Coughs and flu can blindside you at any given moment. From having a sore throat, stuffy nose, cough, and even migraines, flu can amp all of these up by giving you fever, body malaise, and fatigue. This can even leave you feeling as if a train has gone through you and back.

With the virus pandemic in full swing and the changing of seasons just around the corner, the weather and the stress can be wreaking havoc on just about everyone’s bodies. This leaves our immune system compromised. While most people opt for the traditional and readily available flu vaccine, many have been exploring their options and going off the beaten path by trying CBD oil and other similar natural remedies.

Although taking medication and a flu shot can drastically reduce your symptoms, letting your symptoms take its course with the help of more natural aids or treatments can do wonders for your body. With CBD products available in a variety of forms, these types of remedies can readily boost your immune system and help keep you from contracting viruses that cause these.

Colds and Flu – What are These?

Colds are caused by viruses, such as rhinovirus, and these are characterized mainly by sore throat, cough, runny nose, and congestion. On the other hand, influenza or the flu, is caused by the flu virus. These are commonly accompanied by coughing fits, headaches, migraines, and even fever and fatigue. Many individuals die from this year after year, especially during epidemics.

Influenza and other deadly viruses are highly contagious as they can be spread via tiny droplets of mucus by sneezing or coughing. Both common colds and the flu are prevalent during wintertime.

Causes of Colds and Flu

There are varying reasons why we catch these types of illnesses. Most of the time, these are respiratory infections that affect our immune systems. Other times, these can stem from being confined with individuals who have these viruses in their bodies. Individuals who are sick with colds and types of flu can easily spread their germs on various non-porous surfaces or via droplets in the air.

Apart from the aforementioned causes, lack of sleep, stress, and anxiety, can also factor in the deterioration of your immune system. During rest or sleep, the immune system is said to release cytokines which help fight inflammation or infections. However, sleep deprivation, as well as stress and other similar factors, decrease the production of these cytokines.

Effectiveness of CBD Oil for Colds and Flu

Cannabidiol and even tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may help ease symptoms of colds and the flu. The former is imbued with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which can help reduce or prevent infections from further developing.

At the same time, taking CBD oil can also help reduce bodily pain and inflammation, allowing individuals suffering from these conditions to heal and rest from their illness. Moreover, CBD products are also effective in reducing migraines, body malaise, headaches and more, by suppressing the receptors within the body thanks to the cannabinoids working together with the body’s endocannabinoid system.

While cannabidiol products may not necessarily be able to directly cure a common cold or take away the flu, it can help provide individuals with relief. In the same way, it can also help drastically reduce the symptoms of individuals who take this.

The Bottom Line

Cannabidiol is one of the most medicinal chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. With the benefits it offers for addressing cough and flu symptoms, you can rely on this cannabinoid for relief. So, make sure to stock up on CBD products so that you will be ready when you need it.

Cannabis is not the only naturally occurring substance that became popular during the Psychedelic Era. As the name suggests, psychedelic or magic mushrooms also played a role in the cultural and social dynamics of the 60s to the 70s.

These shrooms are known to many solely as a hallucinogen, but recent studies are showing its medical properties. In fact, some practitioners of medicine have been using a substance obtained from shrooms to treat some conditions. Ancient cultures have also been using it for the same application, just like cannabis.

If you are interested in these mushrooms, but you are concerned about its hallucinogenic effects, you may be curious as to how it can affect your brain. Here’s what you need to know.

Magic Mushroom Consumption

Whether you are consuming natural hallucinogens or traditional medications, the most important thing you should remember is to take it moderately. This applies even with food, our primary source of nutrition, or with alcohol, an impairing substance. So, it is only sensible that consuming shrooms should be done in moderation.

Now, let’s say you consumed these mushrooms. What happens in your body? The first you should know is that these shrooms contain the compound psilocybin, which is the chemical responsible for the psychoactive effects of the fungus. Once it enters your body through your digestive system, this chemical is converted to psilocin within 30 minutes. Psilocin is the compound that interacts with your brain.

Psilocin and its Effects on the Brain

• Activates Serotonin Receptors

One of the most prominent effect of consuming magic mushrooms is that it activates your serotonin receptions called 2A. According to studies, this causes a neuronal avalanching, which is described as a domino effect of various changes in your brain. So, when 2A is activated, your brain is more susceptible to changes, which you can experience through your sensory and network activities.

