Cannabidiol (or CBD) can be used in a number of ways to help treat the symptoms of a range of different health issues. Just one of over 60 compounds in the cannabis plant, CBD is not psychoactive, meaning it won’t induce hallucinations or a feeling of lightheadedness, and it can benefit many conditions and illnesses by reducing pain or discomfort.
How to use CBD
According to the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Belgrade, research around the use of CBD oil suggested that it can help to protect nerves from damage and work as an effective anti-inflammatory.
Further benefits of the oil are continually coming to light, leading to relief for sufferers of a larger number of different conditions. How you choose to take CBD will depend on why you’re taking it, the symptoms you have and your personal preferences.
CBD products include:
Capsules and supplements –
Just as there are capsules available to supplement a variety of vitamins and minerals in your diet, you can get capsules containing CBD too. Available as solid or softgel tablets, capsules and supplements can be swallowed, chewed or left to dissolve under your tongue.
Oils –
As an alternative to tablets, you can also take CBD oil orally using a dropper pipette for easy ingestion. You can take this oil by putting it directly into your mouth or adding it to a glass of water. When you swallow it, it will go through your digestive system, be metabolised by your liver, and make it into your bloodstream after being absorbed through the wall of your gut.
However, it could be the case that not all of the ingredients of the CBD oil make it into your bloodstream due to the journey it takes to get there. To get the most out of your CBD oil, you can put it under your tongue, where the soft tissue will absorb every part of the CBD oil and allow it to enter your system more quickly.
E-liquids –
Using an e-cigarette, e-liquids can be vaped. These products come in a variety of different flavours and concentrations.
Can CBD be absorbed through the skin?
For soothing muscle pain and improving the health of your skin, you can try CBD products that are rubbed directly onto your body. Fortunately, CBD oil is absorbed through the skin, where it will treat the cells it’s being applied to.
Other options such as tablets and CBD oil will target pain after ingestion, but the benefit of using a CBD cream or balm is that it can be rubbed directly onto the affected area, potentially helping with conditions such as arthritis, nerve damage and general joint pain.
