The world is full of natural remedies that can treat physical conditions – plants with anti-inflammatory properties, roots that fight cancer, fermented foods that protect your gut. But some plant medicines carry an extra punch…

The first humans that came across psychedelic plant medicines might have experienced more than they bargained for! Eating some species of plants or fungi can induce a powerful psychedelic experience, sending the forager on a journey through completely trippy states of mind.

Psychedelic plant medicines have long been used for personal and spiritual growth – see EntheoNation’s plant medicine course for an extensive guide. Indigenous peoples all over the world have used psychedelic plant medicines as a core part of their healing practices, and many still do today.

Now, on the brink of a wave of psychedelic legalization, we can begin to understand the pharmacology of the ancient psychedelic plants that have been used for healing for thousands of years.

This article will explore four of the most popular psychedelic plant medicines in the world, and what their pharmacology can tell us about their potential to improve our lives.

What are Psychedelic Plant Medicines?

Psychedelic plants all produce a psychedelic “trip” once ingested. Most people experience changes in perception and thoughts; such as seeing bright colors and complex geometry, and feeling intense emotions or revisiting childhood memories.

Some psychedelic plants can just be eaten raw for their psychedelic effects to take hold… while others require precise preparation, such as mixture with other ingredients, to unleash their potential.

Of the many psychedelic plants that grow in the world, these are some of the most well known:

Ayahuasca

One of the most famous psychedelic plant medicines is ayahuasca. This is a brew created from the mixture of a number of different plants, but the most well-known version uses the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Psychotria viridis leaf. The combination of these two plants produces a unique psychedelic experience, lasting several hours, and it is used for many healing purposes by Amazonian peoples.

The psychoactive component in P. viridis, DMT (dimethyltryptamine), is not normally active when you ingest it orally. However, the combination with B. caapi in a typical ayahuasca brew produces a unique pharmacology that prevents DMT being broken down by your stomach enzymes. This allows DMT to reach your brain and causes a psychedelic trip that can be used for mental healing.

Traditional ayahuasca use involves an experienced and highly trained shaman diagnosing your spiritual or physical ailments, and crafting a healing ceremony to address your problems. They might request you to follow a special diet involving abstinence from certain foods, sex, and digital media, in the days leading up to the ceremony.

During an ayahuasca ceremony, the shaman may use medicine music (icaros), work with spiritual energies, or simply reassure the participant to guide them through the experience and facilitate their healing.

Magic Mushrooms

Other plant medicines don’t require any mixture or preparation. Magic mushrooms (although technically a fungus, not a plant) are probably one of the most widespread psychedelic plant medicines in the world. You can find them growing on almost every continent, in damp wooded areas. They have been used by indigenous peoples for centuries.

Some evidence suggests that magic mushrooms were used by indigenous Australian peoples over 12,000 years ago. Aztec and Mayan art was heavily influenced by magic mushrooms, and priests used them in divination and healing. They are still used traditionally by many Mexican groups, and one unique species of psychedelic mushroom is an integral part of several branches of Siberian shamanism.

Magic mushrooms contain the psychoactive substances psilocybin and psilocin. There are over 200 species of magic mushrooms that contain these substances. These psychedelic mushrooms can be eaten fresh or dried, or brewed into tea, to induce an experience lasting a few hours.

Peyote and San Pedro

Peyote and San Pedro are two types of psychedelic cactus that have been used in healing ceremonies for thousands of years. They were among the first psychedelic plant medicines to be introduced to North America, and are still used in sacred healing practices today.

They both contain the psychedelic substance mescaline, and are usually prepared by boiling pieces of cactus in a tea. The cactus can also be eaten fresh.

The traditional use of these psychedelic cacti was thought to originate in a number of indigenous North American peoples, around Mexico and Texas. It has been used traditionally as a treatment for pain and physical ailments, but its ceremonial use has now evolved to focus on the treatment of addiction and spiritual issues.

San Pedro grows much faster than peyote, and as such people recommend using San Pedro over peyote due to sustainability concerns.

Salvia

Salvia divinorum, known colloquially as Salvia, is a plant that contains the world’s most potent naturally-occurring psychedelic. It has been grown by Mazatec shamans for countless generations, and relatively small doses hold great healing potential.

Salvia contains the psychedelic substance Salvinorin A, and only micrograms of it are required to have a psychedelic effect in people. It binds to only one type of receptor, which is very rare for natural psychedelic plants – and ingesting it results in a very unusual and disorienting experience.

Traditionally, the leaves of the Salvia plant are either chewed raw, or brewed into a tea. In contemporary western use, it is most commonly smoked in highly-concentrated extracts, producing an intense but very short psychedelic experience lasting only a few minutes.

Shamans use it to treat physical ailments, and consider it a route to connect with spirits or deities. Due to Christian colonial influences, one of its traditional names is Ska Maria Pastora, meaning “The leaves of [Saint] Mary the Shepherdess.”

How do psychedelic plant medicines work?

Psychedelics all cause a profound change in consciousness (when taken at a high enough dose). This change in consciousness, alongside their pharmacological properties, has been shown to be a potential treatment for conditions such as depression, addiction, and anxiety.

Different psychedelic plants work differently, but we’re starting to understand more about the root of their healing effects.

The Serotonin System

Ayahuasca, magic mushrooms, peyote and San Pedro all contain psychedelic chemicals known as “classic” psychedelics. They all work mainly through activation of serotonin receptors in the brain.

The increase in serotonin that these psychedelic plants can cause is thought to be the route of their effects on perception – such as visual hallucinations and changes in thoughts. Serotonin is also considered the main neurochemical route of treatments of depression, and that could be why these substances have so much antidepressant potential.

Both ayahuasca and magic mushrooms have been studied in extensive clinical trials showing that a single dose of these substances can have significant and lasting antidepressant effects in people suffering from severe depression.

Although peyote and San Pedro have not been studied as extensively, it’s likely they would have similar antidepressant effects. Their key psychedelic component, mescaline, also activates serotonin receptors in a very similar way to ayahuasca and magic mushrooms.

We don’t know why the activation of the serotonin system in the brain can fight depression – but most contemporary antidepressant medications also boost serotonin levels, suggesting that it’s an effective way to treat the condition.

The kappa opioid system

Salvia contains a unique psychedelic substance that activates only one very specific receptor in the brain, and its pharmacology suggests that it could be a powerful anti-addictive medicine.

Salvinorin A, the main psychoactive substance in Salvia, activates the kappa opioid receptor (KOR). Although this is an opioid receptor, it actually carries out a role you might not expect – it helps prevent addiction.

Studies have shown that if you activate the KOR in lab rats at the same time as giving them access to unlimited quantities of cocaine, the rats are less likely to show addictive behaviors.

These findings have given researchers hope that Salvia could help them develop an anti-addiction medication – one that could not only help people go through withdrawal, but also prevent addiction to highly dependent substances like cocaine or heroin.

Studies have also shown that Salvia could be an effective painkiller. Mice who are given Salvinorin A are less likely to experience discomfort when sitting on a steadily warming surface. The prospect of developing a non-addictive painkiller is very exciting for sufferers of chronic pain.

Scientists are attempting to develop chemical analogues of Salvia that could fight addiction or pain without causing you to trip!

The Mystical Experience

Although we’re learning more about the pharmacology of these healing plants, their unique effects on the mind sets them apart from other natural remedies. People describe having intense mystical experiences with these plants, that give them a fresh perspective on life. The intensity of the psychedelic experience has been directly linked to the healing benefits of these plant medicines – so there’s possibly more than just chemistry happening behind the scenes.

In studies on depression and tobacco addiction, where magic mushrooms have been used to effectively treat these health conditions, researchers found that the people who reported the most mystical experiences were also more likely to be healed.

A mystical experience is considered a state of mind that is very hard to describe – and involves a sense of realization or awakening, an encounter with some kind of universal truth or entity, and a sense of interconnectedness or timelessness. People often report mystical experiences giving them a fresh perspective on life, helping to give them new purpose or motivation to make positive changes.

