If you’re considering using CBD, you’re not alone. More and more people are turning to this natural compound to help manage pain, sleep, anxiety or just to promote a sense of calm in their everyday lives. One popular method of consuming CBD is through tinctures.
If you’ve never used tinctures before, you may be wondering how to properly use them for maximum effectiveness. In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of CBD tinctures and provide tips on finding the right dosage and administration method for you.
What are Tinctures?
Tinctures are liquid extracts made from herbs or other natural compounds. In the case of CBD tinctures, the extract is made from hemp plants that contain high levels of cannabidiol (CBD). This compound is known for its potential health benefits, including reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Tinctures generally come in small bottles with a dropper attached to the lid. This allows for precise dosing and easy administration. They are also highly concentrated, allowing for a small amount to be used for maximum effects.
Different Ways to Use Tinctures
There are two main ways to use CBD tinctures: sublingually (under the tongue) or by adding them to food or drinks. Each offer the same general benefits. Bioavailability, which is the amount of consumed CBD and/or other cannabinoids that are actually absorbed by the body, does vary with different methods of use. Let’s take a closer look at each method and its pros and cons.
Sublingual Administration
Sublingual administration involves placing a few drops of the tincture under your tongue and holding it there for 15-30 seconds before swallowing. This allows for quick absorption through the mucous membranes in your mouth and offers the following benefits:
- Faster onset (10-20 minutes)
- Better bioavailability (the amount of CBD that is actually absorbed by your body)
- Higher bioavailability can mean lower dosage is required for optimal effects.
On the downside, the effects of sublingual administration typically last for 4-8 hours before wearing off.
Ingestion with Food or Water
The other option is to add the tincture drops to food or drinks. This method takes longer as the CBD must pass through your digestive tract before entering your bloodstream. However, it offers its own set of benefits:
- No flavor (some people find the taste of tinctures unpleasant)
- Longer-lasting effects (6-12 hours)
On the flip side, ingestion takes longer to take effect (up to 1.5 hours) and may result in lower bioavailability due to conversion during digestion leading to a slightly larger dose being required.
What size dosage do I need?
Microdosing
Low doses are the staple of the CBD industry. Many take low doses every day for work, school or their daily routine. Typically a microdose is between 2-5 milligram. Low doses are great for stress, mental clarity, minor pain relief or just creating a light sense of calm.
Increasing dosage
Increasing the dose in increments of 10mg is good way to go. If you start at 5 and go to 15: It may still not be enough, or be slightly too much in which case, you know 10 is your dose as 15 was too high and 5 too low. If it wasn’t enough, you can increase by another 10 to 25 and repeat analysis. This was you know where too much for you currently is. Once you find your proper dose, use it routinely for best overall effect. After time you may need to increase the dose a little as your body titrates.
Titration
When introducing compounds to your body, your body needs to adapt to it. As your body gets used to you using it routinely, it will allow you take more without overly calming your body.
How much you take is largely up to how it effects your body. For something like stress, a little can go a long way to calming your nerves and stress without slowing down your day. If you find your optimal level also makes you too calm or relaxed or work or daily life, your body may have a to adapt to using it by working your way up to that dosage.
Tips for Using Tinctures
Now that you know the different ways to use tinctures, here are some tips to help you find the right dosage and administration method for you:
- Make time to try it: When using tinctures for the first time, make sure you have a free schedule. CBD affects everyone differently, so it’s important to see how it will impact your body before committing to any obligations.
- Start low and slow: If you’re new to CBD, it’s best to start with a low dose (around 2.5-5mg) and gradually increase until you find the right amount for your needs. This will help you avoid any potential side effects and allow you to find the ideal dosage.
- Be patient: CBD takes time to take effect, so don’t expect immediate results. If you don’t feel the effects after your first dose, wait at least 1.5 hours before taking more.
In conclusion, CBD tinctures can be an excellent option for managing stress and promoting relaxation. By understanding the different administration methods and following these tips, you can make sure you’re getting the most out of your tincture experience. So go ahead and give it a try –
