Advantages of Using CBD Tinctures and How to Use It
Cannabidiol or CBD has a wide presence in the market and many products related to medical and well-being uses. CBD Tinctures are one of the best ways to use CBD. They are easy to use, have a fast action, and lets everybody enjoy its benefits.
What is CBD?
CBD is a naturally occurring chemical compound found in the resin or extract of hemp sativa. It is extracted from the hemp form of cannabis plants and used in different products like edibles, oils, topical and tinctures. Unlike THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol it does not contain any psychoactive elements and does not offer a euphoric feeling.
Bottom line is CBD is not intoxicating or addictive. This allows CBD to provide therapeutic properties without triggering mind-altering high effects. When extracted from hemp it is also deemed legal as per the 2018 Farm Bill.
The endocannabinoid system or ECS is found in the Central Nervous System or CNS and have a network of receptors that interact with endocannabinoids like CBD and THC. When these receptors are engaged CBD assists in maintaining and improving their functionality and also enhances the integrity of these systems they are regulating.
CBD offers many benefits as they interact with the ECS and CNS and help maintain regular bodily functions like appetite, sleep and involuntary mental functions. It also offers relief from a variety of chronic pain and aids in the treatment of many pain generating ailments.
What is a CBD tincture?
Tinctures have been in use for centuries before the birth of Christ and were found documented as early as 1000 BC in Egyptian scriptures. They have been used as the primary treatment for many health conditions. CBD tinctures can be produced in a variety of ways.
The most widely used method is by soaking their isolates or flowers in solvents like vegetable glycerin or alcohol for several weeks and application of regulated heat until it reaches a concentrated liquid state.
This process lets the active compounds from Cannabis to be infused into the neutral carrier spirit. The result is a potent and concentrated liquid that infuses the cannabinoid molecules into the carrier liquid. Effects can be seen without combustion and direct oral ingestion. In liquid form CBD Tinctures can be administered sublingually (under the tongue) in drops.
As it is a concentrated product it has to be administered orally in precise doses. Regardless of whether you are a first time user or a regular this is what you need to know about their usage.
How to use a CBD Tincture?
CBD Tinctures are ideally recommended to be used an hour before going to sleep to use its calming effects to its full. Once your body is acclimatized with it then you can use it freely. It is best to take a CBD Tincture after a heavy meal or a high-fatty snack consisting of nuts, almonds etc. as these often considerably increase the nutrient absorption rate of your body.
Majority of CBD tinctures come packed in small glass bottles with a dropper in-built in the cap meant to assist in measured and controlled doses. As tinctures are easy to use and monitor usage they are the most popular CBD based products in the market.
Here are three ways of using CBD tinctures,
- Sublingual : The primary way of administering a tincture is sublingually. This is because there are a huge number of blood vessels under the tongue and allows CBD to be ingested and absorbed by the bloodstream directly. Use 2–3 drops under the tongue and keep it in place for about a minute to allow direct absorption and then swallow. The CBD that is not absorbed directly into the bloodstream will be ingested by the digestive system and enter the bloodstream.
- Swallow: You can also choose to swallow tinctures directly and this way it reaches the bloodstream as it passes through the digestive tracts and is carried to the whole body with the flow of blood.
- Blend: You could mix the tincture into food and other consumables. Add it to your morning smoothies, salad dressings or soups. However, remember that CBD infused products are made using regulated heat and overheating or adding the tincture while or before cooking can drastically reduce its potency. Add it into cooked or ready to eat food and try experimenting with coffee, breakfast, smoothies, snacks or beverages.
Advantages of using CBD Tinctures
The benefits of CBD are many however it also has its own advantages being used in the tincture format. Some advantages are,
- No refrigeration required: CBD tinctures have a long shelf life and don’t need any refrigeration once the bottle is opened. Store them in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight or heat. Also shake well before use.
- Tinctures are versatile: Tinctures are an easy and popular way of consuming because they are versatile and can be used in many ways like sublingually, adding drops to your food or even direct swallowing.
- Excellent absorption: CBD Tinctures have excellent absorption properties and is highly concentrated. It gets absorbed into the bloodstream at a faster rate than other edibles, and also it is easier for the digestive system to break down tinctures than other food items or capsules.
- Portable: CBD Tinctures are also highly portable as they come in compact bottles with integrated droppers. This makes it lightweight and easy to travel with, offering no hindrance in carrying.
- Flavors: CBD Tinctures come in a variety of flavors making it delicious to ingest.
CBD Tinctures have a range of benefits however it is always advised to consult your doctor before starting to use them as they could clash with an ongoing medication or condition.