So how can we make the mystical experience happen?

Unfortunately there’s no simple answer. We can’t directly link the mystical experience to pharmacology – some people have a mystical experience on very low doses of psychedelic plants, while others need very high doses! It can also arise spontaneously without the input of any substance whatsoever.

It seems as if the combination of psychedelic plants with holistic practices such as meditation, journaling, introspection, prayer, yoga or outdoor exercise is most likely to produce a mystical experience. Like the attainment of enlightenment through meditation, achieving a true mystical experience probably requires practice and patience.

How can you use psychedelic plant medicines?

There are many ways to use psychedelic medicines in your life – and you don’t even have to trip if you don’t want to.

Although the healing benefits of psychedelic plants have been discovered during high-dose experiences, it’s also possible to use tiny doses in your daily life to gain some of the positives too.

Additionally, there are a number of holistic practices you can use to amplify the benefits of a single psychedelic experience, potentially making one trip all you need to significantly change your life.

In the next part of this series, we will explain the easiest ways to use the healing benefits of psychedelic plant medicines while staying as safe as possible. Stay tuned!

Guest Post by Patrick Smith

Patrick Smith is a writer and biologist who has worked in the psychedelic community for several years. He writes about the scientific and cultural aspects of psychedelic plants for the educational platform EntheoNation.

The post The Pharmacology of Psychedelic Plant Medicines appeared first on The Renegade Pharmacist.

The Darkness Retreat With Shashi Solluna

I just had one of the best months of my life at a resort called Serenity Living with some of the world’s top tantra practitioners in a stunning location on a magical island called Koh Phangan in Thailand.

This is a co-working, co-living community curated by my dear friend Shashi Solluna, a Taoist tantra teacher. We have even co-created her debut meditation album that is now being signed by Hay House.

We are all at around the table on one of last few days together having a last supper to celebrate the launch of our album with the rest of the community.

The soaring highs, the sheet depth of connections, and the innumerable positive insights and emotions created from this month of embracing tantra at a deep level for the first time ever over-shadowed any thoughts of the trip I was about to embark on to Zorba The Buddha. This is an Osho based retreat centre found in a tranquil sanctuary in the heart of Delhi, the capital of my motherland India.

I had no idea of what I was about to really put myself through and the real seriousness of the revelation and deep insights I was about to receive. All talk of this amongst my friends was making fun of the obvious question:

Why on Earth would anyone want to spend an entire week in complete darkness?

How Can A Darkness Retreat Awaken You?

Many spiritual and shamanic traditions have used meditations in pitch darkness as a method of healing, transformation and awakening. How can this simple technique be a catalyst of transformation?

If we take a look at the chemistry of the brain we can begin to understand the biochemistry behind awakening.

How A Darkness Retreat Awakens The Pineal Gland

It is thought that the biological structure associated with the third eye, or inner eye, is a gland called the pineal gland. Some theories say that the pineal gland can become calcified, and thus our inner vision becomes dulled or blocked. By purifying this gland, it is decalcified and thus activated.

Activation of the pineal gland may be what ancient mystics have called “opening your third eye”. Spiritual awakening is a shift in perception. It is not the outer world that changes, but the inner world.

When the perception shifts from seeing separation to seeing oneness, it is said we see with our inner eye open. Along the way, the practitioner may or may not experience shifts in perception such as psychic abilities, astral travel, and lucid dreaming.

The pineal gland has been called “the seat of the soul” (Descartes and Bailey) and is thought to be a very profound spiritual center of the brain. In Tao Tantra, there is a term called the “crystal palace” used in meditation. This is said to be connected to both the third eye and the crown chakra. Thus to activate it is to activate the higher spiritual centers.

Why DMT Is Produced In The Brain During A Darkness Retreat

The chemistry of the brain gets really interesting when we start to look deeper into the pineal gland. We find that under circumstances of light deprivation, the pineal produces a psychedelic substance called DMT. This is a naturally occurring substance, which occurs at birth and death in humans.

DMT is also produced during a shamanic plant medicine drinking ritual called “Ayahuasca”, which is drunk for visionary purposes. However, it has been discovered that an individual can develop the release of DMT naturally within their own brain, in a more natural and gentle way through meditation, darkness retreats, and pineal gland decalcification.

The Darkness Retreat

Learn What Happens When You Open Your Third Eye Here

https://dh8jl46frt.wpdns.site/opening-the-third-eye/

The post Darkness Retreat – What Happens To Your Brain After 7 Days In A Darkness Retreat appeared first on The Renegade Pharmacist.

Ashwagandha (withania somnifera) is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda and it has been used for thousands of years as a form of natural medicine. Part of the nightshade family, the ashwagandha plant is a small shrub that has orange flowers. It is native to India and North Africa. Powders and extracts made from the plant’s roots and leaves treat a wide range of ailments. Ashwagandha benefits our health in a number of ways due to high amounts of withanolides, which fight inflammation and tumour growth. [1]

This article will outline:

• Three big ashwagandha benefits
• Ashwagandha precautions and dosage

Ashwagandha benefits Cancer Treatment

Ashwagandha could treat cancer symptoms. Cancer patients reported improved quality of life and more energy when they took an ashwagandha supplement.[2].

Furthermore, combining ashwagandha with chemotherapy was effective against lung cancer in this study [3].

Ashwagandha has shown to effectively fight brain[4], colon[5], and ovarian[6] cancer to name just a few.

Ashwagandha benefits Cortisol Levels

Cortisol is widely recognised as the stress hormone because your adrenal glands release it in response to stress. Cortisol is also released when your blood sugars get too low and when we consume caffeine. It is becoming more and more common for cortisol levels to be permanently high, which can lead to high blood sugar levels and increased fat storage in the abdomen.

Ashwagandha supplements lead to great reductions in cortisol. Participants in this study taking the highest dose had an average of 30% reduction in cortisol levels.(7).

Taking an ashwagandha supplement could help relieve your symptoms of anxiety.

Ashwagandha benefits Sexual Health

Ashwagandha can balance luteinizing hormone in infertile men [8]. The pituitary gland releases luteinising hormone to control the function of the reproductive organs in both men and women.

Also, ashwagandha could play a role in restoring hormone imbalances in polycystic ovary syndrome [9]. What’s more, ashwagandha has proven to relieve symptoms of the menopause[10].

More Ashwagandha Benefits

• Ashwagandha also boosts longevity by protecting against oxidative stress. The leaf extract of the Ashwagandha plant have shown anti-aging properties on cells [11].
• Ashwagandha is useful for children with memory issues and for preventing memory loss in old age [12, 13]. A 600mg daily dose ashwagandha root extract improved the memory of people with mild cognitive impairment [14].

Ashwagandha Precautions and Dosage

While ashwagandha is safe for most people, pregnant women should never take ashwagandha. It is linked with pregnancy loss. Anyone with a thyroid disorder should also be cautious: the above ashwagandha benefits show just how easily ashwagandha affects hormones.

The recommended dose will depend on the type of ashwagandha you are taking, so follow the instructions that come with the product you choose. Ashwagandha is delicate, but powerful, so start on a lower dose and work your way up until you feel comfortable with your dose. Always ensure that you are taking a high-quality supplement to get the best results.

Conclusions

This article outlined a few benefits of ashwagandha. There are many more benefits of this ancient Ayurvedic herb. Used to improve health for thousands of years, there is plenty of research to back up these health claims too. Therefore, incorporating ashwagandha into your supplement routine might be an effective way to benefit your health and quality of life.

The post Ashwagandha Benefits – Three Big Ashwagandha Benefits appeared first on The Renegade Pharmacist.

You may know turmeric as the spice that gives dishes a distinct yellow color and associate it with Indian curry dishes. Turmeric benefits our health in so many ways, so it is a hot item on the health market these days. That’s no surprise to us: it has amazing powerhouse capabilities! Turmeric is also one of the most studied plants, so there is plenty of research to support the health claims.

