Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard about the many benefits of using cannabidiol, the chemical compound more commonly called CBD. With so much hype, you might be eager to try it for yourself. As you edge into the world of this natural remedy, it can be confusing to understand the different forms CBD comes in and what application is right for you. Here’s a breakdown of a few of the ways you can use this popular therapeutic.
Topical Products
Addressing physical pain or discomfort is one of the key uses of cannabidiol. If you’re considering using CBD to treat aches and inflammation in specific areas of your body, then you may want to try a product that is applied directly to your trouble spots. People often turn to topical CBD to help with everything from arthritis and joint pain to eczema and psoriasis, and the effect of cannabidiol on other maladies is being studied. Creams, salves and lotions are available in a variety of CBD concentrations, and many include other natural ingredients like oils and minerals to boost their healing powers.
Most options on the market can simply be rubbed into your skin with your fingers, but others feature spray tips or roller applicators that may help you apply them more easily. As with any topical product, you’ll want to test a small area of your skin to be sure you don’t have an adverse reaction. Due to the strength of the ingredients in many of the compounds, you may be advised to avoid applying anything to open wounds.
Tinctures
In addition to addressing specific pain concerns, many people use CBD for overall health and well being. Tinctures are popular for this purpose, as they deliver a more concentrated dose of the beneficial cannabidiol compounds. In most cases, they are produced by soaking CBD extract in food-grade oil for several weeks so that the oil is completely infused. Some are made by saturating the extracts in alcohol, vinegar or even glycerin. Regardless of the liquid medium, the extract is then filtered out and what’s left is an ingestible liquid called a tincture.
As with other topical products, these tinctures can be applied directly to the skin, and they may also be ingested. A drop or two is usually placed under the tongue for quick absorption into your system, which can speed up the CBD’s effects. When using tinctures, people have reported a reduction in pain and inflammation as well as improvements in their mental states. For some, cannabidiol tinctures can soothe anxiety and phobias, and many use it to treat insomnia. A physician can advise you if tinctures will interfere with any other medications you are taking.
Edibles
For those who may not be looking for the intensity provided by tinctures but who would still like to experience the broad-ranging benefits of ingesting CBD, consuming the compound might be a good option. As with the delivery methods discussed above, nibbling an edible product can provide both physical and mental benefits. Edible CDB comes many different forms, with the sweet treat versions being particularly popular. Everything from chocolate bars to lollipops and even gummies are now being infused with cannabidiol.
Unlike the direct delivery that comes with placing a tincture under your tongue, consuming a CBD edible causes the active ingredients to take effect more slowly. This is because your body must digest what you’ve eaten and then disburse the cannabidiol into your system. Some people like this because they find that the effects of CBD last longer due to the slower release. Others prefer consuming edibles because it can be done discretely; to anyone observing, it looks like you are just snacking on a small treat and no one is the wiser if you feel self-conscious about taking CBD. In addition to precautions you would take before using any supplement, make sure the edibles you consume won’t trigger any food allergies you may have.
Whether you’re seeking relief from pain or looking for greater peace of mind, cannabidiol might be a good addition to your wellness plan. There are many different ways CBD can be taken, and by trying one or more of these options you can figure out what works best for you.
