Teri Reeves is not an ordinary actress.

Sure, her latest credits may include some of the most popular shows on television: 9-1-1, The Punisher, and Once Upon a Time. But not many can say that they also hold a brown belt in the ancient martial art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. If that’s not enough, Teri teaches fitness classes and offers personal training services to clients throughout Los Angeles in her off time.

But after years of working in the entertainment industry, Teri was fed up with the lack of dynamic or powerful female roles out there. In Teri’s words, “I kept getting cast as the victim. I was either a cry or die girl. Eventually, I went to my team and said, ‘I have more in my wheelhouse than this. What if I put together a fight reel?’”

Her team loved it, and the rest is history. As Teri puts it, “once I did my first stunt, I was hooked.” Now, she gravitates towards roles that portray strong females who are active and physical. According to her, “it’s always better for storytelling if the actor in the shot is the one doing their own action.”

Although she saves the truly dangerous stuff for the professionals, Teri has now been doing her own stunts for years. But when added to her already demanding schedule of martial arts and physical training, it became draining. Teri says, “I was struggling with fatigue and recovery. Muscle soreness, aches, and pains were all bothering me when I showed up to work. I didn’t want to quit, but my body was hurting.”

At this point, Teri had shaped her acting career around her physical abilities. But when the pain of overworking her body became unbearable, she had to reevaluate how to sustain such an active lifestyle: “there was a part of this year where I started to get injured more regularly and I was devastated. I thought, ‘this might actually affect my career.’”

“There was a part of this year where I started to get injured more regularly and I was devastated.”

The pain not only affected her livelihood, but her wellbeing. “I call working out my moving meditation. Some people meditate or pray, or whatever it is to quiet their mind or body. For me, I need to move in order to do that.” Because moving the body is not only essential to her work but to her mental health, finding a recovery method that worked was essential.

Of course, as a personal trainer, Teri was already incorporating the timeless recovery methods athletes know and love: icing, stretching, massage, rest and myofascial release. But at the rate she was going, she needed something more.

To recover quickly, Reeves used over-the-counter pain relievers to help her power through the sore days. After a while, she felt like she was abusing over the counter pain medication to treat daily sore muscles, fatigue, bumps and bruising. Plus, “Advil irritated my stomach.” And she’s not the only one: common pain relievers can cause kidney damage when used too frequently. It was around this time she realized, “I had to get smart about my recovery so I could continue doing the work I love.”

One day, her running partner offers an alternative: Papa and Barkley 3:1 Releaf Balm.

“I was skeptical. When he told me it had cannabis in it, I was even more skeptical because I came from a family that never encouraged it. But I was desperate.”

So, she decided to give the balm a shot.

“When he told me it had cannabis in it, I was even more skeptical because I came from a family that never encouraged it.”

“The first night, I rubbed it on my calf muscles because I had a stress fracture last year that resulted in inflammation.” A stress fracture happens to many whose lives revolve around pushing themselves physically. Impact sports like running, jump squats or martial arts (all of which Teri does daily) are usually what causes them.

According to Teri, “my calf muscles were so inflamed from the fracture that I could hardly put my heels on the ground. When I woke up the next morning, I was walking normally. I felt better. It was working.” So, she started using it on her calves daily. “Ever since, I’ve been able to recover more quickly and feel a lot less pain.”

“When I woke up the next morning, I was walking normally. I felt better. It was working.”

In addition to muscle tension, the Papa & Barkley Releaf Balm helps Teri with a host of other issues. For instance, headlocks and neck chokes are common moves in Hollywood stunt scenes, but they can result in major neck tension. Teri uses the balm after especially difficult stunt scenes to prevent neck tension and go about her day. Like all athletes, Teri must also think about previous injuries to her body and how to protect those pain points when she uses them. A few years ago, she popped a bursa sac in her knee joint. Before discovering the Balm, this injury would reoccur often with any impact. At one point, the inflammation became so painful, she had to stop training altogether.

Now, Teri has made a habit out of wearing a brace every time she trains, then rubs the Releaf Balm on her knee afterward. Since the Papa and Barkley product, Teri says “I can train as much as I want. It really does help with inflammation. And I don’t need to take Advil anymore.”

According to Teri, “the Papa & Barkley Releaf Balm is the one addition to my routine that helps me continue to do what I do with less pain than ever before. It saved my ability to work and be present while continuing to do the moving meditation work that is part of my wellbeing.”

“The Papa & Barkley Releaf Balm is the one addition to my routine that helps me continue to do what I do with less pain than ever before.”

In fact, Teri’s experience has proven so helpful in her daily routine that she now recommends the Balm to her physical training clients: “for my clients, I have some Papa & Barkley on hand in my training studio in case they want to try it. One client had knee surgery and was recovering in pain. She now uses it on her knee and it sped up the recovery process.”

