Approximately 14 percentof Americans report using CBD (which is short for cannabidiol) products. Folks throughout the country are using CBD to manage a wide range of symptoms, from anxiety and insomnia to chronic pain and epilepsy.
Have you been interested in giving CBD a try? Have you been wondering about the best way to consume CBD?
If so, keep reading. Explained below are some of the best administration methods that you can try today.
Table of Contents
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol is one of the hundreds of cannabinoids that exist in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC (or tetrahydrocannabinol), which is one of the most well-known cannabinoids, it does not get you high. CBD works differently in the body than THC, but it provides many of the same health benefits (just without the mind-altering effects).
Benefits of CBD
There are lots of reasons why you might want to consider trying CBD. The following are some of its most well-known benefits:
Reduced Anxiety
For people who struggle with anxiety disorders like PTSD or generalized anxiety disorder, supplementing with CBD can be life-changing. CBD helps to promote relaxation and assists to quell the physical symptoms of anxiety (racing heartbeat, sweaty palms, etc.). It can benefit those who struggle with anxiety-related insomnia, too.
Reduced Pain
Many people also swear by CBD products for chronic pain relief. Because it has potent anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can help to minimize pain and improve range of motion in those who struggle with conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia.
Reduced Seizures
Medical professionals have long known about the benefits of CBD for managing seizure disorders like epilepsy. People with severe cases of epilepsy often notice significant reductions in the severity and frequency of their seizures when they start using CBD on a regular basis.
Improved Digestion
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects, CBD can help those who struggle with digestive disorders, too. It helps to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and minimizes symptoms like cramping, bloating, and gas. It’s very effective when it comes to managing nausea, too.
CBD Administration Methods
Okay, you’re convinced that CBD might be something worth testing. How do you decide which type of CBD product to test though?
There are tons of different options on the market these days and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here are some of the top administration methods, as well as a description of the pros and cons of each:
CBD Oil
CBD oil is made by combining CBD isolate with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or MCT oil. It might also include flavoring from essential oils or other sources.
Out of all the different CBD oils on the market, there’s a lot of debate about which is best. In general, though, many people find that they notice more significant benefits from full-spectrum CBD oil.
This product contains CBD along with other cannabinoids and plant compounds (terpenes, flavonoids, etc.). Experts believe that cannabinoids are more effective when administered in conjunction with each other, rather than separately. This is known as the entourage effect.
CBD oil, whether it’s full-spectrum or an isolate product, is a great option because it’s easy to consume. You can add it to other foods or drinks, too, to make it more palatable.
At the same time, though, CBD oil does take longer to take effect than CBD administered in other forms. This is because it has to pass through your digestive tract before it can enter the bloodstream. If you’re seeking immediate relief, CBD oil might not be the best fit for you.
CBD Capsules
For those who do not like the taste of CBD oil (and don’t want to mask it with food or a drink), CBD capsules are a good alternative. They allow for easy dosing and simplify the administration process. Just swallow them with some water and you’ll be good to go.
Like CBD oil, though, CBD capsules also take longer to take effect. They have to pass through the digestive tract before getting to the bloodstream, so they’re not ideal when you want to feel relief from particular symptoms right away.
CBD Vapes
If you’re looking for a fast-acting CBD product, a CBD vape might be your best bet. When you vape CBD, it enters your bloodstream through the lungs. This process is very fast and allows you to feel relief from anxiety, pain, nausea, and other symptoms very quickly.
Some people have a hard time vaping CBD (or vaping anything, for that matter). It could cause them to cough, which could lead to lung irritation and exacerbated pain in some cases.
If you think you might be sensitive to the vapors created by vaping CBD, this might not be an ideal solution for you. This is especially true if you’re not seeking immediate relief.
CBD Topicals
Finally, don’t forget to consider CBD topicals. CBD topicals are lotions, creams, and balms that combine CBD with ingredients, like beeswax, coconut oil, and other natural compounds that nourish the skin.
For those who are struggling with localized pain (back pain, neck pain, etc.), CBD topicals can be a great option. They’re easy to use and provide targeted relief to specific areas.
Keep in mind that topicals are mostly meant for those who are struggling with pain. For other symptoms, they often aren’t very effective.
What’s the Best Way to Consume CBD for You?
As you can see, there are lots of different ways that you can try CBD. Be sure to consider the pros and cons of each of these administration methods so you can find the best way to consume CBD for you and your needs.
Remember, everyone’s needs are unique, so there’s not one ideal option that will work for everybody. It also might take some experimentation to identify your preferred method.
Do you want to learn more about CBD or other natural health products? If so, check out the articles in the Health and Wellness section of our site today. You’ll find lots of other great tips and tricks there that will help you feel your best.