How to use CBD Oil Effectively
Although you may have heard about the benefits of regularly using CBD oil, actually getting started on a regimen can be difficult. Should you be taking it orally, or rubbing it into your skin? What about CBD capsules: Are pills a better way to potentially benefit from CBD? Or do tinctures offer a faster-acting solution?
No matter your level of understanding, learning about the pros and cons of all three ways to use CBD oil grants clarity on which one will offer the most potential benefits. Here are the most common ways to use CBD, and the ups and downs on each.
Using CBD oil orally – pros and cons
Arguably, the most popular way to use CBD oil is by taking it orally. It’s the most direct way to use oil tinctures: Taking a serving of CBD, held under the tongue for at least 30 seconds so that the body can naturally absorb it. Organic, full-spectrum tinctures are produced by companies including NuLeaf Naturals.
The biggest benefit of taking CBD oil tinctures is the efficacy of potential benefits. Because your body is directly absorbing the cannabinoids found in the oil, they hit the bloodstream faster and deliver quicker. Subsequently, using CBD oil orally gives you the most prospective advantages for internal conditions, including hypertension and anxiety.
On the downside, taking CBD oil orally can also be one of the most difficult ways. Because natural oils may have a flavor, some describe as “earthy” or “green,” the flavor may be difficult for some to process. In addition, if you are not used to taking oils sublingually, the sensation of having an unnatural liquid under the tongue can be unnerving. If you find that you don’t like the taste or feeling of CBD oil, start with a lower serving, and work your way up as it gets more comfortable.
Using CBD oil capsules – pros and cons
If you find that you can’t get over the taste or sensation of a CBD oil tincture, there is another method you can consider. Some people prefer to take CBD oil capsules because of their convenience and lack of flavor. With two soft gel capsules, new CBD oil users can get the benefits of cannabidiol and other cannabinoids the same way they take medications or vitamins.
Obviously, the biggest benefit of CBD oil capsules is their convenience. Instead of measuring out a tincture and holding it in place for 30 seconds or more, capsules can be taken at any time and nearly anyplace. CBD oil capsules also come with the benefit of discretion: instead of raising questions about your supplements, CBD oil capsules blend very easily.
However, because capsules need to be broken down, they don’t work as quickly as taking CBD oil sublingually. This means any benefits of using capsules will be delayed until the capsules dissolve, and they enter your bloodstream. Additionally, some capsules do not contain only CBD oil. In particular, dry capsules may also be mixed with binders, including coconut oil, in order to preserve the CBD oil for storage. If you are allergic or sensitive to coconut, be sure to check all the ingredients before starting with any CBD oil capsules.
Using CBD oil topically – pros and cons
For those who suffer from inflammatory conditions, there’s an additional way to seek relief from CBD oils. Because the skin surface also contains cannabinoid receptors, some prefer to rub CBD oil directly on their body. By rubbing CBD oil in at joints or muscles, the goal is to reduce pain and gain better mobility.
The one benefit of using CBD oil topically is the potential for direct relief. Because the skin has cannabinoid receptors, it can absorb the cannabidiol and other CBDs from the oil and apply them directly where it hurts. Some find that this is the easiest way to use CBD for its anti-inflammatory benefits, without worrying about taking CBD on a schedule or finding the right dose.
On the downside, there are a lot of CBD oil products that promise topical relief but are mixed with a lot of other formulas or chemicals as well. Instead of just benefiting from a naturally-sourced product, you could be getting only a small amount of CBD. Again, before starting any topical CBD regimen, it’s important to know what ingredients it contains to ensure you’re getting the most benefit from cannabinoids.
While CBD oil may seem confusing at first, taking the time to understand the ins and outs of each method can help you get the most out of it. Through education, you can find the right type for you, and start benefiting from the potential power of cannabinoids starting with your first dose.