Unlock the secrets to good health that have been hidden away in your spice cabinet!

This article will cover:

• Turmeric benefits and its chemical compound, curcumin
• Links to evidence and studies to support claims
• Uses and applications of Turmeric
• Uses and benefits of Turmeric and Moringa

Turmeric comes from the Curcuma Longa plant. The root of the plant is dried, and ground into turmeric powder. Turmeric’s amazing power comes from one if its chemical compounds: curcumin. Curcumin is turmeric’s active substance. Turmeric not only adds flavor and color to foods, but it also brings with it a whole host of health-giving benefits!

Buy the best bioavailable Circumin (Turmeric) supplement here.

Turmeric Benefits

Turmeric Benefits Inflammation

Inflammation is found to cause multiple ailments such as arthritis, digestion issues, depression, and more. Left untreated, minor inflammation can turn into a more harmful condition. So, it is important to note inflammation symptoms and take action.

Turmeric is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatories in the world. In 5 studies, turmeric’s compound, curcumin, was effective against a range of inflammation issues from oral inflammation to internal organ inflammation.

Turmeric doesn’t discriminate against which inflammation it fights. This is great news for people struggling with inflammation and looking for solutions that do not involve taking pills, which could result in other adverse effects.

Turmeric Benefits Your Mental Health

In both animal and human studies, it has been shown that curcumin may be effective for people struggling with depression compared to another depression medication.

In these studies, it took 2-3 months to see improvements in this area with a daily dose of 500mg twice a day. But, different studies had varied levels of findings and effects.

This shows that turmeric could be good news for depression-sufferers who want to take a more natural route to managing their mental health.

Turmeric Benefits for Fighting Cancer

Some studies have shown that certain cancer cells such as breast, stomach, skin, and bowel have been killed and prevented with turmeric, and its powerful chemical compound, curcumin. Many studies mentioned in this journal article have used turmeric against pancreatic and colon cancer, which was effective.

Turmeric Benefits for Combating Diabetes

There could be hope for diabetics as turmeric has been linked with a reduction of symptoms and potential reversal of diabetes!

In this study from Auburn University, curcumin was found to be at least 400 times more effective than a popular diabetes drug (metformin). Another study from 2012 noted the potential of turmeric and curcumin in being beneficial against the onset of Type 2 Diabetes in pre-diabetic individuals.

Turmeric Benefits for Pain Management

Turmeric is known to be extremely popular as a tool to manage pain. Pain from surgeries, injuries, arthritis, neuropathic, sciatic nerve, and more! In studies like this one, turmeric helped reduce general pain similar to a 2g dose of acetominophen. So, for those who enjoy natural remedies, turmeric doses of approximately 500mg will aid in pain reduction and management.

Turmeric Benefits for Detoxification

One of the biggest wellness trends today is the detox. Many environmental or dietary toxins cannot be avoided, but we can detoxify our bodies to help combat against damage from these factors. Use turmeric to detoxify from harmful outside oxidizing toxins, which can help prevent a number of diseases and ailments such as cancer.

Turmeric Benefits for Arthritis

Studies have been carried out to test turmeric’s ability to relieve arthritis thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. In a clinical trial, compared to a common arthritis drug, curcumin from Turmeric had the highest effect on arthritis patients without the negative side effects which can come from arthritis drugs.

Turmeric Benefits for Memory

According to this study, taking a daily dose of turmeric can be useful against mental ageing, memory loss, and attention problems. Those in the study who took doses of turmeric against a placebo were able to increase their capabilities in all of these areas. Turmeric could be one of the best tools for fighting against Alzheimer’s disease in the future.

Sounds great! But how can you glean these amazing and powerful benefits from Turmeric?

Uses and Applications for the Turmeric Benefits You Desire

Below are some simple ways you can incorporate turmeric into your daily life and start taking advantage of this amazing spice!

Turmeric Recipes

Since it’s a spice, you can add turmeric to multiple recipes with ease. Don’t forget to use organic, high quality turmeric powder! Multiple recipes can easily include Turmeric to the ingredients list. The flavor of turmeric is not too strong or overwhelming, so you won’t even notice it’s there. What you will notice is its beautiful golden yellow color that permeates your dish!

Add turmeric powder to smoothies or tea to easily squeeze it into your daily routine.

Add a dash of black pepper to your turmeric drinks and dishes to maximise the effectiveness of the curcumin compound.

Turmeric Supplements

Take your turmeric in a more concentrated form by taking it as a daily supplement. You can purchase turmeric or curcumin capsules as a supplement and take daily to glean these multiple benefits. So, if you’re not a cook, this is the choice for you! There are also specifically created supplements which have just the correct dosage of turmeric and curcumin to get the most out of it such as Meriva or BCM-95.

Discover an amazing highly bioavailable Turmeric supplement for daily use here.

Turmeric Essential Oil

Choose a turmeric essential oil. Diffuse essential oils, rub them on the skin with a carrier oil, or add them to a recipe (depending on the oil). Be sure to purchase high-quality oils and learn to dilute it properly if you will be using it for internal consumption.

*Note: Turmeric can be taken with piperine (or black pepper) in order to increase its bioavailability which means it is absorbed more easily and even more effective!

If you’re curious about dosage, there is no need to take more than 8 grams per day, according to this source.

Turmeric + Moringa

Combine two powerhouses together and get an even bigger benefit! Just as you can combine turmeric with black pepper, combining turmeric and moringa is an easy and amazingly effective way to increase the bioavailability of both!

Moringa is a powerful plant whose different parts have a variety of benefits and are used in a variety of ways to aid health. The leaves are useful against digestive issues, headaches, and blood flow problems. The seeds are helpful against bacterial infections and inflammatory issues. The flowers are helpful in aiding fluid flow such as urine and breast milk. The pods are good for stopping diarrhea and de-worming and more. The bark, roots, and gum can be prepared in certain ways to help manage pain, reduce swelling, as well as reduce symptoms of asthma. The oil can be used as perfume or to help fight against bladder or prostate issues.

Moringa contains vitamins A, D, K, Calcium, Magnesium, Niacin, all 8 amino acids, iron, antioxidants, and so much more!

Working together, these two natural substances can aid with digestion, inflammation, cognitive ageing, stress, and low energy.

Combine turmeric and moringa in tea, powder, or capsules.

Buy the best Turmeric supplement here.

Citations and References

Examine.com. (2018, October 15). Curcumin – UPDATE 2018 evidence-based review on benefits, dosage, side effects, & more. Retrieved from https://examine.com/supplements/curcumin/

Axe, Josh. “Can This Herb Really Combat Disease?” Dr. Axe, Dr. Axe, 18 Jan. 2019, draxe.com/Turmeric-curcumin-benefits/.

“Memory and Brain Amyloid and Tau Effects of a Bioavailable Form of Curcumin in Non-Demented Adults: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled 18-Month Trial.” NeuroImage, Academic Press, 27 Oct. 2017, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1064748117305110?via%3Dihub.

Masters, Maria. “5 Things That Can Happen to Your Body When You Eat Turmeric.” Prevention, Prevention, 13 Dec. 2018, www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/a20635784/Turmeric-benefits/.

Li, Shiyou; Yuan, Wei; Deng, Guangrui; Wang, Ping; Yang, Peiying; and Aggarwal, Bharat, “Chemical composition and product quality control of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)” (2011). Faculty Publications. Paper 1. http://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/agriculture_facultypubs/1

The post Turmeric Benefits – Turmeric Benefits You Need To Know appeared first on The Renegade Pharmacist.

Health = Order, Disease = Disorder

This is the basis on which Ayurveda is built. Within the body, there is a constant interaction between order and disorder. When the body becomes imbalanced and there is more disorder than order, a Panchakarma can be a highly effective process to bring balance and order back into your being.

Bring balance and order back into your life using SOMA breathwork techniques.

