 5-10 mg of THC\n\nWe like to keep our trail mix low dose, when it comes to THC, but this is a matter of preference. Your chocolate bar could also be a mix of CBD and THC. With a large knife, chop the chocolate bar into small chunks. Mix all of the ingredients together and there you have our favorite cannabis-infused trail mix.\n\nCannabis-infused trail mix can be made with all kinds of cannabis strains, so you can customize it to get just about any effect you’re looking for. Commercially prepared cannabis edibles come in a variety of strains as well as flavors, with varying proportions of THC, CBD and other compounds.   Many recipes for homemade cannabis infused oils or butters are available, and they can be tailored to any taste. Springtime is a time for getting outside and getting moving again, and cannabis can help.  An easy to make cannabis-infused trail mix can elevate your outdoor activities – and make it easier to recover at the end of the day.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/686a4a9635fe28a02515f5dee0661881/ee604/e277f66dfbf4adf4c6699d43cc171832.png","srcSet":"/static/686a4a9635fe28a02515f5dee0661881/69585/e277f66dfbf4adf4c6699d43cc171832.png 200w,\n/static/686a4a9635fe28a02515f5dee0661881/497c6/e277f66dfbf4adf4c6699d43cc171832.png 400w,\n/static/686a4a9635fe28a02515f5dee0661881/ee604/e277f66dfbf4adf4c6699d43cc171832.png 800w,\n/static/686a4a9635fe28a02515f5dee0661881/42c55/e277f66dfbf4adf4c6699d43cc171832.png 974w","srcWebp":"/static/686a4a9635fe28a02515f5dee0661881/58556/e277f66dfbf4adf4c6699d43cc171832.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/686a4a9635fe28a02515f5dee0661881/61e93/e277f66dfbf4adf4c6699d43cc171832.webp 200w,\n/static/686a4a9635fe28a02515f5dee0661881/1f5c5/e277f66dfbf4adf4c6699d43cc171832.webp 400w,\n/static/686a4a9635fe28a02515f5dee0661881/58556/e277f66dfbf4adf4c6699d43cc171832.webp 800w,\n/static/686a4a9635fe28a02515f5dee0661881/fccb4/e277f66dfbf4adf4c6699d43cc171832.webp 974w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3640-markdown","title":"Plant Medicine: What Is It & Why Is It So Popular?","slug":"plant-medicine-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-so-popular","content":"### Everything old is new again\nIn a time when science and medicine are making such remarkable advances, it can seem counterintuitive that so many people are drawn to plant medicine. There are many reasons for this. Some are attracted by the idea of living a [plant-based life](https://www.forksoverknives.com/how-tos/plant-based-primer-beginners-guide-starting-plant-based-diet/) and are drawn to the opportunity to use whole and organic plants. Others find appeal in side-stepping a medical system that is overwhelming, expensive, prescriptive, and not always effective. Others find centuries of successful practices all the evidence they need--but it’s not all the evidence there is.\n\nThe western medical and psychiatric community is discovering what indigenous people have known for generations: plant medicine is powerful medicine. Studies confirm that plants can provide powerful therapy for cancer patients facing end-of-life issues, people struggling to access and process repressed memories, those with severe PTSD and even relatively healthy people who just want to increase their ability to focus during the work day.\n\nIf this sounds too left-of-center and you’re thinking that you’d prefer the latest pharmaceuticals over ancient plant medicines, remember: many of our most trusted conventional medications come from plants.\n\n### What is Plant Medicine\nMany medicines are made from plants. Valium is from the [valerian root.](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/valerian-root) Aspirin is from [willow bark.](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bjh.14520) Morphine, opium, and codeine are from [poppies.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1767178/) You could be forgiven for thinking that almost all medicine is in some way plant medicine, but the term “plant medicine” is used to refer to plants that have medicinal properties in their natural form. There are lots of them!\n\nThe world of plant medicine includes everything from familiar kitchen plants like ginseng, shiitake, and turmeric to psychoactive plants like cannabis, psilocybin mushrooms, and the mixture of caapi (Banisteriopsis Caapi) and chacruna (Psychotria Viridis) used to brew ayahuasca. While the effects they give can be very different they have one thing in common: they offer opportunities for physical, psychological, and even spiritual healing. \n\n### Cannabis\nAfter common kitchen plants, cannabis is likely the plant medicine with which you are most familiar. It has pride of place in American popular culture and is legal and readily available in many states. It may be best known as a recreational psychoactive that gives people a feeling of euphoria, an altered state of mind, a distorted sense of time, and [a case of the munchies.](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/555828/bong-appetit-by-editors-of-munchies/) This is true, but it’s far from the whole truth.\n\nIn recent decades medical cannabis has come to full flower as a measurably effective and highly versatile therapeutic drug. Medical cannabis is the same plant as recreational cannabis and is consumed in all the expected ways. \n\nPeople diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Multiple Sclerosis, Epilepsy, Crohn's Disease, Glaucoma, Cancer and HIV/AIDS have had significant improvements in their symptoms and side effects after using medical cannabis.There is also a [growing body of study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6966847/) supporting the idea that medical cannabis can be useful in treating a range of psychological disorders including ADHD, PTSD, social anxiety and depression.\n\nThis is great news if faced with big challenges, but it’s great news when faced with smaller challenges too.  Brands like [1906](https://1906newhighs.com/) offer “finely tuned combinations of select cannabis strains, with potent plant medicines” to create “highly functional formulas that help you do all the life stuff better.”  \n\n### Psilocybin Mushrooms\n\nPsilocybin, commonly known as magic mushrooms or ‘shrooms, contain a psychoactive substance that causes changes in perception, emotional shifts, visual distortions (halos, patterns, tracers), and an amplified sense of wonder and delight. \n\nLike cannabis, psilocybin mushrooms are recognized throughout popular culture as a popular recreational and medicinal drug. As with cannabis, recent studies and indigenous wisdom tell us this is only the beginning of the benefits. \n\nThere is a growing body of evidence that psilocybin is useful in treating psychiatric conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder, addiction, and depression, including end-of-life psychological issues. [“The general idea;\"](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/benefits-of-medical-mushrooms#The-state-of-psilocybin-research-) explains Dr. Matthew Johnson, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, “is that the nature of these disorders is a narrowed mental and behavioral repertoire. So, [psilocybin] in well-orchestrated sessions [has] the ability to essentially shake someone out of their routine to give a glimpse of a larger picture and create a mental plasticity with which people can step outside of those problems” While the psilocybin experience lasts only a few hours, the benefits appear to be extraordinarily long-lasting. \n\n[A 2020 study](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2772630) followed patients who were given two doses of psilocybin within a two-week period. 67% of the participants exhibited a more than 50% reduction in depression after only one week.  At the four-week mark, 71% of the patients exhibited a reduction in depression.  54% of those patients experienced such improvement that they were no longer diagnosed as depressed. “The magnitude of the effect we saw was about four times larger than what clinical trials have shown for traditional antidepressants on the market,” says [Alan Davis, PhD.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBy8lRuZDRI) \n\n[Cancer patients benefit from psilocybin, too.](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/210962)  “There’ve been some [promising preliminary results](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0269881116675513) in the treatment of overwhelming existential anxiety in people who are facing the end of life, who have diagnoses of advanced-stage cancer,” says Dr. Charles Grob, in a [Healthline interview.](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/benefits-of-medical-mushrooms#Will-psilocybin-ever-be-approved-by-the-FDA?) Even [a single dose can have a dramatic and lasting positive effect that can ease the load for patients, and those who love them, during of life’s most difficult journeys.](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0269881116675513).\n\nYou don’t have to have lots of stress, or even lots of psilocybin, to benefit from this plant medicine.  Many healthy adults [microdose psilocybin in order to enhance their general sense of wellness.](https://thethirdwave.co/microdosing/) Taking a dose as small as 0.2-0.5 mg is not enough to cause an altered state of consciousness. (An experience like this would require a dose of 1-2.5 grams.) In fact, the psychoactive effects of the drug are barely, and often not at all, perceptible.  \n\n[Microdosers are more likely to notice an increased sense of happiness, creativity, focus, self-efficacy, motivation, social benefits](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6617883/)  and a lessening in feelings of [anxiety and depression.](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2045125320950567)\n\nWhile research is still in the early stages, current findings are encouraging and there is no evidence of negative side effects. Psilocybin is [known to be safe for the body](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14615876/) and not addictive. Because tolerance to psilocybin builds quickly, thus diminishing the effects experienced by the user, it is not likely to become habit-forming for pleasure, either. They’re safe for the planet too.[It takes little land, water or energy to grow mushrooms.](https://ecfes.net/science/psilocybe-mushroom-microdosing-is-an-eco-friendly-therapy-backed-by-science/) When benefits so outweigh the costs, it’s a trip worth taking.\n\n### Ayahuasca\nAyahuasca is a thick, sludgy and bitter tea made from caapi vine (Banisteriopsis Caapi) and chacruna leaf (Psychotria Viridis). The plants, and the tea, are native to the Amazon where they were used by shamans in group ceremonies focused on social cohesion and intimate ceremonies for healing, divination and shamanic journeying. Many still seek out [ayahuasca ceremonies for personal and spiritual exploration.](https://hellomd.com/articles/how-ayahuasca-may-create-more-meaning-and-purpose-in-your-life-and-stop-depression)  \n\nResponses to ayahuasca are dramatic to the point of life-altering and include a host of physical and psychological effects.  [Physical effects include](https://thethirdwave.co/psychedelics/ayahuasca/) vomiting, hallucination, tingling, change in perception of body temperature, skin sensitivity, sensitivity to sound and touch. The psychological effects are more significant and the major area of interest when it comes to ayahuasca. They include improved personal insight, recovery of repressed memories and intensified memories of recent events as well as an [intense feeling of connectedness and enhanced sense of compassion.](https://www.laweekly.com/ayahuasca-can-change-your-life-as-long-as-youre-willing-to-puke-your-guts-out/)\n\nAnecdotally, to many people who have consumed the substance, it seems particularly useful in the treatment of [PTSD.](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/30/world/americas/psychedelics-therapy-war-stress.html) One use of ayahuasca has been described as [having 10 years of therapy packed in a single night](https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/15/fashion/ayahuasca-a-strong-cup-of-tea.html)  and science would seem to support this. \n\nThe church of the [Uniao do Vegetal (Union of the plant)](https://udvusa.org/) drinks this tea in an act of communion. The congregations, which include many people who have experienced addiction, domestic violence, PTSD and other types of trauma, say that they have found lasting improvement as a result of both the community and the tea. \nCommunity is central to having a healthy ayahuasca experience according to experts.  Whether you take the tea with a group or in the company of an experienced guide, it is important that you do not do it alone. The reasons for this are both traditional and practical. It is useful to have a trustworthy spiritual, psychological and physical protector when you are in such a vulnerable state. \n\nRecent studies show that ayahuasca [has rapid antidepressant effects](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/psychological-medicine/article/rapid-antidepressant-effects-of-the-psychedelic-ayahuasca-in-treatmentresistant-depression-a-randomized-placebocontrolled-trial/E67A8A4BBE4F5F14DE8552DB9A0CBC97) , and that long-term use may help reduce [serotonin deficiencies which are suspected to be at the heart of alcoholism, depression, autism, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and senile dementia ](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0163725804000464?via%3Dihub.)\n\nIf you are interested in trying ayahuasca, you will need to do research. It is currently illegal in the United States, except where allowed for religious purposes. The best way is to [find a reputable guide or retreat.](https://thethirdwave.co/retreats/ayahuasca/) You may find leads, [reviews,](https://www.vox.com/first-person/2018/2/19/16739386/ayahuasca-retreat-psychedelic-hallucination-meditation) and [videos](https://www.ayahuascafoundation.org/reviews/other-videos/ayahuasca-documentaries/)online. \n\n### Adaptogens\nIf ayahuasca is too wild, start with something more mild: adaptogens! These herbs, roots, fungi and leaves are non-psychoactive plant medicines that can help the body resist stress of all kinds. Examples include [Tulsi Basil](https://www.pharmaca.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=tulsi) which can reduce stress, anxiety and inflammation, [Reishi Mushrooms](https://www.pharmaca.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=reishi) which can improve sleep and reduce stress, [Turmeric](https://www.pharmaca.com/vitamins-supplements/herbal-supplements/individual-herbs/turmeric-curcumin) which has anti-inflammatory properties, and [Licorice](https://www.pharmaca.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=licorice) which amps up energy and endurance. \n\nAdaptogens have been used therapeutically for centuries and recognized by this name since the 1950s, but exciting things happen as a new generation explores plant medicine and finds new ways to incorporate them into a modern lifestyle. \n\n[MUD\\WTR](https://mudwtr.com/) for instance, offers a coffee substitute “consisting of organic ingredients lauded by cultures old and young...with 1/7th the caffeine of coffee and a blend of adaptogenic mushrooms the drink promises to give you “natural energy, focus and more without the jitters and crash.” \n\nSimilarly, boutique beauty and wellness brand, [Moon Juice](https://moonjuice.com/) offers adaptogenic supplements like [SuperYou](https://moonjuice.com/products/superyou) “a clinical strength blend of four potent adaptogenic herbs that help regulate cortisol to reduce the effects of stress.” They also offer a range of [Moon Dusts](https://moonjuice.com/pages/supplements#moon-dusts) which they describe as “alchemical blends of adaptogens, superherbs, supermushrooms and minerals designed to enhance your being throughout the day.\n\n### Functional Medicine\nIf the idea of plant medicine appeals but you’re not sure where to start, partnering with a Functional Medicine practitioner may open some doors.  According to Dr. Robin Berzin, founder and CEO of [Parsley Health,](https://www.parsleyhealth.com/) functional medicine, which utilizes both conventional and alternative forms of medicine, looks “at the body as an intelligent organism that can heal itself given the right support. \n\n“ This means optimizing food, identifying simple ways to change your lifestyle and using proven, plant-based supplements that can help you feel better now and prevent disease down the road.”  While a practitioner of Functional Medicine may be more likely to prescribe plant-based supplements and adaptogens, their open-minded approach and dedication to patient-practitioner partnership may leave them more open to treatment options like cannabis, psilocybin and even ayahuasca. \n\nWhether or not they are receptive it’s important to remember that you know your body and mind best and that you are your own most powerful advocate. If your own instinct, curiosity and research lead you to believe that plant medicine holds an answer for you, explore your options. Both ancient wisdom and modern science share your belief in the powerful potential of plant medicine.\n\n \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/c6f5afd0078886b4f89ca57d0da76a05/ee604/55ce28dc6a17d31f3f5d25b15a9e8481.png","srcSet":"/static/c6f5afd0078886b4f89ca57d0da76a05/69585/55ce28dc6a17d31f3f5d25b15a9e8481.png 200w,\n/static/c6f5afd0078886b4f89ca57d0da76a05/497c6/55ce28dc6a17d31f3f5d25b15a9e8481.png 400w,\n/static/c6f5afd0078886b4f89ca57d0da76a05/ee604/55ce28dc6a17d31f3f5d25b15a9e8481.png 800w,\n/static/c6f5afd0078886b4f89ca57d0da76a05/f3583/55ce28dc6a17d31f3f5d25b15a9e8481.png 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/c6f5afd0078886b4f89ca57d0da76a05/58556/55ce28dc6a17d31f3f5d25b15a9e8481.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c6f5afd0078886b4f89ca57d0da76a05/61e93/55ce28dc6a17d31f3f5d25b15a9e8481.webp 200w,\n/static/c6f5afd0078886b4f89ca57d0da76a05/1f5c5/55ce28dc6a17d31f3f5d25b15a9e8481.webp 400w,\n/static/c6f5afd0078886b4f89ca57d0da76a05/58556/55ce28dc6a17d31f3f5d25b15a9e8481.webp 800w,\n/static/c6f5afd0078886b4f89ca57d0da76a05/99238/55ce28dc6a17d31f3f5d25b15a9e8481.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3603-markdown","title":"Dreaming of Better Sleep - Cannabis May Help","slug":"dreaming-of-better-sleep-cannabis-may-help","content":"Sleep is a non-negotiable. It’s as necessary to health and happiness as food, water, and exercise. It’s not surprising then, that when we don’t get enough sleep it can feel like our whole world has been turned upside down. In this article, we’ll take a look at [common sleep disorders](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000800.htm), some simple changes you can make at home to improve your sleep, supplements and drugs you can take to support better sleep, and last (but certainly not least) some exciting new technology that can support healthy sleep in a variety of ways.\n\n### What is Healthy Sleep?\n\n![What does healthy sleep look like?](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_12_26_at_6_12_47_PM_108495d9b6.png)\n\nDuring healthy sleep, our brains cycle through five stages: stage 1, 2, 3, 4, and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. According to [an article published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine,](https://medlineplus.gov/healthysleep.html) each phase performs processes that lead to the following benefits: \n\n- Feeling well-rested and energetic the next day\n- Having the ability to learn information, gather insights, and form memories\n- The opportunity to rest your heart and vascular system \n- Release of growth hormones, which help children grow and boost muscle mass in adults.\n- Release of sex hormones, which contribute to development and fertility\n\nThe production of cytokines (hormones that help the immune system)  can fight infections and help us stay healthy.\nThe article specifies that you need all 5 phases of sleep to get these benefits and that going through these phases takes time. \n\n### How Much Sleep Do You Need?\n\nThe National Sleep Foundation tells us that [“healthy adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need)  . Babies, young children, and teens need even more sleep to enable their growth and development. People over 65 should also get 7 to 8 hours per night.”\n\n![Older people may sleep less but still need as much as younger people.](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_12_26_at_6_14_09_PM_454522d445.png)\n\nIf these guidelines don’t sound right for your personal needs, you might [consider trying this experiment offered in the New York Times’ WELL section .](https://www.nytimes.com/guides/well/how-to-sleep)\n\n- Find a span of about two weeks when you do not need to wake up at a specific time. (We know, it sounds impossible. Maybe on a vacation?)\n- Turn your alarm clock off.\n- Go to bed at the same time each night.\n- Record what time you wake up each morning.  Using a [sleep diary](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sleep-tracking-app/) can help you see patterns and identify problems and possible solutions.\n\nWhen the two weeks are over, review your results.  The article suggests that you may see longer sleep times the first few days, but the times should begin to level out and reveal the amount of sleep your body needs naturally.\n\n![Having good sleep hygiene and falling asleep on time can help you sleep better. ](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_12_26_at_6_15_53_PM_393635e798.png)\n\nOnce you know that, you can adjust your bedtime to give you the desired amount of sleep before waking. You may find that you don’t need an alarm clock at all. \n\nHaving routines when it comes to sleep and waking can really improve your ability to fall asleep at night. In fact, when it comes to sleep, the more routine the better!  Having set mealtimes, workout times, and so on, can really help your body settle into some healthy patterns that encourage good sleep. It’s one of many habits that can help you sleep better.\n\n### Common Sleep Disorders\n\nSleep disorders are conditions that keep you from getting healthy sleep even under the best of conditions. They are different from conditions like heart disease, lung disease, mental illness, and chronic pain, which obstruct or make sleep difficult. \n\nSleep disorders are conditions in and of themselves:\n\n- [Insomnia](https://medlineplus.gov/insomnia.html) - the inability to fall asleep and stay asleep\n- [Sleep apnea](https://medlineplus.gov/sleepapnea.html) - a condition where you stop breathing for 10 seconds or more (often multiple times a night!) during sleep\n- [Restless leg syndrome (RLS)](https://medlineplus.gov/restlesslegs.html) - a condition where your legs feel tingly, pin-prick sensations and a powerful urge to move during the night\n- [Hypersomnia](https://www.hypersomniafoundation.org) - Uncontrollable sleeping during the day, including [narcolepsy.](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcolepsy/symptoms-causes/syc-20375497) Rather than giving you restful sleep, it causes extreme sleepiness during the day.\n- [Circadian rhythm disorders](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12115-circadian-rhythm-disorders) - problems sleeping and waking at the right times.\n- [Parasomnia](https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/parasomnias) - sleeping, talking, eating, walking or doing other activities in your sleep. This can also include more common conditions like [night terrors,](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-terrors/symptoms-causes/syc-20353524) [sleep paralysis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_paralysis) and [bedwetting].