Added on July 7, 2023
6 minutes read
Table of Contents
Added on July 7, 2023
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Every day, we deal with stress, and the pace of our lives is much faster than it was just a few years ago. Multitasking is commonplace, and unfortunately, the day still only has 24 hours. We increasingly reach for various preparations that are intended to make our day even more efficient. Painkillers are a daily companion for many. However, we forget that there are very good natural methods not only to cope with stress but also to regulate our entire body.
Herbs and Adaptogens — Plants Known for Thousands of Years
We often hear that ancient shamans used various herbal blends for healing people. We might think of plants that are now practically unavailable. However, the truth is that in most cases, they used the same herbs that are available today. Simply put, due to the lack of advanced pharmacology, people used what they had. Unfortunately, we are increasingly forgetting this today. Herbal medicine is one of the oldest forms of healthcare. The use of herbs for treating people was present in every possible culture and has been used for a very long time.
Currently, in China and India, over 300 herbs are used, with a history of use dating back at least two thousand years. According to Chinese research, both herbs that were used in the past and newer ones can significantly increase the effectiveness of current medications, reduce their side effects, and sometimes even completely replace them. It's worth noting that in China, over 500 plant species are officially recognized as medicines. Another 5,000 plant species are traditional remedies, folk remedies, and local medicines. Natural herbal preparations make up roughly half of the drugs consumed in China. More and more people are turning in this direction because they appreciate the effectiveness of this method on the one hand, and on the other hand, they recognize that these are natural origin preparations, making them much healthier for our bodies.
What Are Adaptogenic Plants?
Defining adaptogens is not a simple matter. It should be noted that to this day, many scientists use a definition that was created in the middle of the last century. In 1947, Nikolai Lazarev defined adaptogens as substances that allow our body to counteract adverse stress factors (physical, chemical, biological) while increasing overall stress resistance in our body.
Adaptogens can be described as plants that induce changes in the body by stimulating and balancing several systems. They have the ability to reduce the activity of overly efficient systems and enhance the function of systems that are too weak. This allows for a normalizing effect, aligning the body's functions. Adaptogens can be compared to a skilled mechanic who ensures that our car (i.e., our body) functions as it should.
A crucial aspect is that adaptogens work bidirectionally, meaning they do not merely raise or lower blood pressure. Their action is to balance blood pressure, whether it's too low or too high. Many people even believe that adaptogens possess their own "intelligence" as they know which direction to regulate our blood pressure (in this case). This is what makes these plants increasingly popular.
Which Adaptogen Is Worth Choosing?
At the beginning, it's worth noting that there are characteristics and properties of adaptogens that are shared by all adaptogens. We're talking about their anti-stress action, strengthening of the immune system, and the supply of antioxidant substances.
Many people claim that adaptogens are so effective that they can be taken daily for overall health, similar to CBD products. Of course, thanks to the fact that adaptogens have been used for thousands of years, the number of their therapeutic applications is vast, and the amount of information about their effectiveness is overwhelming. However, each adaptogen also has its fundamental application:
- amla — has anti-inflammatory properties
- ashwagandha — calms, relieves muscle pain, positively affects hormonal balance, helpful for menstruation in women, and may increase libido in men
- Asian basil — supports cortisol regulation and improves blood sugar levels
- passionflower - has a powerful calming and anti-anxiety effect. It works perfectly as an aid in falling asleep.
- Chinese skullcap — balances the nervous system
- Eleuthero (eleutherococcus senticosus) — counteracts fatigue and enhances performance
- He shou wu — stimulates the functioning of the liver, kidneys, blood, and the male reproductive system
- Licorice — heals the stomach and intestines
- Astragalus — ideal for heart issues, including clots
- Mumio / Shilajit — lowers blood sugar levels
- rhodiola rosea — calms the shen (mind and consciousness)
- Gotu kola — supports memory and concentration
- Asian ginseng — ideal for adrenal exhaustion
It's worth noting that in addition to adaptogens, there are many herbs that also have a very positive effect on our body. These include:
- Turmeric and piperine combination — helps increase the production of the happiness hormone, dopamine. Moreover, both turmeric and piperine have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Hops — its action is up to four times more effective than vitamin C and it also has antioxidant properties. It is characterized by antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-cancer properties. Using hops helps prevent diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and tooth decay. Hop cones are particularly helpful during menopause, alleviating its unpleasant symptoms (e.g., hot flashes) and aiding digestion. Common hops are primarily known for their calming, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.