This can increase the activity of your virtual cortex, which could be the reason why many experience changes in perception. This activation is also known to lower your network activity, which is the reason that consumers lose their ego. It is also known to increase mood and cognition. When combined, scientists believe that this is why users feel a sense of unity and transcendence.

•  ‘Reshapes’ Brain Cells

With the 2A receptors activated, the psilocin allows users to tap into parts of their brains that were previously inaccessible. This is because brain cells are ‘reshaped’ to become more efficient. Now, keep in mind that the ‘hardware’ in our brains are fixed, which means that this compound does not break it down and reconfigures your brain cells. What the chemical does is it lets the individual networks connect with others to form a more global network. This is what makes the network more efficient

• Rebalances Nerves

Because individual networks are now connected, scientists believe that the activation of the 2A receptors can aid in treating disorders such as depression and addiction. Moreover, some studies show that new networks are formed, allowing users to utilize more of their brain. This triggers creativity, love and happiness, which can greatly increase the potential of the consumer, when combined with the other effects of psilocin on human brain.

The Bottom Line

In moderation, magic mushrooms can have positive effects on the brain. You can check out the practice of microdosing psychedelics to see how consuming this in small amounts can be beneficial. Just keep in mind that this could interact with your existing medications, if you are taking any, so make sure to consult your doctor to ensure the safe and advantageous use of shrooms.

With the leaps in legislation and perception saw by the cannabis community, those who are advocates of health and wellness are also looking forward to progress with the kratom industry. Just like cannabis, kratom, also known as Mitragyna Speciosa is a plant that is known to have a variety of properties such as pain-relieving, psychedelic, and sedating, just to name a few. Some researchers are also investigating the potential of kratom as an alternative to opioids.

The thing with this plant is that different strains can have different effects, just like cannabis. However, some may be wondering if the various kratom strains have significant differences when compared side-by-side. Here are some key points that can help you understand whether or not strains possess distinct characteristics.

Kratom Varieties: A Simple Know-How

The simple answer to the primary question is this: Yes, kratom streams really are different from one another. To understand how kratom strains can differ, let us take a look at cannabis varieties. Cannabis sativa is high in CBD, which means that it can offer a brain high, while cannabis indica is high in THC, usually providing a body high.

The same difference applies to kratom varieties. The major types of this plant can be identified by looking at its leaf veins. There are three leaf veins observed in kratom: green, red and white. Leaves with green veins are typically energy-boosting, while those with red veins are known for their sedating and pain-relieving effects. Those with white veins are stimulating.

Now, aside from the type, another factor that plays in the differences among strains is the place in which the variety is native to. Some of the places in which this plant naturally grows include Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Some Strains You Should Check Out

What better way to know the differences among strains that by trying them yourself? If you live in a state where this plant is fully legal, then you should definitely check out these strains:

• Maeng Da – This strain is known for giving an energy boost while offering pain relief. Because of this, you might think that this is a green variety. However, has red leaf veins. It also offers a euphoric feeling just as what you would expect from a red vein leaf.
• Red Bali – While Maeng Da offers a mix of green and red characteristics, Red Bali offers a more classic red-veined effect. When you consume this, you are bound to feel a more sedating and opiate-like attribute. You can also expect a feeling of relaxation and pain relief.
• Green Malay – This strain is known for boosting users’ mood and energy. This is a classic characteristic of green-veined leaves. In fact, Green Malay is known as the original Malaysian strain, which means that you can expect traditional green effects from it.
• White Vein Thai – Known for being the most stimulating among all white strains, the White Vein Thai offers less pain-relieving effect but with a longer-lasting stimulation.

Consuming Kratom

As this plant is endemic in some Southeast Asian countries, observing their cultures showed that it is consumed in a variety of ways. Its leaves can be chewed fresh or brewed into teas. It can also be dried and powdered to be used in cooking or drinking. Moreover, powders can be made into pills and tablets for easier kratom consumption.

The Bottom Line

Kratom can offer different effects depending on the strain you are consuming. To observe how these varieties differ, make sure to check out the various strains of this plant to see how this plant can work for you and your lifestyle.