New research suggests that a brief walk through the forest reduces anxiety.

Walking in the forest, one can’t help but notice the smell of the pine trees, the sunlight falling on the rocks, the soft moss and ferns on the forest floor, and the sound of birds singing in the branches above. How does the simple act of walking through a forest impact one’s body and mind?

The Japanese tradition of shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing” has inspired the modern concept of “forest therapy,” or walking in the forest as a way to improve health and mood. Several studies over the past decade have found that being in a forest can lead to relaxed and healthy well-being– both physically and mentally– and can even reduce blood levels of the stress hormone cortisol and boost the immune system.

Recent research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health suggests that walking as little as 15 minutes in a forest can improve one’s mood and relieve stress and anxiety. The study had 60 participants who were divided into two groups — one that walked in a city environment and the other in a forest environment. People who walked for as little as 15 minutes in the forest experienced significantly less negative feelings and felt more relaxed both mentally and physically.

These findings are part of a growing body of evidence, including studies with larger participant numbers, that suggests forest therapy is a healthy and evidence-based way to reduce stress and anxiety.

Here are five findings from the research on forest therapy over the past decade:

1. Walking through the forest can reduce anxiety and negative feelings such as anger and fatigue.

A recent study measured anxiety with the State-Traitnxiety Inventory (STAI) and found that anxiety was significantly less for those that walked in the forest compared to those in the city. Furthermore, people who walked in the forest experienced significantly fewer negative feelings such as tension, anxiety, depression, anger, fatigue, and confusion.

2. Forest walking promotes relaxation.

Researchers examined heart rate, heart rate variability, and blood pressure and found that forest therapy activates the “relaxation response” branch of the nervous system or parasympathetic nervous system.

3. Forest therapy may have antidepressant effects.

Small studies have found that forest therapy can improve mood and reduce depressive symptoms, including a study in children. Forest walking can be especially useful since it combines mindfulness in nature with exercise– both of which are known to reduce depressive symptoms

4. A brief walk in the forest for 15 minutes can result in a better state of mind.

You do not have to walk for long periods in the forest to reap the mental or physical benefits of forest therapy. Research has found that as little as 15 minutes of walking in the forest can make a big difference in putting your body and mind at ease.

5. Walking in nature may improve your immune system with lasting benefits.

Studies have found that walking in a forest could increase “natural killer” cell activity and boost immunity— and these protective benefits can last over a month.

6. “Forest bathing” may boost healthy antioxidants.

A small number of studies have measured antioxidant levels in the blood after forest bathing and found that helpful antioxidants increased significantly.

Science continues to suggest that forest therapy has healing and immune-boosting powers, including anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects

Article Source: Psychology Today

When we once checked the number one reason why people start their journey with CBD among our users, the winner was clear – sleep problems. It makes sense, especially when we compare it with the data from the last two pandemic years. In 2021 the number of people complaining about their sleep quality in the US and the UK reached 50% of the population.

Many popular sleep aids like melatonin tablets with a hefty dose of melatonin are super effective but might leave you dumb in the morning and influence your work. No wonder then, CBD once again appeared as a miracle solution. We took a look at what scientists checked and if there are any reasonable conclusions we can make out of it.

Here is a summary of what we know:

160 mg of CBD increased sleep duration more than the placebo
300 and 600 mg of CBD decreased the level of cortisol in the body during the night – one of the main reasons for insomnia
25 mg of CBD was an effective dosage for anxiety which was one of the reasons for problems with falling asleep
56-66% of people experienced an improvement in sleep short and long term while taking CBD
broad and full-spectrum products reach in some specific terpenes might be way more effective than CBD isolate. Some terpenes like Myrcene, Beta-Caryophyllene, and Linalool have a strong calming effect.

Conclusions and recommendations for customers:

pick full or broad-spectrum products with reach terpenes profile (especially with myrcene, linalool, and Beta-Caryophyllene)
experiment with dosages between 25 and 200 mg
try to be consistent. If you can, use a sleep monitor to make better observations on the quality of your sleep (many smartwatches like the Apple Watch and Garmin have that option)
more tests and studies are needed to create some concrete recommendations for everyone.

Article Source: MyDosage.com

A quick view of the best CBD products for 2022:

Cannabidiol, better known as CBD is an active compound found in the Cannabis or Marijuana plant and is non-intoxicating, for those who don’t know. The compound that does give you the ‘high’ feeling is known as THC, which is also derived from the Cannabis plant.

