The popularity of CBD oil has skyrocketed in recent times. Today, there are many CBD formats available in the market and lots of information about its use on the web. You can find CBD capsules to ingest, CBD creams and cosmetics to use on your skin, and CBD oil, which is kind of in-between. But do you know how to use CBD oil?
Although CBD capsules and creams method of consumption is quite self-explanatory, the way to use CBD oil is not so obvious. That’s why many people get confused when they first want to approach this substance. For this reason, we have decided to compile the most common ways to use CBD oil in this article.
What is CBD?
Despite the fact that CBD oil popularity has dramatically increased in recent years, there is still a lot of confusion about this product. Many people mistakenly think that CBD and marihuana are the same things. But although they are related, they are not the same. So, what is exactly CBD?
CBD or cannabidiol is one of the main compounds on the cannabis sativa plant. It has effects on the nervous system and it’s favored for its many properties. Some of the effects of CBD are:
- Analgesic
- Antioxidant
- Anxiolytic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antidepressant
- Anti-psychotic
- Neuroprotector
On the other hand, CBD is considered a fairly safe product and it has little to no side effects.
CBD vs. THC
The cannabis sativa plant contains more than 100 cannabinoids, all of them with different properties and effects. But the two main components are CBD and THC. Both THC and CBD act on our endocannabinoid system. Moreover, all mammals, including humans, have an endocannabinoid system. The main receptors of this system are CB1 and CB2, which belong to the central nervous and the immune systems. While CB1 influences well-being, appetite, memory, and concentration, CB2 has a role in pain feelings and plays a role in liver and kidney homeostasis.
THC acts upon CBD1 and CBD2. The use of THC increases appetite and produces somnolence. Also, it affects short-term memory. On the other hand, THC has psychoactive properties. That’s why it remains illegal in many parts of the world. On the contrary, CBD does not pose any psychoactive properties and it’s a legal substance. In fact, it is favored thanks to its medicinal properties.
How to Use CBD Oil?
As we already mentioned, CBD comes in different formats. One of the most popular is CBD oil. This format usually comes in a little bottle with a dropper, to be able to measure the dosage. Typically, CBD oil is made with pure olive oil mixed with CBD. But, whilst CBD capsules and CBD creams methods of consumption are pretty straightforward, this is not the case with CBD oil. So, we’ll try to explain how to take CBD oil below.
Ingesting CBD Oil
How to use CBD oil internally? Ingesting CBD oil is the most common method to take CBD and a great way to get all its properties. It is recommended to shake the bottle before using it, so all the ingredients are well mixed together. Then, simply use the dropper to take your dose and dispense the oil under your tongue. Finally, let it sit there until it’s fully absorbed.
You can also mix your dose with a drink, but remember to avoid mixing it with caffeine, as both substances can interact.
On the other hand, there is no general opinion about taking CBD with food or on an empty stomach. But some studies have concluded that fatty acids will increase the bioavailability of CBD, so they are a good option when taking CBD.
Finally, CBD oil can be used to prepare a great number of foods and there are many recipes that you can try.
How to Use CBD Oil in Your Skin?
How to use CBD oil on your skin? CBD oil can be used to prepare creams that you can apply directly to the skin to alleviate inflammation and as an analgesic. Typically, you’ll need to prepare a mix with CBD and other essential oils or creams to enjoy all the properties of the substance. But you can also use it directly in your skin when you have irritation or dry patches that you want to alleviate. But, if you are going to use CBD oil directly in your skin, remember to apply a small amount of the product in a small area of your skin and wait 24 hours to see if you react well to it. If you experience any unwanted reaction, this will mean that you have a sensitivity to it, so you should avoid using it.
Vaping CBD Oil
Although some users prefer this method of consumption, you must be very careful if you chose to use it. The reason for this is that not all CBD oils that you can find in the market are suitable for this purpose. Additionally, vaping CBD oil can pose risks for your respiratory health. Nevertheless, if you decide to vape CBD, make sure that the product that you are buying is pretended for this method of consumption.
How to Use CBD Oil? CBD Oil Dosage
Finding the right dose of CBD will depend on every individual and the condition that he or she wants to use it for. It is recommended that you start with a low dose of CBD and start increasing until you find your desired effects. Nevertheless, CBD has too little or no side effects, so it is pretty safe to consume it.
Finally, remember that you should ask your doctor before taking CBD if you are taking any medications or natural remedies. Especially if you are taking antibiotics, anxiolytics, antiepileptics, or antidepressant medications. And, totally avoid it if you are taking antipsychotic medications or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. On the other hand, if you experience any adverse reaction to cannabidiol, you should stop taking it.
We hope that you have learned how to use CBD oil with these tips.
