Different methods of taking CBD

CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is a compound found in the hemp plant that has received a lot of attention due to its involvement with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which modulates many processes in the body, including pain sensation, mood, appetite and many more. There are several methods to take CBD, the most popular and effective routes are outlined below. For example, if you were to take CBD to assist with joint pain, muscle recovery and inflammation, you can either take an oil under the tongue or you can apply a topical cream to rub on the affected area.

The above examples are popular for those looking for relief with pain and inflammation, in which I will elaborate shortly, however there are a variety of routes for which CBD can be administered, through oils, topicals, gummies, infused foods, beverages, vape liquids and so much more.

CBD Oils:

The most common is CBD oils – 45% of CBD usage is from this route. CBD oil is applied directly under the tongue (sublingually) for 1-2 minutes so it can be directly absorbed and get to work. This route is popular as absorption rates are much higher when compared to swallowing the oil. Absorption is higher due to the presence of blood vessels located under the tongue; therefore the oil enters the bloodstream much more easily and directly compared to the stomach. When the oil is swallowed into the stomach, a process called First Pass Metabolism begins; a process critically studied by pharmaceutical companies, as each compound/drug is broken down at different rates. When swallowed, the acids and enzymes in the stomach break down the CBD oil, thereby reducing the amount of CBD that can get to work. From there, the oil then enters the liver, where the oil is subjected to a second period of metabolism, broken down even further. This is the phenomenon known as first pass metabolism. The result? The original concentration that entered our body is greatly reduced, losing much of our beloved CBD… this is why taking CBD oil under the tongue (for 1-2 minutes) is much more effective and beneficial.

 CBD Oil must be taken daily to maximise its benefits, starting off with a light dosage (approx. 35mg/day) and building it up overtime to find what suits you best – there is no one-size-fits-all!

There are many studies that demonstrate CBD Oil and its effects on reducing chronic pain, for example in a group of 29 patients with symptomatic peripheral neuropathy, 15 patients were randomised into the CBD group, consisting of 250mg CBD/3 fl. oz and the remaining 14 patients were given a placebo. The study consisted of 62% males & 38% females, with a mean age of 68 years. The results for the CBD group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in intense pain, sharp pain and itchy sensations when compared to the placebo group.

If you would like to check out our range of CBD Oils, click HERE

CBD Topicals:

CBD Topicals can also have a variety of uses but are applied the same, you take a portion of the topical cream and rub it on the targeted area.

The typical uses for CBD topicals range from improving skin conditions (eg acne, psoriasis, eczema), to assisting muscle recovery after a tough workout, targeting arthritis and joint pain, and more recently being used as part of your daily skin routine to improve your skins day to day health.

Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound from the cannabis plant, has garnered significant attention in recent years for its anecdotal therapeutic potential for various pathologies, including skin and cosmetic disorders.

CBD Infused Foods:

In recent years we have seen a rise in CBD-infused foods, from CBD Gummies, CBD Cakes, CBD Chocolate, Energy Drinks and even CBD Coffee shops.

Some like the coffee shops as it’s easy to drop CBD into your coffee, making it part of your morning routine to help you get your dosage in early. Many love the idea of being able to get your daily CBD in without worrying about supplements, as there are several way to take CBD. Dropping CBD into your favourite drink is also ideal for those who are on the go!

Recent years have seen an increase in CBD products, with food & beverages becoming more and more common, this evolution of CBD product is perfect for people new to CBD. The use of flavours in both the drinks and food industry mean it is easier to consume during work or on the go.

Note: swallowing oils typically renders CBD ineffective as only 15% of CBD oil actually reaches our bloodstream, which is required to travel around the body and have the desired effects, meaning 85% is degraded or lost. HOWEVER, here at Vita Botanica, we have incorporated a patented nanotechnology into our oils, bringing it from 15% up to 85-90%, rendering them 5-6x more absorbable into the bloodstream! Our oils are the most effective and absorbable oils on the market today.

CBD Vape

CBD infused vape liquids have become another route for administration of CBD, it is considered the most effective route where bioavailability is 100% due to the direct interaction with blood vessels within the lungs.

Vaping has grown in popularity in recent years and has become one of the preferred routes to administrate CBD. Availability of vapes, vape stores and liquids have become more prominent allowing for CBD infused liquids to be more obtainable.

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[8] https://www.vita-botanica.com/pages/our-technology