\n\n![Talk with your doctor if you are having sleep issues.](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_12_26_at_6_17_48_PM_9843990369.png)\n\nYour health practitioner may be able to support you in diagnosing these sleep disorders. Although a conversation with your doctor may not be all it takes to solve your sleep problems, it can certainly help. Sleep apnea, for instance, can be fairly well managed with a medical device, like a [CPAP](https://www.aastweb.org/blog/what-is-cpap-continuous-positive-airway-pressure-therapy) or an [APAP](https://www.resmed.com/en-us/sleep-apnea/sleep-blog/what-is-apap-and-how-is-it-different-than-cpap/)   \n\n### Cannabinoids in Cannabis: THC, CBD & CBN\n\nIn a recent article, the [Community for Sleep-Care  Professionals](https://www.aastweb.org/blog/medical-marijuanas-effect-on-sleep) says, “It is a universally acknowledged truth that marijuana can make you sleepy.” They felt most comfortable recommending cannabis when sleep is disturbed by depression, anxiety, PTSD or chronic pain. However, they qualified this by saying they were not yet sure of the effect cannabis has on the quality of one’s sleep. \n\n![Cannabis flower can help you sleep at night.](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_12_25_at_11_56_31_AM_30b1188f1f.png)\n\nCannabis works by triggering receptors in our endocannabinoid systems. These triggers help regulate hormones, immunity, pain, hunger and (You guessed it!) sleep! \n\nThere are several reasons that cannabis can help with a good night's sleep and the secret is in the cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis Sativa plant (marijuana), which help cause medicinal and therapeutic effects. Three of the cannabinoids that are well-known for inducing a sleep-filled night are THC, CBD, and now, CBN.\n\nTHC is the psychoactive cannabinoid prized for the euphoric feeling you get when you ingest cannabis. CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid sought for its relaxing, anti-anxiety, and other therapeutic benefits. CBN, a lesser-known cannabinoid, is now prized for its sleep-inducing effects.\n\n![Cannabinoid molecules from the cannabis plant](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_12_26_at_6_20_04_PM_4af38db9aa.png)\n\nSo why not skip the high and go for the relaxing, sleep-friendly benefits of CBD?  Two reasons. First, CBD does relax and relieve anxiety, but there is some evidence that too much CBD may actually spark feelings of wakefulness. However, this depends on how your body reacts to CBD, some people find that taking a high CBD edible or vaping before bed helps them relax into a deeper slumber.\n\nTHC, on the other hand, has been shown to cause users to sleep longer and [may increase in slow-wave sleep, an essential aspect of cerebral restoration and recovery.](https://www.aastweb.org/blog/medical-marijuanas-effect-on-sleep).  So if you’re looking for more, quality sleep, look for an Indica-dominant (sleep-friendly) cannabis product with both THC and CBD.  \n\nCBN, is often associated with THC products that have aged over time. Overexposure to light, and time, can convert some juicy flower (or even an edible) from an energizing boost into a couch-lock coma. However, the research that backs THC and CBD as a sleep aid, just isn't there for CBN. That said, people within the cannabis industry have been touting CBN as the go-to for a restful night for decades. For now, the jury is out. \n\n### What Do I Purchase to Sleep Better?\n\nFinding what works for you is an individual process. Not only may different cannabinoids, such as THC, CBD, and CBN work differently in your system, the type of consumption method and the product itself may vary in results. We often suggest taking the time to try a variety of consumption methods - vaping, edibles, gel caps, etc., and trying different brands, until you find what works best for you. Depending on your dispensary, you may be able to find a product that specializes in sleep and may in fact combine all three cannabinoids discussed above.\n\n![Cannabis can replace alcohol quite nicely.](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_11_30_at_10_48_17_AM_5ed9df608a.png)\n\nBe aware that dosage levels will vary person by person and that you may need to experiment to get the right dose for you. Your best friend may take an edible that is 2mg of THC and she sleeps well through the night, while you may need 10mg for the same effect. If you are new to cannabis, our recommendation is always to go low and go slow, and start with the minimal viable dosage and work up until you find what is right for you. We also suggest talking to a [knowledgeable professional about cannabis practitioner](https://hellomd.com/get-started/) before you start.\n\n### Get Your Medical Document & Purchase Medical Cannabis\n\nIt's easy to get your medical document with the online [Telehealth service HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/). Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and start purchasing medical cannabis today.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAOCAYAAAAvxDzwAAAACXBIWXMAAAsTAAALEwEAmpwYAAAD5UlEQVQ4yx2SaVMTVhSG80/6qXaTWpwpVRRQGEWWohB2GBUImwSXghokTSUgRAo0RJEKKotKMEEBadgSshARkIJl2iJgBwoKyiJlESyddp5e/HbP3Puee973PJIrV3WUXSujpa0NZ08Pc4uL/DryjA6LmZvVN7hdV8vPT5/ybPw5I2NjDA0PY7VbsTns2LvtOB8/EjonFlsX1bXVSB6aTKhzL6JW59Bl78fQ1IHxQTOPevuEwEb3IwcTU1M8n5hkYGiI3v7+9w0bmx9gsZoxGPUkJsnw9/fD3d0dyZPBIfLzL1Gar2R+fJCz8jRi49Iov2WkUFtBYXEJZT9WoMhW0tPXx9zCIiOjo7S2tzIzO4vDYWX/Pi8CA78mNVWO5Kwim5TUNMYGuvjtpzJ8Pb7k3Gk5M3+McCFLxQHfAH7QlREYFIK5y87siz8ZfdqDua2Z+cUlhn8ZJDwslPDwSOLiEpCcU6iYfvmK9Y1NWox1BPgHUKHVsPx7JyWZR1Gq1DQ+NKHVXeNclhKLxcLi6xms5k6mpqd50t9LWKiUmOhYUpJPINGWXmd5bYP5N6vcvdeI/OQZ7KYGXg+3k50aTU5uAbV39Nysuo3qYh6tnTbW1v9hYvIlo2PjtLebiIqM4Pix45wSWkm8TI7d3subpbfc1TdQoClm9tWCEL2jtPQqUVExNNxvRn+vAYWIoKpGz8rqOgtigKGBJxjqqpGGhBAdFY087SSSOFkqmstaVt9uYrY46RATvNv8j6WVdYHGY/z8AlAolBQV69BdvU5bh5XVtb9x2rvpqBe14QZBQUFERkSSEJ+IJCwihrz877F19zH2fArj/RaBg5ONzX/5SzTNFZZ9Dx4iOTmN8yJvq72HpeV1CtRqxoccGKpKCTp8hMuFxaSnn0ZyJCRM2LhLeWW1ALmOekMTZzKyMbXbRK7LApMVmppNBAdLxbSH6bR0Y7U5ySsoet/YIVzIZEmovlOTvpVhYoqcyps13NEbuXKtgqraOvIvF/NN5gXqjU1iw21U3KhBKo0gQcTTYXaQIe4GBoeZfjHHwuIamnwNB30Pkbi15YIiLTrRqLzyFrqy65RX3EIpflPnaSgqufI+ji10MjKzuCTO8pOZPDR1CtQWhP1e9PUNxCfI8PMPJCQ0XHCYreKs4CvjfBbf5uSiUKo4kX6KZAG7LCmFY8fjiYqOIS5eJuo0Wlq7BC6TaAUBh48E4+HpibePNz4+PuzZsxvJjh3b2bXLDS/PvXjv98Rn3152ue3EdcdnfOHyEa4u23Bz/ZhPt31AXGw42pIijkZJcdu5na9cP2Gv2+d47XbBw0283/4h/wOOPwFTIK/qBAAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","aspectRatio":1.4705882352941178,"src":"/static/d05414868ab252e05357324e5b219084/ee604/bf414cbbf19866ba5ec3f1707d29e997.png","srcSet":"/static/d05414868ab252e05357324e5b219084/69585/bf414cbbf19866ba5ec3f1707d29e997.png 200w,\n/static/d05414868ab252e05357324e5b219084/497c6/bf414cbbf19866ba5ec3f1707d29e997.png 400w,\n/static/d05414868ab252e05357324e5b219084/ee604/bf414cbbf19866ba5ec3f1707d29e997.png 800w,\n/static/d05414868ab252e05357324e5b219084/f3583/bf414cbbf19866ba5ec3f1707d29e997.png 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/d05414868ab252e05357324e5b219084/58556/bf414cbbf19866ba5ec3f1707d29e997.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d05414868ab252e05357324e5b219084/61e93/bf414cbbf19866ba5ec3f1707d29e997.webp 200w,\n/static/d05414868ab252e05357324e5b219084/1f5c5/bf414cbbf19866ba5ec3f1707d29e997.webp 400w,\n/static/d05414868ab252e05357324e5b219084/58556/bf414cbbf19866ba5ec3f1707d29e997.webp 800w,\n/static/d05414868ab252e05357324e5b219084/99238/bf414cbbf19866ba5ec3f1707d29e997.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3598-markdown","title":"Alternative and Emerging Treatments for Fibromyalgia - Could One Work for You?","slug":"alternative-and-emerging-treatments-for-fibromyalgia-could-one-work-for-you","content":"### What is Fibromyalgia?\n\nEven though up to [3% of the world’s population experiences fibromyalgia,](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41584-020-00506-w) effective treatment can be maddeningly hard to find. If you’re familiar with the fibromyalgia and the basics of treatment, you may want to go straight to reading about <alternative and emerging therapies for those living with fibromyalgia>  If you have recently been diagnosed or [suspect you have fibromyalgia.](http://images.slideplayer.com/15/4866911/slides/slide_7.jpg) Keep reading. The next few paragraphs can give you a basic lay of the land. \n\nFibromyalgia (FM) is different for everyone, but common symptoms can include [chronic widespread pain,](https://hellomd.com/articles/8-natural-ways-to-combat-chronic-pain) fatigue, sleep alterations, autonomic disturbances, cognitive dysfunction, hypersensitivity to external stimuli, somatic symptoms, and occasionally even psychiatric disorders. Because there is a wide range of possible symptoms and a vexing lack of biomarkers, patients may see a variety of specialists and be handed conflicting opinions before being given a fibromyalgia diagnosis. When that long, frustrating journey ends, another begins: that of finding effective relief.\n\nBecause the root cause of fibromyalgia remains unknown, treatment consists of [individualized and symptom-based plans that draw on a combination of medications and self-care strategies.](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354785)  \n\nCommon medications include over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol and Alieve, antidepressants like Cymbalta and Savella which can help with pain and fatigue, and anti-seizure drugs like Neurontin which can help with certain specific types of pain. \n\nTypical self-care techniques include talk therapy (CBT) which can help with pain and stress management. They may also include physical and occupational therapies focused on reducing physical stress and pain in the body. \n\nFor many, these options leave much to be desired. In fact, a [review of more than 224 clinical trials published in the  Journal of the American Medical Association](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2772354) concluded that “the effectiveness of most therapies for fibromyalgia was not supported.” According to this 2021 study, “Strong evidence supported only cognitive behavioral therapy for pain, as well as antidepressants and central nervous system depressants for pain and quality of life, but these associations were small.” When conventional treatment yields such lackluster results, it’s natural to want to supplement them with alternative and even experimental therapies. \n\n### Alternative and Emerging Therapies for Those Living With Fibromyalgia \n\n### Medical Cannabis\n[Recent study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29461346/) shows that medical cannabis can offer relief from the pain, anxiety, sleeplessness and tension of fibromyalgia with minimal adverse side effects. If you are of age and live in a state where adult-use marijuana is legal, you’ll be able to buy medical cannabis easily at a dispensary near you. In states where marijuana is legal only for medical use, you will need a medical card or other documentation from your doctor to purchase medical cannabis. \n\nIf you’ve experienced marijuana at some point in your life, then you have an idea of what to expect from medical cannabis. Though it is generally given more rigorous testing for purity and potency than recreational cannabis, it is the same plant.\n\nMedical cannabis, like recreational cannabis, contains both [THC (the chemicals that make you feel high)](https://hellomd.com/articles/is-more-thc-better-when-it-comes-to-cannabis-strains) and [CBD (the cannabinoid that help you relax, release tension, manage pain and sleep well).](https://hellomd.com/articles/what-is-cbd-and-how-can-it-help-me) Almost all cannabis is higher in THC than CBD though ratios will vary from strain to strain and product to product.