In this article we will discuss:

• The basics of Ayurvedic Doshas.
• What is Panchakarma?
• The 5 types of Panchakarma cleanses.
• How to cleanse your body and restore balance at home.

Ayurvedic Doshas

Before you begin a Panchakarma, you will need to understand you body’s Dosha type. According to Ayurveda, every single person is a unique combination of universal consciousness, made from the five basic elements: Air, Water, Fire, Earth, and Ether.

There are 3 main Dosha types:

1. Vata – A combination of Air and Ether.
2. Pitta – A combination of Fire and Water.
3. Kapha – A combination of Water and Earth.

These three organisations of the body affect your body type (for example how easily you gain or lose weight) as well as your personality traits and the types of illnesses and ailments you are more likely to experience.

Every person has a different proportion of each Dosha. You might be totally Vata, Pitta, or Kapha predominant. Or, perhaps you are Vata-Pitta, Pitta-Kapha, or Kapha-Vata predominant. Rarely, someone will be Vata-Pitta-Kapha predominant.

This balance of Dosha type is unique to you, and is your own natural order. Your health is negatively impacted when the balance is disturbed. Sometimes this imbalance can be dramatic, and you may experience multiple minor or major health problems.

This is where Panchakarma comes in.

What is Panchakarma?

Ayurveda states that releasing toxins from the body is key to preventing disease. Panchakarma is an intense cleansing process that purifies your body from the inside out.

You can go to a Panchakarma retreat for up to 21 days, but some people do a lighter version of Panchakarma in their own home.

Panchakarma includes 5 different cleansing methods

5 Panchakarma Cleansing Methods

1. Vamana: Therapeutic Vomiting

Vamana is the process of therapeutic vomiting to eliminate the mucus build up as a result of excess Kapha. If someone is prone to colds, coughs, and asthma, it is a sign of excess Kapha. Therapeutic vomiting is also related to diabetes and chronic indigestion. Emotions that are stored in the stomach and lungs can be released in this process.
Once vamana is complete, you will feel instantly lighter, any wheezing or breathlessness will have disappeared, and you will have a clear mind and a clear sounding voice. Afterward, it is recommended that you rest, fast, and release bodily urges whenever you feel the need.

2. Virechan: Purgation

The second method of Panchakarma, virechan, is related to excess Pitta. Excess bile produced and accumulated in the liver and small intestines can lead to rashes, skin inflammation, acne, nausea, and jaundice. Virechan, or purgation, is the act of ingesting an Ayurvedic laxative. This is to restore the Pitta balance in your body. In fact, this process can totally cure the problem of excess Pitta.

3. Basti: Enema

The third cleansing process of Panchakarma is an enema. Vata is the force that is most active in diseases. Vata is stored in the large intestines and bone tissue. You reach the root cause of disease by controlling Vata through basti or enema.

4. Nasya: Eliminate of toxins through the nose

The nose is the doorway to the brain and to consciousness. Prana, life force energy, enters the body through breaths inhaled nasally. Prana is found in the brain and maintains sensory and motor functions, regulates mental activities, memory, concentration and intellectual activities.

Nasya is a nasal massage. Here is how to do it: each morning and evening, dip your little finger in ghee. Slowly begin massaging the inner walls of your nose in a clockwise motion, then counterclockwise, gradually working your way up. Do not be forcible in this process, but aim to eventually insert your finger as far as it will go.

Ensure that you keep your fingernails very short, so you don’t damage the delicate mucous membrane in the nose. In time, your breathing pattern will change, emotions will be released, and your eyesight may even improve as the days go on.

5. Rakta Moksha: Detoxify the blood

The intestinal tract absorbs nutrients into the body. The same goes for toxins in the intestinal tract. This leads to conditions like hypertension and other circulatory problems including rashes, acne, and chronic itching or hives. The final method of Panchakarma is to detoxify the blood system. Pitta and blood have a very close relationship: an excess of Pitta in the blood causes toxicity.

Traditionally carried out with leeches, releasing blood from the body by other means is also widely carried out today. Letting blood causes the spleen to produce anti-toxic substances boost immune system activity. Toxins in the blood are then neutralised, which results in dramatic improvements or cures from many blood disorders.

Purify your body at home

Panchakarma is an extreme form of purging and cleansing. It is a big commitment that commands a lot of respect for Ayurvedic traditions. Some people choose to create their own milder version of Panchakarma at home.

This article has shown you the basics of Ayurvedic Dosha types, and outlined the 5 core principles of Panchakarma.

Panchakarma is a process of great depth, and there are some treatments excluded from this article, such as Shirodhara – the act of pouring warm liquids on your forehead.

The truth is, it is not necessary to go these extreme lengths to cleanse your body. There are much more readily-available processes that require less effort but still produce maximum results.

SOMA Breath techniques combine the ancient yogic wisdom of Pranayama with modern day science. This allows you to access your “inner pharmacy”, purify your blood, increase your energy and mental clarity, increase your longevity, and even heal faster from illnesses and ailments.

The post Panchakarma – What is Panchakarma? appeared first on The Renegade Pharmacist.

Jackfruit seeds

It seems like jackfruit is the fruit that keeps on giving. If you aren’t already familiar with the many benefits that the delicious flesh of this exotic fruit boasts, take a look right now. And there’s more! Jackfruit seeds are really useful. They are not only edible, high in nutrients, and (most importantly) delicious, but they serve more purposes too. It can be easy to discard the seeds in fruit without a second thought, but before you throw away your jackfruit seeds, read this article.

Enhance Sexual Performance

In Chinese medicine, jackfruit seeds treat sexual disorders and are said to have aphrodisiac qualities. They are a source of nutrients like potassium, calcium, and iron, and they’re also a great source of protein. All of these help with premature ejaculation, boost your libido, and prevent erectile dysfunction.

Jackfruit seeds are Protein Rich

Jackfruit seeds contain 9 essential amino acids, including lysine, which is often considered elusive in vegan protein sources. We can’t advocate jackfruit seeds as a replacement for other sources of protein, but they do make a great additional protein source. You can add the seeds to curries, or…

Jackfruit seed Hummus

Try this simple alternative hummus recipe:

1 cup boiled jackfruit seeds

2 teaspoon tahini

Juice of a whole lemon

Small bunch of coriander

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon chilli powder or paprika

Up to 1½ cups of water (added gradually)

¼ extra virgin olive oil

Place all ingredients in a blender (except the water) and blend until smooth. Add the water gradually, until the mixture reaches the consistency you want [source].

Give yourself Youthful Skin

You can make a simple face masking using just three ingredients: jackfruit seeds, milk, and honey. First, roughly chop the seeds and soak them in the milk. When the seeds have had time to soften, grind the mixture into a paste and add the honey. Apply this paste evenly to your face, and then let it dry. When you rinse it off with warm water, your skin will be radiant and smooth!

Jackfruit seeds are Talismans

In Thailand, these humble seeds are actually considered powerful talismans that protect the owner from misfortune thanks to their copper colour. While in Thailand you may notice some seeds have been left as an offering at the foot Buddha statues. Now you know why.

Jackfruit seeds are… Poisonous?!

There is a chance that consuming uncooked jackfruit seeds in large quantities could be toxic. Therefore, please ensure that you cook your seeds thoroughly, so you can rest assured that you will be doing no harm to your body.

To cook:

Boil for 30 minutes in water

Roast at 200°C/400°F for 20 minutes

The post Jackfruit Seeds – Why Jackfruit Seeds Are Useful appeared first on The Renegade Pharmacist.

Now we know that scientific proof can be very easily fabricated and much of this mainstream “evidence” has actually been funded by corporate Pharma. For example, a giant company that creates synthetic marijuana supplements was one of the biggest funders for the opposition of cannabis legalization in the United States. Talk about hypocrisy.

