CBD (cannabidiol), a phytocannabinoid produced by the cannabis plant, has long been known to deliver calming and therapeutic agents through our bodies, helping us relax and be at peace. Unlike another popular phytocannabinoid called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is non-intoxicating and does not induce any mind-altering effects. With this, an almost endless variety of formulations have emerged, promoting the effects of CBD. This includes CBD oils, capsules, edibles, lotions, and the latest one being CBD tinctures. In this article, we will try to understand better what and how to use CBD tincture.
What are CBD Tinctures?
Tinctures are concentrated plant extracts – in this case, the cannabis plant – produced by soaking parts of the plants in a solvent of either alcohol, vegetable glycerin, vinegar, or plant-based oils for several weeks. CBD, and all of its anti-inflammatory, analgesic properties, is suspended in the mixture, giving them a higher bioavailability as compared to CBD oil. This product was first released to the public in the mid-1970s for medical use in the UK. As soon as CBD tinctures and the specific structures used to create it was made known, interest on the plant’s medicinal potential began to skyrocket.
Alcohol-based tinctures
The most popular type of tincture often uses alcohol as a base. The presence of alcohol in these tinctures extends their shelf life to virtually unlimited, and it also enhances their medicinal qualities, especially when the products are stored in a cool, dark location.
Glycerine-based tinctures
As mentioned, tinctures can use some other solvents aside from alcohol. To make non-alcohol tinctures, some people opt to use vegetable glycerine, which can have a shelf life of up to three to five years if, again, stored in a cool, dark place. Tinctures with this type of solvent often have a sweet taste to them, making them the ideal mixture for children. And while this type of tincture offers the advantage of being alcohol-free, it may not offer the same level of potency as the alcohol-based types. It is also important to remember that because these types of tinctures do not have alcohol in them to act as a preservative, they are at risk for growing mold and can easily become contaminated.
Vinegar-based tinctures
Another non-alcohol tincture is one that uses apple cider vinegar as a base. Aside from the CBD component in this variety, the apple cider vinegar also adds to the therapeutic value of the product because it has wonderful health-building qualities of its own. This type of tincture has the shortest shelf life, reaching only about a year or so if kept in an ideal location. Vinegar-based tinctures are great to use in marinades and salads.
Oil-based tinctures
For this type, the concentrated extract is blended with carrier oils, such as olive oil, coconut oil, peppermint oil, vanilla oil, grapeseed oil, and many others. The oil not only improves the bioavailability of the finished product, but it also enhances the flavors of the tincture.
Aside from CBD, tinctures have other ingredients or substances added to them to enhance their flavors. Some of these ingredients include water, essential vitamins like B12, C, and D, herbs, sweeteners, and essential oils.
How to Use CBD Tincture?
CBD tinctures are highly potent as they contain a high concentration of CBD. Thus, they are kept in bottles with a separate or built-in dropper for dosing. Remember that small doses are recommended when using CBD tinctures, and overdosing does not necessarily translate to higher benefits.
Step 1: Shake the CBD tincture bottle well to ensure that the substances are properly mixed, and you get a consistent amount of CBD on every dose.
Step 2: Next, choose your preferred method to administer or use the tincture. The most common and popular method is to take them sublingually, which is to use the dropper and drip the desired dose of CBD underneath the tongue. Hold the tincture for at least 60 seconds before swallowing. This will make the CBD content to be readily absorbed into the many blood vessels under the tongue and into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive process. This is the ideal method for people who need instant effects, including those dealing with nausea in cancer treatments or patients trying to cope with anxiety triggers.
Another common method to use the tincture is to add a few drops to your food and beverages. You can mix them with your food during the preparation or while eating. A lot of people add them to their tea, coffee, salad, or even in their baked goods to mask the taste of the tincture. This method, however, is likely to be less effective than directly applying the tincture under the tongue.
Lastly, CBD tinctures can be rubbed on your skin. This may not be as popular as the two above-mentioned ways, but it is still highly effective. People can rub the mixture topically to relieve arthritis, muscle spasms, tendonitis, and many others. Alternatively, you can also infuse a few drops of CBD tincture into your baths to en]joy its benefits and en]joy a younger-looking skin.
Step 3: Repeat as necessary if you need to adjust your dosage. It is important to know that the right dosage for you will depend on several factors, including your weight, the severity of your condition, and the potency of your CBD tincture. Sleep-related issues like insomnia, for instance, will require a dosage of 25 to 160 mg, while people who are struggling with anxiety and stress will need a dosage between 5 to 50 mg.
No matter which method you use to administer the CBD tincture, you will still be able to gain the benefits of CBD almost immediately. It all boils down to preference. Patients or individuals suffering from acute or chronic conditions will highly benefit from CBD tinctures. As mentioned, the mixture is absorbed almost immediately into the bloodstream, delivering the desired effects throughout the body quicker than a capsule or edible. Furthermore, this method provides a smokeless alternative, which is a huge benefit for those who do not like smoking or vaping CBD.
CBD tinctures have been proven to provide relief almost instantaneously and with longer-lasting effects. Knowing the different methods of how to use CBD tincture will help you choose your desired type of application. Regardless of which method you choose, absorption will be faster and quicker as compared to other types of CBD products.
