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Adaptogens in Australia

Article of reference: Therapeutic Potential of Hericium Erinaceus for Depressive Disorder Emerging research suggests that lion's mane may offer promising properties that could contribute to managing and alleviating symptoms of depression. In this exploration, we have delved into some interesting studies that explore this relationship. What is the connection between lion's mane and depression? Depression is an extremely complex condition. Its exact root causes are unknown with many underlying hereditary and lifestyle factors that contribute to the disorder. Nonetheless, researchers have established a link between neurodegeneration and neurobiological changes as a contributing factor to depression. These include the following three primary hypotheses: Monoamine Hypothesis - stemming from the deficiency in the transmission within the monoamine systems, including norepinephrine, serotonin, and/or dopamine; Neurotrophic/Neurogenic Hypothesis - the inability of the nervous system to respond or adapt appropriately to aversive stimuli or stress resulting in depression; and Inflammatory Hypothesis - depressive disorder is linked with an increase in expression of various central and peripheral proinflammatory cytokines. Researchers have hypothesised that lion's mane antioxidant, neuroregenerative, neuroprotective properties, alongside its ability to generate neural growth factor, may assist in the correct functioning of the nervous system resulting in anti-depressive effects of its users. What are the results? A range of pre-clinical studies and clinical studies have shown extremely promising results. Various dosages (from 60mg per kilo of bodyweight per day to 3600mg per day) showed a range of anti-depressive effects, anti-inflammatory effects, alleviation of symptoms of depression and anxiety, improvements in sleep and improvements in neurocognitive function. What are the implications? While there is still much needed research into this area, early results are promising for the use of lion's mane as a complementary medicine for treatment of depression. Specifically, the NGF excretion promoted by lion's mane seemed to elicit anti-depressive effects - likely due to hippocampal neurogenesis. Obviously, the authors of the study (and Two Roads) are not suggesting that lion's mane is an all-curing anecdote to depression. However, there is promising evidence to suggest it can be another tool to complement the management of the disorder. Source: Chong PS, Fung ML, Wong KH, Lim LW. Therapeutic Potential of Hericium erinaceus for Depressive Disorder. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Dec 25;21(1):163. doi: 10.3390/ijms21010163. PMID: 31881712; PMCID: PMC6982118.

NGF meaning Neural growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophic signalling protein that stimulates the growth of nerve cells in the brain. What are the benefits of NGF? NGF is an enabler of a process known as neuroplasticity, which governs our ability to develop any new skills, recover from nerve injuries, adapt to new environments and your creative abilities. Whenever you are doing any of the above activities, you are engaging in the neuroplasticity process. For neuroplasticity to take place, a process called neurogenesis must occur which requires the production of NGF. Neurogenesis refers to the formation of new nerve cells. NGF assists in ensuring the survival of these neurons the during the process of neurogenesis and over their lifetime. Therefore, the more NGF that is excreted in your system the greater the capacity for neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. The result? An increased ability to learn, absorb and store new information. What can I do to increase NGF? As a rule of thumb, the three easiest and most effective ways to increase NGF are: Daily exercise: aim for at least 45 - 60 minutes. The form of exercise is irrelevant as long as you are elevating your heart rate over this period. 7 to 9 hours of sleep: adequate sleep is the cornerstone for a health, functioning body. Without this you will struggle to optimise your body for NGF production. 30 minutes of direct sunlight: ensure this is not interrupted by a window or screen (i.e. sunlight in a car is interrupted by the windshield and windows). Outside of this, our favourite way to promote NGF is drinking lion's mane coffee. Lion's mane and NGF Lion's mane (as we have previously covered) has been shown to stimulate NGF production in the brain. Incorporating it in your daily coffee routine makes it an easy way to ensure you are optimising your morning routine. In fact, a recent study by the University of Queensland tested the effects lion's mane on NGF and memory and found the following: “Pre-clinical testing found the lion’s mane mushroom had a significant impact on the growth of brain cells and improving memory. Laboratory tests measured the neurotrophic effects of compounds isolated from lion’ mane (Hericium erinaceus) on cultured brain cells, and surprisingly we found that the active compounds promote neuron projections, extending and connecting to other neurons. Using super-resolution microscopy, we found the mushroom extract and its active components largely increase the size of growth cones, which are particularly important for brain cells to sense their environment and establish new connections with other neurons in the brain.” Pretty cool if you ask us. That is why we developed our own lion’s mane blend. Try it for yourself today!

