CBD Products Review: Why Under The Tongue?

With hemp-derived CBD products everywhere these days, it can be hard to know where to start. What products are best to use and what’s the difference between each one? What’s the best way to take CBD oil, gummies and drinks? How much is too much CBD and are there any long-term effects of CBD when it comes to your health?

What Is CBD?

CBD is an active ingredient found in the cannabis plant that is said to have many health benefits, especially when it comes to chronic pain, joint pain, depression and anxiety. Unlike its psychoactive counterpart, THC, when you consume CBD, according to the drug administration, you won’t feel the ‘high’ that’s typically associated with marijuana use. After taking CBD in a variety of ways over the years, i can confirm this is true.

The Different CBD Products

CBD Tincture

A CBD oil tincture is created using high proof alcohol to extract the active compounds found in marijuana plants. However, this alcohol is also used in the finished product as well so if you have issues with alcohol, this one probably isn’t for you.

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CBD Oil

CBD oil is generally a mixture of pure CBD extract and a carrier oil (generally coconut oil or mct oil), making it the cleaner option as it’s more pure and natural. A quick and effective way to get your daily dose of CBD by simply placing a few drops in your mouth, or directly under your tongue.

The CBD oil pictured below, is 1000 mg in strength, so quite a strong one. Probably not the strength you would start off with, however, you can also get the 500 mg strength as well which is ideal for beginners. Some CBD oils can make you feel a little drowsy, especially when first starting out. However, this oil was absolutely fine, no sleepy feels at all so you could take it at any time of the day.

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CBD Gummies

CBD gummies are one of the newest forms of taking CBD and are aimed at those who don’t like the taste of pure CBD but still want to be able to take it internally.

The CBD gummies pictured below taste a lot like sweets, however, you can still taste the CBD very slightly. A great option for those just starting to take hemp oil but are perhaps a bit nervous taking the oil or tincture. Again with the gummies, I had no drowsiness at all, it was just nice to have a little hit of sugar!

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CBD Drinks

The drinks that contain CBD in them are generally created using a CBD oil and can be a great place to start if taking it for the first time.

Of the drinks, gummies and the oil, the drinks were a firm favourite as they all just tasted like flavoured water. Ideal if you’re trying to drink more water but fancy something with a slightly different taste. My personal favourite was the Raspberry & Guava (red bottle) as it was so refreshing.

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CBD Balm

CBD balm is generally only used for treating muscle and joint aches and pains. However, it can also be used to help reduce inflammation caused by skin conditions such as acne.

Which of these different ways of taking CBD would you go for depending on your situation?

The Benefits Of CBD

I’ve been using CBD oils for the last few years now and find it great for reducing my levels of anxiety. A few years ago i would struggle almost daily with anxiety. Some days to the point where i couldn’t leave the house. These days it’s almost non-existent, even in high stress situations.

I mainly put this down to having a better, healthier and more balanced lifestyle in every way. Being less stressed with work, having a better work-life balance and allowing myself to have proper down time where i can fully relax and unwind.

However, this could also be partly to do with including a small amount of this dietary supplement into my routine on an almost daily basis.

I was slightly dubious about starting to take this supplement, especially after knowing it came from hemp plants but after doing my research, i felt more at ease. Plus, there are so many great health benefits of CBD oil including…

Pain Relief

Many people who take CBD do so to help reduce pain and inflammation. It’s thought the different forms of CBD attach themselves to receptors in the endocannabinoid system which is what reduces the pain we feel when injured. The endocannabinoid system controls mood, the immune system, sleep, memory and pain.

However, research is on-going in this field and nothing has yet been 100% proven. Not enough is yet known as to how exactly it works.

Reduce Anxiety & Depression

According to the World Health Organization, depression is the number one contributor to disability around the globe, and following close behind is anxiety is at number six.

Mental health issues often aren’t treated properly, even these days. Many of these issues still aren’t seen as real illnesses, especially if you have an older GP. They tend to ‘treat’ the issue by giving you over the counter drugs that come with potential side effects – sexual dysfunction, headaches, drowsiness, and insomnia. They can also be very addictive and can contribute to substance abuse. For those who don’t want to deal with these negative consequences of treatment, CBD oil offers a more natural solution. 

Studies have demonstrated CBD might be able to act on the brain receptors that control our serotonin levels. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that regulates mood so CBD oil could be ideal for improving mental health disorders.

Better Skin

Another great use is topical CBD in skincare products. The beauty of CBD is that it can be used both internally and externally for different issues. Whilst you might use CBD oil internally for post-traumatic stress disorder, for example, you might also use it externally as a treatment for acne.

The use of CBD externally might help to reduce the inflammation caused by the acne, as well as the pain itself, in a more natural way than some medications prescribed by a healthcare provider. This is due to its anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to reduce the production of excessive sebum.

However, it’s not just great for skin issues such as acne, it can also be used in every day skincare to help reduce the signs of ageing due to its high levels of antioxidants. You could even make your own CBD skincare products by adding a full dropper of it into a face, or body cream.

Balancing Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are the way the brain transmit signals to the rest of the brain and throughout the body. When these neurotransmitters get off balance, that is often when mental health problems and anxiety disorders will start to arise.

• Dopamine controls a lot to do with movement, coordination, and our emotions
• Serotonin also controls emotions, but also has a huge affect on your digestive system and metabolism as well

However, CBD can have a positive effect on helping to balance out two of these important neurotransmitters – dopamine and serotonin through the central nervous system. Helping to create a more even level of brain patterns.

Why Under The Tongue?

The reason why so many people love to take CBD oil directly under the tongue is because it can be absorbed into the blood stream much faster via the sublingual membrane.

You would take the recommended dose of CBD as normal, however, instead of dropping it into your mouth, you would place it under your tongue. Once in place, hold the drops under your tongue for around 60 seconds before swallowing as normal.

However, doing it this way will mean you get the full taste and strength of the CBD oil so if you aren’t keen on the taste, perhaps have a glass of water or a sweet nearby. This is the perfect way to take CBD if you need an immediate release.

CBD oil offers a variety of health and wellness benefits for people across a broad spectrum of physical conditions in a more natural way.

Which of the above techniques would you use if you started taking CBD?