As you may know, CBD is a dominating product in terms of sales in 2022. But you should know, that not all the products are not manufactured the same, so depending on the brand, health benefits may vary.

I created a list of the best CBD products with the best reviews, to help you find the best health supplements for you.

Before we dive straight into the products, let’s see what research says about CBD.

According to many sources online, CBD is still in its early stages of research, but does promise to deliver the following health benefits:

Pain & Inflammation: effective for managing many types of pain, including joint pain, menstrual cramps, and muscle pain.

PTSD: CBD is useful for treating stress-related disorders and trauma.

Epilepsy: used for treating many rare forms of epilepsy, and is approved by the FDA.

Anxiety: Research shows improvements in taking CBD as a daily supplement for a period longer than 3 months.

Sleep: What most people use it for. CBD improves sleep quality and helps with insomnia.

Let’s Get To The CBD Products:

How do I know what CBD products are the best?

I made a list of CBD products with their benefits and uses considering the product’s reviews, manufacturer, CBD products that contain no THC, passed testing, retailers selling it, etc.

CBD oils:

Olio CBD Oils: The oil is manufactured for many different uses which include an energy booster, CBD for a calming effect, and a defender, with different flavors such as vanilla and berry.

Here’s one example of their CBD oils. Or view their entire catalog here.

Olio Boost | Herbal CBD Oil:

The blend contains carefully selected terpenes making Olio CBD oil a broad spectrum plant extract enhancing what is called the entourage effect. These terpenes working alongside CBD have a synergistic effect within your body promoting physical energy and good mental health

Edibles

CBD Fruit Chews:

Oliō fruit chews are a fantastic treat for kids and adults alike packed with pure CBD goodness, a daily dose will aid in building your immune system.

CBD Raw Honey:

Oliō unprocessed pure raw honey infused with 100mg CBD promotes general immunity and well-being. The honey is good for digestion, soothes a sore throat, helps improve cholesterol, wound healing, and dry skin, and it’s a healthier alternative than sugar.

CBD for Pets

CBD Pet Tincture:

Restructured and nano-emulsified herbal oil blend containing CBD concentrate and synergistic herbs has increased bioavailability and an enhanced entourage effect, ideal for promoting general health and immunity while alleviating stress in pets

Gluten Free CBD Dog Treats:

Pets are part of the family, and they need the same love and attention. What easier way to look after your fur babies than with our Olio CBD pet treats. Olio pet care has been created with the perfect balance of nutrition with healthy ingredients promoting good health and a stronger immune system while assisting with anxiety and other dog ailments.

CBD For Skincare

Body Lotion:

Oliō body lotion is rich in antioxidants and is naturally scented providing skin rejuvenation, hydration, and a soothing effect on your skin. Olio body lotion also improves elasticity.

Gua Sha Stone – Rose Quartz:

Gua sha stones are a tool used to relieve tension, sculpt skin, and increase circulation. They are traditionally made of jade or quartz. The stones come in a variety of shapes and usually have a smaller edge that can be used near the eyes or nose. The CBD stone is good for ironing outlines in the eyebrow and forehead, smooths out fine lines and wrinkles, lifts and tightens loose skins around the neck and jawline, and improves skin firmness, among many other benefits.

Olio Night Repair Cream:

Rich in anti-oxidants our advanced Oliō night repair cream has toning, hydrating and conditioning effects and is suitable for all skin types with a lemongrass and ginger scent.

View All CBD Skincare Products Here.

CBD Topicals:

CBD Pain Cream:

Oliō Pain balm is highly effective for deep penetrative relief of localized tissue, inflammation, and joint pain also assisting in the repair of damaged skin. Apply directly to the pain/discomfort/imbalance area and massage into the skin for deep tissue and joint-pain relief or leave a thin layer covering skin conditions.

Stress Ease Roll On:

CBD roll on Stress Ease is a great travel buddy to assist you on the go. Topical roll-ease designed for localized, systemic, and olfactory stimulation using a combination of actives for enhanced efficacy. Apply to your temples, third eye, under your nose, on your wrists, and/or under the soles of your feet for localized and systemic effects. Use for alleviating symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, or in moments of fear or shock.

