Many people use the terms CBD oil and CBD tincture interchangeably, but they’re two different products. CBD oils have an oil base while tinctures have an alcohol base.
Sublingual Administration
Like CBD oils, tinctures are also stored in tinted glass bottles and used to promote wellness through sublingual absorption. This is done by placing a few drops underneath the tongue and holding it there for 30 to 90 seconds before swallowing. Many people add a tincture to their favourite beverage, mix it into food, or use it in place of their daily morning or evening herbal tea.
Tinctures contain a high concentration of essential oils that boost the bioavailability and increase the potency. They can be purchased as standalone products or with other ingredients such as herbs, melatonin, vitamins and supplements.
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD products are similar to broad-spectrum CBD, except that they include all cannabis compounds, including THC. This is important because THC is what gives users the “high” feeling associated with marijuana.
The amount of THC in a full-spectrum product is usually very low, though. That said, it’s still likely to produce some psychoactive effects and may show up on drug tests.
While you can take a full-spectrum CBD product in any form, it’s best to administer it sublingually. That way it goes directly into your bloodstream instead of having to go through the digestive system first. Try this organic, full-spectrum tincture from Lazarus Naturals. This company uses ethanol extraction for all of its products and carefully tests for residual solvents, so you can rest assured that you’re getting a high-quality product.
Taste
Tinctures, like herbal medicine, tend to taste bitter. To mask this flavour, some tinctures are flavoured with sweeteners or vegetable glycerin. Others are infused with herbs, extracts or supplements, such as melatonin, to deliver specific benefits. When selecting a full-spectrum CBD tincture, look for one that has been third-party tested and does not contain any pesticides, heavy metals or mould.
Those looking to avoid alcohol can choose CBD oil instead, which is typically made by emulsifying pure CBD extract in an oil carrier agent. This type of CBD oil is less expensive and can be consumed without any gastrointestinal side effects.
It may also provide a faster onset of effect since it bypasses the digestive system. Both tinctures and CBD oil can be beneficial for reducing anxiety, easing pain and improving sleep. But choosing the right product depends on your unique needs, preferences and desired outcomes.
Safety
The key to success with CBD tinctures is finding the dosage that works best for you. That will depend on the condition you are treating, your body’s chemistry and how you are taking CBD. It is recommended to start with one or two drops a day and work your way up as needed.
Tinctures are a traditional herbal treatment that has been used since ancient times. They are made by soaking bark, berries, leaves, flowers or roots in alcohol, vinegar or oil.
Tinctures have the added benefit of being water-soluble and can therefore be consumed with food or drinks. They are also more shelf-stable than CBD oils and have a long history of being safe to use and effective. Often, tinctures are infused with flavourings, essential oils, terpenes, vitamins or supplements for additional therapeutic benefits.