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Nature’s Remedies
A growing number of us are looking to natural remedies to boost health and wellbeing. As their popularity heralds a new era for home-grown healthcare, we take a snapshot of the medicinal benefits of two of these burgeoning health heroes.
Cannabinoid Therapy
Cannabidiol, or CBD as it is more widely known, has rocketed into the spotlight in recent years thanks to its growing reputation for tackling a wealth of conditions, from anxiety and stress to depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. While it is widely praised for improving mental wellbeing, some users have also found it effective in relieving physical ailments, including joint and muscle pain.
CBD is one of two prominent chemical compounds, along with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), found in cannabis and hemp plants. The extraction process involves separating this CBD compound from other cannabinoids, including THC, which is known for its more psychoactive properties. These extracts are then used to create capsules, oils, tinctures, vape oils, and supplements, with varying quantities of THC and CBD cannabinoids, depending on their use.
While it might seem like the new kid on the block, the medical profession has been exploring the benefits of cannabinoid therapy for decades, reporting its effectiveness in treating people with severe pain issues and children with epilepsy where other treatments have failed.
Mushroom Magic
Medicinal mushrooms have been a key component of Eastern medicine for thousands of years, but more of us than ever are starting to reap the benefits of their therapeutic qualities. Adaptogenic mushrooms, which are known to have a positive impact on the body’s stress response, are becoming more popular thanks to their reputation for alleviating stress and lowering cortisol, but other varieties are famed for boosting immunity and brain power or reducing inflammation.
The mushroom’s beneficial compounds are protected by its tough body, making it hard for us to absorb. To tackle this, the mushrooms go through an extraction process, using either water or alcohol, which results in differing levels of concentration, depending on the mushroom type. Each species produces compounds with varying therapeutic benefits. Reishi, for example, can help with focus and anxiety, while Cordyceps are believed to boost energy and support athletic performance.
While some varieties are used in cooking, others can be taken as powders, capsules, and tinctures that preserve those all-important ‘superpowers’.