Why put lion's mane in coffee? We wanted a way to naturally elevate our mental performance, increase our ability to learn and retain information while making it easy to incorporate into our daily routine. Caffeine is an easy and effective natural stimulant to consume. It serves to increase focus and alertness, which research suggests is integral to learning and developing new skills. This is the reason that most energy drinks, performance enhancers, pre-workouts and similar products have a caffeine component in them. However, caffeine alone was not enough for us. Now, what would be a perfect pairing with caffeine? Well, if caffeine primes to increase focus and alertness then pairing it with a product that enables us to more effectively learn and retain information would be ideal. The result would be a product that primes you for learning, working and functioning whilst making you more effective at doing so. Lion's mane in coffee Lion's mane fits this description perfectly. Lion's mane boosts the production of neural growth factor (NGF); an enabler of neurogenesis. Neurogenesis is a process critical to neuroplasticity which governs our ability to develop any new skills, recover from nerve injuries, adapt to new environments and your creative abilities. Combining the two primes your focus and enables your ability to learn and retain new information. Finally, but importantly, we wanted a way to easily incorporate this into our daily routine. What makes you want to incorporate a new drink or supplement into your routine? The product must do what it says it will do, it must not compromise on taste and require minimal effort to integrate into your existing routine. For many of us our morning routine centres around our morning coffee, and we did not want to take away from this. We have created our blend without compromising on taste. Not only do we only use speciality grade coffee, our infusion process as been carefully developed to it will not affect the taste of your cup. Benefits of lion's mane coffee The result? To elevate your mental performance and increase your ability to learn and retain information, switch out your current coffee beans for our Lions Mane Blend and feel the difference.

The Australian Coffee Scientifically Proven to Enhance Mental Wellbeing Could This Be the Biggest Breakthrough in Coffee? Sydney, Australia For decades, Australians have woken up to their daily dose of caffeine without much change. That apart from perhaps the choices of milk available. This is set to change as the revolution taking over North America and Europe is now hitting Australian shores – adaptogenic coffee. Now, for the first time, your morning coffee can be a central part to your health routine. That’s because adaptogenic coffee has been scientifically proven to enhance mental wellbeing. Having gained over 5 billion views on various social media platforms, people are raving about not only about how good adaptogenic coffee tastes, but also the benefits for mood, energy and cognitive function. What Are Adaptogens and What Is Adaptogenic Coffee? Adaptogens are naturally occurring herbs, plants, roots and mushrooms that help your body positively respond to stress, anxiety, fatigue and overall wellbeing. Adaptogenic coffee is coffee that has been infused with such adaptogenic ingredients. Examples of adaptogenic coffees include mushroom coffee, hemp coffee and healthy coffee alternatives. Is Adaptogenic Coffee the Best Coffee for Health? Clearly, the health benefits of adaptogenic coffee far outweigh those of regular coffee. By incorporating adaptogenic coffee as part of your morning routine, you can: Enhance cognitive function. Reduce stress and anxiety. Improve mental wellbeing. Support your immune system. Refreshingly, certain adaptogenic coffees may assist those who experience ‘coffee jitters’ or are cognisant of the effects of overindulging in caffeine. What’s the Science That Backs This Up? An example of the research carried out into adaptogens come from the University of Queensland. Focusing on the lion’s mane mushroom adaptogen, the reported the following in 2023: “Pre-clinical testing found the lion’s mane mushroom had a significant impact on the growth of brain cells and improving memory. Laboratory tests measured the neurotrophic effects of compounds isolated from lion’ mane (Hericium erinaceus) on cultured brain cells, and surprisingly we found that the active compounds promote neuron projections, extending and connecting to other neurons. Using super-resolution microscopy, we found the mushroom extract and its active components largely increase the size of growth cones, which are particularly important for brain cells to sense their environment and establish new connections with other neurons in the brain.” What Does Adaptogenic Coffee Taste Like? Two Roads (based in Manly, NSW) are Australia’s leading adaptogenic coffee brand, and have been widely reviewed for the quality and taste of their adaptogenic coffees. Their specialty coffee is sourced from the best growing regions across the globe. The flavours are rich and completely unaffected by the infusion of the adaptogens. This means that you can enjoy all benefits of a healthier morning without altering your cherished coffee routine. “Absolutely love this coffee. I tried the lion’s mane blend in my French press, and really liked the smooth, deep blend.” Laura van Rie “Was a bit unsure when first recommended mushroom infused coffee, but it’s honestly amazing. So stoked with my new blend!”Caleb Ingham “As a black coffee drinker the taste is key to me and the lion’s mane infusion is a beautiful blend…I would highly recommend this coffee to all the coffee lovers out there.”@Hanxlifts “Love this brand. I have replaced my regular coffee with the Two Roads lion’s mane coffee. The taste is incredible and makes me feel sharper and more focused in the morning.”John Morgan “Two Roads have produced and delivered some of the finest coffee I've had in a long time.”Jesse Welsh “Just ordered my first pack today and...wow! I'm blown away at how you can have a specialty-grade coffee that's also incredibly beneficial to your wellbeing. And by this I mean the taste. It's of incredible quality. No compromises made here!”Daniel Bamber “It really is so delicious.” @oakieonfilm Where Can I Purchase Adaptogenic Coffee? Adaptogenic coffee is available to purchase directly from the Two Roads website – either as a single purchase or with a monthly coffee subscription. Currently, Two Roads offers two types of adaptogenic coffee: Purchase Two Roads Lion's Mane Blend Coffee Lion's Mane Blend Stimulate your mind and unlock your flow state, with Two Roads lion's mane blend. Purchase Two Roads Hemp Blend Coffee Hemp Blend Calm your mind, reduce anxiety and boost your immune system, with Two Roads hemp blend. Both of the Two Roads coffee blends are available to purchase as whole bean, filter grind or espresso grind in 250 grams, 500 grams or 1kg bags. Coffee that doesn't elevate your wellbeing is a thing of the past. The future of coffee has arrived. The future of coffee is adaptogenic coffee.