\n\nMedical practitioners may suggest products with a 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD to manage pain. If you’d rather lessen the high you can look for products that are higher in CBD than THC or skip the high altogether with products that contain only CBD. Though, it is worth noting that most patients with chronic pain find that at least some THC is helpful in getting optimal relief. The best way to know what works for you is to try a few options and take note of the results. There are lots of ways to try it.\n\nMedical cannabis can be [consumed](https://hellomd.com/articles/5-ways-other-than-smoking-flower-to-consume-marijuana) as whole plant preparations, edibles, tinctures, gel caps, topicals and more. The budtenders at your dispensary can talk you through your options and help you find products that may suit your needs, although asking a medical cannabis doctor is always preferred. But it’s a good idea for you to [do a little research](https://hellomd.com/articles/3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-fibromyalgia-answered) before you go. If you're new to cannabis, always start with a low amount of THC, and go slow, as they say.\n\nOne of your best resources may well be [others who use medical cannabis to manage their fibromyalgia symptoms.](https://hellomd.com/articles/how-cannabis-eases-my-fibromyalgia-symptoms) If you go to a support group and know [people who use medical cannabis,](https://hellomd.com/articles/fibromyalgia-neuropathy-and-cannabis-adrions-success-story) ask them about their experience. Explore websites, newsletters, blogs and social media groups for first hand experiences with medical cannabis. What worked for others, might work for you too!\n\n### Psychedelics \nIn recent years psychedelics like [psilocybin](https://www.thecut.com/2016/12/psilocybin-research-looks-very-exciting.html) and MDMA (ecstasy) have been used to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other psychiatric disorders. They do this by overriding and rewiring neural networks associated with symptoms like chronic pain.  If you can imagine chronic pain as a sound or video loop, then you can visualize psychedelics as a force that disrupts the loop. For fibromyalgia patients, this translates as a breaking cycle of chronic pain, at least for periods of time.\n\nA [recent article in Practical Pain Management](https://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/treatments/psychological/psychedelics-chronic-pain-it-time) makes that point that though “clinical evidence for the use of psychedelic substances in chronic pain is limited, studies and case reports over the past 50 years have shown potential benefits in cancer pain, phantom limb pain, and cluster headache” which have symptoms and features in common with chronic pain and hold promise for those with fibromyalgia. \n\nIs an effective treatment for chronic pain waiting at the end of the next psychedelics study?  It’s early to tell, but early studies hint that there is potential here. It will be an exciting field to watch in the coming months and years. \n\n### Whole Body Cryotherapy\nA 2021 [article published in Advances in Rhumetology](https://advancesinrheumatology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42358-020-00159-z) claims Whole Body Cryotherapy (Yes, those freezing tanks popping up at all the local gyms, sports rehabilitation centers and spas) is “a fast acting and effective treatment for Fibromyalgia.” According to their study, participants who experienced Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) saw a significant reduction in pain. When it comes to fibromyalgia treatment, that’s the name of the game.\n\nCryotherapy may sound like a space-age technology, but chances are, you’ve already experienced it in some form. Ever put an ice pack on a swollen ankle? That’s cryotherapy!  It works by reducing blood flow to the injured area. This reduces inflammation, swelling and the pain they cause. The ice pack also suppresses nerve activity which can temporarily relieve pain. \n\nAdvocates of WBC claim that it benefits everything from sports injuries to Alzheimer’s Disease. (The FDA, on the other hand, finds [no evidence that it benefits anything at all.)](https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/whole-body-cryotherapy-wbc-cool-trend-lacks-evidence-poses-risks) [Empirical evidence](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3956737/) however, demonstrates that WBC can relieve whole body pain, at least temporarily. According to [an article in the Journal Of Sports Medicine](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3956737/) it does it by suppressing nerve activity, pretty much the same way your trusty ice pack did.\n\nIf you’re interested in incorporating WCB into your treatment plan, it won’t be difficult to find. WBC is widely available in gyms, sports rehabilitation facilities and spas. Experiences vary from place to place, but they generally consist of being in an ultra-cold (minus 200 - minus 300 Fahrenheit) enclosure for 2-4 minutes with very little protective clothing. If the cold sounds unappealing, here’s a warmer option to consider.\n\n### Infrared saunas\nFor centuries people have enjoyed the pain-relieving, endorphin-releasing [benefits of a little time in the sauna.](https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/article/biohacking-articles/science-of-sauna/) Today you can enjoy the same benefits, but without all that hot, dry air. Infrared saunas are here and they’re a game-changer for those with chronic pain,\n\nLike traditional saunas, infrared saunas deliver therapeutic heat to the body. Unlike traditional saunas, infrared saunas light to create heat directly in the body while the air around you remains cool. This makes infrared saunas appealing to those who can’t tolerate the extreme heat of traditional saunas.\n\n[The Mayo Clinic,](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/infrared-sauna/faq-20057954) reports that there is still insufficient study to determine if infrared saunas benefit those with chronic pain. “On the other hand,” they say, “no adverse effects have been reported with infrared saunas. So if you're considering trying a sauna for relaxation, an infrared sauna might be an option.”\n\nThere may be a lack of medical study in support of infrared saunas as therapy for chronic pain, but there is no lack of positive testimonials. Among the many singing their praises is Lady Gaga, who has been [very public about her struggles with fibromyalgia.](https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a30414700/lady-gaga-oprah-interview-psychotic-break-chronic-illness/) \n\nIn a [recent Instagram post](https://www.instagram.com/p/BM-GxxBBY_n/?utm_source=ig_embed) she wrote,”When my body goes into a spasm one thing I find really helps is infrared sauna. I've invested in one. They come in a large box form as well as a low coffin-like form and even some like electric blankets! You can also look around your community for a infrared sauna parlor or homeopathic center that has one.I combine this treatment with marley silver emergency blankets (seen in the photo) that trap in the heat and are very cheap, reusable and effective for detox as well as weight loss!\n\nIn order to not overheat my system and cause more inflammation Ifollow this with either a VERY cold bath, ice bath (if u can stand it, it's worth it) or the most environmentally savvy way is to keep many reusable cold packs in the freezer ( or frozen peas' n carrots'!) and pack them around the body in all areas of pain. Hope this helps some of you, it helps me to keep doing my passion, job and the things I love even on days when I feel like I can't get out of bed.”\n\nIf you’re interested in giving Gaga’s treatment a try, reach out to a local facility and schedule some time in their infrared sauna. If you find that it works for you, consider investing in a package of appointments, an [infrared blanket](https://wwd.com/shop/shop-beauty/best-infrared-blankets-1234672508/) or even a sauna of your own!  \n\n### Massage Therapy\nFor many years massage therapy has proven to be an effective component of fibromyalgia treatment plans. It’s famous for [decreasing stress hormones and raising serotonin levels which supports better sleep, improved mood and an overall sense of well being:](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/massage/art-20045743) all things in short supply when fibromyalgia enters the picture.\n\nThere are many massage styles that have been particularly helpful to those living with FM.  Among them are swedish massage, hot stone therapy, passive stretching, sports massage, trigger point massage and myofascial release. All of these options have potential, but the last two have gotten a little extra attention in recent years.\n\n### Trigger Point Massage\nTrigger points are painful areas (or knots) located within the muscles. [Trigger point massage](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/knots-in-your-neck-how-to-try-a-trigger-point-massage-to-release-them/) uses finger pressure to deactivate these trigger points which can lessen pain over time.  Massage therapists report that people with fibromyalgia seem to have more trigger points than those without.  This leads them to believe that this style of massage may be particularly beneficial in treating all over body pain experienced by those with Fibromyalgia. Patient experiences seem to support this.\n\n### Myofascial Release\nThis style of massage applies gentle, sustained pressure onto connective tissues with the goal of relieving pain and restoring motion. Developed for people living with myofascial pain syndrome, this treatment has been used by massage therapists, chiropractors and physical therapists to help those with chronic headaches, [muscular pain](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/expert-answers/myofascial-release/faq-20058136) and even fibromyalgia.\n\n A study published in the International [Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health](https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17124611) supports this connection. Their study concluded that only 15 minutes of manual massage focusing on connective tissues on the back of the neck “decreased the patients’ perception of pain, muscle fatigue, and the state of tension-anxiety” in women with fibromyalgia. \n\nTo get started, search for licensed massage therapists in your area. Look for therapists who are connected with clinics, mention treatment of fibromyalgia or list massage techniques that pique your curiosity. Read the reviews, speak to the therapist about your needs, make an appointment and give them a try!\n\n### Stay Curious\nWhile there is so much we still don’t know about fibromyalgia’s cause and cure, there is one thing we do know: patients and practitioners are searching tirelessly for answers. Studies are being conducted. Testimonials are being shared. New combinations and theories of treatment are being explored every day. So subscribe to blogs, join support groups, watch the news for developments, ask about new therapies and stay curious. It could put you in the path of a treatment that makes all the difference in the world.