Of course, Teri recommends continuing with other useful recovery methods when incorporating cannabis topicals into your recovery routine. “It’s just another tool in the toolbox of recovery. Continue to rest, ice, and follow doctors orders.”

If you want to learn more about Teri’s routine, check out her top tips for responsible workout recovery.

The post Cannabis success stories: Teri’s workout recovery appeared first on Flowertown.

The saying goes that youth is wasted on the young. As we get older we may have ourselves (and our lives) figured out but that doesn’t take into account debilitations such as arthritis that can rob us of some of the simple pleasures that help the days go by.

But arthritis doesn’t discriminate. Reportedly, 54 million adults deal with the intense joint pain as if it’s part of their morning coffee. Additionally, thousands of children are diagnosed with it, leading to lives full of extra strength NSAIDs and exhausting coping mechanisms for pain management.

But that’s not to say that there isn’t a solution, which actually just became legal in Canada – approximately one week after National Arthritis Day in the US.

Cannabis is often cited as a highly effective analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent, but does the wunderkind plant stand up to the formidability of arthritis?

We spoke to Mimi Bardowell, beloved mother of our very own Jamil Bardowell, about her battles with arthritis and how cannabis helped her regain her independence and happiness.

Meet Mimi

Mimi grew up in Bogota, Colombia but moved stateside in 1958, spent a couple years in Jamaica, then came back to sunny Southern California soon after.

She raised her kids. Loved her husband. Planted her roots and, for the most part, lived a great life.

After her husband passed in 2004 she took to jewelry as a pastime, developing deep friendships in her crafting group. But after ten years of making intricate, artful pieces she started having problems with her fingers.

“I was sad because I couldn’t use my hands anymore,” Mimi said from her living room in Fountain Valley, just outside of Los Angeles. “I use my right hand for everything. I couldn’t do anything and I was just getting desperate like what is going to happen to me for the rest of my life?”

Something’s gotta give

Being a senior and living alone can be a daunting task. Adding arthritis to the mix can make it even more intimidating – especially if that means not being able to use your strong hand.

Mimi needed a solution to her arthritic problem, so her doctors prescribed pills and cortisone shots. Every two weeks, Mimi had to get the painful injection and every day the pills disagreed with her.
While the pain may have subsided temporarily – at best – the problems that came with the solution made her feel like she was constantly taking one step forward just to go two steps back.

She had to give up jewelry. She couldn’t cook for the people she loved. She could barely take her dog, Cooper, for a walk, let alone open doors and cabinets.

Not only did arthritis settle in so much to be as ingrained in her life as her morning coffee, but because of it she could no longer even hold her cup of coffee.

The canna-solution

Something had to give for Mimi and with cannabis becoming recreationally legal in California, the solution appeared to be a plant she never thought she would use.

Growing up in Colombia in the mid-century, it was imperative to her that she veered from the drug-addled stereotype the country garnered from the ‘60 through the ‘80s. 

To Mimi, cannabis was flora non-grata. But a change needed to be made so at the behest of her son, she finally gave in.

Initially Mimi used a vape pen and the results were fairly immediate. The pain subsided and the side effects of the meds eased off. Her doctors’ gave her their blessing and suddenly cannabis was the magic key to unlocking the freedom arthritis had imprisoned.

Phases and stages: Diving deeper into cannabis

While the vape pen – Dosist, to be exact – was working well enough, her relief could be intensified and specified by changing up her form of ingestion.

“My son suggested that I use this oil,” she says. “In a week I started feeling better. My finger was not swollen anymore, I had no pain. I could open bottles again. I could cook again. I could hold my coffee.”

She recalls having to ask her son to hold a glass of water for her when they were out at restaurants. Now, between the pen and the one-two punch of Papa & Barkley and Apothecanna cannabis creams, she feels as though she’s made her way back to normal.

“Don’t be afraid to use it just because of the stigma or the name,” Mimi encourages. “If I’m talking to anybody that is a senior and they’re in pain, don’t be afraid of using cannabis. It will help you.”

While Mimi may have been able to use topicals to help fight back her arthritis, everyone’s endocannabinoid system is different. What works for her, may not work for you (or you grandmother, or that friend with a trick knee).

That being said, the range of medical maladies that cannabis can conquer isn’t limited to just the classic glaucoma, arthritis, depression, and anxiety. But in order to learn more about how cannabis can help ease any ailments of your own, you have to learn your relationship with it.

The post Cannabis success stories: Mimi’s arthritis appeared first on Flowertown.

Cannabis has been cultivated for centuries and used for its therapeutic and medicinal qualities. Studies have shown that cannabis compounds can treat a variety of conditions, and problems with sleep are just one of the many issues cannabis can help people solve.

