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I think we’ve all struggled with social anxiety in some shape or form in the past, whether you’re Mr Confident, Miss Whitty or the person who wishes that the earth would swallow them whole at least twice a day. The good news? Nootropics can actually have a profound impact on your ability to combat social anxiety and give you confidence in both work and social settings.

The last couple of months has certainly put a spotlight on a pandemic (not the one you think) that is rampant in our modern society - Depression. Mood disorders. Plain ‘ol feeling sad.

With many countries beginning to legalize hemp and marijuana (both hemp and marijuana are different varieties of the cannabis plant), we can find much research on CBD (Cannabidiol) across the globe for its contribution in treating various ailments and boosting the overall health in humans. Before we delve deeper into CBD and its derivative CBD oil, it is essential to know about the differences between CBD and its equally popular cousin, THC, as well as the legal status of CBD! How Does CBD Differ From THC? CBD, also called cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating compound extracted from either the hemp or the marijuana strains of Cannabis sativa, the main plant. While both contain CBD, it is found in abundance in hemp, which also has low levels of THC.  THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is also derived from marijuana and hemp, but it is a more potent and psychoactive agent that produces euphoric effects commonly signified as being “high.” While hemp can contain a maximum of 0.3% THC (calculated via dry weight), marijuana comprises up to 30% THC. [1] Unlike THC, CBD does not possess intoxicating properties. How Does CBD Affect The Body? CBD has positive effects on most of our body receptors such as: Glycine receptors – That control happiness, mood, anxiety, etc. related to the happy hormone serotonin. Opioid and Vanilloid receptors – That regulate the pain factor. Adenosine receptors – That control the quality of our sleep. CBD, through regulating the above and many more receptors, helps to treat many ailments from simple acne to significant illnesses like Parkinson’s. What is CBD Oil? CBD oil is a mixture of CBD (cannabidiol – a compound derived from the cannabis plant) and a carrier oil like hemp seed oil or coconut oil. CBD oil is legal in many states in the US, and many countries across the globe are also legalizing CBD oil (as long as they are obtained from hemp, and not marijuana). This is because the CBD oil derived from hemp either has no THC or a  minimal amount of THC (<0.3% which is acceptable).  While the research around the CBD compound is throwing up positive results in therapeutic uses, subjective reports from individuals across the globe prove that CBD oil does have some special powers indeed! Nora Volkow, Director National Institute of Drug Abuse, says that preclinical research has shown CBD oil to have various therapeutic uses in cases like anti-seizure, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, anti-anxiety, antipsychotic and more.[2] Benefits of CBD Oil For The Mind And Body Here’s how CBD oil can aid people in treating different ailments, and also building a healthy lifestyle. 1. A Happy Heart CBD oil can reduce hypertension and thereby minimize the risk of heart disease. Studies on nine healthy individuals who were administered with 600 mg of CBD were found to have low blood pressure prior and post-exposure to demanding situations like heavy exercise and extreme cold weathers.  Furthermore, the stroke volume was seen to be significantly reduced, meaning the heart was functioning efficiently. [3] These findings enhance the possibilities that CBD oil may be an efficient complementary therapy for individuals whose hypertension is augmented by anxiety and stress. However, there has been no evidence that CBD oil on its own can reduce hypertension.  2. A Positive Mindset One of the prominent effects reported by many people taking CBD oil is a better mindset through enhancement of a blissful and calm mood.[4] The shaping up of a positive mindset can be attributed to the CBD’s effects on the 5-HT1A receptors that regulate the release of vital neurotransmitters that control the anxiety and mood levels, particularly serotonin.[5] CBD oil has helped to enhance one’s lifestyle in the same way, as through meditation and self-realization. Many people, after consumption of quality CBD oil, have found themselves feeling a lot more relaxed, with a sense of calmness. They also experienced a shift in mindset that helps them see the world from a different perspective. CBD oils are popular among meditators as a means of gaining more profound knowledge and enhancing their awareness. [6] 3. Relief From Pain One of the crucial components of the human body is the endocannabinoid system (ECS) that regulates various functions like appetite, sleep, pain and various other immune response systems. [7]  Studies have shown that CBD, through its analgesic effects, can help to minimize chronic pain by impacting the endocannabinoid receptors and reducing the inflammation and its associated pain. [8] Certain animal studies have shown that CBD injections have helped to reduce the surgical incision pain response system, while yet another animal study showed that oral treatment with CBD reduced the sciatic nerve-related pain and helped to minimize inflammation. 4. Helps Deal With Depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [9] CBD oil is known to be safe and effective in treating anxiety and insomnia in children suffering from post-traumatic stress disorders. Several animal studies have also shown its anti-depressant properties as well. [10], [11] According to the 2017 World Health Organization report, depression has been the sole significant contributor leading to disability across the globe, while anxiety-related disorders were ranked sixth. [12]   Thus, consuming CBD oil on a regular basis may help people suffering from anxiety and depression without the side effects associated with many anti-depressant medications. 5. Reduces Seizures Certain studies have found CBD to be a promising treatment for seizures. According to a study, when people with severe forms of epilepsy were administered CBD oil of 0.9 to 2.3 grams per pound of body weight, there was a significant reduction in their seizures of a median of 36.5%. [13]  CBD oil has also shown to reduce seizures amongst children suffering from a complex epilepsy childhood disorder called Dravet Syndrome. [14] 6. Reduces Inflammation CBD oil that contains CBD extracts from the cannabis plant can be an effective form of treatment for chronic inflammation and related pain in arthritis. [15], [16] Various animal studies have also proven the same. [17] Studies have also shown CBD oil’s efficacy in treating pain related to fibromyalgia. [18] Hence, the application of CBD oil can help alleviate symptoms of pain and inflammation in arthritis patients, as well as easing the pain factors in other medical cases. 7. Makes Skin Soft and Supple When applied topically, the antioxidants in CBD oil helps to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals like UV rays and other pollutants.  Various topical cannabis-based products are being developed that help to treat skin issues from acne to psoriasis and also foster a quick restoration of damaged skin.   8. Increases Bone Strength CBD helps augment the process of formation of new bone cells and thereby promote faster healing of broken bones. Bones treated with CBD oil in subjects have shown to be 35% to 50% stronger than those that are not treated. [19] CBD oil has been researched for its prospective role in treating common health issues, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, cardiovascular health, acne, inflammation and so on. With continuous ongoing research on the potential benefits of CBD oil, many new remedies using this miracle oil are sure to be revealed. Article Courtesy - PRIMESELF