Two Roads have been fortunate enough to partner with local legend Laura Enever, to assist her in raising funds for the In Pieces project. Outside of her surfing feats (which include riding some mind-boggling big waves), Laura's tenacity and determination extends to the altruistic universe.  Inspired by her passion we wanted to support Laura - however we need your help! We will be donating 100% of all profits until Sunday the 12th of November to the In Pieces Project. What is 'In Pieces'? In Pieces is an initiative that aims to destigmatise how suicide is portrayed in society and change the narrative around how suicide is discussed in public life. The project title, In Pieces, is born out of the puzzling impact that suicide often has on people while also offering hope; by coming together pieces and people can become whole again. Suicide is the number one killer of Australians aged 18-44. If you haven’t been directly affected by it, someone you know has. Yet the rippling and long-lasting impact of suicide is often overlooked amongst the havoc and devastation of losing someone. The project is co-curated by legendary Australian tattooer and owner of Thanks Tattoo, Gummy Johnston, media agency Life Without Andy, filmmaker Kai Neville, Johnston Advisory’s Ben Johnston, and executive producer Lauren Barge. Which foundations will be supported? Our core endeavours are to raise funds for the Chumpy Pullin Foundation for suicide support initiatives and to build a safe, supportive, and ultimately connected community. How can I help? It really is as simple as buying a bag of coffee. All of our profits this week will be donated so the more you spend, the more that will be donated! If you are buying your regular coffee this week, consider going a size up to maximise your impact. If you have, already bought your coffee for the month you can still donate directly through the In Pieces website.

Whether you're waking up by the perfect surf along the coast, exploring trails before dawn, hustling at work, or working out before the morning crowd, there's a shared desire for that extra energy boost and crystal-clear focus that escapes us in the early hours. While there isn't a single remedy for this, we'd like to share something that has worked wonders for our community: lion's mane coffee. It's easy, convenient, boasts the taste of specialty coffee and is infused with lion's mane to provide natural clarity and heightened cognitive function. A real upgrade to your morning coffee routine! The Dual Impact: Energy and Clarity When we discuss lion's mane coffee, we're talking about an exquisite fusion of energy and clarity. Caffeine, the time honoured energiser, needs no introduction. But what about lion's mane? Lion's mane is a natural mushroom known for its potential to enhance cognitive function through the stimulation of nerve growth factor (NGF) production—a critical protein for brain health and neuron maintenance. When combined with caffeine, your morning experience will be both more vibrant and focused. Unleash Your Cognitive Potential The lion's mane mushroom has been celebrated for centuries due to its capacity to elevate cognitive function. Picture yourself sipping on a cup of lion's mane coffee, feeling the gears of your brain whir into action. Studies suggest that lion's mane may bolster memory, focus, and mental clarity. It's akin to providing your brain with a turbocharge every morning. A Balancing Act for Your Nerves Your nervous system deserves a standing ovation for its role in keeping you functional and responsive. Lion's mane exhibits a unique affinity for supporting the nervous system, offering a nurturing touch to your brain and nerves. This nurturing aspect becomes a central theme in your morning routine, enhancing your overall sense of well-being. How to Infuse Lion's Mane Coffee into Your Mornings Incorporating lion's mane coffee into your morning coffee routine is a breeze. A single serving (10g) of our lion's mane-infused coffee contains 280mg of locally sourced lion's mane. Intrigued to give it a try? Shop Now.  