In this article we will discuss:

1) The basic wisdom behind Holistic Medicine.
2) Where to find the CURE
3) How to heal anything naturally
4) The steps to awaken Self Healing and Natural Supplements to super charge the process
5) How immortality could actually be possible and why this is important to you
6) The best Holistic Coaching available today to accelerate your healing

Holistic Medicine

Modern medicine believes that “Health” is the absence of disease. Ancient Indian medicine believes that a “healthy individual” is a person exited to go to work and is also exited for compassion.

Holistic Methods such as Ayurveda understands and accepts that living organisms such as virus, germs and bacteria are actually living inside all of us all the time. And that’s totally ok. As long as you wake up happy and exited about your day, you’re healthy.

Nowadays there are so many stories of people healing conditions that modern medicine thought were incurable that Holistic Medicine cannot longer be ignored.

Modern Science Explains Holistic Medicine

For some decades now, passionate scientists dedicated to seeking the truth have been finding real “evidence” of things that ancient wisdom has claimed for thousands of years.
So much that they are even considering the idea of “imortality” as actually plausible.

I will explain to you, in this article, fully backed by science, how immortality could actually be possible. And more important, how you can use this knowledge to heal yourself.

Holistic Medicine is based around the idea that the body knows exactly how to heal itself. Well, anyone who has healed “incurable” conditions such as Ulcerative Colitis or even Cancer will tell you a similar story.

They paid attention to their diet and changed their attitude towards their health. In some cases natural supplements are a great ally, however it all starts with the mind.

The Cure Is In Knowing The Patient

Modern medicine says that if you have a head ache, you should take a pill.

Holistic Medicine however will look at the patient’s life to find the source of the head ache.
Instead of prescribing a pill, by knowing the patient, it could be very clear that the person with the head ache just had a fight with their spouse. They should simply take a nap, find an agreement with their partner and the head ache will go away.

Most diseases can be treated by simply looking at the patient’s lifestyle.

For example, those that suffer from chronic fatigue might wonder “why am I so tired if I slept for so long”. Well, it’s been found that many factors can affect a person’s deep sleep, which is where the regeneration of the body happens, like too much Fats in diet, not enough physical activity, nicotine and caffeine, too much sugar…all of these elements can have an effect in a person’s energy state.

You might think you’re depressed, but maybe you’re just eating too much sugar. You might be anxious all the time, but maybe you’re just breathing wrong.

The answer can be really simple. If you’re eating healthy and balanced meals, drinking lots of water and have a happy life, your immune system is very likely to be strong and can protect you from most things.

How To Heal Anything

My mom survived cancer. Her story has all the elements that survivors of chronic diseases have in common.

She says that when she was diagnosed with cancer, immediately she took care of her diet. Then, throughout all of her treatments, every pill she took, every conversation she had, etc etc, she kept telling herself “this is healing me…this is healing me”. She tells me that every single day she would keep herself happy, positive, joyful and constantly, consciously held on to the idea that everything she did was healing her.

This is an example of convincing yourself of something as though is real. Which is the number one rule of manifesting and also the number one rule of healing.

Realize That Your Situation Is Only Temporary

The Renegade Pharmacist, Niraj Naik, is another amazing example of self healing. Not only was he diagnosed with an incurable condition, Ulcerative Colitis, but he was a community pharmacist. His job was to help people feel better, yet science couldn’t help him. He was faced with the decision to have his colon removed. Read his story here.

With time, he was able to heal himself through Holistic Medicine. He says that music and meditation played a huge role in his recovery which makes sense because by simply relaxing and listening to music we enjoy, we are entering a state of extreme relaxation.

What Happens During Extreme Relaxation

When you simply allow your body to relax, and by feeding it good, healthy food, you’re giving your body the space and time it needs to enter Self Healing more.

Actually…Self Healing is your body’s natural state. 

In our modern world, we are constantly stressed out. It’s somehow normal. This on going stress expresses itself in illness. By looking at the patient’s life, we can identify the source of stress and thus figure out a plan to manage the condition, and get the person back to waking up exited to start the day.

How To Trigger Self Healing?

The Heart Math institute has been doing research for many years on this topic and they have concluded that to trigger self healing, the best way to go about it is by entering a state called Heart Coherence.

Heart Coherence

It’s been proven that the heart produces a much stronger electromagnetic field than the brain. Actually, they found that there’s more information going from the heart to the brain than the opposite. They also identified neurones in the heart and even concluded that the heart is also a brain capable of storing memory.

In other words, the heart is what drives your whole body, so when it’s beating in a coherent way, your whole physiology and mind are working at the best of their capacities. This is where Self Healing happens.

How To Reach Heart Coherence

Previously believed impossible by science, yogis have known how to consciously influence their heart for thousands of years. It all stars with Breathwork.

If the Heart drives the body, breathing influences the heart. In other words, through conscious breathing you can influence your heart, make sure it beats in Coherence and thus consciously tell your own body to enter Self Healing.

The technique to reach heart coherence is very easy, but don’t be fooled by its simplicity. A lot of research has gone into this topic and this is science verified. Also, the ancient discipline of Pranayama favours this technique as a a form of reaching self healing, so the technique you’re about to learn is both backed by modern science and ancient wisdom.

Steps:

1. Get confortable.
2. Breathe in long inhales through the belly (not the chest, the belly)
3. Exhale for the same amount of time as the inhale
4. Repeat

Here’s a song designed specifically for this purpose. As you listen to it, you will hear someone breathing. Try to match it and notice how fast you will feel more relaxed. Enjoy the visuals too if you want. This is a Hypno Fractal designed to take your brain to really high states of vibration.

If you’re following the steps (breathing from the belly and doing long inhales and exhales) then you might feel very relaxed and alert. A few minutes of that will trigger Self Healing.

Simple.

***Note: The Renegade Pharmacist has put together a webinar that you can attend for free. This will make sure you’re doing this breathing properly. Although simple, there’s a bit of technique behind so make sure you’re doing it right.

An added boost to Self Healing

This breathing is a good start. However, you might need to tackle a more urgent matter. Here’s the secret element that helped The Renegade Pharmacist heal super fast, along with the meditation and the breathwork. It’s called Colostrum. You can learn all about it here, it might be the answer you need.

How Immortality Could Actually Be Plausible

So after heart coherence and Colostrum, there’s a technique that will super charge you.
Holistic Medicine taken to the next level.

This technique is so powerful that it should be approached with care and proper training. It comes from the ancient wisdom of Pranayama and it has a ton of amazing benefits that have been studied scientifically for decades.

The original name of the technique is “Kumbhaka” which literally means the “pause between inhale and exhale”.

Through this breathing technique, we can reach a state of Intermittent Hypoxia. Check out this article on Intermittent Hypoxic Training to learn more in detail how it works and the benefits.

Now, here’s how immortality could actually be explained:

Intermittent Hypoxia is reached by lowering the Oxygen levels in our body. When you hold your breath in a specific way, the oxygen level drops for a brief period of time. You can learn all about how to do it here.

Free The Stem Cells Hide In Your Bone Marrow

Stem cells are blank cells that have the capacity to transform themselves into any cell the body might need. These cells can only exist in an environment of LOW oxygen, which is why they hide in our bone marrow, surrounded by other cells that dilute the concentration of O2.

All our bones have dormant Stem Cells, which means our bodies are filled with them.
When we lower our oxygen levels enough, this encourages the stem cells to come out of hiding and then they can enter the blood stream. Since the blood takes about 1 minute to do a full body cycle, the stem cells have enough time to go wherever they are needed.

This is how immortality could be explained.

So What About My Illness

The steps are simple. Whatever your condition, here’s how to self heal:

1. Take care of your diet
2. Add Colostrum to it
3. Take the time to relax and listen to music you love, as much as possible
4. Breathe Heart Coherence
5. Learn Intermittent Hypoxic Training
6. Imagine yourself already being fully healthy

Who Can Help Me

This is easier said than done, but with proper guidance, you won’t believe how much faster you can heal. It will take all of your will power to be positive and truly feel relaxed, peaceful and joyful in a challenging moment, but with proper training and discipline, it can definitely be done.

