One of the most common ways to get CBD into your system is oral consumption. It is a familiar method that is quick and efficient. There are a few different ways on how to take hemp oil orally, such as tinctures, edibles, or capsules. Understanding how to use each is simple but pivotal to the product’s effectiveness. At Thrive Hemp Store, we carry a variety of CBD products to fit your needs–whether they are oral applications, inhalations, or topical.
What Are my Options?
Tincture
A tincture is a liquid supplement that is taken sublingually (under the tongue). Typically, tinctures have a dropper top that is used for administration. In addition to hemp oil, these drops often include a base oil such as grapeseed oil or coconut oil and flavoring. They are flavored to make the hemp taste slightly more palatable. However, some prefer the taste of hemp and there are natural varieties available.
To use a tincture: first, shake the bottle to mix the ingredients. Often times, the ingredients separate, especially if the manufacturer used a MCT (basically coconut oil); shaking the product ensures a consistent serving. Products, like our Green Roads, which is pharmaceutical compounded, using a glycerol base, they do not settle or separate like more naturally based substances. With the dropper top, fill the pipette with oil and then dispense the oil under the tongue. The amount of oil will depend on your specific serving size (see How Much Do I Take? below). Hold the serving under the tongue for 60-90 seconds. Swallow the remaining product, followed by your choice of liquid if desired. While this process is recommended 1-2 times daily, your frequency of use may vary.
Pure Extract
Pure hemp extracts are extracted right from the hemp plant and contain no additives. They have a much thicker consistency than tinctures and are dispensed out of an oral syringe. The color and consistency will vary depending on the variety you choose. This product is unflavored and may contain whole plant material, again, depending on the variety you choose.
To use a pure hemp extract, remove the cap from the end of the syringe. Dispense a rice-sized drop onto a spoon or directly into your mouth by pushing the end of the syringe. If you haven’t done so already, place the extract under your tongue. Hold it in your mouth for 60-90 seconds and then swallow the remaining product. Due to the hemp flavor, we recommend washing the product down with water or juice.
Edibles
Your option for edibles includes chocolates, chews, and lozenges. This variety of options allows many people to find something that will suit their taste. This type of oral supplement is particularly discreet in it looks just like candies or cough drops, so people won’t know that you are taking a dietary supplement. This allows you to take this supplement orally on the go or in the comfort of your own home. We recently started carrying Smokiez, a super delicious gummy chewable that has been a HUGE hit in the store. Definitely come by and try one of our samples!
Capsules
If you are already taking other supplements orally, adding another one might be a particularly easy way of adding it to your diet. These capsule supplements are taken the same way orally as any other capsule with water. These capsules come in different concentrations and are very easy to use when trying to find your perfect serving. When taking CBD hemp orally via capsule, you can be sure about exact servings due to the perfectly portioned oils and gel caps. My favorite capsules are the SunSoil 20 mg capsules. You get a full 30 pills for only $30. It’s a great, lower priced option to get a nice dose of full spectrum oil.
How Much Do I Take?
With hemp oil, there is not a one-size-fits-all serving size. What works for some may not work for others. The best practice is to start with the serving size on the package. If after a week you are not seeing the results you are looking for, increase the serving size for another week. Continue this method until your desired results are achieved.
Want to Learn More?
If you are curious about the different ways to take hemp orally, contact Jennifer or one of the many knowledgeable folks here at Thrive will be happy to help!
This article originally appeared on MadeByHemp.com