- Calamus — is a natural ally in the fight against pain and bacteria. It destroys some pathogenic fungi, bacteria, and protozoa. It has bacteriostatic, anti-inflammatory effects and additionally stimulates the immune system. It is effective in combating Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. Extract from clubmoss root is a plant-based substance that effectively complements antibiotic therapy.
- Lemon balm (Melisa) — known for its calming, antidepressant, and sleep-improving properties.
How to Take Adaptogens and Other Herbs?
There is a saying that "if one herb is good, more than one is better." It perfectly reflects the historical approach to the use of adaptogens. In most historical cases, multi-herb formulas were preferred over the use of a single ingredient. While single-ingredient therapy exists as a home remedy, almost all herbal systems suggest the use of well-thought-out combinations because this achieves the best impact on the body of a given preparation.
An important aspect of using herbal preparations is the mutual complementation and synergy resulting from combining ingredients. This is why herbal and adaptogenic preparations should be selected based on specific symptoms. Some will treat symptoms, others improve circulation or facilitate absorption, and still, others improve digestion or sleep quality.
It's worth noting that combining several ingredients can make two herbs or adaptogens (which individually do not exhibit a specific action, such as inhibiting the division of cancer cells) - together, they may have such an effect. The concept of combining different ingredients can be used for preventing diseases, treating them, and improving overall daily health.
Of course, herbal preparations can be taken in various ways. Some take them in the form of capsules as a natural dietary supplement, others drink herbal teas, and still others take them in combination with CBD oils. This last form is both less developed and highly effective.
Taking pure CBD oil has many benefits.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
can mitigate the effects of stress, facilitate falling asleep (even in cases of insomnia), improve the efficiency and quality of sleep, prevent nausea, provide pain relief, reduce anxiety, potentially delay skin aging, enhance memory and concentration, and increase resistance to stress. These are just a few of its applications. However, it's only when combined with herbs or adaptogenic plants that CBD becomes a remedy that can be used in everyday life for a variety of ailments. Even if CBD oil alone helps with sleep, combining it with melatonin and passionflower further enhances its effects. This is significant because each person responds individually to the effects of CBD, and by adding herbs or adaptogens, the oil's impact on your body becomes more effective. Additionally, both adaptogens and CBD are meant to establish homeostasis in the body, so combining these two components only enhances their effects.
Adaptogens – Contraindications for Using Adaptogens
Some people may argue that herbs and adaptogens do not cure. However, the truth is that these substances enhance the mental and physical performance of the body. The compounds found in these plants often lead our bodies to achieve homeostasis (a state of balance) and regulate their functions. If we take CBD oils enriched with herbs or adaptogens, some may feel the effects immediately, while others may require regular intake over a certain period. Each body can react differently, so it's essential to continually increase your knowledge about adaptogens.
Adaptogenic herbs should definitely not be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women. If you are already taking other medications regularly, it's also advisable to consult your doctor before using adaptogens. The goal is to avoid any unwanted interactions with the medications you are already taking.
In summary, adaptogens are very versatile plants that you can use for various ailments. They work on chronic stress, regulate your body's functions, bringing it into balance. It's recommended to use them not only for specific ailments but also in your daily life to help your body function more efficiently. Remember that herbs and adaptogens work best when they are part of blends. This way, the active ingredients, such as CBD, enhance their mutual effects, creating a synergistic effect. Keep in mind that herbs and adaptogens have been known to humanity for a very long time and have been used in various medical traditions, including Ayurvedic medicine and Far Eastern cultures. The action of adaptogens and herbs is not only very versatile but also entirely natural. At Cannoffi, we combine CBD, herbs, and adaptogenic substances to create the best oil possible. We know that it's worthwhile to reach for natural preparations, thus staying in harmony with nature and providing your body with maximum capabilities.
Let's disenchant the cannabis
CBD oil for cats – properties and effects
The abbreviation CBD can be seen in drugstores on the packaging of care cosmetics, in supermarkets on the packaging of food products, and in social media, in influencers' posts, and special shops selling dried herbs or teas with CBD are located in the centers of larger cities. Recently, information can be found more and more often about CBD for animals. Is this a marketing trick or can CBD really have a positive effect on pets, including cats?