Many have cured chronic and psychological conditions previously believed to be incurable. Many others have simply stoped taking their medication and thanks to Holistic Medicine were able to manage their symptoms and conditions naturally.

Learn The Art Of Self Healing From the Best

After Niraj Naik cured himself with Colostrum and Breathing Meditation Techniques, he created a system to help others.  Almost a decade later, after having heal thousands of people around the world he has now made the system available to anyone. It’s called SOMA Breath.

Join this webinar. It’s free and it will make sure you’re doing the breathing techniques properly. These are the same breathing techniques for Heart Coherence (Self Healing) and Intermittent Hypoxic Training (Natural Stem Cell Therapy). Done the right way will accelerate your healing tremendously.

By the way, if you would like to interact with others that have gone through the SOMA courses, you can join the public facebook group. Ask any questions and receive answers from many different perspectives, plus you will get to read all the amazing testimonials.

Much Love!

Orlando – SOMA Team

The post Holistic Medicine – How To Heal ANYTHING appeared first on The Renegade Pharmacist.

When you ingest CBD, you are ingesting Cannabinoid Terpenes as well, which have amazing properties such as anti-inflammatory effects, antiseptic, anti-bacterial and many many more.  Like most things you ingest a high percentage is removed by your liver (first-pass effect), so when you inhale CBD you absorb a higher percentage of it, therefore making it more cost-effective.

In this article you will find:

1. What is CBD and it’s relationship to the human body
2. The benefits of CBD oil and CBD Vape Oil
3. Where to buy high quality organic CBD vaping oil and what to keep in mind

What is CBD? (Let’s talk science)

CBD is short for Cannabidiol and is one of the 500 natural components found in the Cannabis Plant (Marijuana). THC is the most popular of these components since it’s the element that gets people high, however CBD is the one that seems to offer the most medicinal benefits and it’s often isolated for medical use.

CBD is also an integral part of the human body, since we also produce our own Cannabinoids. In simple terms, the CBD compounds attach themselves to the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) which plays a key role in our Homeostasis, meaning the balance and equilibrium between the different things that are constantly happening inside of us like appetite, pain sensation, mood, memory, regulation of body temperature, blood sugar level, pH levels, immune system, nervous system… In other words, we need Cannabinoids to stay alive.

The CBD produced by cannabis (phytocannabinoids) mimics very well the CBD in human physiology, which is why it works so well as medicine for us.

The Endocannabinoid System Was Named After the Plant

Back in the 60s, a man named Raphael Mechoulam was able to identify and isolate THC for the first time, shortly before CBD was also identified. Over time, this led to the discovery of a physiological system of tremendous importance in humans: The Endocannabinoid System, rightly named after the plant.

Corporate Greed Around CBD

CBD is so important for us that pharma companies manufacture synthetic marijuana drugs. As an interesting note, Insys Therapeutics, the company behind Syndros, a synthetic marijuana drug, has actually been one of the biggest financial supporters of the opposition to marijuana legalization in Arizona. Read about it here.

However, the pharmaceutical copy of CBD is very well known to be far inferior. Good thing Marijuana is slowly being decriminalized around the world, liberating us little by little from corporate pharma.

Benefits of CBD Oil and CBD vape oil

Epilepsy
CBD Can help patients whose seizures had been non-responsive to prior treatments

Sleep
Taking CBD before bed can improve sleep in those with insomnia

Stress and Anxiety
CBD can be a solid alternative for antidepressants in PD patients resistant to current treatments

Skin
CBD can treat psoriasis as it reduces the growth of skin cells

Acne
CBD has an anti-inflammatory effect on sebaceous glands

Chronic Pain
CDB can replace the use of opioids without the unwanted side effects

Rheumatoid Arthritis
CBD can protect joints against severe damage, pain and swelling

Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Consumption of CBD can provide substantial relief from colitis

Fighting Cancer
Evidence suggests that CBD is a potent inhibitor of both cancer growth and spread

High Blood Pressure
CBD can reduce resting systolic blood pressure and stroke volume

Brain
CBD can help treat cognitive deficits caused by Alzheimer’s disease

Recovering Alcoholics
CBD could be used as a potential treatment for alcoholic liver diseases

PTSD
CBD may reduce the fear response in sufferers

We wrote a full article dedicated solely to the benefits of CBD oil. Read it here.

Choosing the Right CBD Vape Oil and vaporizer

You get what you pay for so we believe that top-of-the-line products are worth it. 

As a patient you have to be careful what you put into your body. Since this industry is still very new, strong regulations haven’t been put in place so the market is flooded with low quality stuff. Some oils have been distilled and mixed with chemicals that are actually harmful for you and/or may affect the compatibility with your vaporizer.

It’s very important to purchase your CBD Vape Oil from a trusted source with a verifiable history. There are many things to keep in mind when buying e-liquids, and since we only want to recommend quality to our readers, we’ve done the research for you.

To purchase CBD vape oil, click here.  We’ve chosen this company because its products are high quality and organic non GMO at very competitive prices. 

Cheers!
Orlando – Renegade Team

The post CBD Vape Oil – Everything You Need To Know appeared first on The Renegade Pharmacist.

You’ll discover and learn how people from around the world, who have access to this hemp extract how they are using it to treat all sorts of illnesses or disorders. Using CBD oil for panic attacks and chronic anxiety isn’t just a new fad, it’s beginning to show quite a lot of promise and the pharmaceutical industry is starting to take notice.

CBD Oil for Panic Attacks Vs. Current Treatment for Anxiety and Panic Attacks

If you’re suffering from panic attacks and you go to a specialized psychiatrist, today you’re likely to be prescribed anti-anxiety drugs like Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, and Valium.

However, there is some serious drawbacks when using such drugs as they produce side effects which can include drowsiness, insomnia, and sexual problems and aren’t recommended for long-term use.

In fact, nobody can agree about antidepressants nor do they agree that they are the best form of treatment. studies suggest SSRIs only work on about half of the people who take them.

This is why more and more people are turning to more natural ways to reducing anxiety and panic attacks such as relaxing breathing techniques, cold exposure, or Kratom and CBD oil.

Why Sufferers of Panic Attacks and Anxiety Are Turning to CBD Oil

Scientific studies show CBD has anti-anxiety properties. And it’s also safe to take and well-tolerated, even at high doses.

This is why more and more people are starting to use CBD oil for panic attacks and anxiety management.

Like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), researchers have discovered CBD oil may ease anxiety by acting on the serotonin pathways in your brain. Many with anxiety are able to manage their condition with CBD instead of an SSRI, without the harmful side effects like low libido or feeling overly sedated.

However, it’s highly recommended you consult with your doctor before undergoing any changes to the drugs you may already be taking.

CBD Oil For Panic Attacks and Social Anxiety

Here are the major benefits of using CBD oil for panic attacks and anxiety.

CBD Oil Reduces Social Anxiety

CBD was found to lower symptoms and improve mood for sufferers of social anxiety disorder in a 2010 study.

Researchers discovered CBD changed the way they responded to their anxiety. Brain scans showed changes in blood flow in regions of the brain which become active when they experienced feelings of anxiety.

CBD Oil Can Treat Various Forms of Anxiety and Panic Disorder

In 2015, researchers carried out an analysis of previous studies on CBD oil and anxiety. They concluded CBD oil has the potential to treat many types of anxiety, like social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and PTSD.

However, researchers said data on the long-term use of CBD oil is limited and more tests need to be carried out on using it as a prolonged treatment.

In 2016, researchers published a case study that investigated if CBD could combat post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and anxiety provoked sleep disorder. The subject witnessed a reduction in anxiety and improved sleep.

The many uses of CBD can even be linked to reducing social anxiety associated with public speaking!

How Much CBD Should You Take for Anxiety and Panic Attacks?

CBD oil isn’t a regulated medical treatment for anxiety which means it’s not clear what dosage and how often you should take it.

In a study regarding CBD and social anxiety, researchers found a 600mg dose of CBD was effective in reducing anxiety.

