Read Time: 5 minutes
In recent years, cannabidiol, or CBD, has become one of the most popular natural health supplements to hit the market - and for good reason. Its beneficial properties are found in ever-expanding number of products, offering the potential to enhance both physical and emotional wellbeing.¹ The holistic, medicinal elements of CBD have been harnessed to develop FDA approved seizure medication, natural sleep aids, pain-relievers, pet supplements, beauty products, and more.² While CBD products come in a wide variety of forms, most share a common component: CBD extract oil. CBD oil is highly versatile as it can be used alone as a tincture or incorporated into nearly any food or substance. But before we dive into its usefulness, let’s take a look at how CBD is thought to work.
What is Cannabidiol & How Does it Work?
Next to tetrahydrocannabinol (commonly known as THC), cannabidiol is one of the main chemical compounds, or cannabinoids, of the cannabis sativa plant, and the dominant cannabinoid of the hemp plant. Whereas THC is infamous for its psychoactive effects on the brain, CBD may be known more for its sedative, anti-inflammatory effect on the body.
Research suggests that cannabinoids like CBD interact with the hemp receptors in your own body by way of the endocannabinoid system (ECS).³ The ECS is an extensive network of receptors responsible for homeostasis: the state of equilibrium that allows your organs systems to function optimally. The endocannabinoid system is thought to regulate functions such as body temperature, immune response, cognition, appetite, and the sleep-wake cycle. Once your body metabolizes CBD, it may signal your ECS to produce its own chemical compounds called endocannabinoids. These organic molecules may circulate throughout your body, and bind to CB receptors to deliver numerous beneficial effects.⁴
CBD Oil & Its Benefits
Extracted directly from the hemp plant, CBD oil typically contains a base lubricant like hemp seed oil or coconut, MCT, or essential oil. The concentration of cannabidiol determines the potency, while the composition of the base oil enhances functionality. Although CBD oil is not yet FDA approved, preliminary research suggests it may have therapeutic properties that may aid in the treatment of conditions such as:
- Chronic pain
- Inflammation
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Seizures
- Addiction
- Glaucoma
- Skin disorders
- Heart disease
It’s All About the Bioavailability
It’s thought that the efficacy of CBD oil comes down to its bioavailability. Also referred to as “absorption,” bioavailability alludes to the amount of cannabidiol that enters your bloodstream (when ingested), or other targeted areas such as muscles or joints (when applied topically). The more CBD your body can absorb, the more you may benefit from its effects. The primary factors that determine maximum absorption are the type of product, the delivery method, and how your body metabolizes CBD. In addition, long-term use may increase bioavailability as cannabinoid levels accumulate in fat cells over an extended period of time.⁵ But, how long does cbd oil stay in your system? The truth is it can vary by person as it depends on similar factors related to product type, level of absorption, and metabolism.
How to Use CBD Oil
One thing is for certain: There is no shortage of CBD oil delivery methods. It’s a unique plant-based substance that’s as useful as it is versatile. While the primary modes of consumption are oral and topical CBD, CBD oil can be consumed in an impressive number of ways:
CBD Oil Tincture
CBD oil tinctures are concentrated oils that can be taken sublingually. These potent formulas come with measured droppers for serving size accuracy. For best results, drop your preferred amount under your tongue, and let it sit for about 30 seconds before swallowing. You can add the tincture to your favorite food or beverage, but sublingual application allows the cannabinoids and functional ingredients to enter your bloodstream more efficiently.
Capsules & Softgels
For your pre-dosed convenience, CBD softgels and capsules offer a precise, flavorless method of CBD oil intake. These oral supplements come in a range of serving sizes that cater to varying levels of tolerance and personal wellness needs. CBD capsules and softgels can be taken with food or drink, and may take up to 45 minutes to an hour to take effect depending on your metabolic rate.
Food Supplement
You can elevate virtually any recipe with cannabidiol-infused oil. A Full Spectrum CBD Coconut Oil or EVOO offers a delicious (and discreet) way to incorporate the natural wellness benefits of CBD into your favorite foods. You can easily integrate CBD oil into no-bake items. Although you can use it to cook hot meals, it’s recommended to keep CBD oil on low heat (to avoid losing potency), or simply add it to food once it’s cooled.⁶ Because the compounds take time to be processed through your digestive system, the effects of CBD can take a while to be felt. On the upside, you’re likely to experience benefits of cannabidiol for an extended period of time.
Topical
As a nature-based remedy, CBD may offer relief from physical discomfort without the side effects associated with conventional pain-relievers. Whether it’s an emollient massage oil, balm or gel, topical CBD infused with full spectrum CBD oil can nourish skin and may provide instant relief to sore muscles and inflamed joints. Functional ingredients like essential oils, beeswax and jojoba work in harmony with the soothing properties of CBD to potentially reduce inflammation, alleviate pain relief, support relaxation, and maybe accelerate the recovery process.
Ready to Give CBD Oil a Try?
From its numerous healthful properties to its sheer versatility, it’s no wonder the popularity of CBD continues to skyrocket.⁷ Hemp extract infused oil can be used alone or as an infusion to boost overall wellness. Our comprehensive selection of CBD offerings are made to provide relief and positively impact your quality of life. We blend top-quality CBD oil with functional ingredients to craft topicals, tinctures, capsules and edibles that harness the full therapeutic value of cannabidiol. If you’re new to CBD and are wondering how much CBD to take, our Product Finder can help you navigate your CBD journey and discover products and serving sizes to address your unique needs.
At Lazarus Naturals, we’re dedicated to formulating CBD that’s safe, effective and affordable. As part of our mission to provide universal access, our Assistance Program offers up to 60% off to veterans, those on long-term disability, and people with lower incomes. You can also split your order into four interest-free payments with Sezzle. If you’re not completely satisfied, our 90-Day Stress-Free Guarantee assures store credit or a full refund on your purchase. We look forward to providing you with plant-based remedies to enhance your wellbeing!
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Sources:
¹https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/why-cbd-oil-is-on-the-rise-in-2020-301141735.html
³https://www.jyi.org/2018-june/2018/6/1/the-endocannabinoid-system-our-universal-regulator
⁴https://www.healthline.com/health/endocannabinoid-system
⁵https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.13710