\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAANCAYAAACpUE5eAAAACXBIWXMAAAsTAAALEwEAmpwYAAADcUlEQVQ4yx2T3W9TdRjH+yeQmHjhmDgHbiAyIlFg6hKJmWhQ45IZfMnYhYS4GYJcGECDUdEbEqPG6BKjRhL0BpC90mWr69a1PTunPa99b9d2PWvX2Y0NGE69+fisF09+J7/fOZ/n+X5/3+Npe+RhDrfson13C8/uaaXj8T0cam1h3/ZGzvefZGZyiHMf9NF+4Al+HviaXC6BY0WI2VFsM4KlqxhaGE2ZJTQ9iedAcxNtjQ08uaORg/J8cOej7N3eQPO2B7h4po9TPW+w86EHebOzg469zVz9ZYB8IUssZgpUxxHoFtiMzhERqGd/UxM9XV2839vLO68eo+vI83S/dJS+Eyf49Gw/z7W1cvHdt6n6rtF39BnO9nYzn7KJ6wrphEMqGcMRsG1GMSIKnqu/XkGbU3AXy2QyGYyoyHEsKYMrP3zFC/sf4/TrnYR/vMzU5Qt88143gd+/R7/+E246yeqdTfK5eWxLxzIieCzTJBzwYxoGuflCHerYJqauEfCN0tv5NId3NXDj8w8JfXmBSyeOMe0dxlBUKtXbLNfWSadS8o1Rh3p0XUcJBghO+8lk82J6nkQ8Lt1Ugv5xvug/zlON2zjz2hHC333C+eMvYhs2S7UN8dIVkCUgs75aW0DTsolqGuMjN9GjW1MWRa5DVA3LbTqo/ilOvXyIV/bt4LdzJ1F9E+SLi/KujhoOiRKRKiot08AwogI0beaUMKM3r/HnpA8nliKTK1JeXqd25z9WpAYufcxb7bv59nQPS9U10pkCU5MThAIzEheFiAy0NZSmqeKhEyc4O8utkUGGBodJZstUan9L3We+VMP96z6zE5MMfPYR07fGKC3WxJoiwzeu4x0ewu/zEQwECAWD9dVj2AnCSoTArEIsvUihvE4stUC6UKWyukl5ZZPi4gqKf4ZUpshCZbUu2SsWjQ3+wcTYCL5xLxNeL+Ojo3giRgLdThMxkzgCWqjeJe+uUKisC/Af3OV7snePkuxn8mWyxSqJZEZCbZCM2SQlYglJhS2p0FXJoRqx0KIWc6rBnGYJtEixsiaHkkcrQWHprkx9W2pVShq5VeKOjRr0Y8vfkRRwRgKeSyVISQOPpsdEYkHkLqBohlzMFIFAiNGhYcIhydrKBmsb/+JWqiK1RKlcIZ2Mk0k6ZFNxSsUCruvWw51Np/kfu7cr6pCX65QAAAAASUVORK5CYII=","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/34d55fa4c2a38b2ef9dd3b2654b397ce/ee604/ea899c9199541f4e24fb89c22d0f1046.png","srcSet":"/static/34d55fa4c2a38b2ef9dd3b2654b397ce/69585/ea899c9199541f4e24fb89c22d0f1046.png 200w,\n/static/34d55fa4c2a38b2ef9dd3b2654b397ce/497c6/ea899c9199541f4e24fb89c22d0f1046.png 400w,\n/static/34d55fa4c2a38b2ef9dd3b2654b397ce/ee604/ea899c9199541f4e24fb89c22d0f1046.png 800w,\n/static/34d55fa4c2a38b2ef9dd3b2654b397ce/f3583/ea899c9199541f4e24fb89c22d0f1046.png 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/34d55fa4c2a38b2ef9dd3b2654b397ce/58556/ea899c9199541f4e24fb89c22d0f1046.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/34d55fa4c2a38b2ef9dd3b2654b397ce/61e93/ea899c9199541f4e24fb89c22d0f1046.webp 200w,\n/static/34d55fa4c2a38b2ef9dd3b2654b397ce/1f5c5/ea899c9199541f4e24fb89c22d0f1046.webp 400w,\n/static/34d55fa4c2a38b2ef9dd3b2654b397ce/58556/ea899c9199541f4e24fb89c22d0f1046.webp 800w,\n/static/34d55fa4c2a38b2ef9dd3b2654b397ce/99238/ea899c9199541f4e24fb89c22d0f1046.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3590-markdown","title":"Long Haul COVID Symptoms – Can Cannabis Help?","slug":"long-haul-covid-symptoms-can-cannabis-help","content":"COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, can affect people in a multitude of ways ranging from very mild illness to severe complications and death.  Many people recover from COVID-19 with no lasting effects, but a small group of COVID-19 survivors experience lingering symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath and “brain fog” for months after their apparent recovery.  \n\nResearchers are still working to understand the condition that’s commonly called “long haul”  COVID, but new clinics dedicated to their problems are helping patients cope with their symptoms – and recent research suggests that [innovative treatments](https://www.wsj.com/articles/experimental-drugs-aim-to-treat-long-haul-covid-11608569400) including cannabis could provide relief.\n\n### The Mystery of Long Haul COVID\nThe novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is so new that researchers around the world are still working to unravel its mysteries. \n\nBecause the SARS-CoV-2 virus can attach to a cell receptor called ACE2 that’s found in many kinds of tissues, COVID-19 [symptoms can vary widely](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html), ranging from the well-known fever, cough and body aches to less-common gastrointestinal problems like stomach pain and diarrhea, or cardiovascular issues such as blood clots. \n\nCOVID-19 can affect anyone, although seniors and those with other health problems are generally at higher risk of serious complications. And as the immune system ramps up defenses against the virus, it causes the “cytokine storm” that overwhelms the organs and can lead to death.  \n\nBarring complications, people typically recover from COVID-19 in seven to ten days. But for about 30 percent of those who contract the virus, a variety of symptoms can linger for weeks and even months after the acute phase of the virus.  \n\nDoctors have long known that people who become severely ill with COVID-19 can be left with a long list of potentially serious health issues. But those who experience long haul COVID are typically people who have had a milder form of the virus. For them, some of the symptoms they had while ill simply never go away. Those can include:\n\n- Shortness of breath\n- Brain fog\n- Joint pain\n- Persistent cough\n- Impaired sense of taste or smell\n- Fatigue\n- Headaches\nThese symptoms can disrupt daily life in a multitude of ways.  Some long haul COVID patients can no longer work. For others, exercise is impossible. Brain fog and chronic pain can make it hard to manage even the simplest routine tasks.  \n\n### Long Haul COVID Clinics Help Patients Cope\n\nBecause COVID-19 is such a new disease, researchers are still struggling to understand the reasons for such a wide variation in symptoms and individual responses to the virus, and that includes the mystery of long haul COVID.  \n\nSome patients say that their doctors are skeptical of their condition and attribute it to other factors such as a different infection, chronic fatigue syndrome or stress.  That makes it hard for COVID long haulers to get the help they need to [manage symptoms and take steps toward recovery](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-to-try-to-recover-if-you-have-long-haul-covid-19-symptoms#Common-long-haul-symptoms).\n\nNow, though, [special COVID care clinics](https://www.modernhealthcare.com/providers/we-know-this-real-new-clinics-aid-virus-long-haulers) are springing up around the country. These clinics can offer a variety of targeted therapies to support recovery, such as physical therapy, diet plans, breathing exercises, and mental health resources.  Above all, these clinics provide reassurance that the symptoms are real and COVID-related, and that help is possible. \n\n In hard-hit South Los Angeles, St. John’s Well Child and Family network of community clinics, doctors work to follow up and offer outreach to everyone who tests positive for the virus. Other clinics, such as the University of Texas Medical Branch facilities, offer assessment and treatment to anyone whose symptoms haven’t subsided within a few weeks of contracting the virus.\n\nThere’s currently no cure for long haul COVID, and no clear data on how long it might last.  But researchers are exploring whether some treatments and therapies designed for other conditions might help to treat COVID in general – and potentially for long haul COVID as well.  An essential enzyme known as NAD+, ivermectin, a medication originally intended as an antiparasitic, and cannabis are among the many options being explored.\n\n### NAD+: A New Use for an Essential Enzyme\nNicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD, is a coenzyme that’s found in all living cells.  In its active form it’s called NAD+, and recently it’s become the [focus of intense research](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6751327) \n for its ability to boost the functioning of a multitude of key biological processes.  \n\nNAD+ supports DNA and cell repair, helps the body extract energy from food, and encourages the optimal functioning of chromosomes.  But as the body ages, it makes less NAD+, which leads to weaker defenses against disease and greater risk of age-related problems such as cognitive decline and muscle weakness.  \n\nResearch suggests that NAD+ supplementation, especially in the form of [IV infusions](https://www.icryo.com/nad-iv-therapy/), can improve brain function, fight chronic fatigue, regenerate cells and boost the metabolism.  And some studies have found that NAD+ infusions could inhibit the COVID complications that arise from the cytokine storm, an overreaction of the immune system as it attempts to fight the virus.\n\n### Ivermectin: New Applications for an Old Drug\n\nIn the rush to find treatments for all types of COVID illness, researchers have been exploring ways to repurpose existing drugs created to treat other conditions. One of these is ivermectin, a medication originally developed to treat parasitic infections.  \n\nAlthough ivermectin is FDA-approved for that purpose, it hasn’t yet been approved for treating symptoms of COVID-19. Still, [in preliminary studies](https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(20)30464-8/fulltext), ivermectin has been shown to reduce inflammation and interfere with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that attaches to cell membranes.  \n\nResearchers warn that more studies are needed to say with certainty that ivermectin can play a meaningful role in treating COVID-19.  Some study participants showed improvement in their symptoms, while others didn’t.  The [National Institutes of Health has decided](https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/statement-on-ivermectin/), at least for now, against recommending it as a valid treatment for COVID-19, but the NIH also leaves the decision to use ivermectin up to individual doctors and their patients.\n\n### Cannabis Could Help COVID Long Haulers\n\nThe many compounds in cannabis work with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system to provide many health benefits, and research continues to reveal more ways these compounds can help to keep brain and body in balance. \n\nCannabidiol CBD, delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, and more than 100 other compounds work together to boost immune functioning, [reduce inflammation](https://hellomd.com/articles/how-cbd-can-curb-chronic-inflammation), and keep the body’s many subsystems working in sync.\n\nStudies have also shown that cannabis is a powerful neuroprotectant capable of preserving neural pathways in the brain after trauma such as a brain injury or stroke.  All of these properties make cannabis a promising candidate for relieving many symptoms of COVID-19 that affect the long haulers.\n\nA [recent study](https://www.forbes.com/sites/lindseybartlett/2021/01/21/new-study-shows-cannabis-reduces-inflammatory-storms-caused-by-covid-19/?sh=4e4db13e6d0a)\n suggests that some cannabis strains could help to reduce the out of control immune reactions that cause some of the most severe effects of the virus.   And other [recent research](https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/covid-19-lung-inflammation-reduced-by-cbd) shows that cannabis strains high in CBD may help to reduce lung inflammation and damage that frequently occurs with severe COVID-19.  \n\nFor those reasons, cannabis could also be useful for relieving many of the symptoms of long haul COVID. Because it’s often used for arthritis and other kinds of [chronic pain](https://hellomd.com/articles/how-cannabis-relieves-pain-better-than-opioids-do), it may help with the joint aches and frequent headaches that come with long haul COVID. \n\nSome cannabis strains can be especially useful for boosting focus and concentration, so they may help with the brain fog and cognitive problems that go along with long haul COVID.  Cannabis can also help to relieve anxiety and depression, which affect many people dealing with long-term COVID symptoms.\n\nCannabis advocates warn that it’s best to avoid smoking cannabis if you’re suffering from COVID symptoms, since that can irritate the lungs.  Consider vaping, fast-acting tinctures or edibles instead.\n\nBecause COVID-19 is so new, researchers still don’t understand why some people become COVID long haulers. But cannabis and other innovative treatments can help them feel better while symptoms linger on.