CBD Tincture 101: What to Expect and How to Use
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is derived from the hemp plant and has become a popular health product for a variety of ailments. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is not psychoactive and does not produce the “high” effect that happens when one ingests THC. People make CBD oil by extracting it from the hemp plant and diluting it with carrier oils like coconut or hemp seed oil to make various products that one can ingest like tinctures, gummies, capsules, drinks and food.
How does CBD Work? CBD and our ECS
CBD interacts with the body’s natural endocannabinoid System (ECS). This system is a network of cannabinoid receptors located in our brain and throughout our body that respond to and control the action of molecules called endocannabinoids (also called endogenous cannabinoids) in our body. So yes, believe it or not, all of us have tiny cannabis-like molecules floating around our brain and body even if you don’t use cannabis! The cannabis plant, which historian’s believe humans have been using for 5,000 years, essentially works by interacting with this ancient cellular machinery in our bodies.
Experts are still trying to fully understand the ECS and everything it does for us and our body, but research has indicated that it is critically responsible for regulating and controlling many of our bodily functions like learning and memory, emotional processing, sleep, temperature control, pain control, inflammatory and immune responses, and more. When any of these functions are imbalanced, the ECS is responsible for helping your body return to balance, or homeostasis. Homeostasis is a biological term for self-regulation and equilibrium. If you are curious and want to read more, read “CBD and the ECS”
What Can I Expect When I take a CBD Tincture?
Among the many benefits you may notice are a sense of calm, increased focus, relief from everyday stress, mood regulation, deeper sleep and a help in muscle recovery from exercise.
All of our products are 0% THC using an extraction process producing what is called Broad Spectrum Hemp Extract. You will NOT experience any intoxicating or “high” like effects but there are still have enough whole plant compounds like terpenes and flavonoids that are working synergistically to enhance the potency and properties of CBD. To learn more about how the cannabinoids work together and our extraction process read “The Entourage Effect and Broad Spectrum Hemp Extract”
Here are a few research articles that Doc D recommends to read if you are curious about the research surrounding this amazing plant.
Pain Management: A review in the journal Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management (2008) discussed the great promise of cannabinoids, including CBD, for managing long-lasting and difficult to treat pain. Cannabinoids in the Management of Difficult to Treat Pain
Sleep/Mood: A recent surge in scientific publications has found preclinical and clinical evidence that CBD helps in some neuropsychiatric disorders, with CBD appearing to have a calming effect on the central nervous system. Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series
Muscle Recovery: This article provides a narrative of evidence that examines how CBD can be used to recover from fatigue and muscle damage due to physical and cognitive exertion in sports. Potential Role of Cannabidiol on Sports Recovery: A Narrative Review
Benefits of taking CBD Tinctures: Why Doc D’s Uses Coconut Oil
A huge advantage in taking CBD internally is due to the fact it allows the medicine to enter the bloodstream more rapidly, providing systematic relief throughout the entire body.
With his PhD in chemistry, Doc D wanted to make a safe and potent medicine for your health and wellness needs and crafted a simple and elegant recipe of CBD and organic coconut oil for our CBD Tincture. He specifically chose organic coconut oil as the carrier oil for three main reasons:
1. Enhanced Bioavailability: Coconut oil, rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) is easily metabolized by the body which helps the absorption of cannabinoids into the bloodstream. This leads to increased bioavailability, ensuring you get the most out of your CBD.
2. Efficient Metabolism: Coconut oil doesn’t require the liver the break it down, unlike other oils or products, so the CBD is more efficiently digested and therefore absorbed.
3. Long-Lasting Effects: Coconut oil has a high fat content which helps prolong the effects of CBD. You may notice sustained relief throughout the day and night because this extended release ensures a steady supply of cannabinoids in your system.
While gummies may be a preference for some because of their taste and convenience, tinctures have faster absorption resulting in increased bioavailability. Tinctures also allow for an easy adjustment of dosing, so you can easily take more or less depending upon your symptoms. It also gets points for being versatile because you can add it to your beverage or food for a truly unique and customized experience. How about putting some in a cup of tea before bed for a restful and restorative night sleep? Yes please!
How to Start Taking CBD Internally:
Whenever you are incorporating something new into your daily wellness routine, the amount of time it takes to notice results depends upon numerous lifestyle factors and how committed you are to your new schedule. Consistency is important as each person's body chemistry is unique, and how they respond to CBD can vary. Some individuals may have a more sensitive and responsive endocannabinoid system (ECS) while other people may have a less responsive ECS that will affect how CBD is metabolized or processed in their bodies. Furthermore variations in metabolism, body weight, and tolerance can impact the effectiveness of CBD usage. As a result, there is no one-size-fits-all dosage that works for everyone and finding the right dosage that works for you can be a trial-and-error process.
If you are using Doc D’s CBD Tincture, we recommend 1 full dropper 2x/day, one in the morning and one at night. A full dropper is precisely measured by the Doc himself to be 50 mg, which is a lot of medicine. If you want to start with a lower dose first, begin with half a dropper, once daily. You can then observe how your body responds to the compound and assess any potential effects. Gradually increasing the dosage over time, if needed, can help you find the optimal dosage that provides the desired benefits.
It's essential to be patient during this process, as the effects of CBD may take some time to be noticeable, especially if you're starting with a low dose. Regular and consistent usage is highly recommended to gauge its long-term impact. We recommend keeping a log when you implement the internal CBD into your wellness routine to assess the impact it’s having on your body as it builds up in your system. You should note the time of day, how much you take, and any noticeable physical, mental, or emotional sensations before and after use.
Before incorporating CBD into your routine, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions, are taking prescription medications, or are pregnant or nursing, consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial. They can offer personalized advice and help identify any potential interactions or concerns specific to your situation.
