Do you know when it’s better to use CBD topicals, edibles or oils? The answer isn’t as cut and dried as it may seem. Each form of CBD has different effects on your body, so you’ll want to understand how each works. Let’s break it down.
CBD: the common denominator
A couple of things to note before we move on. Found in both topicals and edibles, CBD is one of more than 60 compounds in the hemp plant. Using clean extraction methods, CBD-rich oils are removed from the stalks, leaves and flowers of the plant. CBD introduced to the body interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) everyone has.
The ECS monitors the balance in our bodies to keep us healthy by communicating with messengers and receptors. CBD is a cannabinoid or chemical messenger that falls into two categories: endogenous, originating in the body; or exogenous, originating outside the body.
E
ndocannabinoids occur in the body naturally and regulate basic functions including mood, memory, appetite, pain and sleep. The exogenous cannabinoids, such as CBD, are consumed or applied to the body. Both interact with receptors to produce physical and psychological effects in the body.
CBD topicals, oils and edibles
Topical application
These products are rubbed onto and absorbed through the skin but don’t actually travel to the bloodstream. For individuals with pain or a condition in more than one area of the body, these kinds of products can often provide relief on more than one location at a time. This method doesn’t send CBD to the bloodstream. However, the friction caused by rubbing the product in thoroughly opens the pores helping to transfer CBD to the affected area.
Sublingual consumption
Just beneath the tongue is a vast reservoir of absorption in a vein called the sublingual gland. When you place a dropper of CBD oil or capsule under your tongue and hold it there for 30 to 60 seconds or more, it goes straight to the bloodstream. Unlike consuming CBD, the sublingual method can provide from around 12% to 35% absorption.
Edibles
Edibles such as gummies, capsules, beverages and other things you consume, are a popular means of using CBD. However, it isn’t an optimal method of absorption. CBD takes an indirect route to get where it can do the most good. It first travels through the digestive and metabolic systems, lowering the bioavailability, which means when it’s absorbed in the bloodstream. Different studies have shown absorption ranges from 6% to 20%, which isn’t impressive. For instance, even if you absorb 20% of 100mg of CBD, you’ve still lost about 75% in the process of digestion.
Should you use topicals, oils or edibles?
Now that you know the options, let’s look at how to decide which CBD meets your need.
First, let’s talk about taking CBD topicals. They are applied externally, directly to affected areas, and absorbed through the skin. Topicals come in the form of lotions, salves, balms and creams and can be used for:
- Acne
- Bacterial infections
- Burns
- Eczema, psoriasis, rash
- Inflammatory skin conditions
- Itchy bug bites or poison ivy
- Joint pain (arthritis)
- Nerve pain/Neuropathy
- Pain
CBD topicals generally act more quickly than edibles or oils because they don’t need to get to the bloodstream to be effective. As a result, within 10 to 15 minutes, the CBD begins to work its magic. The effects can last up to eight hours. Few if any side effects are associated with CBD topicals.
For internal or cognitive conditions, oral CBD is probably your best bet. People unable to take pills or capsules also benefit from oils and edibles. For example, if you want CBD for anxiety or depression, you could choose an oil or edible. As mentioned above, CBD under the tongue absorbs faster and more completely than eating CBD. Or for instance, a condition such as diabetes, heart problems, autoimmune conditions, edibles can also be an option. Although it takes long to get to where it needs to go, consumed CBD seems provide longer lasting effects. Taken orally, CBD has few side effects, which tend to be mild in nature, such as diarrhea, dry mouth, loss of appetite.
In summary, use CBD topicals when you have a specific condition or area that needs immediate attention. Topicals get to work more quickly because they aren’t traveling around in the system being assimilated. Use CBD oils and edibles for internal or cognitive conditions that benefit from having it travel through body to bind with cannabinoid receptors located throughout the body’s organs and systems.
About Lost Remedy CBD topicals
It has probably become pretty clear when to use topicals and when to use other CBD products. No matter which product you use, it’s important to know about the CBD oil: where it came from, how it was extracted and whether it’s full-spectrum hemp oil or an isolate.
Lost Remedy uses organically sourced, third-party tested CBD oil combined with essential and carrier oils. We’re careful to formulate our products for optimal effect without the use of toxins, chemicals or stabilizers found in other over-the-counter topical products.