Cannabidiol (stands for CBD) is one of the most well-researched compounds found in the hemp plant — and with a good reason. It has been cited to hold several potential health benefits.

At the same time, a wide variety of questions are commonly asked, starting from how you take CBD oil and how it affects the body. To help you understand better the specifics of CBD, here we will shield light to what CBD is, its benefits and its uses.

How CBD Affects The Body

There have been numerous studies into CBD and its potential health benefits. Along with the discovery of the endocannabinoid system, it was found that the body produces its own equivalent to cannabinoids. Thus, cannabidiol extracted from the cannabis plant could be introduced into the body to help maintain homeostasis. CBD acts upon CB1 and CBD2 receptors found throughout the body to produce favorable outcomes health-wise.

More research is being done to uncover potential uses of the CBD compound in healthcare. Currently, most of the evidence gathered points towards feelings of well-being as the substance is widely known for its mood-altering qualities.

Amongst the many potential benefits of CBD are the following:

Recovery

CBD is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. This makes the compound useful in dealing with physical discomforts. CBD can provide relief for sore joints, and muscle tension – something athletes and people that maintain an active lifestyle will find quite appealing.

Mood elevation

Dealing with stress has never been easy. But is CBD oil good for anxiety? In an attempt to understand the role of CBD in managing its far-reaching effects, a study was conducted. The experimental group was found to be in a better position to manage the symptoms of a stressful life and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This includes feelings of anxiety and depression.

Skin problems

CBD products show a lot of promise in the skin enhancement category. Using a product like CBD cream or balm could help improve the appearance of your skin, even bringing about a glow. For example, you can apply CBD balm for relief from dry, cracked or irritated skin.

Sleep

If you haven’t been getting enough sleep, you could try CBD products. Participants in research studies and regular users report having improved their sleep regimens as they were taking CBD. CBD allows users to relax, making it easier to fall asleep.

Popular Ways To Take CBD Oil

CBD Oils 

You have probably already seen these small bottles on the shelves of different stores that usually have a pipette for easy use. With different concentrations and flavors, CBD oils and tinctures are considered one of the popular methods to deliver CBD in your system.

Such a product format also gives you flexibility on how to take your CBD dosage. For the CBD oil, you can place a few drops under your tongue as per the sublingual method. Subsequently, hold the oil in your mouth for one minute before swallowing. Administering CBD sublingually has a faster absorption rate. This is because it is absorbed by the blood vessels under the tongue instead of going through the digestive system. 

CBD oil can also be added to daily foods and beverages. In fact, you can even use it in cooking with the exception of sautéed meals, given that it evaporates at high temperatures. 

CBD Capsules/Pills/Softgels

Due to the similarity to traditional vitamins, CBD capsules are also an easy way to administer CBD. Each of the capsules carries particular amounts of cannabidiol and are usually entirely tasteless. When taking capsules, simply swallow one at a time with water when needed.

While this product type allows users to avoid the earthy taste of CBD, which can be unpleasant for some consumers, consuming CBD capsules can take some time to provide the first positive effects. Oral intake means that CBD needs to pass through the liver before hitting the bloodstream and bringing potential benefits, which can take up to 2 hours, depending on the individual metabolism rate of each particular person. 

However, the long-term digestion process also means that CBD capsules can offer slow-acting effects, which can be especially useful for individuals that need to receive a consistent supply of CBD oil.

CBD Edibles

Given all the rave about edibles today, you can find various CBD products like gummies, cookies or drinks that will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth and come in handy for all snack lovers. Talking about taste, they are sweet and bursting with flavor for a unique experience. With edibles, taking your CBD is as simple as chewing on your serving.

When consumed CBD in the form of a drink or food, you can usually feel the first positive effects from 30 minutes to 2 hours after consumption, just like with other products that require oral intake.

CBD Vapes

For all the vapers, the CBD market also offers various options infused with CBD oil. This includes CBD vape oil, disposable/reusable vape pen, cartridge and pod.

The main advantage of taking CBD oil through inhalation is that this way, the active compounds enter the lungs and then hit the bloodstream, allowing to deliver the positive effects almost instantly. However, it’s essential to note that the safety of long-term vaping is still unknown.

CBD Creams

Different creams, balms and lotions are designed for soothing everyday aches, inflammation, various pains and skin issues. CBD topicals have the simplest application method. All you need to do is to apply the product directly onto the desired area on your skin. This method relies on the transdermal absorption of cannabidiol rather than entering the bloodstream, so it is best used on specific areas of the body.

Topical products also differ from traditional tinctures or capsules in their formulas: they are usually loaded with various skincare components such as essential oils, vitamins and herbal extracts. These other ingredients are added to facilitate absorption through the layers of the skin as well as bring a pleasant scent during application.

Conclusion

The use of cannabidiol is becoming more common these days, particularly since it is thought to promote health and wellness for various conditions, both mental and physical. What’s more, today, you can purchase a wide variety of CBD infused products, starting from oral tinctures and edibles to topicals and vapes. Each type of product not only requires a particular method of intake but also delivers different beneficial effects. Therefore, make sure to do your own research and try out various CBD products to find the one that can suit your needs and individual preferences.

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