Ethnobotanicals That Improve Your Sense of Wellbeing

For millennia, mankind has been using plants to achieve a heightened sense of wellbeing. The popularity of coffee is a clear testament to this, with 145 million bags of coffee consumed every year. Join us as we explore four ethnobotanicals and ethnobotanical extracts that people are choosing as aids for wellbeing in today’s fast-paced, modern world.

CBD

 

The green leaf of a cannabis plant.

 

It’s no secret that people have smoked the cannabis plant for at least 2500 years for a feeling of relaxation and a heightened sense of consciousness. However, advances in precise cannabinoid extraction methods now mean that health-conscious people can boost their wellbeing without ‘getting high’ by taking cannabidiol (CBD) isolate or a full-spectrum hemp oil that has had the THC removed.

As one of the most accessible ethnobotanical extracts on the market ‘ thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill ‘ hemp-derived CBD is now being added to everything from coffee to beer and is taken as a natural way to:

  • Calm anxiety
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Ease aches and pains
  • Improve the quality of sleep
  • Balance hormones

Kava Kava

In the Pacific Island nations of Fiji, Samoa, and Vanuatu, the roots of the kava kava plant (Piper Methysticum) are recognized as one of the best ethnobotanicals for achieving a feeling of relaxation and euphoria. The roots of the kava plant are pounded into water to make a ceremonial drink that is shared during important occasions and social events. The effects include a numbing of the tongue and a deep feeling of calm.

Recent studies are showing that kava kava can help with anxiety and stress-induced insomnia and has only mild and infrequent side effects. In the United States, you can try kava kava at any of the nearly 100 kava bars that have opened in California, New York, and Florida.

Kola Nut

 

Purple and yellow kola nuts.

 

Many of the ethnobotanicals that are used as enhancers around the world have made their way into Western culture at some point in time, and the kola nut (Cola acuminata and Cola nitida) from tropical Africa is no exception. This prized energy-boosting nut was popular in Europe and the United States in the late 19th century and was then used as one of the key ingredients in the original recipe for Coca-Cola.

Today, the kola nut is no longer used in Coca-Cola’s soft drink formula. However, the fresh, bitter nuts can be purchased privately through Amazon and other independent online vendors.

Kratom

For the final item in our list of ethnobotanicals, we must give a special mention to kratom, also known as Mitragyna speciosa. The leaves of this Southeast Asian relative of the coffee tree were traditionally chewed by manual laborers, rubber tappers, farmers, and fishermen for sustained energy and reduced physical discomfort throughout the day. Today, this herb is being utilized across the world as a natural way to potentially relieve stress, anxiety, and fatigue.

Ethnobotanicals As A Complement to A Healthy Lifestyle

While ethnobotanical extracts are a fantastic way to feel better naturally, it’s important to see them as one piece of the puzzle. When used alongside a healthy diet, regular exercise, quality sleep, and meaningful daily activities, ethnobotanicals can provide a pleasant mood boost and feeling of calm that helps you get the most out of each and every day.

If you would like to know more about Koko Kratom and what sets our products apart, we invite you to read our blog and contact our customer service team for assistance with kratom strain selection and shipping.