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAANCAYAAACpUE5eAAAACXBIWXMAAAsTAAALEwEAmpwYAAADdklEQVQ4y1WRW0zTZxjGe7XdbNn9Ls12tSUkhhjm5o2LETnKaUVdaymCYUBFrKCU0pYeaOm5HNrSKYUgIqWAOgpbaamWg5rgPO0QD3EOYYcsW8LBCxn77U93yPYmT/J8F98vz/s+oi1gdW2V5edLbM8fgjZevODl5mbq/dPPv+LUGriemOXH3za4efsByfmbJJJzzM4tMDe/QFLw167PMh1LINoGrK2tsbL8/H/Azb+Byz/8gkOjZyZ2jUffLQufZohMRIiMDXMx+ClXPpskNpMgIQA/j8b+AxQSbvvft7ZY21hPJdxO//TZCraWVr6Ymube/a+YmIzh6ekh2ONhIODl4tAQkckp4sIGRpvmL+D6ugBcesY/s7n58l//8MkSdrVWAEZ5+PgpU9EEQ2OXGR3qp7+ni/DYuJA6zkxyHpfXjSh1w9VVnjx+RPzGA0YnEizeuc/3Syt8ee8bpmfm8HX4GBm9SmQqRv+FEIPD44RDYbo7uunsCuD3B7GYHeg1OkSRqQRjY5P0Dl5FpvSQ//EJDpfX4T03hNXh52yTEVWLGVVzG/X1Klr1dsKDIXq7fPT29OJo91B3UsUhsQRpcSEih9OP2xPA4buEvClAaZWOPfuLKa8+Q6vRhfRoFfl5YsrKqimT12C3exnw+lHXKjCfacLY0IClVs7RgjwkJSWIVCoTGo0Zhz/EwUoDYoWd3fuKSN+TjVSu4EBmPrvSMygqlpKTK8bt8nHB66Vbp6OtXMybb7xGZtpbaEv2cjgvRwCq27HYvFh9I+zKOk5hjZMPsqXseDeDne9nkpNdhEx6DFObm76+YaLCiYLCutrj5SgLPiQjLY3XX32FvWnvIC/9CNEntU2cOmvCYO5m/76DZMtaBHAFu7PKON2oYzw8wd0733JrYZHpiSh3F7+mq81CVkY6tnY3p04oKZfIaG42omlsQFSjUNGi93AlMktjvZoCqZL3ipQcqWolNDDC6PBl/B4/ocFR4tEkycQtmuuU7Hx7h5DaRd6BXOoUSqFhIwq5BJFOaC1w/hLD43Gs7iCGdh/qNi8ag5OOznNoNUJ6vZWA0Pr5YAivrw+TyUlt7WmahfZzcwqpqKhGrzVTd0yGSH5EgslgpbMjgMftS8nl6MIpyGJ2YbG4UzIYbBiN9pQMehsmoyPlpaWHqJBXolUbOVkp50+28Nf57jDOvwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/e759c0613c574a57d9b74fa46c9904d9/ee604/11d626b6542d3cb6af888d26057ce8de.png","srcSet":"/static/e759c0613c574a57d9b74fa46c9904d9/69585/11d626b6542d3cb6af888d26057ce8de.png 200w,\n/static/e759c0613c574a57d9b74fa46c9904d9/497c6/11d626b6542d3cb6af888d26057ce8de.png 400w,\n/static/e759c0613c574a57d9b74fa46c9904d9/ee604/11d626b6542d3cb6af888d26057ce8de.png 800w,\n/static/e759c0613c574a57d9b74fa46c9904d9/f3583/11d626b6542d3cb6af888d26057ce8de.png 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/e759c0613c574a57d9b74fa46c9904d9/58556/11d626b6542d3cb6af888d26057ce8de.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e759c0613c574a57d9b74fa46c9904d9/61e93/11d626b6542d3cb6af888d26057ce8de.webp 200w,\n/static/e759c0613c574a57d9b74fa46c9904d9/1f5c5/11d626b6542d3cb6af888d26057ce8de.webp 400w,\n/static/e759c0613c574a57d9b74fa46c9904d9/58556/11d626b6542d3cb6af888d26057ce8de.webp 800w,\n/static/e759c0613c574a57d9b74fa46c9904d9/99238/11d626b6542d3cb6af888d26057ce8de.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3179-markdown","title":"Finding Your Flow State During COVID with Cannabis & Psilocybin","slug":"finding-your-flow-state-during-covid-with-cannabis-and-psilocybin","content":"Athletes say they're \"in the zone,\" and musicians say they're \"in the groove.\" And if you've ever been deeply engrossed in an activity and you don't notice time passing, you know that feeling too. It's called [flow state](https://www.headspace.com/articles/flow-state). It's when you're so completely present and engaged in an activity that the rest of the world seemingly disappears.  \n\nFlow state plays a role in our mental and physical well-being, but the stresses and concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic have made it more difficult for many people to find flow in daily life.  There are [plenty of ways](https://www.verywellmind.com/ways-to-achieve-flow-2794769) to rediscover your flow state – and recent research suggests that mind-expanding substances like cannabis and psilocybin can help.\n\n### Flow State Defined \n\nFalling into flow state is easy when you're completely engaged in an activity you enjoy. When the key elements of a flow state come together, time can slow down, and you're so focused on the activity you're oblivious to everything else. Senses become heightened, and there's a feeling that the body and mind are working in sync. So much so that you don't even have to think about what you're doing.  \n\nMuch of our modern understanding of the flow state comes from the [pioneering work of psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi](https://www.ted.com/talks/mihaly_csikszentmihalyi_flow_the_secret_to_happiness?language=endr), who explored how becoming immersed in creativity, play, or any other engaging activity could contribute to overall fulfillment and happiness in life.  \n\nBeing in the flow is often associated with creative work or athletics, but it can come from many other things, too.  Whatever they are, flow-state activities usually have a few characteristics in common:\n\nThey're activities you enjoy doing and where you excel\n\nFlow activities are often directed at a goal. This could be an athlete training for a competition or an artist working to complete a painting. But flow state can also come from the pleasure of the process itself, without an end goal in mind.\n\nIt pushes you to use your skills at the highest level. The activity is neither so easy that you get bored, nor so difficult that you get frustrated and give up. But it usually adds a new challenge that pushes you a little beyond your comfort zone.\n\nIt requires intense concentration, and this complete focus on the task at hand produces better work and higher performance.\n\nIt creates a sense of clarity, so that you know just what to do without consciously thinking of it. The mind and body work  in sync to carry out tasks.\n\nActions \"flow\" without the mind's negative chatter. During flow state, self-doubt, self-criticism, and uncertainty disappear.\n\nAt the end of a flow state, people usually feel invigorated, exhilarated, and self-confident – and the benefits can last well beyond the experience itself. Research reveals that regularly spending time in flow state can boost self-esteem and lead to a general sense of well-being and accomplishment that affects all other areas of life.\n\n### Getting Into the Flow\nFor most people, flow state happens during the course of pursuing something enjoyable. But psychologists following Csikszentmihalyi's work, along with a long list of life coaches, therapists, and others working to unravel the secrets of human potential, have outlined some specific steps anyone can take to get into the flow of what they're doing.  Among their suggestions:\n\nCreate a ritual around the activity you're doing. Rituals \"prime\" the brain to start the activity and direct awareness toward it. Rituals can be as simple as getting coffee and turning off the phone, or laying out supplies – whatever signals dedication to the work at hand.\n\nDon't multitask. If the activity has multiple parts, choose the most important one and focus only on it.\n\nReduce or eliminate distractions whenever possible before you begin. That might include closing your office door, turning off the phone, or telling people you won't be available for a period of time.\n\nFigure out the time of day when you're at your most productive, and try to do the flow activity during that time.\n\nThese practical steps can set up conditions for a flow state to happen. But researchers studying flow state have also learned that practices that encourage focus and concentration can also help people to experience flow.  Meditation, mindfulness and [focus-enhancing substances such as cannabis and psilocybin](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/why-interrupting-the-default-mode-network-with-psychedelics-is-good-for-mental-health) can also help people find flow and reap its benefits.\n\n### Meditation and Mindfulness Can Encourage Flow\n\nFlow and meditation share some commonalities.  Like flow, meditation works best when you eliminate distractions.  And both meditation and mindfulness involve total focus on the present moment, and a detachment from negative thoughts.  \n\nFor those reasons, meditation and mindfulness practices can help people improve focus and concentration, and those practices could make it easier to find the flow in other activities, too. But new research reveals that chemical compounds such as cannabis and psilocybin may play an important role in opening up the mind to flow.\n\n### Cannabis & Flow State\n\nThe many compounds in the cannabis sativa plant work with the body's endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors found throughout the organs and tissues, for a variety of beneficial effects. In particular, [CBD and THC can work together](https://wayofleaf.com/cannabis/ailments/best-marijuana-strains-for-staying-totally-focused) with receptors in the brain to boost focus and concentration, which are essential for flow state. The [most popular strains](https://www.leafly.com/news/strains-products/best-cannabis-strains-for-focus-and-addadhd) for helping with focus and mood include:\n\n[Harlequin](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/harlequin), a sativa-dominant strain with a CBD to THC ratio of 5:2. This strain is also popular for pain relief and boosting mood, and it helps with finding focus during daily tasks.\n\nCinex, another Sativa strain with a considerable amount of THC, produces a \"clearheaded high\" and is popular among artists and other creatives.\n\nMother's Helper is a perfectly balanced (1:1) hybrid strain often used to relieve symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder.  This strain supports focus and motivation, but its high THC content can also increase anxiety.\n\n###  Breaking Down Barriers with Psilocybin\n\nPsilocybin is the active ingredient in \"magic mushrooms\" beloved of yesterday's hippie trippers. But now [researchers are discovering](https://www.wired.com/2014/10/magic-mushroom-brain/)\nhow these chemicals can disrupt activity in areas of the brain related to self-consciousness and the ego. That creates the [sense of expanded consciousness](https://www.scienceandnonduality.com/article/your-brain-on-psilocybin) that's also present in flow states, when people \"lose themselves\" in favorite activities.\n\nJaime Wheal and Steven Kotler are at the forefront of altered states of consciousness for greater productivity and life satisfaction. Their book, [Stealing Fire](https://www.stevenkotler.com/book-pages/stealing-fire)\nexamines how careful use of psilocybin and other psychedelic substances can boost creativity, fuel aspirations, and help people achieve more than ever before.\n\nThese substances affect brain areas connected to learning, memory, and the awareness of the self.  In small doses, they form new connections between these areas and disrupt existing ones. According to Wheal and Kotler, that breaks down the barriers to experiencing flow in all areas of life.\n\nIn a [recent presentation](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koHeGZn1p9M), Wheal notes that the potential for flow is in everyone, and this natural \"altered state\" has profound benefits for body and mind.  The constant uncertainty of the COVID pandemic may make it harder to find your flow, but today's new research reveals ways to rediscover that magical state anytime you like.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.492537313432836,"src":"/static/f0706c75562fb59316e72210bfb0002d/ee604/7f5a2ce2b493145279496abec41385e2.png","srcSet":"/static/f0706c75562fb59316e72210bfb0002d/69585/7f5a2ce2b493145279496abec41385e2.png 200w,\n/static/f0706c75562fb59316e72210bfb0002d/497c6/7f5a2ce2b493145279496abec41385e2.png 400w,\n/static/f0706c75562fb59316e72210bfb0002d/ee604/7f5a2ce2b493145279496abec41385e2.png 800w,\n/static/f0706c75562fb59316e72210bfb0002d/f3583/7f5a2ce2b493145279496abec41385e2.png 1200w,\n/static/f0706c75562fb59316e72210bfb0002d/3ce3d/7f5a2ce2b493145279496abec41385e2.png 1394w","srcWebp":"/static/f0706c75562fb59316e72210bfb0002d/58556/7f5a2ce2b493145279496abec41385e2.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f0706c75562fb59316e72210bfb0002d/61e93/7f5a2ce2b493145279496abec41385e2.webp 200w,\n/static/f0706c75562fb59316e72210bfb0002d/1f5c5/7f5a2ce2b493145279496abec41385e2.webp 400w,\n/static/f0706c75562fb59316e72210bfb0002d/58556/7f5a2ce2b493145279496abec41385e2.webp 800w,\n/static/f0706c75562fb59316e72210bfb0002d/99238/7f5a2ce2b493145279496abec41385e2.webp 1200w,\n/static/f0706c75562fb59316e72210bfb0002d/936bb/7f5a2ce2b493145279496abec41385e2.webp 1394w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3177-markdown","title":"Detox into the New Year with Cannabis, an Infrared Sauna and a Vegan Plant-Based Diet","slug":"detox-into-the-new-year-with-cannabis-an-infrared-sauna-and-a-vegan-plant-based-diet","content":"It's a new year – out with the old, and in with new. And a short detox that promises to cleanse the body and reset the mind just is where to start. With a focus on healthy, unprocessed foods and infrared heat to eliminate toxins, with a little cannabis thrown in to keep the body in balance, this seven-day detox can help you ring in the new year on a healthier, happier note.