The two most studied cannabinoids in cannabis are CBD and THC. CBD is the non-psychoactive compound in cannabis and when hemp-based, is legal in all 50 states. THC has many therapeutic qualities but is still highly regulated in many areas. Both compounds — either separately or together — can help you catch some Z’s and get a good night’s sleep.

Effects of CBD on sleep

Countless conditions that lead to sleep deficiency. Perhaps you’re up worrying about what you said to a classmate in the third grade. Maybe you’re dealing with chronic pain that makes it impossible to get comfortable or get adequate sleep. Anxiety, chronic pain, restless leg syndrome, and depression are just a few of the conditions that people treat with CBD oils. Symptoms of any of these conditions can lead to sleep deficiency, so by treating the symptoms, you’re alleviating the source of your insomnia.

Effects of THC on sleep

THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. It’s the only cannabinoid that has psychological effects, which is why it is still highly controlled in many areas. However, many states allow people to access medical marijuana because of the benefits of THC for treating conditions like sleep disorders. THC can knock some people out in less than an hour—which sounds pretty appealing if you’re used to spending your nights tossing and turning.

Cannabis vs. other sleep medications

There are many sleep aid medications available over-the-counter or by prescription. However, they are not without side effects and can be habit-forming. Additionally, people who take them often wake up feeling groggy and tired despite having slept the entire night through. For this reason, many people look for natural sleep remedies. Cannabis is not addictive and doesn’t cause the same harmful side effects that powerful pharmaceuticals do. On top of that, you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.

The best methods for using cannabis to sleep

Cannabis and CBD are available in many different forms. There isn’t any “best” form of cannabis for everyone since people may experience the effects differently. If you’re new to cannabis, try a few different methods to see which one you like the best. If you enjoy smoking, pre-rolls allow you to inhale the smooth and relaxing smoke of marijuana. If you prefer not to smoke, then a vapor pen is a cleaner alternative that doesn’t need a lighter. Still, there are numerous oils, tinctures, and edibles that allow you to consume cannabis orally.

People have been using various forms of cannabis to help with sleep problems for generations. Now that society is more accepting of the plant as a whole, finding a remedy that works for you is easier than ever. Try different forms of cannabis and keep track of which ones help you get your sleep patterns back on track.

The post A natural sleep aid appeared first on Flowertown.

Cold and flu season seems to linger on forever. You can wash your hands ten times a day, douse yourself in hand sanitizer, and make people stay at least five feet away from you at all times. But sometimes it is beyond your control; you feel that fever, sore throat, and pounding headache creeping in. Now you’re ready to feel better as soon as possible.

With so many therapeutic and healing properties of cannabis discussed recently, it should come as no surprise that this healing flower can also help you fight off cold and flu bugs. For instance, terpenes are oils in plants that have antibacterial and antiviral properties, and cannabis is chock full of them.

CBD’s healing properties

CBD is legal in all 50 states for medicinal and therapeutic uses. This cannabinoid has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce sinus pressure and muscle aches that go along with your sickness. Taking CBD regularly can even boost your immune system to keep you from catching a cold or flu in the first place.

THC’s healing properties

THC is the other commonly recognized compound in cannabis with healing potential. It works to reduce joint pain and inflammation as well as headache and sinus pain. THC also helps you relax and get the rest you need for your body to heal.

Other terpenes in cannabis

Cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabichromene (CBC) are two terpenes found in trace amounts in cannabis and hemp. These compounds have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties that help your body fight off any foreign invaders that make you feel lousy.

Herbal Cannabis Cough Drops by Wake and Bake – CC BY

Using cannabis when you’re sick

If you have a sore throat and a cough, then smoking is probably one of the last things you want to do. There’s no need to smoke cannabis and irritate your throat to take advantage of its healing powers. CBD cough drops, chest rubs, balms, oils, and other products help soothe what aches you while delivering potent medicine into your body.

Getting a cold or flu is never fun. Fortunately, with the help of cannabis, you can reduce the intensity and duration of your sickness to get back on your feet faster.

The post Fighting off the flu with cannabis appeared first on Flowertown.

Cannabis has long been used as an alternative treatment to Glaucoma, the painful eye condition that can lead to blindness. In fact, it was one of the first diseases to officially use medical marijuana as a treatment. Since then, the healing properties of cannabis have proven to be effective for dozens more.

Though doctors have developed several other treatments for glaucoma, many patients still turn to this alternative remedy. Learn more about the condition and the future of cannabis in glaucoma treatment.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease that affects your eyes. Fluid builds up in the front part of the eye and increases pressure. As a result, the optic nerve gets damaged. This eventually leads to blindness if it’s not treated properly. In some people, glaucoma doesn’t have any symptoms until it’s already in advanced stages and vision is affected. In others, glaucoma causes severe pain, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 60 in the United States. Fortunately, you can protect your vision and prevent blindness by getting treatment early.

How does marijuana help glaucoma?

