Taking CBD oil: Everything you need to know

How do you take CBD oil? - The ideal way to use CBD oil is by no means to simply swallow it quickly. Of course, that is an option, but some of the effect is lost that way. The most effective way to take CBD drops is to use a pipette to drip them under the tongue and leave them there for a short time so that the oral mucosa can absorb the hemp extract and the active ingredient can quickly enter the bloodstream. This special form of intake is called "sublingual".

What does "sublingual" mean?

The term "sublingual" comes from the Latin

(sub for "under" and lingua for "tongue")

and refers to everything that is located below the tongue. In the pharmaceutical context, "sublingual" refers to the dosage form of medication in which absorption occurs through the mucous membranes of the tongue and mouth.

Higher bioavailability: Maximizing drug absorption

Sublingual intake of CBD oil is preferred because this is the most effective way to exploit the oil's maximum potential for active ingredients. Absorption through the oral mucosa enables faster absorption without affecting the intensity of the effect. In contrast to oral intake, the active ingredient reaches the bloodstream more quickly with the sublingual method. The veins of the oral mucosa transport the blood directly into the superior vena cava. When taken orally, where the CBD drops are simply swallowed, the active ingredient must first enter the bloodstream via the liver. This leads to a lower effectiveness of the cannabidiol. Sublingual intake essentially bypasses the liver, similar to a bypass. In addition, sublingual use of CBD oil makes it much easier to take if you have difficulty swallowing.

With this method, the CBD oil is placed under the tongue and left there for 60 to 90 seconds before being swallowed. In this way, the active ingredients enter the bloodstream directly via the glands under the tongue. In contrast to oral intake, where some of the active ingredients are lost in the digestive tract due to the first-pass effect, sublingual intake can lead to a significantly higher bioavailability of up to 35%.

Faster onset of action: Experience fast results

Sublingual ingestion allows a direct route into the bloodstream, allowing CBD to take effect more quickly. Studies suggest that the potential "peak effect" of CBD is reached in as little as 10 to 15 minutes when taken sublingually. In comparison, it can take several hours when taken orally, as the metabolism in the digestive tract requires a longer processing time.

Good to know: The absorption of the drops through the stomach increases as the stomach becomes fuller. Depending on how much was taken beforehand, it can take 15 to 30 minutes for the effect to take place. An empty stomach can speed up the onset of the effect.

Optimal intake of CBD oil: How often is recommended?

There is no one-size-fits-all rule for how often you should take CBD oil, but there are general guidelines that can help determine the ideal dosage. One important factor is the CBD concentration of the oil. For a highly concentrated CBD oil, taking it once or twice a day may be sufficient. For an oil with a lower CBD concentration, taking it several times a day may be considered.

The reason for taking CBD oil also plays a role. If it's for general well-being, taking it once or twice a day may be sufficient. Start with a low dose and slowly increase it to find the optimal amount for your individual needs.

Long-term use of CBD

CBD can be taken long-term, especially for chronic conditions such as pain, epilepsy or persistent anxiety. CBD is considered safe and tolerance to the active ingredient does not usually develop.

Short-term use of CBD

It is also possible to take CBD for a limited period of time, for example in the case of acute pain. In the case of temporary complaints such as acute back pain, CBD can support mobility until the pain subsides.

CBD as needed

Taking CBD as needed is another option. On particularly stressful days, taking additional cannabidiol can help you relax. CBD can also be taken once before important events such as presentations or speeches to reduce nervousness.

When should you take CBD oil?

The decision of when and how often to take CBD should depend on the desired effects. These factors can vary depending on the time of day and individual needs.

Morning: An energetic start to the day

If you're looking for an energetic start to your day, taking CBD in the morning might be an interesting option. This natural supplement can not only boost your mood, but also help you start the day with positive energy. By activating the endocannabinoid system, CBD can help reduce stress and improve mental clarity.

In the evening: For a restful sleep

Taking CBD in the evening can be a valuable aid to restful sleep. In the right dosage, CBD can help alleviate problems falling asleep and promote deeper sleep. This is especially important for people who suffer from insomnia or simply long for rest and relaxation after a stressful day. The calming properties of CBD can make the transition to peaceful sleep easier.

Frequency: Adjust individually

The ideal frequency of taking CBD depends greatly on individual needs and desired effects. For chronic pain or anxiety, regular intake 2-3 times a day has proven to be effective. This helps maintain a constant level of CBD in the body, which can lead to long-lasting effects.

Recommendation:

• One method is to fill a spoon with the desired number of drops and then place the spoon, along with the oil, under the tongue.
• Another popular method of taking CBD oil is adding it to food and drinks. This method of consumption is great for masking the taste of CBD oil, especially if you don't like it. However, keep in mind that cannabidiol is a lipophilic molecule, which means it dissolves well in fats and oils, but not in water. When CBD drops are added to water, they do not dissolve but float on the surface of the water. If you prefer to take CBD in drinks, you can drink hemp tea or hemp coffee, for example.
• Adding CBD oil to fatty foods, on the other hand, is very effective because cannabidiol dissolves well in them. British researchers have even shown in a CBD study that the bioavailability of CBD increases more than fourfold when taken with fatty foods. Combining CBD oil with food is particularly popular because the CBD carrier oils used, especially hemp seed oil, can cause a bitter and unpleasant aftertaste in some users. However, it is now known that it is worth accepting this taste in order to exploit the full potential of the effects of sublingual intake.

Easy to use: Uncomplicated use in everyday life

For many people, sublingual intake is easier than taking tablets, as they only need to put a few drops of CBD oil under their tongue. This is not only convenient, but can also be easily integrated into everyday life.

Minimal side effects: safety first

Compared to intranasal administration, which involves inhaling CBD through the nose, the sublingual method has fewer side effects. While intranasal administration may have higher bioavailability, the potential health risks of inhaling CBD smoke or vapors have not been fully researched. Sublingual administration therefore remains a safe alternative.

Easy availability: Discover the variety of CBD products

The growing popularity of CBD oils has led to a wide availability of high-quality products. CBD products are legally available in many countries and the selection ranges from different strengths to different flavors. Research into the therapeutic potential of CBD is progressing and will lead to an increasing variety of products on the market.

Longer shelf life: Keep CBD products fresh

The shelf life of CBD products depends on the extraction method. CO2 extraction, used for high-quality CBD oils, preserves the natural properties of the plant and ensures chemical stability, making the product last longer.

The optimal place to store CBD oil is a dark and cool place, either a conventional cupboard or the refrigerator. As long as it is protected from water, air and direct sunlight, CBD can be stored for a long period of time without any problems.