CBD is an excellent natural supplement that has been shown to be effective in clinical trials. But it is important to understand the differences between the regulated CBD products available in the UK and those sold on the high street.
For example, the legal CBD must be made with premium hemp extracts and is third-party laboratory tested. It must also contain no more than 1mg of controlled substances (like THC) to be sold legally in the UK.
What is CBD Oil?
A growing number of people are using CBD to help treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain and anxiety. But many people aren’t sure what exactly it is or how it works. In this week’s episode of our Health 360 podcast, Linden Oaks Behavioral Health experts answer some commonly asked questions about CBD.
CBD can be taken orally, applied topically or inhaled. Oral CBD can be difficult to dose accurately because it is absorbed through the digestive tract and may be affected by stomach acids, recent meals and other factors.
Applying CBD topically can help to reduce inflammation and overworked sebaceous glands that contribute to acne, and can also be helpful for treating psoriasis and other inflammatory skin diseases. It can also be found in cosmetics products, such as lotions and ointments. The website Project CBD provides a comprehensive guide to everything about CBD, including its benefits, side effects and legal status in all 50 states.
How to Take CBD Oil
CBD works slightly differently for everyone due to differences in body mass and internal chemistry so it’s important that you find a dosage that gives you the results you need. This can be done by gradually increasing the daily amount you take over a few weeks until you achieve the desired results.
The UK Food Standards Agency recommends that healthy adults don’t take more than 70mg of CBD as a food supplement each day. CBD does not have the psychoactive component known as THC found in the cannabis plant so you won’t get a ‘high’ or altered state from taking it.
If you decide to try CBD oil drops you can choose between a liquid which you hold under the tongue (sublingual) or capsules you swallow. Both of these can provide effective daily doses once a safe and suitable dosage has been established. For a more immediate effect, topical CBD creams, gels or balms can be applied directly to the skin over a painful area.
Benefits of CBD Oil
CBD’s benefits include pain relief, reduced anxiety and depression, a reduction in psychotic symptoms, improved sleep quality and an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Research into the use of CBD is ongoing, and more benefits are likely to be discovered as scientists continue to examine the compound’s potential.
The choice of CBD products on the market has increased dramatically, and it’s important to choose wisely. Look for reputable brands that offer third-party lab testing and high-quality ingredients. Choose products that contain a high percentage of CBD and avoid those with added flavourings or other ingredients, which may cancel out the effects of the CBD.
It’s also advisable to take the product consistently, as it takes time for your body to adjust to a new supplement routine. Ideally, you should take the oil under your tongue twice daily, as that part of the mouth is rich in capillaries and helps to speed up absorption. Begin with a small amount and work your way up, increasing the dosage gradually until you experience the desired results.
Side Effects of CBD Oil
CBD can interact with some medications, including benzodiazepine sedatives like Klonopin (clonazepam), Ativan (lorazepam), and Valium (diazepam), as well as phenytoin. This can increase side effects such as drowsiness. CBD may also increase the levels of some antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Zoloft (zoloft), tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as amitriptyline and phenelzine (Nardil).
For best results, you should use CBD oil in conjunction with other natural remedies and treatments for your condition. For example, if you’re suffering from insomnia, combine it with relaxing herbs such as lavender and butterfly pea flower, as recommended by our guru, OTO CBD. You should also be cautious when taking CBD and alcohol, as some research suggests it can amplify the effects of alcohol on your body. If you’re breastfeeding, do not take CBD oil as it may pass through your milk to the baby. Always speak to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements. CBD Drops UK