Intraocular pressure (IOP) is what increases with glaucoma and causes problems. Marijuana — more specifically THC — helps glaucoma because it reduces IOP. In doing so, it reduces the pressure on the optic nerve and limits the damage that it can cause. This effect was discovered in the 1970s and solidified medical marijuana’s reputation as the miracle treatment for the condition.

Since then, the therapeutic effects of cannabis have been studied more. Though these studies are still just beginning and we are nowhere near knowing all of the amazing benefits of cannabis, researchers have identified several other uses and treatments. In particular, marijuana is known to reduce pain and nausea, which are both effects of glaucoma in some people.

Are there drawbacks to this treatment?

The biggest drawback to this treatment — and the one that gets the most flack — is that the drop in IOP is temporary and only lasts three to four hours. After that time, the pressure goes back up. People using medical marijuana as the sole treatment for glaucoma would have to smoke six to eight times per day to maintain the desired IOP. For recreational users, this may not sound like a drawback at all. For medicinal users, using marijuana that many times per day can get in the way of other daily activities as well as become incredibly expensive.

Despite these drawbacks, many patients still inquire about medical marijuana for treating their glaucoma. This is often the case when traditional treatments aren’t working or create undesirable side effects.

New developments in cannabis treatment for glaucoma

The effectiveness of marijuana for treating glaucoma has sparked a number of studies into alternative methods of administering the healing compounds. Administering THC by mouth under the tongue eliminates the need to smoke cannabis thus reducing the harmful effects of smoking and making it more convenient to use. However, this method increases drowsiness.

Researchers are working to develop cannabis eye drops that deliver THC directly to the eyes in hopes of eliminating the side effects. Currently, none of the eye drops they’ve developed have been potent enough to be effective. In the meantime, smoking, vaporizing, and ingesting cannabis are all reliable methods.

Many doctors downplay the effectiveness of medical marijuana in favor of newer treatments for glaucoma. It does have some drawbacks, but its benefits cannot be overlooked. That’s why researchers are still looking into developing new cannabis treatments for this disease. If you suffer from glaucoma, check out the many cannabis products available to help you manage the symptoms.

The post Cannabis and glaucoma: separating fact from fiction appeared first on Flowertown.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer among women in the United States. Though death rates for the disease are on the decline, diagnoses are on the rise. Breast cancer will affect 1 in 8 women in their lifetimes, as of 2018.

Luckily, screenings and early detection allow women to start treatment sooner. Surgery and chemotherapy are among the top treatments for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. However, many women are now turning to natural treatments, such as medical marijuana, to ease the symptoms of the disease and allow their bodies to heal naturally.

A brief history of cannabis as medicine

Healers have been using marijuana to treat several conditions for centuries. While its origins are in Central Asia, the healing plant is now grown all over the world. Despite the fact that it has been around for so long, its use as a treatment for patients battling breast cancer and other cancers is relatively new.

Scientific studies in regards to cannabis as a cancer treatment are also in their infancy. While there is still currently no cure for breast cancer, studies show that cannabis is an effective treatment in reducing the symptoms and improving the patient’s quality of life.

How does cannabis help breast cancer?

The two most common compounds with medicinal qualities in cannabis are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the psychoactive element of marijuana while CBD does not have psychoactive effects. Different strains of marijuana have varying amounts of each compound.

People most commonly use medical marijuana to treat common symptoms of breast cancer, including pain, nausea, and inflammation.

The American Cancer Society notes that studies show that lesser-known cannabinoids like THCa may slow the growth of certain types of cancer cells and help prevent the spread of cancer.

Marijuana and chemotherapy

Many people use cannabis in conjunction with other traditional cancer treatments, especially chemotherapy, a treatment known for causing a number of unpleasant side effects. Turns out, cannabis can help ease those effects.

In particular, THC and CBD reduce nausea, vomiting, hot flashes, loss of appetite, anxiety, and sleeping problems that patients often experience when going through chemo. Studies show that people who take cannabis extracts during treatment require less pain medication, too.

Forms of cannabis

Many people smoke cannabis recreationally and medicinally, but this isn’t the only way to get the effects of the plant’s healing properties. Since many oncologists prefer that their patients don’t smoke anything, these other forms are good alternatives:

• Edibles: cannabis compounds added to baked goods, candies, and other treats
• Tinctures: concentrated cannabis extracts taken orally under the tongue or on the gum line
• Vapor: concentrated extracts for use in a vapor pen
• Topicals: cannabis compounds added to a moisturizing lotion or cream to be used topically on the skin

When it comes to treating breast cancer, the treatments you choose are always a personal decision. Take the time to speak with your doctor about all of the available treatments, and then weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each. While scientific studies into using marijuana to treat breast cancer are limited, there is more and more evidence each day supporting its healing qualities.

The post Cannabis and breast cancer appeared first on Flowertown.