However, in other studies researchers have found doses as low as 40mg can also be effective in lowering the symptoms of anxiety, so it’s all about finding out what works for you.

We all have different physiology which means CBD acts differently in each individual. For example, your height and weight can affect the correct dosage. With this in mind, it’s best to start with a low dose and build your way up until you find the sweet spot.

It will take time for CBD to affect you, so changes can take a while to notice. So you should stick with the same amount of CBD for at least a few days before increasing your dose.

For example, you can take one dropper a day for a week so your body has enough time to adapt and you can see if your anxiety improves. And then, if needed, take two droppers a day for a week. It can also help to divide your dosage into smaller doses throughout the day.

CBD is made in a variety of strengths as well so pay close attention to this so you know how much you are taking.

Vaping CBD for panic attacks is a great option for faster anxiety relief; when inhaled, CBD is absorbed better and much more quickly, ideal for use in stopping panic attacks.

The best approach would be to take CBD oil orally for prevention on a regular basis, and then inhale CBD by vape when faster relief is needed. And always make sure you buy a quality source of CBD.

Is It Safe To Take CBD Oil

Remarkably, cannabis has been used medically in the west for over 100 years, and for more than 4,000 years in the east without causing a single death.

The most common side effect of taking CBD oil for panic attacks is a dry mouth. However, the majority of research on the human consumption of CBD has shown little or no side effects.

A review that investigated if CBD was safe for human consumption concluded the following:

“Several studies suggest that CBD is non-toxic in non-transformed cells and does not induce changes on food intake, does not induce catalepsy, does not affect physiological parameters (heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature), does not affect gastrointestinal transit and does not alter psychomotor or psychological functions. Also, chronic use and high doses up to 1,500 mg/day of CBD are reportedly well tolerated in humans.”

However, CBD may increase the potency of other drugs. And it can hinder hepatic drug metabolism and the activity of some enzymes in the liver. So if you’re taking prescription medication, please consult your doctor before taking CBD oil.

What is the best CBD oil for anxiety?

Anxiety and panic disorders are complex conditions. Therefore, a holistic approach is best coupled together with getting counseling and other recommended treatments by a professional.

With that said, ask your doctor about using CBD as an additional aid to facilitate your condition. As many studies cited above show that CBD oil can play a big role in bringing a sense of peace back to your body and mind.

You can buy several types of CBD oils online. However, it’s always best to get a high-quality CBD product from a trustworthy brand to ensure you get the best results.

Where to Buy High-Quality CBD

There are many different sources to buy CBD from, but it can be very difficult to determine the actual quality of products. We have done thorough research into this so we can recommend with confidence if you want to buy the highest quality CBD product available click here.

Read more on our blog about the many uses and benefits of CBD oil.

The post How to Use CBD Oil for Panic Attacks (Research + Buying Guide) appeared first on The Renegade Pharmacist.

In this article, you’re going to discover some mind blowing information on CBD Benefits according to the latest research.

This includes:

• The many CBD benefits and CBD oil uses
• How CBD is better than many prescription drugs.
• The unique and completely natural way CBD affects your body.
• Why claims CBD can get you high are unfounded.
• How CBD is different from THC.
• Where to buy high quality CBD oil products!

Buy the best CBD oil products available right here.

Cannabis has been used for treating pain and other health conditions for thousands of years. Studies today are showing why as one of cannabis’ main compounds, CBD, has been proven to treat various diseases.

Short for cannabidiol, CBD is an essential component of marijuana.  It is one of the many cannaboids that exists, and the most highly researched.

Thanks to its low toxicity and benign side effects, CBD oil could be the solution to our over reliance on prescription drugs.

Before you discover how fears CBD oil can get you high or increase your hunger are unfounded, and how it works harmoniously with your body and is safe to consume, let’s run through the exciting benefits it gives you.

CBD Benefits For Epilepsy Sufferers

For those suffering from refractory epilepsy, which is uncontrolled or drug-resistant epilepsy, life is a constant battle.

In the United States alone, there are over 16 million epilepsy sufferers whose conditions has been hopeless. No prescription drug has enabled them to effectively manage their neurological disorder.

However, they have hope after a 2017 study called Cannabidiol: its use in refractory epilepsies. In the study, researchers highlighted the successful use of CBD as a therapy on patients whose seizures had been non-responsive to prior treatments.

A group of 15 patients were given CBD for a period from one month to a year. Thanks to the CBD therapy, whereas their prescription drugs had no effect, the frequency of seizures disappeared completely in 27% of patients. Seizures decreased in 40% of patients, and 60% of them said they could control 50% of their seizures.

They also experienced improvements in behavior, language, sleep, and eating habits. As well as witnessing an improvement in their mood after consuming CBD.

Similar findings were reported on a study carried out on children suffering with Dravet Syndrome.

A rare genetic epileptic neurological disorder, Dravet Syndrome can cause developmental disabilities which severely impacts children’s quality of life. Like those suffering from refractory epilepsies, traditional medications and treatments are only able to minimize the symptoms, if have any effect at all.

They carried out the study on 120 children and young adults with Dravet syndrome and drug-resistant seizures. In the double blind study, participants received either a daily dose of CBD oral solution or a placebo over a 14-week period.

Researchers found the CBD-treated convulsive seizures almost halved from 12.4 to 5.9 percentage points. And 5% of them saw their seizures disappear altogether. Whereas those taking the placebo experienced a decrease of only 0.8% in their seizures.

CBD Benefits For Extreme Stress and Anxiety

Over 25 million people in the U.S. alone will suffer from PTSD at least once during their lifetime. A study carried out last year investigated how CBD may reduce the fear response in sufferers. The results showed CBD benefits can play an important role in helping sufferers manage their condition.

In the study, researchers gave 277 Wistar rats a small electric shock followed immediately by dose of CBD. When later brought back to the context of the fearful event, the CBD-treated rats were more relaxed than those who hadn’t received treatment. The CBD lessened the formation of their specific and long-term memory of the electric shock.

In another study, researchers examined the effects of CBD on those suffering from panic disorder. A condition which affects approximately 6 million adults in the U.S. alone.

They explored the findings from previous studies, like anxiety in public speaking and electrical stimulation in animal subjects. They found CBD benefits to be a promising potential treatment for panic disorders.

The researchers concluded CBD isn’t habit-forming and could be a solid alternative for “high potency benzodiazepines and antidepressant drugs in PD patients who are resistant to the current treatments.”

This is great news for sufferers of panic and anxiety conditions who rely on psychiatric medications to manage their symptoms.

What’s more, studies show that sufferers from anxiety and depression can also from CBD benefits in other ways. It won’t come as a surprise, studies have found taking CBD before bed can improve sleep in those with insomnia.

CBD Benefits For Your Skin

A study has revealed CBD benefits include anti-inflammatory effect on sebaceous glands. This means it has potential to treat acne vulgaris.

Likewise, in a similar study they found CBD can treat psoriasis as it reduces the growth of skin cells.

CBD benefits For High Blood Pressure

A 2017 study found CBD can reduce resting systolic blood pressure and stroke volume.

In the study, nine healthy male participants received either 600 mg of CBD or a placebo. Researchers witnessed a reduction in blood pressure when testing participants stress levels.

This means, along with changes in diet and lifestyle, CBD could fight high blood pressure.

CBD Benefits For Chronic Pain

People suffering from chronic pain often become over-dependent on their medications. A study in 2017, tried to solve this by finding an alternative to opioid based-medications.

Researchers surveyed 2,897 cannabis-users who had been using an opioid medication for pain in the last six months.

They found 97% of them were able to decrease the amount of opiates they consumed when they also consumed cannabis.

And a staggering 81% of them said they were more successful in treating their condition by consuming just cannabis and not combining it with opioids.

Although this survey wasn’t specifically about CBD benefits, it showed how, not only is cannabis effective on its own… it can also aid and decrease sufferers current use of opioids without the unwanted side effects.