Looking for a way to boost productivity, manage stress and stay mentally sharp? Read on to discover what adaptogens are, how they work and they can benefit you while at work. Understanding Adaptogens Adaptogens are a group of herbal or fungal remedies known for their ability to help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance. Unlike traditional medications, which target specific symptoms, adaptogens work holistically to support the body's natural defence mechanisms. They have been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to enhance resilience and promote overall health. Lion's Mane - Your Cognitive Ally One exceptional adaptogen that stands out for professionals is lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus). Native to Asia and revered in traditional medicine, lion's mane is a unique mushroom with numerous potential benefits for work-related challenges. Enhanced Cognitive Function At work, mental acuity, focus, and clarity are crucial for making sound decisions and tackling complex tasks. lion's mane has been extensively studied for its ability to support brain health and cognitive function. It contains bioactive compounds that stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a protein essential for the growth and maintenance of nerve cells. By promoting the growth of neurons and improving neural connections, lion's mane can enhance memory, concentration, and overall cognitive performance. Stress Reduction and Mental Well-being Work-related stress is a common challenge that can hinder productivity and overall job satisfaction. Lion's mane can help alleviate stress and promote mental well-being. As an adaptogen, it modulates the body's stress response, reducing the production of stress hormones and fostering a sense of calm. By managing stress, you can maintain a clear mind, remain focused, and handle work pressures more effectively. Immune Support As a working professional, maintaining good health is essential to stay productive and avoid frequent sick days. Lion's mane possesses immunomodulatory properties, meaning it can regulate the immune system and enhance its functionality. A robust immune system can help protect you from common infections and illnesses that might disrupt your work schedule. How to Incorporate Lion's Mane at Work For a convenient and enjoyable way to experience the benefits of lion's mane, we recommend trying our Two Roads lion's mane infused coffee. Our premium coffee blend is expertly infused with high-quality lion's mane extract, providing a delicious and easy way to enhance your workday. Notice how the caffeine boost alongside the lion's mane enhances your focus and mental clarity throughout the day.

Hemp seed oil and CBD (cannabidiol) are two distinct products derived from the hemp plant, and they have different compositions and uses. Let's explore the differences between hemp seed oil and CBD: Composition CBD (Cannabidiol): CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in the flowers, leaves, and stems of the hemp plant. It is one of the many cannabinoids present in hemp. CBD is obtained through various extraction methods, and it is typically mixed with a carrier oil (such as coconut or hemp seed oil) to create CBD oil products. CBD oil can contain other beneficial compounds from the hemp plant, including other cannabinoids (like THC, but in trace amounts), terpenes, and flavonoids. Hemp Seed Oil: Hemp seed oil, as the name suggests, is extracted solely from the seeds of the hemp plant. It does not contain any cannabinoids like CBD or THC. Hemp seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, and it also contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Health Benefits CBD (Cannabidiol): CBD is known for its potential therapeutic effects. It interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating various physiological processes, including pain perception, mood, immune function, and more. CBD has been studied for its potential to help with anxiety, stress, pain management, sleep issues, and inflammation. However, it's important to note that CBD is not a cure-all, and individual responses may vary. Hemp Seed Oil: Hemp seed oil is primarily valued for its nutritional content. The balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in hemp seed oil is beneficial for heart health, and it can help support skin health and promote a healthy inflammatory response. While hemp seed oil is nutritious, it does not offer the same potential therapeutic effects as CBD. Legality CBD (Cannabidiol): As of December 2021, Australia has legalised CBD, but with strict regulations limiting its dosage and accessibility. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) reclassified CBD as a Schedule 3 medicine, making it available over the counter without a prescription. However, as of 2023, no stores in Australia have received approval to stock CBD oil or other hemp-based cannabis derivatives such as CBN or CBG. This means that despite the legal status, obtaining CBD products remains a challenge for consumers in Australia. Hemp Seed Oil: Hemp seed oil is legal and widely available in most regions since it does not contain cannabinoids like CBD or THC. Usage  CBD (Cannabidiol): CBD oil is typically consumed orally, either by placing drops under the tongue or incorporating it into food and beverages. It is also available in various forms such as capsules, edibles, topicals, and more. Hemp Seed Oil: Hemp seed oil is primarily incorporated into food and beverages. It is also used in skincare products due to its nourishing and moisturizing properties. In summary, while both CBD and hemp seed oil come from the hemp plant, they are different in terms of their composition, health benefits, legality, and usage. Our coffees are infused with 100% locally grown hemp seed oil, however watch this space for CBD infused coffee as CBD becomes more readily accessible in Australia...