CBD is the new buzz word among many wellness circles. From internet forums and fitness influencers to celebrities and athletes, there’s a strong belief that this all-natural oil is the key to improved health. And now it’s time for you to try it.

WHAT IS CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a completely non-psychoactive extract of the cannabis plant, one of over 100 natural components, filtered to remove 100% of the THC content. This cannabinoid reacts with our body's endocannabinoid system to give users the benefits without the unwanted ‘high’.

The endocannabinoid system is found in our body, helping regulate a wide range of cognitive and physiological processes. Although extremely complex, scientists have proven these include mood, appetite, sleep, and pain – essentially keeping our body balanced and functioning properly.

Within the endocannabinoid system is a network of cannabinoid receptors in the brain and central nervous system. Phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant) such as CBD and THC, also naturally attach to these cells in a similar way and have various effects, with some studies showing CBD protect nerves from damage and act as a powerful anti-inflammatory. There’s also research to suggest that it can also be used to help manage a variety of other ailments, such as anxiety and long-term pain conditions.₁

WHICH CBD PRODUCT IS FOR ME?

So you know you want to take CBD, but you just don’t know how. Despite there being many products on the market, it can be hard to choose the right one. Let us guide you through the different ways to introduce CBD to your daily routine, whether looking to address a long-running health issue or simply wanting to check out the benefits first-hand.

THE SIMPLE WAY TO TAKE CBD

The most common way to take CBD is orally. That’s because ingesting in capsule form it is a great place to start. It’s easy to manage your dosage and also you’re likely used to taking tablets or capsules, so it feels completely familiar. Dosage is really important when it comes to CBD usage too, and this option offers an accurate way to monitor how much you’re having each day. And because every person has different needs, and reacts to CBD strengths in different ways, it’s important that you begin with a small dose before slowly increasing – simple to do with capsules. But remember, it can take 45 minutes for the CBD to become fully digested by your body, so don’t ever take more than the recommended amount. Overall, if you’re new to CBD, it’s definitely recommended you give capsules a try first.

Familiar with CBD? Or need a stronger dose than capsules offer? It’s time to switch to CBD oil, which is called a tincture. For this, you simply place a few drops under your tongue and hold it there for around a minute. This is a quick and effective way to get the CBD into your bloodstream, and offers a more cost-effective solution for daily use. The important point here is to watch your intake. With a pipette dispenser (which oils usually come with) it’s easy to take more (and we mean way more!) than you need. Oils come in different strengths so be sure to choose wisely depending on the amount of CBD you have – usually dependent on your reasons for taking. For example, the CBD volume needed for restful sleep is much less than what’s needed to manage pain. This is why it’s always recommended starting off with a small dose, before building to a level that fits your requirements. Just take your time and you’ll notice when you reach this wellness sweet spot.

TARGET YOUR BODY WITH TOPICALS

With oils and capsule , CBD is delivered with systemic effect. That means once ingested, they work to affect the whole of your body. For anxiety, restlessness and other generalised issues, this is perfect. However, when it comes to aches and pains, it’s all about focusing on the troublesome issue – whether it’s a sore joint or muscle pain – and with topicals you can keep CBD benefits localised to the point you need them most. But what are topicals? If you’ve not guessed already, these are creams, balms and oils (the relaxing massage kind) that are applied directly to the skin, and are usually available in different scents and strengths for all kinds of application. Here you can choose the products that best fit your requirements without worrying about taking too much. Need a tip? In our experience, there’s nothing better than a red hot CBD chilli or cooling menthol balm to soothe aching muscles after sport or intense activity.

DESIGNED TO FIT YOUR DIET

But what if you want to casually add CBD to your diet? Well, edibles offer you a great (and usually delicious) way to introduce your body to CBD. And yes, we know you ingest these too, but when something comes in the form of a snack and has the power to satisfy your sweet tooth too, it deserves a shout-out all of its own.

If you can name it, it’s probably been infused with CBD. Chocolate, nut butters , cookies and brownies – some of your favourite snacks that can not only feed those cravings but give you a boost of CBD, too. However, if you’re trying to hit a specific dosage from your CBD product, be sure to check the nutritionals on these sweet treats as many won’t reach the level you require, with only a small amount faction (in most cases) added to each. So when it comes to edibles with a powerful dose of CBD, gummies are the resounding winner here. A popular alternative to capsules, these offer different strengths and a number of delicious flavours, too.

THE CHOICE IS YOURS

So whether it’s capsules, oils, topicals or edibles, there’s a type of CBD to fit your needs and lifestyle. However, whatever product you choose, be sure it’s only ever from a certified supplier. This is the safest, most-effective way to use CBD, and guarantees you receive all of the benefits you’re looking for. So, do your research and buy from a brand that can offer third-party testing and quality, all-natural ingredients.

Sources:

1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26845349

2) https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-take-cbd