Top 7 Products To Help You Relax

Stress is at an all-time high. We’re working longer hours than ever before, and have much less time for proper rest and recuperation. It doesn’t take long for worry and tension to build and eventually take their toll on the body and mind.

To prevent reaching a boiling point, it’s essential to implement some “you” time. Even a few hours a week dedicated to unwinding from the business of life can make a difference. But sometimes a warm bath and a nap don’t cut it, and the mind requires something a little more potent to calm down. These products are ideal for such occasions. Each of them contains unique molecules that promote relaxation and temporarily transport the mind to a blissful destination.

WILD DAGGA

Wild dagga (Leonotis leonurus) will swiftly snap you out of a stressful state. Also known as lion’s tail, this member of the mint family can be found growing in South Africa.The leaves and flowers are also used to produce a mild euphoric effect when smoked. The effects are similar to cannabis, yet much less potent in terms of psychoactivity. A bowl full of wild dagga results in euphoria, sedation, and slight visual changes.

The exact chemicals behind these effects aren’t yet confirmed. An elusive molecule known as leonurine has been linked to wild dagga’s mild psychoactivity. Leonurine is a pseudoalkaloid that has been isolated from Leonotis leonurus, Leonotis nepetifolia, Leonotis artemisia, Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort), Leonurus sibiricus, as well as other plants of the family Lamiaceae.

OBLIVINOV CHILL OUT

Chill Out by OBLIVINOV is a complex formula designed to plunge the mind into a deep state of tranquillity. Each ingredient has been carefully selected. Instead of taking each supplement separately, OBLIVINOV has created a shortcut by combining them into easy-to-ingest capsules.

GABA is just one ingredient on the list of brain-nourishing compounds. It’s an inhibitory neurotransmitter associated with relaxation. It achieves this by reducing the activity of neurons.

Chill Out capsules also include a vitamin-mineral mix containing vitamin B12—a nutrient linked to improved mood. In addition, the caps contain amino acid L-theanine, which ramps up mental performance.

• 2–3 capsules a day with a large glass of water will do the trick.

CATNIP

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a plant famous for its effect on felines. The herb seduces cats with its aromatic scent, causing them to rub it into their fur and ingest it. It doesn’t take long for the psychoactive effects to set in. Their pupils dilate, they become erratic, and it seems like they see things that aren’t really there.

Catnip also has an effect on humans. It doesn’t quite send us into a psychoactive trip, but it does induce a lovely sense of calm. A few sips of catnip tea or a single vape hit is enough to bring your mind into the present moment.

• To make a tea, place 25g in one litre of water and boil briefly. Let it sit for 15 minutes before straining.

BLUE LOTUS

Blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) is a water lily native to the banks of the Nile and other parts of East Africa. Low doses are associated with tranquillity, whereas higher doses are reported to produce a psychoactive effect.

The plant contains the alkaloid nuciferine, which works as a relaxant by blocking dopamine receptors. The leaves also contain aporphine, a chemical linked to feelings of euphoria.

• Blue lotus can be taken as a tincture or inhaled through a vaporizer. If consuming a tincture, take 6–10 drops up to twice per day. If vaping is more your thing, set your device to 125°C for optimal effects.

HAPPY CAPS: HEAVENLY-E AND RELAX-E

Heavenly-E Happy Caps are a surefire way to transform a pleasant evening into a pleasurable one. These capsules contain a concoction of substances that elevate the mood and supply steady energy without a crash. They’re a superb alternative to coffee during a quiet evening in to stay engaged in a good book or to get some work done.

One of the main ingredients is kratom extract, a substance that provides steady stimulation at a low dose. This is enhanced by the presence of theobromine—an alkaloid from the cacao plant—which provides further energising properties.

With life being the way it is, sometimes you need a little extra help to find true relaxation. Thankfully, this comes in the form of Relax-E. These capsules are packed full of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and mesquite powder, two substances known for their potential soothing effects. Coupled with various other vitamins, you'll be feeling the benefits in next to no time.

Relax-E capsules are easy to swallow and provide some much-needed relaxation around 45 minutes after consuming. Perfect for those evenings when you want to unwind, whether solo or with friends. Just take two capsules when the mood takes you and prepare to be chilled out.

• Take two capsules 45 minutes before you want the effects to kick in.

KRATOM

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. The leaves of the species contain the active constituent mitragynine. The molecule produces stimulating effects at low doses and sedating effects at higher quantities. It manages to produce these effects by binding to opioid receptors in the brain.

The contrasting effects make kratom a flexible substance. If you’re in the mood for getting work done and need some extra focus, only take a small amount. If, however, you need to kick back and relax, take more.

Kratom leaf offers more of a subtle experience and can be made into a tea. Pour boiling water over 5–10g of dried leaves and wait for it to infuse.

If you’re seeking a more intense experience, consider using 15x extract for more pronounced effects.

• Add 0.5g to a glass of hot water for a light experience. If you desire more of a sedating effect, increase the dose to 1–1.5g.

KANNA

Otherwise known as Sceletium tortuosum, kanna is a succulent plant native to South Africa. Due to its intoxicating and euphoric effects, the plant has traditionally been used to help in stress-situations.

Kanna Extreme is a highly potent powder extract that provides an instant rush of euphoria and pleasure. It’s an excellent way to help let go at the end of a busy day. Kanna Extreme can be smoked, vaped, placed under the tongue, or used as a snuff.

• There are no dosing guidelines, but we advise starting off with a minimal amount and working up from there.

Luke Sumpter

With a BSc (Hons) degree in Clinical Health Sciences and a passion for growing plants, Luke Sumpter has worked as a professional journalist and writer at the intersection of cannabis and science for the past 7 years.

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