\n\n### What's a Detox?\n\nDetox – short for detoxification – regimens come in many forms, but they all aim to help cleanse the body from toxins absorbed from foods and the environment.  Advocates say that detoxing creates a \"clean slate\" that prepares the body for a new, healthier way of living.\n\nWe take in toxins every day from a variety of sources. Many are found in foods, including additives like artificial flavors and preservatives, colorings, and heavy metals, mainly from fish and other seafood.  Heavily processed food that contains large amounts of fats and sugars can also add a toxic load.  The body can also absorb toxins from polluted air, unfiltered water, and household solvents. Toxins in clothing can also be absorbed through the skin.\n\nThe body has its own system for clearing toxins – the bloodstream, liver, and kidneys.  But detox advocates say that specific detox regimens designed to eliminate toxins can help those organs and systems function better and remain healthy.  \n\nMainstream medical professionals aren't so sure, though. [Many point out](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/detoxes-and-cleanses-what-you-need-to-know)\n that the body's filtering system will naturally take care of toxins. Medical professionals say it's more important to focus on boosting the immune system and staying healthy than undertaking a detox.\n\nIn some cases, too, detoxing can be dangerous. Some detox regimens involve fasting, limiting the intake of certain foods and beverages, or other strategies that could pose risks for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart problems.  \n\nIn general, though, [doctors say](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/detox-diets/faq-20058040#:~:text=However%2C%20there's%20little%20evidence%20that,and%20eliminating%20most%20ingested%20toxins) that for most people, a short detox likely isn't harmful and could be beneficial if it eliminates unhealthy foods and promotes exercise or other healthy habits.\n\nDetoxes can be as short as a few days or as long as a month, and they can include a wide range of activities and food choices ranging from intermittent fasting to juice cleanses and \"green eating.\" Many detoxes also include [sweat-inducing activities](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3312275/)  like saunas, hot yoga, or exercise to help clear toxins through the skin.   \n\nThis 7 day New Year detox combines all of these elements, emphasizing rebalancing the body's many systems and boosting its natural defenses against disease.\n\n### Cleanse With Cannabis\n\nIn times past, cannabis would have been one of the things you detox from, not with. But today's research reveals that cannabis in its many forms has an important role to play in maintaining balance among the body's many systems.  The cannabis sativa plant contains more than one hundred cannabinoid compounds, including the well-known psychoactive THC (delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), an immune-boosting compound with no psychoactive effects.  \n\nThe endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a vast network of cell receptors found in human organs and tissues, including the brain and skin. It responds to natural cannabinoids produced by the body, including cannabinoids from cannabis and a few other plant sources.  \n\nThis system plays an important role in [maintaining homeostasis, or balance](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/marijuana-cannabinoids-and-homeostasis-a-balancing-act), in functions such as regulating temperature and modulating immune responses.  \n\nCannabis compounds like THC and CBD appear to be [adaptogenic](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/adaptogens-what-are-they-and-how-to-combine-them-with-cbd) – they work with the endocannabinoid system to damp down over functioning systems and boost the responses of those that aren't performing at optimum levels.  In that way, cannabis can support immune functioning, reduce inflammation and moderate mood.\n\nThat's why [some cannabis advocates think](https://www.wellandgood.com/marijuana-detox-healthy-cleanses/)\n that cannabis can be a beneficial addition to a detox routine. To try it out, make healthy eating the centerpiece of your detox week. Omit processed foods, sugar, unhealthy fats, and alcohol.  Focus on eating plant-based foods that include plenty of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables with no additives or preservatives.\n\nCannabis can be worked into your detox in a variety of ways. Make your own cannabis-infused edibles, or try vaping or a CBD tincture. But smoking cannabis can defeat the purpose of your detox because it can create toxins of its own from combustion.\n\n### Healthy Heat with an Infrared Sauna\n\nSweating is a natural way to eliminate toxins – and if you're generally healthy, an [infrared sauna can be a safe way](https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/article/biohacking-articles/science-of-sauna/) to add the benefits of sweating to your detox without exposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.  \n\nInfrared light is used in pediatric hospitals to keep vulnerable newborns warm, and for adults, it may have benefits including pain relief, support for wound healing, and improved flexibility.  Infrared saunas – an enclosed area bathed in infrared light – are often used by physical therapists and chiropractors to help loosen tight muscles and relieve aches and pains. Some research also suggests that infrared sauna treatments can benefit conditions such as congestive heart failure, dementia, and diabetes.   \n\nPersonal infrared saunas are available from natural wellness and home furnishing companies in a range of sizes and prices. You can also wrap yourself in an [infrared sauna blanket](https://goop.com/wellness/detox/infrared-sauna-blanket/), which provides the same sweat-inducing heat in any comfortable place.  Medical experts say that an infrared sauna provides benefits similar to moderate exercise, such as working up a good sweat and elevating the heart rate.\n\n### A Plant-Based Vegan Diet\n\nMany harsh detox plans place tight restrictions on eating and drinking. But basing your detox on a [plant-based vegan diet](http://www.eatingwell.com/article/291280/7-day-vegan-sugar-detox-meal-plan/) is good both for your health and for the environment.  A weeklong detox that's fueled by plenty of fruits, vegetables and plant-based proteins such as lentils, tofu and chickpeas can provide energy and a long list of essential nutrients that support the immune system and reduce inflammation.\n\nTo make the switch to vegan plant-based eating, eliminate dairy products, animal proteins, eggs, and processed foods. Substitute almond, soy or oatmilk for dairy milk, and switch out meat for the many alternatives that range from the familiar veggie burger to plant-based versions of things like tuna, sausage, and deli sliced meats.  Or consider the humble but versatile tofu as a base for many dishes. Cannabis can also be added to a wide variety of veggie-based foods for added immune system and detox support.\n\nA short detox program can help to cleanse both the body and mind of accumulated toxins.  Our detox suggestions can help rebalance and nourish the body for a healthier new year – and beyond.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/ea1843aa3ab39ffa39471897fe8bda77/ee604/f4c41d9e9a3b2fb092e9bfbd26cac05a.png","srcSet":"/static/ea1843aa3ab39ffa39471897fe8bda77/69585/f4c41d9e9a3b2fb092e9bfbd26cac05a.png 200w,\n/static/ea1843aa3ab39ffa39471897fe8bda77/497c6/f4c41d9e9a3b2fb092e9bfbd26cac05a.png 400w,\n/static/ea1843aa3ab39ffa39471897fe8bda77/ee604/f4c41d9e9a3b2fb092e9bfbd26cac05a.png 800w,\n/static/ea1843aa3ab39ffa39471897fe8bda77/f3583/f4c41d9e9a3b2fb092e9bfbd26cac05a.png 1200w,\n/static/ea1843aa3ab39ffa39471897fe8bda77/59098/f4c41d9e9a3b2fb092e9bfbd26cac05a.png 1416w","srcWebp":"/static/ea1843aa3ab39ffa39471897fe8bda77/58556/f4c41d9e9a3b2fb092e9bfbd26cac05a.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ea1843aa3ab39ffa39471897fe8bda77/61e93/f4c41d9e9a3b2fb092e9bfbd26cac05a.webp 200w,\n/static/ea1843aa3ab39ffa39471897fe8bda77/1f5c5/f4c41d9e9a3b2fb092e9bfbd26cac05a.webp 400w,\n/static/ea1843aa3ab39ffa39471897fe8bda77/58556/f4c41d9e9a3b2fb092e9bfbd26cac05a.webp 800w,\n/static/ea1843aa3ab39ffa39471897fe8bda77/99238/f4c41d9e9a3b2fb092e9bfbd26cac05a.webp 1200w,\n/static/ea1843aa3ab39ffa39471897fe8bda77/8905b/f4c41d9e9a3b2fb092e9bfbd26cac05a.webp 1416w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3174-markdown","title":"7 Natural Ways to Boost Your Energy During Winter","slug":"7-natural-ways-to-boost-your-energy-during-winter","content":"Bears and other animals hibernate through the winter, waking when springtime brings sunshine and warmer days. However, humans don't have that option – and the short days and long cold nights can cause us to feel lethargic and unmotivated.  If the wintertime blues are getting you down, we give you seven natural ways to boost your energy levels while waiting for the sunshine to return and warmer weather.\n\n### Why Does Winter Sap Our Energy?\nWintertime [tiredness and overall lack of energy](https://www.stack.com/a/the-scientific-reasons-you-feel-more-tired-during-winter-and-how-to-combat-it#:~:text=Winter%20is%20a%20dark%20time,in%20sleep%20patterns%20and%20mood.%22) can affect anyone, but it's more common in the northern hemisphere, where the shorter days of winter also go along with overcast skies, cold temperatures, and snow. \n\nFor many people, the effects of winter are debilitating and may cause depression and the onset of a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder. But even for those who don't suffer from SAD, [winter conditions can trigger changes in our biorhythms and metabolism](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-25235/5-reasons-youre-tired-all-the-time-how-to-get-more-energy.html)that affect mood, energy levels, and overall health.\n\nSunlight plays an important role in human biology. It triggers changes in skin cells to produce Vitamin D, and it also affects the activity of the brain's pineal gland. This tiny gland uses the \"feel good\" hormone serotonin to produce melatonin, regulating cycles of sleep and waking.   \n\nWhen days are shorter and darker, the pineal gland produces more melatonin, which can cause daytime sleepiness and a feeling of fatigue. Higher melatonin levels also mean less serotonin, which can cause sadness, lack of motivation and anxiety.\n\nSunlight is the body's major vitamin D source, an essential vitamin that plays a key role in bone health, blood pressure, and immune function.  Recent research reveals that Vitamin D also supports a positive mood.  But the farther north people live, the lower their Vitamin D levels because they don't get enough sun exposure. \n\nLikewise, this crucial nutrient levels can drop significantly in the winter, when there's less daylight, skies are overcast, and people are less likely to get outside.\n\nExercise generates energy and elevates mood, but it can be harder to get moving in harsh winter weather. People tend to be more sedentary during the cold months, which can contribute to low-grade fatigue and lack of enthusiasm.  The wintertime blues are a natural response to seasonal changes – and a variety of safe and natural remedies are here to help.\n\n### Drink More Water\nOne of the easiest ways to [get a quick energy boost](https://www.cnet.com/health/7-ways-drinking-more-water-can-make-you-healthier/#:~:text=1.,sluggish%20and%20off%20your%20game.) is to drink more water. Although dehydration is often associated with hot summer temperatures, staying hydrated during the winter is important too. \n\nCold outdoor air can dry out the throat and nasal passages, aas well as the hot dry air from indoor heaters.  