CBD Benefits Oil For Rheumatoid Arthritis Sufferers

A study has found the anti-inflammatory properties in cannabinoids may ease  joint pain and swelling. This is exciting news for sufferers of arthritis as it means it has the potential to treat the progression of their disease.

In another study in animal models, researchers revealed CBD can protect joints against severe damage, decreased progression, and improve symptoms of arthritis.

And the first controlled trial of the cannabis-based medicine Sativex showed exciting results. Researchers gave subjects the medicine over a 5-week period. They witnessed great reductions in pain intensity when moving and resting, as well as with their quality of sleep, and inflammation.

And without the adverse effects of prescription drugs.

CBD Benefits For Sufferers of IBD

Sufferers of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are able to manage their conditions, however, as researchers have highlighted, the medicines they take have limited benefits and become less effective over time.

Researchers have investigated if targeting the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) could improve colitis. They discovered manipulating the ECS with the consumption of CBD can provide substantial relief from colitis.

CBD Benefits For Recovering Alcoholics

Alcohol consumption is one of the main causes of liver disease worldwide. In this study, researchers gave CBD to mice which had received alcohol to investigate the impact on liver injuries caused by chronic and binge alcohol consumption.

They discovered CBD reduced both the elevated liver enzymes and liver triglyceride, as well as the fat droplet accumulation. This lead researchers to note CBD could be used as a potential treatment for alcoholic liver diseases, stating:

“associated with inflammation, oxidative stress and steatosis.”

CBD Benefits For People Recovering from a Stroke

Arterial Ischemic Stroke is where the arteries to the brain become narrow or form a clot. In newborn babies this is called Neonatal Arterial Ischemic Stroke. It can lead to lifelong disabilities and even brain injury as there is no effective treatment for these conditions.

However, a study on neonatal Wistar rats who had induced artery blockage showed CBD treatment led to “long-term functional recovery.”

Although researchers need to carry out more tests, results so far show CBD may reduce brain damage and improve recovery in sufferers of Arterial Ischemic Stroke.

CBD Benefits For Fighting Cancer

Researchers from a 2012 review stated “evidence is emerging to suggest that CBD is a potent inhibitor of both cancer growth and spread” after they discovered CBD displayed “pro‐apoptotic and anti‐proliferative actions” in different types of tumors.

Studies investigating the in vitro effects of CBD on cancer cells have also shown promising results. For example, a 2014 study showed CBD inhibited the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Researchers found similar results in 2004 when they studied the effect of CBD on glioma cells.

And other studies have shown similar findings on melanoma cells in 2013, bladder cancer cells in 2010, and in 2007 where researchers found CBD could reduce the expression of the ld-1 gene in aggressive human breast cancer cells.

Findings also suggests CBD can inhibit the spreading of lung and colon cancer.

CBD Benefits For Your Brain

Glutamate toxicity, where the neurotransmitter glutamate is chronically overstimulated, causes neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

Research has revealed CBD acts as a neuroprotective agent and glutamate inhibitor.

And a 2014 study revealed CBD can help treat cognitive deficits caused by Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers gave mice, which had been genetically coded with Alzheimer’s disease, CBD every day for 6 months and discovered it hindered neuroinflammatory processes.

Compared to the control group, the mice who had received CBD didn’t develop poor facial recognition or experience social withdrawal, which are two typical signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

CBD Benefits Oil for Diabetics

In a 2006 study, researchers investigated the effect of CBD on the incidence of diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice. They discovered CBD lowered the incidence of mice becoming diabetic as the rate of diabetes in non-treated mice was 86% compared to a rate of 30% in mice treated with CBD.

The study also revealed CBD reduced the plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as reduced instances of insulitis.

Can CBD Oil Get You High?

A lot of people assume CBD benefits include getting you high. However, CBD doesn’t give you the same effect as smoking marijuana or cannabis.

The reason for the confusion is because Delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive component in cannabis. Because there is a close association in people’s minds between CBD and THC, a lot of people have a negative reaction towards consuming CBD for medical reasons.

This confusion was made worse by the blatant misinterpretations of two previous studies on the subject.

In the first study, CBD was mixed with a petri-dish simulation of stomach acids. The results were interpreted as concluding CBD converts to THC, and so can get you high when it mixes with your stomach acid.

In the second study, it was suggested CBD can convert to THC when taken orally by human volunteers.

Researchers Set the Record Straight

However, a later study discovered the results of these studies were misinterpreted.

Researchers revealed although CBD may convert to THC under certain simulated acidic conditions, this has never proven to be the case in living organisms.

Researcher Gerhard Nahler remarked:

“People overlook quite frequently that “in vitro” results may differ significantly from conditions “in vivo”, particularly in man. In vitro results are suggestions, not proofs for processes in real life.”

What’s more, the results of the second test were taken out of context as only extremely minimal traces of THC were found in the human volunteers. And no traces of THC were found in their urine samples.

Commenting afterwards, the researchers stated the previous tests:

“have caused much confusion and uncertainty whether oral cannabidiol (CBD) is safe and whether subjects who are treated with CBD run the risk of positive workplace tests [for THC].”

They continued:

“Over 40 years of research on CBD does not suggest a conversion of CBD to delta9-THC and/or other cannabinoids in vivo after oral administration.”

The study highlighted the fact the main difference between CBD and THC is the inability for CBD to bind to a person’s cannabinoid brain receptors.

Hence, the researchers debunked the notion CBD is a psychoactive compound which gets you high.

These findings have also been backed up by a report from the World Health Organization which stated:

“In humans, CBD benefits exhibit no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”

A study has also shown, unlike marijuana and cannabis, CBD doesn’t give you hunger pangs, or the ¨munchies,¨ when you consume it.

Researchers found, while it increased their desire to eat, it didn’t have any effect on the subjects’ consumption of food.

How CBD Benefits Your Body

CBD works harmoniously with your body. This is because your body already produces certain cannabinoids in what’s known as your endocannabinoid system which are similar to CBD (cannabidiol) or THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

To understand how CBD affects your body, you first need to know how the endocannabinoid system is made of two types of receptors – CB1, which are mostly located in the brain, as well as in the nerve endings, and CB2, which are found in the immune system and in tissues of the spleen and tonsils.

In the words of Stormy Simon, a champion of the cannabis industry:

“CB1 receptors in the brain are associated with emotions, moods, appetite, coordination, movement, and pain…

She continued…

“Think of [the endocannabinoid system] as a bridge between body and mind with its interactions throughout our internal systems.”

Research has shown although your body can produce cannabinoids, getting more cannabinoids from cannabis or CBD oil can help give you a healthier functioning endocannabinoid system.

CBD Oil Is Safe to Use

Let me start by putting any fears you may have about consuming CBD to rest.

Researchers from the Nova-Institut in Hürth, Germany evaluated the existing research, data, and studies and concluded CBD is safe for human consumption.

They found the only side effects you may suffer after taking CBD are tiredness, diarrhea, and changes in your appetite or weight.

This means CBD benefits include fewer side-effects than prescription medication.

So, not only are there medical benefits to consuming it, patients are also able to take it for a longer time. This means they have a better chance of following their treatment plans more successfully.

Now you know CBD works harmoniously with your body, doesn’t get you high or give you an uncontrollable appetite, let’s run through the benefits which studies are showing consuming CBD can give you.

CBD Is a Potential Game-Changer

Studies have shown how CBD could be an alternative treatment for various diseases, and holds potential for treating a lot more.

Though many argue researchers need to carry out more studies to fully understand the long-term CBD benefits and effects, this shouldn’t put you off from trying it for yourself and seeing how it can help with any health problem you may be suffering from.

Where to Buy CBD Oil

There are many different sources to buy CBD from, but it can be very difficult to determine the actual quality of the products. We have done thorough research into this so we can recommend with confidence if you want to buy the highest quaity organic CBD oil products on the market click here.

The post CBD Benefits appeared first on The Renegade Pharmacist.