STRESS is a challenging six-letter word. No matter how easygoing a person is, stress finds its way into his/her life, thanks to the rigours of an over-competitive world! It leads to a chain of complications like depression, chronic gastritis, high blood pressure, insomnia, heart diseases, and so on.  It has been observed that stressed people tend to first lookout for various OTC drugs from pharmaceuticals that help to tone down the anxiety and stress levels. However, these medicines could have adverse side-effects. Furthermore, they do not address the cause of underlying stress but rather work to suppress it temporarily.  The truth of the matter is that there is no cure for stress. Thankfully, natural remedies and herbal supplements can have a powerful impact on our hormones and help our body shield itself from the harmful effects of stress. The human body has the incredible capacity to heal itself when provided with the right gears. One such aid that enables the body to combat stress by healing itself is an 'Adaptogen’, the latest trend in the natural health and wellness space. Various companies are investigating into these chic herbs for combating stress as well as other chronic conditions. What Are Adaptogens? Adaptogens are non-toxic plants that have been used for healing for centuries, in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines. They were first developed during World War II to increase the efficiency of pilots to fly better and faster for more extended periods.  Adaptogens, as the term indicates, help the body adapt to stress and function in the usual fashion. They are essentially herbal pharmaceuticals that work by counteracting the physical and mental pressures of the body.  Stress causes various physical changes in the body, damaging the endocrine, neurological, and immune systems. The stimulant properties in adaptogens help to counteract these harmful effects of stress. How Do Adaptogens Work? Adaptogens work by fine-tuning the hormones at the molecular level and by creating a balance in the various hypothalamic, adrenal and pituitary glands. These glands are a part of our body’s stress response system. [1] A study has found out that adaptogens help in promoting health and wellbeing and thereby combat stress when used as a supplement with other traditional medicines. [2] The Link Between Adaptogens, Adrenal Dysfunction, and Stress [3] Adrenal Dysfunction or adrenal fatigue arises from many factors like stress, insomnia, imbalances in the blood sugar, and so on, with the primary factor being stress. Adrenal fatigue occurs due to  HPA Axis fatigue. (HPA Axis regulates stress hormones). During periods of high stress (say rescuing a person from a fall), the body responds to unexpected challenges through the ‘fight or flight’ response by producing enough cortisol to combat stress. The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) prepares the body to be armed for combating stress by mobilizing additional energy.  This is done by rapid heart rate and respiration to enable more blood to be rushed to the limbs (or any other stressed part) from the remaining parts of the body. Hence, the other parts of the body get just a minimal supply of blood for basic functioning.  Once the body combats stress, the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS), prepares to relax the body and eventually recover. During stress, the functioning of the other systems like the digestive and immune systems are compromised to supply enough blood to the part where it is required.  While this may be an efficient system by the body to tackle itself against occasional stress, the fact is that the stress we face today may not be short-term. Instead, we all live in an age of constant chronic stress. During such constantly stressful periods, large amounts of cortisol are released into the body, and the adrenals find it difficult to keep pace with the demand for substantial stress hormones. Their ability to produce normal hormones for maintaining the body's health gets reduced, leading to adrenal fatigue, which in turn leads to a host of other medical conditions. Continually being in the fight or flight mode creates abnormal blood circulation to various organs and weakens them. Adaptogens come to the rescue, enabling the body to face the challenges of chronic stress by helping the adrenals to be better prepared to combat stress. Here are some popular adaptogenic natural remedies and supplements that help to combat stress. Each herb or mushroom detailed below helps the body to fight various stress levels ranging from mild, moderate, acute to chronic. Adaptogens Herb Supplements for Combating Stress: [4]  Holy Basil – (Ocimum sanctum, O. gratissimum) Plant Family: Lamiaceae  Portion used: Leaves and Flowers Holy Basil has been in use in India since ages and forms an essential component in Ayurvedic medicine. It helps to reduce anxiety and balance the cortisol hormones. It is also neuroprotective and enhances cerebral circulation. Ashwagandha -  (Withania somnifera) Plant family: Solanaceae Portion used: Root This is an adaptogenic herb that is commonly used in Ayurveda and helps to improve focus and reduce irritability and enhance overall vitality. The term Ashwagandha is said to be derived from the Hindi term 'Asgahdh" meaning the smell of a horse. True to this, the herb gives the strength of a stallion. Ashwagandha is known for its energizing effects on the body. Many animal-based studies have proven the efficacy of Ashwagandha for its adaptogenic benefits.  