How to use CBD oil?
The demand for clean and natural wellness products has increased a lot in the past few years. People are shifting from synthetic medicines to herbal and organic solutions to improve their overall well-being. CBD products currently rule this category, with CBD oil being the top choice for most users.
Scientific data and anecdotal reports show that daily dosing of CBD oil can improve your sleep, curb your pain perception, reduce your stress, and may also help you to sleep better. It’s completely nonintoxicating in nature but you can also opt for zero THC options such as broad-spectrum CBD Oil or isolates. So let’s dig a bit more and learn how you can use it efficiently to improve your mind and body health.
Source:cobocbd.com
What is CBD Oil?
CBD Oil is a wellness product that is made by mixing extracts of the emp plant with carrier oils like coconut and argon. The main ingredient in this extract is Cannabidiol or CBD, it’s a natural plant compound, commonly known as a cannabinoid.
There are over 110+ cannabinoids in hemp plants, but CBD is the most widely used and researched one. It’s known for its anxiolytic, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties.
Full-spectrum CBD oils have trace amounts of THC in them. THC is another cannabinoid, which is known for its sedating and psychoactive effects. Too much of it can make you high, that’s why as per farm laws, CBD oils can not have more than 0.3% THC in them.
Other than cannabinoids, CBD oil also has other hemp compounds in it such as terpenes and flavonoids. A combination of all these compounds works in synergy to improve your mood, pain, anxiety, sleep, appetite, stress, and more.
How does CBD Oil work?
When you take CBD oil, it is mixed in your bloodstream. Then it starts to impact the body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system or ECS, is a complex cell signaling network that is spread throughout your body.
Its main function is to maintain a state of balance in the body by controlling various biological functions like sleep cycles, pain perception, emotions, stress response, memory, temperature, and more.
So how does this happen? Well, our body produces its own cannabinoids called 2Ag and Anandamide. They interact with enzymes and receptors ( CB1, CB2 ) of the ECS system to maintain the above-discussed state of homeostasis.
CBD does not bind to these receptors directly, instead, it improves their functions in its way by increasing the amount of anandamide in the brain, muscles, immune cells, and even fatty tissues. It also prevents these neurotransmitters from breaking down too early, hence the long-lasting relaxing effect.
How to use CBD Oil for best effects?
See, there’s no one perfect way to use CBD Oil. It all boils down to your personal preferences like how quickly you want to feel the effects, use case, and individual body chemistry.
The two primary methods include sublingual administration or putting a few drops in your food. Some people also prefer to massage it on sore muscles and painful areas. Each method has its benefits, let’s understand them in detail.
Taking it Sublingually
This is the quickest and perhaps the most efficient method. You can simply put a few drops of CBD oil under your tongue and hold it there for 15-30 seconds. Within seconds it’ll dissolve through capillaries present under the tongue and get mixed in blood bloodstream.
You’ll feel the effects kicking in just after 15-20 minutes. The only drawback is, that most CBD oils have an odd earthy hemp taste. You can avoid it by opting for flavored options, but it might still feel weird in taste.
Mix it in Food
Don’t like CBD Oil’s taste? Just put a few drops in your favorite smoothies or food mix. You can find plenty of recipes on the web to make CBD-infused beverages, desserts, cookies, and whatnot. The only drawback is slow onset times.
In this method, CBD will pass through your digestive system first before getting metabolized. So for the relaxing effects to kick in, it may take anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours. That’s why most people prefer this method with dinner so that they feel relaxed and stress-free when they go to sleep. You can also find CBD oil-filled capsules or softgels in the market.
Gently Massage It
Although this method won’t provide you with full-body effects, it can help you with skin redness, itching, muscle pain, and other localized issues. A CBD oil massage after a heavy workout session can do wonders for your muscle soreness and pain.
It may also hydrate your skin, and prevent microbial infections. You can make your own massage formula by mixing CBD and Coconut Oil in equal parts. This way CBD will reach deep into your muscle issues and curb down pain and inflammation. It works because CB1 and CB2 receptors are present in our skin as well.
The Key Takeaways
To sum it up, you can use CBD oil by putting it under your tongue, mixing it in your food, or directly using it for massage on affected areas. Just make sure to start with a low dose, observe the effects for some time, and then gradually increase or decrease the dosage till you have the perfect spot.
Remember, it takes time to work, it’s not a magic pill that is gonna heal you with just one dose. You may have to continuously take it for weeks and months to see solid effects. In terms of side effects, CBD is quite safe for human consumption.
Even at very high doses in clinical trials, it didn’t show any severe side effects. However, CBD is slightly dehydrating, so you’ll have to increase your water intake to avoid dehydration.
Some people may feel nauseated, to avoid this it’s best to not take it on an empty stomach. Also, taking CBD oil with food will result in better absorption of cannabinoids in the body. Welp, that’s a wrap, if you decide to buy CBD Oil, go with only reputed and well-tested brands like Colorado Botanicals.