Drinking more water can boost alertness and energy levels, and help to keep joints and membranes lubricated.  Drinking plenty of water can also protect the skin from cracking and help the body resist colds and flu.  \n\nTip: Try flavored sparkling waters or add a twist of lemon to your morning glass to keep it interesting.\n\n### Cold Water Therapy\nAlthough winter's cold temperatures may leave you craving warmth, a cold shower – or a quick cold rinse after your hot shower – can boost energy and concentration.  The brief shock of a cold (below 70F) water starts the metabolism and releases endorphins, powerful hormones that cause positive, optimistic feelings.  [Some research also shows](https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-shower-benefits) that taking a cold shower two or three times a week can also improve symptoms of depression.\n\n\"Cold therapy\" holds promise for positive benefits with both the immune and sympathetic nervous system. The Dutch athlete and cold therapy advocate Wim Hof, also known as the 'Ice Man', has been studied for his endurance and overall immunity.   During his cold training he has enabled himself to control his heart rate, breathing, and blood circulation.\n\nA 2014 study injected Wim Hof Method practitioners with an endotoxin meant to attack the immune system. The results indicated an overall control of the sympathetic nervous system and immune response - in other words, the participants did not get sick. A further 2018 study showed that the Wim Hof Method of cold therapy and breathing activated regions in the brain responsible for pain suppression.\n\nTip: Take a regular hot shower and for the last two minutes blast the cold water - you will feel it less and still get the same benefits.\n\n### Consuming Cannabis\n\nCannabis is known for its relaxing and calming properties, but [many strains](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/top-5-marijuana-strains-to-fight-fatigue)\nprovide a much-needed energy boost.  Stimulating sativa-dominant cannabis strains can improve concentration, focus, and energy, whether you consume them by smoking, vaping, or as slower-acting edibles.  Here are a few to try:\n\n[Jack Herer](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/jack-herer) is a high-energy sativa strain with hefty amounts of THC, the psychotropic ingredient that causes a euphoric high. It's known to stimulate creativity and elevate mood, and it can also help people with anxiety, PTSD, and migraine.  \n\n[Harlequin](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/harlequin) is a high-CBD strain, although it contains THC, and it can be useful in treating anxiety. \nHarlequin's effects are relaxing and calming, but this cannabis strain also boosts focus and alertness so that users can feel more energetic without the distracting effects of THC.\n\n[Green Crack](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/green-crack) is a high-energy sativa strain that can contain up to 24 percent THC. It supports creativity and productivity, and it can help relieve stress, fatigue and depression, and other conditions such as ADHD and migraines.  \n\nTip: If you're new to cannabis, start with a high CBD strain like Harlequin and start slowly.\n\n\n### Laugh More\n\nLaughter might be the best medicine for winter's down days.  Years after author Norman Cousins described using laughter to help him recover from a painful spine condition; researchers are documenting the many effects of laughter for fighting fatigue and boosting immune functioning.  [Some studies indicate](https://www.webmd.com/balance/features/give-your-body-boost-with-laughter#1) that laughing can raise the heart rate, feed more oxygen to the brain and tissues, which is similar to the effects of exercise.  Natural (not forced) laughter can also contribute to better sleep and raise immune cells' levels in the body.  \n\nAccording to [SCL Health](https://www.sclhealth.org/blog/2019/06/the-real-health-benefits-of-smiling-and-laughing/#:~:text=Release%20the%20Endorphins!,the%20serotonin%20is%20an%20antidepressant.), \"When you smile, your brain releases tiny molecules called neuropeptides to help fight off stress. Then other neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins come into play too. The endorphins act as a mild pain reliever, whereas the serotonin is an antidepressant.\" Proactively smiling and laughing in an authentic way can help get you out of your funk!\n\nTo get more laughter into your life, take time to watch a comedy movie or a favorite TV comedy.  Or consider listening to one of the many new (and free) [comedy podcasts](https://www.vulture.com/article/best-comedy-podcasts-2020.html) while you're doing daily chores.\n\nTip: Looking for a good comedy? Try Hulu's vampire mockumentary [What We Do In The Shadows](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_We_Do_in_the_Shadows_(TV_series)).\n\n### Start the Day With Meditation\n\nA morning meditation practice can help to relieve anxiety and low-level depression and set the tone for a calmer, more centered day.  Meditation can be as simple as sitting quietly for a few minutes, observing your breathing and thoughts, but a variety of [apps such as Headspace and Calm](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-meditation-apps/) can provide more support, with guided meditations, intentions, and other information and activities for starting and keeping a daily meditation routine.\n\nTip: Don't pressure yourself. Start meditation for two minutes when you wake up with deep breathing and work up to ten or twenty minutes.\n\n### Take Vitamin D\nVitamin D may be the ultra supplement hero of 2020. Vitamin D is called the \"sunshine vitamin\" for a good reason, and taking a D supplement [can help boost energy and concentration](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-supplements-for-energy#TOC_TITLE_HDR_4) during dark winter days. It is also known to lower inflammation levels, and is a suggested vitamin to take during the COVID pandemic.\n\nAim for a quality supplement that supplies about 1,000 to 2,000 mg of Vitamin D3 daily.  Consider adding more [Vitamin D rich foods](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-foods-high-in-vitamin-d)to your diet, too. Eggs, oily fish such as salmon and mackerel, and mushrooms are among the best sources.  Vitamin-D fortified foods such as dairy products, orange juice, and cereals can also boost your intake.\n\nTip: Take thirty minutes during your lunch break on a sunny day and have lunch outside to expose your skin to natural vitamin D: sunlight.\n\n### Add Omega-3 Fatty Acids\n\nSome research suggests that people tend to consume fewer Omega 3 fatty acids in winter, and that can [contribute to the low energy and depressive mood](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-chemistry-calm/201012/fear-not-the-winter-blues). These essential fatty acids have multiple benefits for the heart, eyes, and other organs, but they can also help to fight fatigue and depression. Consider taking a high-quality supplement if your diet doesn't include [plenty of natural sources](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/17-health-benefits-of-omega-3) such as olive or flaxseed oil, fish, and nuts.\n\nTip: Eat foods high in Omega 3 such as salmon, sardines, herring, and oysters. Flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts are also good sources. \n\nLike other animals, humans are bound to the cycles of the sun, and it's natural to feel the effects of the short days and cold nights of winter. But a few simple strategies that work with the body's own rhythms can help to beat those wintertime blues.\n\n### Get Your Medical Document & Purchase Medical Cannabis\nIt's easy to get your medical document with the online [Telehealth service HelloMD](https://hellomd.ca/get-started). Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and start purchasing medical cannabis today.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/c34693a68f961d87b5b8e8b121f4ca88/ee604/5a4ad78ae66ffa862a5a42501110d230.png","srcSet":"/static/c34693a68f961d87b5b8e8b121f4ca88/69585/5a4ad78ae66ffa862a5a42501110d230.png 200w,\n/static/c34693a68f961d87b5b8e8b121f4ca88/497c6/5a4ad78ae66ffa862a5a42501110d230.png 400w,\n/static/c34693a68f961d87b5b8e8b121f4ca88/ee604/5a4ad78ae66ffa862a5a42501110d230.png 800w,\n/static/c34693a68f961d87b5b8e8b121f4ca88/084c5/5a4ad78ae66ffa862a5a42501110d230.png 989w","srcWebp":"/static/c34693a68f961d87b5b8e8b121f4ca88/58556/5a4ad78ae66ffa862a5a42501110d230.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c34693a68f961d87b5b8e8b121f4ca88/61e93/5a4ad78ae66ffa862a5a42501110d230.webp 200w,\n/static/c34693a68f961d87b5b8e8b121f4ca88/1f5c5/5a4ad78ae66ffa862a5a42501110d230.webp 400w,\n/static/c34693a68f961d87b5b8e8b121f4ca88/58556/5a4ad78ae66ffa862a5a42501110d230.webp 800w,\n/static/c34693a68f961d87b5b8e8b121f4ca88/cfaac/5a4ad78ae66ffa862a5a42501110d230.webp 989w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3173-markdown","title":"Say Goodbye to 2020: Uplifting Cannabis Strains to Ring in the New Year","slug":"say-goodbye-to-2020-uplifting-cannabis-strains-to-ring-in-the-new-year","content":"We're all counting down the days until the end of 2021. Thinking back on the year, it has been one bumpy ride, but there have been positive outcomes such as less pollution, more time with immediate family, a new definition and appreciation of what it means to be healthy.\n\nWould we do a repeat of COVID-19, not in a million years; in fact, we are celebrating the end of it like no other year! Here we list 4 uplifting strains that may give you an energetic boost and optimistic outlook for celebrating the holidays and ringing in the most-anticipated New Year of our lifetime. \n\nWe include THC-dominant strains that are highly euphoric, and inspiring. Look to the High-CBD strains or more balanced CBD/THC strains for a gentle high, as they contain far less THC.\n\n### Durban Poison\n\nDurban Poison is a pure sativa originating in Durban, South Africa. It is known to an energetic and uplifting strain that can make even the laziest couch potato get up and clean the house. Known for the focused energy it creates, makes it a popular strain for those who like to boogie. It is also high in the cannabinoids THCV, which is an appetite suppressant and is thought to reduce anxiety. Durban is known to have a skunky smell, offering a hint of sweet licorice.\n\n### Harlequin\n\nHarlequin is a popular sativa-dominant, CBD-rich strain known for giving a clear-headed but mellow sensation. Because it is higher in CBD, it will not produce the same intoxicating effects of a higher THC strain, but still may give a light buzz. If you're new to smoking cannabis, Harlequin is a good strain to begin with. It offers a very stable and functional high allowing you to be present in the moment. It is reminiscent of an earthy musk with a hint of mango.\n\n### Pennywise\n\nPennywise is a 1:1 balanced strain offering equal parts THC to CBD. It is a relatively powerful strain offering 12%-15% of CBD and THC. Don't let the killer clown name fool you, the onset of the high comes on gradually, creating an invigorating buzz that offers mental clarity and deep relaxation. It has hints of coffee and lemony citrus with an undernote of bubblegum. \n\n### Sour Berry Blue\n\nLooking for a new cannabis strain to try? Sour Berry Blue has hit the scene and is an award-winning hybrid mixing Alpha Blue and Sour Strawberry. It offers up an extremely potent high that is cerebral and invigorating, with THC levels ranging anywhere from 20%-27%. It has the taste of citrus fruit and wild blueberries to round out the flavor profile.\n\nAs you enter the holidays, we wish you the brightest of futures with happiness and health. 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