View All Topicals Here.

How To Use CBD Products

As mentioned above, CBD comes in many types and forms, depending on the product, usage and dosage will vary.

Topicals like lotions and creams offer different strengths but are intended to be applied the same as you would any other moisturizer.

CBD oils and tinctures are very easy to use, you just add the drops to your favorite beverage for the best results. On most oils take 2 to 5 drops under your tongue, 2 to 3 times a day, or when you feel is necessary. Titrate your dosage upwards every three days until you are satisfied with the amount, but always follow the label for instructions as they vary from product to product.

CBD Side Effects

Even though CBD is safe, some users may experience side effects such as fatigue, diarrhea, and changes in weight and appetite. This is very uncommon, but it’s still wise to check the label to see if it doesn’t contain any ingredients that you’re allergic to.

Conclusion

CBD is very popular and is still growing! While the research around it is promising as well. So it’s safe to say that CBD is going to be around for decades to come, if not forever, and made part of our daily health routines.

My takeaway, give it a try and see if it works for you.

Cannabidiol is having a moment. Though you may not recognize its scientific moniker, you’ve probably seen it referred to by its buzzy nickname: CBD.

CBD is everywhere these days, and in a variety of forms. You can find it in capsules, gummies, tinctures, oils, balms, cocktails, cookies—even coffee sold at small-town bakeries. Its market share in the health and wellness space will likely only continue to grow, with some analysts estimating its value will hit $2 billion by 2022.

CBD has a lot of purported benefits with a lot of anecdotal (and some scientific) evidence to back those claims. Everything from helping cancer patients fight nausea, to acting as a sleep aid for people with insomnia, to reducing seizures in children with a severe form of epilepsy known as Dravet Syndrome.

While those seem like potentially huge breakthroughs, CBD is also said to help with smaller stuff, like helping you recover faster from workouts thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Before you dive into a pool of CBD oil, here’s everything you need to know.

Why are we sore after a workout anyway?

No matter how fit you are, sometimes you just feel it after a workout. Some workouts can leave you sore for days. That’s because, as the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) explains, working out causes microscopic damage to muscle fibers. Those muscles then become inflamed, which triggers the body to respond and repair, causing muscle soreness or stiffness.

Cool. So, what exactly is CBD again?

CBD is one of more than 100 chemical compounds found in cannabis plants, which include both marijuana and industrial hemp. CBD is a close chemical cousin to THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, the chemical compound found in marijuana that causes a psychoactive effect (AKA, the stuff that gets you high).

Though CBD is just one atom arrangement away from becoming THC, that microscopic difference is actually huge. No matter how much CBD oil you consume or how much CBD balm you rub on your body, you cannot get high from it. Which means…

I can legally buy CBD?

Yes. In December, President Donald Trump signed a new Farm Bill, which, among other things, legalized the growth, distribution, and sale of industrialized hemp, allowing it to be “cultivated for any use”—including the production and extraction of CBD.

There are a few caveats to the bill, but generally you’re now safe to buy CBD across the United States. Even professional athletes can use CBD, as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed it from its prohibited substance list in 2018. So relax, your gold medals are safe.

“Broadly speaking, CBD does decrease inflammation when it’s rubbed on muscles as an ointment or taken orally.”

Can CBD really help fight post-workout inflammation?

“As a personal trainer and someone that works out every day and really pushes myself a lot, I noticed the biggest difference in inflammation and stress after a workout,” Tara Laferrara, a former sprinter and a NASM certified personal trainer, told MensHealth.com about her personal use of CBD.

Laferrara was introduced to CBD via friends in the fitness industry who tried it after cannabis was legalized in Colorado in 2014. Now, she’s a devoted user. (A CBDevotee?) “It basically manages and prevents my joint inflammation, that aching kind of feeling, that I’d get after a heavy lift day,” she says.

Is there scientific proof?

While Laferrara’s anecdotal experience is intriguing, you might remain skeptical. Perhaps the scientific findings will squash some of your CBDoubts.

According to a 2018 review of 132 original studies published in Frontiers in Neurology, CBD can indeed reduce inflammation in the body and help improve pain and mobility in patients with multiple sclerosis. “It is anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiemetic, antipsychotic, and neuroprotective,” the review study’s authors wrote.

