One of the most talked-about products in recent years is much older than you may think.
Cannabidiol, often shortened to CBD, is an ingredient derived from hemp that is used for a variety of therapeutic, novel food and medicinal applications and has been since the 1940s.
Beware of confusing CBD with the other common ingredient associated with hemp; hemp that is cultivated for CBD harvesting purposes will contain almost none of the psychoactive ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol, which is a controlled substance in many countries.
Instead, CBD reacts with our endogenous cannabinoid system which consists of CB1 receptors in the central nervous system and CB2 receptors that are found in immune cells and other parts of the peripheral nervous system.
Whilst research is still being undertaken as to how exactly CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, it helps to reduce pain, nausea and anxiety, and can be taken in a range of ways as part of natural wellness products, each of which has their own benefits.
Here are some of the best ways to take CBD.
CBD Oil
Possibly the most common CBD product and the first that comes to mind when many people think of it, there are so many different types of CBD oil that exist, and just a few drops are needed per day to get the full benefit in many cases.
CBD oil is typically taken in two ways. The first, and most direct way involves taking a few drops under the tongue, which you then absorb and swallow.
On the other hand, you can also take it in food, by adding a few drops to foods with medium-chain or long-chain fatty acids such as avocado, nuts, eggs, meat, fish and cooking oils such as coconut or olive.
The CBD gets instantly metabolised and in theory, can be used faster than taking the oil directly.
Balm
CBD balms, like other skin products, can be simply massaged into the skin, and often provide a feeling similar to a vapour rub, with cooling and warming sensations that themselves can provide some relief from pain whilst the CBD takes effect.
Moisturisers, Serums And Other Beauty Products
Enriched beauty products have CBD as one of several ingredients that is absorbed through the skin, often to help with retaining moisture, soothing the skin from pain and working as an antioxidant ingredient.
Gummies
Whilst they are also delicious, CBD gummy sweets actually also are a particularly practical way to take CBD on the move.
Unlike capsules, you do not need to take them with water, and whilst many people do enjoy the taste of CBD, the fruity flavours work for people who do not.
As well as this, both gummies and capsules are excellent for keeping track of how much CBD you are taking, compared to the variance that can come with using a pipette.
Oral Spray
Arguably the fastest way to take CBD, an oral spray often has either no flavour or a pleasant flavour, contains other nutrients and vitamins, and enters the bloodstream faster than gummies as they do not need to take a detour via your stomach to get there.