How To Take CBD Oil
CBD oil vs. tincture, is there a difference? This is a question we often get as people try to depict the difference (if any) between CBD oil and CBD oil tincture.
Other questions that plague the minds of many CBD and wellness enthusiasts are the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil or why THC will make you high, and CBD won’t.
Even more confusing is how to best take CBD oil tincture or CBD oil for maximum assistance.
In our previous articles, we have done an in-depth discussion of the difference between CBD oil and hemp oil and how CBD is thought to interact with the endocannabinoid system.
In this article, we will focus on CBD oil tincture, what it is, how it differs from CBD oil, and how to consume it.
Let’s start by reminding ourselves about the basics.
What’s CBD?
CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is one of the over 100 chemical compounds (cannabinoids) found in the cannabis plant.
It’s thought to have a positive interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a specialized system responsible for regulating functions such as sleep, immune system response, pain, appetite, etc. in the human body.
By interacting with this system, research suggests that CBD may assist with improving general body wellness, aid in manage physical discomforts, and mood imbalance.
However, these are claims we can’t make here at zatural.com until the FDA approves CBD as a pain treatment option, for instance.
CBD Oil vs. CBD Tincture; Is There A Difference?
Most people use the terms CBD oil and CBD tinctures interchangeably. The fact that both products often come in similar containers and droppers doesn’t make differentiating them any easier.
However, there’re a few subtle differences between the two CBD compositions. The main difference, however, lies in their respective makeups.
This will become clearer as we go on.
What’s CBD Oil?
CBD oil typically refers to CBD that has been extracted from hemp and then diffused into a carrier oil such as MCT oil, coconut, and hemp seed oil for better human consumption.
CBD oil can then be transformed into edibles, capsules, topicals, etc.
What’s A CBD Oil Tincture?
To distinguish between CBD tincture and CBD oil, we have to look at several factors, including the ingredients.
A tincture is generally defined as an alcohol-based solution.
CBD tincture is produced by saturating hemp isolates or flowers in high-proof grain alcohol and then applying low heat for a given period.
This allows active compounds in hemp, including CBD, to infuse into alcohol, much of which is then boiled off. This results in a potent liquid that can deliver CBD into the body.
In the growing consumer market, some manufacturers opt to add complementary ingredients such as orange oils and carrier oils for improved taste.
So What’s the Difference Between CBD Oil and CBD Tincture?
Apart from using an alcohol base, tinctures may also contain other ingredients in addition to Cannabidiol.
While some people will prefer CBD tinctures due to added flavoring ingredients, others will prefer the earthy taste of raw CBD oil.
Whether you choose CBD tinctures or CBD oil, both products are likely to have similar effects in your body.
This is because both CBD oil and tinctures often contain higher CBD content as compared to other common CBD products.
However, when it comes to tinctures, CBD concentration tends to vary more from one tincture to the other.
This wide range of CBD levels gives you a chance to choose between different CBD strengths depending on your specific needs.
How to Differentiate Between CBD Oil and CBD Tinctures
In an industry where CBD tinctures can be marketed as CBD oil and vice-versa, how do you know what you’re looking for?
Remember, since CBD tinctures often contain additional ingredients, they typically contain less CBD levels than CBD oils.
If you notice ingredients such as additives like melatonin or herbs like chamomile, sweeteners, or essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, or basil, then you’re most likely dealing with a CBD tincture.
CBD oil is considered one of the purest forms of CBD, and will rarely contain additional ingredients apart from the carrier oils.
How to Use CBD Oil Tincture
Now that we understand what CBD tincture is, and how it’s different from CBD oil, how can you consume it?
Although CBD tincture is basically designed to be consumed sublingually, you can easily add it to teas and foods as well.
CBD oil tincture sublingual consumption involves placing a few drops of the oil under your tongue using the included CBD dropper.
This is one of the fastest-acting CBD consumption methods since the CBD in the tincture is quickly absorbed by the vibrant network of blood capillaries found under the tongue.
Most manufacturers will state the amount of CBD in each drop of the solution, so you know precisely how much CBD you’re taking.
When using CBD tincture sublingually, ensure to hold the CBD solution under your tongue for at least one minute before swallowing.
If you decide to take your tincture orally, by adding it into your meal or drink, be patient enough as the compound has to be digested first before it can get into your bloodstream.
This brings us to our next point of discussion; bioavailability.
What’s CBD Bioavailability, and Can It Be Enhanced?
CBD bioavailability refers to the degree and rate at which CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream.
CBD bioavailability will largely depend on how you consume it.
When consumed sublingually, CBD has a bioavailability of between 13-19%, with some researchers putting it at 35%.
On the other hand, some studies suggest that when taken orally (in edibles), CBD’s bioavailability may be as low as 6%.
Why is oral bioavailability of CBD so low?
Apart from going through the digestion process (which may take up to 2 hours), some of the CBD may get lost in what’s popularly known as the first-pass effect.
This means less of the CBD getting into your bloodstream.
So can the bioavailability of CBD oil tinctures be enhanced?
Buying premium and verified CBD oil products such as this Broad Spectrum CBD Oil Drops is the first step to getting the full benefits of the hemp plant.
You can check other premium CBD products from our online store.
We have used hemp oil as the base in most of our CBD oil drops instead of commonly used carrier oils such as MCT.
This ensures that you’re getting the benefits of the whole cannabis plant.
If you’re a new CBD user, it’s recommended that you take your CBD just before sleep. This is because CBD may have relaxing properties, and you, therefore, want to be in the right state of mind and environment.
Eventually, through trial and error, you will discover the best time to consume your CBD tincture as well as the ideal dosage for you.
Terpenes in CBD Oil and the Entourage Effect
In our previous article, we talked about terpenes in CBD oil, and how cannabinoids and terpenes work in perfect synergy by enhancing the effects of each other. This is called the entourage effect.
Research suggests that broad-spectrum CBD oils (with CBD, other useful cannabinoids, terpenes, etc.) may offer more assistance as opposed to isolates, which contain CBD only.
Here’s an example of a broad-spectrum CBD product that we stock at Zatural.com.
Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil; What’s the Difference?
Hemp oil, or more specifically, hemp seed oil is derived from the seeds of the hemp plant. While rich in nutrition such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, it contains little to no CBD.
Here’s an article describing the differences, uses, and how to differentiate hemp and CBD oil.
Take Away
Although derived from hemp, CBD tinctures and CBD oils are different.
While CBD oil will use MCT, hemp seed, or coconut oil base, tinctures typically have an alcohol base.
Also, CBD tinctures may have additional ingredients or flavorings for enhanced taste.
There’re many ways to take CBD tinctures, with the most popular ones being placing the oil under your tongue, holding it for up to a minute, and then swallowing.
You can also decide to add the tincture into your foods or drinks and consume it orally. If you take this option, however, be ready to wait for up to one hour before experiencing effects since the product has to go through the digestive system.
Remember, CBD won’t treat, cure, or prevent symptoms for any health condition. Treat it as a supplement, that when used, may enhance your wellness journey.
In case of any questions regarding how our CBD products can assist you, don’t forget to contact us.
For educational purposes only.
*FDA DISCLAIMER -These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.