“Broadly speaking, it does decrease inflammation when it’s rubbed on muscles as an ointment or taken orally,” Dr. Perry Solomon, previous chief medical officer and founding member of HelloMD, told MensHealth.com.

However, we can’t conclusively say that CBD will, without question, reduce inflammation—and in turn reduce muscle soreness—after another Eb & Swole workout. The empirical data just isn’t there yet.

But I’m good to start a CBD regimen?

CBD is commonly regarded as safe to use. Even the doctors published in Frontiers in Neurology said: “High doses of up to 1,500 mg per day and chronic use have been repeatedly shown to be well tolerated by humans.” You shouldn’t need that much, though figuring out how much you do need can be tricky, as there is no “standard” dose.

One rule of thumb is 1-6 milligrams of CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight based on pain levels. Another is to start with 5-10mg per day and increase by 5-10mg until you feel relief. This isn’t perfect and requires trial and error, but it’ll help you find a starting point.

As with anything you plan to put into your body, discuss CBD with your doctor first, particularly if you take other medications. They can help you make sure your liver will have enough room to metabolize it all so as not to diminish the effects of either.

How should I use CBD for recovery?

Beyond CBD oils and tinctures, CBD is often sold in infused balms, lotions, capsules, edibles, vape pens, and more. Basically, you just need to decide if you’d like to ingest it or rub it on for relief.

Again, you’re mostly on your own to determine exactly how much CBD you should take to feel its effects. The dosing guidelines above should give you a good jumping-off point, but CBD is a subjective chemical that reacts differently in every body. Once you feel the desired effect, though, you won’t have to up the dose. Which means if you use CBD oil for recovery, you can just fill the pipette to the same spot every time.

To sum it up, if your doctor says it’s OK and you’re game to try CBD instead of popping traditional anti-inflammatories, go for it. Try it for a few weeks while varying the delivery method and dose to find what works best for you. Who knows? By tomorrow, you could be recovering faster from your workout and have one less excuse to skip leg day.

Source: Menshealth – CBD For Inflammation Muscle Recovery

Here are some healthy living recommendations that you can do to boost your immune system:

Immunity Support Supplements – Our Revive Immune Support has a powerful combination of herbs and actives synergistically boost your immunity and combat infection. Our specific blend of High Active herbs compliment each other to support the immune system and increase pathogen resistance

Exercising regularly – Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet that is high in fruits and vegetables

Maintain a healthy weight – Aim for a BMI of 25 or lower. The best way to lose weight is with exercise and a healthy, balanced diet.

Get good quality sleep – Set a schedule and routine for sleep and practice good sleep hygiene.

Reducing stress and developing good coping mechanisms – Include activities in your daily life that help you handle stress, like virtually connecting with loved ones, going outside, practicing meditation regularly, exercising, making art or other hobbies.

Stop or reduce smoking – If you smoke, you can get support to help you quit.

Limit the amount of alcohol you drink – limit the number of glasses/bottles you drink.

Prevent infection – Wash your hands frequently and social distancing.

Recommended Vitamins to help with boosting the immune system:

Vitamin A, when used on a short-term basis, can help support the body’s ability to fight infections, especially with respiratory infections.

Vitamin D is one of the most important immune system-strengthening nutrients that can reduce the risk of colds and flu; this should be taken on a regular basis.

Vitamin C may help prevent viral, bacterial and other infections by shortening the duration of colds and acting as a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory.

Beta-glucans – numerous human trials have shown that beta-glucans stimulate activity against viral attack, these findings include a decrease in cold and flu symptoms and upper respiratory tract infections compared to placebo.

Mushrooms – a variety of mushroom species have been shown to help with immune function in a myriad of ways; some of the medicinal mushrooms include Shiitake, Lion’s Mane, Maitake, and Reishi.

Berberine – found in the roots, rhizomes, and stem bark of various plants, this natural compound has been shown to have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties; it can be found in goldenseal, goldthread and Oregon grape species.

Zinc can help reduce the number of infections and the duration of the common cold when taken within 24 hours of onset.

Selenium is a key nutrient for immune function and is easily obtained from foods like the Brazil nut. Selenium is also an antioxidant, which strengthens the body’s defenses against bacteria, viruses and cancer cells.

It is very important to understand that these supplements are suggestions and more research needs to be done.

Be sure to communicate with your health care provider and take them in moderation or as your doctor recommends.