Is CBD oil addictive? - See what the research says
CBD is now becoming much more popular and more and more people are using it because they know what beneficial properties it can have for our body. For some people, however, the topic of CBD is still synonymous with taking a drug, and they associate it mainly with a strong addiction. How much truth is there in this and can we really become addicted to taking CBD oil? In today's article we will answer all these questions.
The effect of CBD oils on dogs' bodies
There has been a lot of talk about CBD in recent years. The hemp industry has developed enormously over this time, and CBD is now an ingredient of many cosmetics, care products and teas, and CBD oils or dried products can be ordered not only online, but also in stationary stores. There is a lot of talk about the beneficial effects of cannabidiol in relation to humans, but when it comes to animals - and specifically dogs - many people begin to have doubts. Is it right?
Endocannabinoid System - what it is, functions and actions
Many people wonder how hemp products and CBD itself affect us at all. On the one hand, we can see and feel the positive effect of hemp oil on every cell in our body, but you will probably meet many people who will try to convince you that this is just a placebo effect. The truth is, however, that each of us has our own natural body system that responds to cannabinoids, namely the endocannabinoid system, or ECS for short. Today we will take a closer look at how cannabis uses it to affect our body and why endocannabinoids should not be feared.
CBD oils for athletes – is it a good choice?
In sports, the rules are clear. The winner is the one who is faster, stronger and better prepared. Athletes avoid stimulants that have a negative impact on the body and in sports it is forbidden to take doping substances in professional sports. CBD was on the banned list, is it still on it now?
CBD Oil - How Does It Work on Our Body? Discover the Benefits of Using CBD
CBD, or Cannabidiol, is one of the many substances found in cannabis. It helps in relieving pain, relieves anxiety, helps fight insomnia, helps with various diseases, and above all, CBD oil is completely safe and is not a psychoactive substance, unlike THC, it does not cause the intoxicating effect with which many people just equate cannabis (confusing eats often with marijuana).
How to take care of your mental well-being?
The 21st century gives us a lot of opportunities, but it also demands a lot from us. Due to, among other things, the popularity of social media, celebrities and influencers, we feel constant pressure. Images presented in the media tell us - you can do more and better if you really want it. The truth is more complicated and, however, "willingness" is not always enough to achieve the goal. Is it possible to take care of your mental well-being in such a world without living in the middle of the forest and leading a hermit's life? Yes, there are several ways that can help you maintain your well-being. The Cannoffi brand was created to help achieve mental well-being by using what nature gives us.
Are CBD oils safe for children?
We all know that the body of an adult is different from that of a child. We need other vitamins and supplements. Although CBD oils have many positive properties and are natural, should we give them to children?
What Is the Difference Between Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa?
A lot of people ask themselves what is the difference between cannabis and what is the difference between cannabis sativa and cannabis indica. While you certainly think that they are two completely different plants that are very different from each other, there are actually not that many differences between the two plants. Hemp is a very interesting plant, they all come from one main species - Cannabis sativa, however, as a result of very restrictive laws, they had to be divided into two main groups, although this division is very general and actually only applies to one variable that makes that one cannabis is fully allowed and the other is not.
How can CBD oils help you survive long flights?
Short weekend getaways or longer journeys abroad – who among us doesn't enjoy traveling? Although travel is primarily a pleasure, sometimes it can be associated with unpleasant ailments. These may include muscle aches, stomach problems, and, when changing time zones – jet lag. Is there a way to prevent these conditions? And what CBD oils have to do with it?
Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Oil - history, use and medicinal properties
Cannabis sativa is one of the longest-grown plants in the history of mankind. The evidence in the possession of scientists clearly shows that human ancestors used it more than 12,000 years ago. Since then, for the next thousands of years it has been used for spiritual, social and, above all, medical purposes. It was perfect for the production of ropes and clothing (mainly hemp fibers). It can be safely said that it was one of the most popular plants used for medicinal purposes in the entire history of mankind. Its crops were grown all over the world, regardless of the region. Currently, it is estimated that around 250 million people consume some form of hemp products at least once a year.
Cannabidiol - what is it and how does CBD cannabis oil work?
Although hemp is a plant that has been with us for a long time, we still know little about them. The first traces of their use by humans come from more than 12,000 years ago from the area of present-day Taiwan. It was there that the hemp ropes that were used by local potters were found. It can therefore be said that hemp (in various forms and forms) is one of the oldest plants that accompany humans.