Sublingual CBD - Why Take CBD Under the Tongue?
Taking CBD sublingually is one of the best ways to experience all of the benefits it holds.
But what does “sublingual” even mean? Since it's not a term used all that often, many people aren't sure what it means. This can lead to a lot of confusion when they see that the CBD oil bottle says to take the oil sublingually.
Plus, it can be difficult to know which CBD oils work best when taken sublingually. You may also be curious about the best dose to take as well, and whether there are any side effects. To learn all about sublingual CBD and how to properly use this method, keep reading!
What does the term “sublingual” mean?
Although the word seems complex, the definition of “sublingual” is very straightforward. To put it simply, sublingual means “under the tongue.”
The word has Latin roots. “Sub” meaning under, and “lingual” meaning tongue.
In terms of CBD, the sublingual method of absorption means that you place the CBD oil under your tongue so that it can be absorbed by the tissue there. In addition to CBD, many medications are best taken under the tongue.
How do I take sublingual CBD?
Just as the name states, taking CBD sublingually means that you simply apply the oil underneath your tongue. Follow these steps:
- Draw the desired amount of oil into the dropper.
- Squeeze the oil out into the space underneath your tongue.
- Let it sit under your tongue for at least 30 seconds.
- Swallow.
It’s important that you hold the CBD underneath your tongue for at least 30 seconds so that you give the CBD enough time to be absorbed. Simply swallowing the oil and not allowing it to sit under your tongue will still provide you with benefits from the CBD, although it may not be as effective.
Why should I take CBD sublingually?
Many people wonder why CBD under the tongue is recommended so often. Most CBD oils state on their bottles that the oil should be taken sublingually for best effects. The reason this method is advised so often is that it’s known for providing some of the fastest and most effective benefits.
The advantages of taking CBD sublingually include:
Fast absorption: One of the biggest reasons for taking CBD sublingually is because it allows you to feel the effects of the CBD much faster than through certain other methods.
The speed of absorption is much faster because the CBD is absorbed by the mucous membrane under the tongue. This area under the tongue has a lot of capillaries (capillaries are the small blood vessels that connect your tissues and blood). The abundance of capillaries allows for the quick transfer of CBD into your bloodstream.
Taking sublingual CBD is one of the fastest ways to take the cannabinoid. When you take CBD orally by drinking some of the oil or taking a CBD capsule, the oil must be absorbed by your stomach and digestive system and then metabolized by your liver before it enters your bloodstream. Because there are more steps involved before it is fully absorbed, this process takes longer than the sublingual method.
Higher potency: Another advantage of taking CBD sublingually is that you may experience a higher level of potency from the CBD as well. Because the CBD is being absorbed directly into your bloodstream when it’s taken under the tongue, there is less CBD degradation.
When you swallow CBD or eat a CBD edible, it goes into your stomach where it meets up with stomach acid and enzymes designed to break down what you eat before it can be digested. The acid and enzymes may reduce the potency of the CBD by the time it passes through to your liver.
Once in your liver, the orally-ingested CBD goes through even more degradation thanks to a process referred to as “first-pass effect.” This is when a compound gets metabolized in a specific location in the body and it results in a reduced concentration that gets absorbed by the bloodstream.
Since sublingual absorption allows the CBD to go straight into your bloodstream thanks to the capillaries under your tongue, it bypasses all of the enzymes that may cause it to degrade. This leads to CBD that has a higher overall potency.
How else can I take CBD?
CBD can be taken in several different ways. Although using the CBD sublingual method is one of the most effective, you can also take CBD through other methods if you prefer. These include applying CBD topically to your skin, eating or drinking edible forms of CBD, or inhaling it through a vape pen or joint.
Ultimately, you must decide on the method that works best for you. Many people report that taking CBD sublingually is one of the simplest and most efficient methods, but other techniques work, too.
The ailment that you’re hoping to relieve can also influence how you should take the CBD as well. For example, if you’re hoping to ease pain in a specific part of your body, you may want to try a topical CBD cream that can provide targeted relief. Or, if you’re looking to combat insomnia and get better rest at night, placing the CBD under your tongue can provide more effective results fast.
What dose of CBD should I take sublingually?
The amount of CBD that you should take depends on a few different factors. The concentration of CBD in the product, the ailment you’re hoping to treat, and even your body weight can all influence the dosage you need.
It’s always best to start with the recommended dose on the label of the CBD product you choose. You may also want to speak to your health care practitioner to see if he or she has a recommendation based on your personal needs.
After you have started taking CBD you can adjust the dosage slightly to see what amount works best for you. Slightly increase the amount that you take until you experience your desired effects.
What are the best sublingual CBD oils?
Not all CBD oils are created equally. To reap the benefits of taking CBD under your tongue, it’s best to only use high-quality oil with lab-tested ingredients.
If you’re looking for a CBD isolate oil that is all-natural and has a high concentration of CBD, try this Wellness Garden Medicinals CBD Sublingual Tincture - 1200MG.
As long as you choose a quality oil and allow it to sit under your tongue for at least 30 seconds, you’ll get the most out of your CBD oil thanks to this method.