Further specific research suggests that Ashwagandha may be as effective as popular medicines used in reducing anxiety levels. [5], [6]  Reishi Mushroom -  (Ganoderma lucidum ) Mushroom family: Ganodermataceae Portion used: The fruiting body, mycelium, and in some cases, the spores. Certain mushrooms like Reishi are quite popular in combating stress as they help to alter moods and improve the immune system. Reishi mushrooms are popularly found in Asia, and this fungus has been an integral part of Eastern medicine for many years. [7] Several molecules in this mushroom, like polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and peptidoglycans, provide numerous health benefits, including reduction of hypertension that is responsible for stress. [8] Reishi mushroom also helps to combat fatigue and depression. A study on 132 patients with neurasthenia (condition with headaches, pain, irritability, etc.) showed reduced fatigue and irritability post eight weeks of consumption of reishi supplements. [9] Check out the best Reishi Mushroom supplement here…  Lemon Balm -  (Melissa officinalis) Plant Family: Lamiaceae Portion used: Leaves Lemon balm belongs to the mint family and is said to have sedative properties. [10]. Various studies have shown its efficacy against anxiety. [11].  Lemon balm also tags well with Valerian root (another herb for treating anxiety and sleep disorders). [12] L- tryptophan  L- tryptophan is an amino acid, and it plays a vital role in the well being of a person. Factors like stress and unhealthy diet negatively impact L-tryptophan and thereby lead to irritable mood. L-tryptophan is responsible for the secretion of the happiness hormone "serotonin" and hence is a perfect mood enhancer. [13] Check out the serotonin enhancer adaptogen here…  Further, L- tryptophan also helps against insomnia and stress. Hence, the lesser the availability of this amino acid, the lower the happiness quotient and wellbeing. L-tryptophan is considered to be an essential amino acid as the body does not produce it. It must be acquired through food sources. L-tryptophan is found in abundance in plant and animal proteins. Once the body absorbs L-tryptophan, it gets converted primarily into 5-HTP and then into serotonin (mood enhancer), melatonin (vital for sleep) and nicotinamide (B6 Vitamin required for energy).  Some of the food sources with high tryptophan content include: Dairy products Bananas Fish Eggs Walnuts Tomatoes Rhodiola Rosea - (lignum rhodium)  Plant Family: Crassulaceae Portion used: Root. Leaves and shoots are also used in a few cases and consumed raw. Also known as golden root, this herb is commonly found in the wild Arctic regions and parts of Asia and North America as well. This herb is used in traditional medical practice for treating symptoms of anxiety and depression.[14]  Russians and Scandinavians have used Rhodiola to treat various conditions of depression and anxiety for many centuries. This herb helps in the treatment of mild depressive symptoms [14] and also boosts mental performance. [15] One study has found out that Rhodiola extract of 400 mg per day when given to 101 participants suffering from work-related stress led to a significant improvement in stress symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, etc.in just three days. [16] Furthermore, Rhodiola also helps to alleviate the symptoms of burnout that occurs with chronic stress. A study on 118 individuals with stress-related exhaustion showed that this herb helped to improve may symptoms related to depression and stress. [17] So if you are suffering from chronic or work-related stress and lifestyle changes and relaxation techniques do not seem to suffice, then do try going in for authentic adaptogenic supplements. Authentic adaptogenic supplements take into account the synergy between various herbs in tackling multiple body issues. Hence, one can have a combination of various adaptogens, replacing each with the other at regular intervals so that one does not become resistant to a particular adaptogen. 

The Chinese have for long used mushrooms in health foods, as well as in their Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat various ailments. They are revered as ‘spirit plants’ that promote longevity and good health.

It is a modern-day epidemic. Whether the stress is a constant, nagging pain in the gut or a barely-there feeling, it wrecks your body. For some, it’s fistfuls of hair falling out; for others, it’s the entire immune system going haywire.

Do you feel uncomfortable when obliged to meet new people or asked to address a crowd? Do you find yourself trembling, sweating, or suddenly going blank? You might be a victim of social anxiety!  But, fret not… you are not alone.

Simply put, Neurogenesis is the term used to refer to the creation of new neurons in the brain. Increased neurogenesis can help support memory, mental clarity, recall, reduce anxiety and even assist with depression. Let’s find out how to increase neurogenesis.