For those unfamiliar, tinctures are herbal concentrates with medicinal purpose. They’re typically taken under the tongue, which allows for fast absorption, particularly with extracts that are meant to aid with relaxation. Doses are usually taken by the drop, and the concentration of the tincture depends on the process involved in making it. Most tinctures are made by refining an extract with alcohol, although it’s possible to make them with glycerine or apple cider vinegar. Alcohol is the most effective method of extraction because of it’s the most potent solvent.
The great thing about tinctures is their versatility. You can add them to teas, foods, dressings, take them orally under the tongue, or apply them topically by adding them to lotions or oils. This applies to CBD tinctures as well. CBD is a compound found in marijuana that reacts to our body’s natural endocannabanoid system. This aids with pain relief and soothing inflammation. It’s also been shown to relieve seizures in people with multiple sclerosis, as well as help with walking, and pain. It can also aid with sleep, appetite regulation, and more.
Another benefit is mood regulation. CBD has been shown to aid with both anxiety and depression. Most medications that treat these conditions have a host of side effects, including drowsiness, insomnia, agitation, and headaches. It’s also been used by cancer patients and has been shown to slow down or even inhibit cancer cell growth.
CBD has also been shown to potentially reduce acne. It’s been added to many skin care lines because of its anti-inflammatory benefits and its ability to reduce sebum production in skin.
There are even signs that CBD may improve heart health through lowering blood pressure. It’s also been linked to a reduction in occurrences of stroke and metabolic syndrome.
So.
You can purchase tinctures or make them at home, depending on whether you like working with your hands. If you’re looking to buy, you can check the quality of the product based on whether the company provides third party research. This information should be visible on their website or the packaging of their products. This information should also be available upon request or or online.
If you’re buying you may also want to consider choosing brands that include a range of naturally occurring chemicals found in cannabis as opposed to only isolates.This will likely increase the potency of the tincture, thus making it more cost effective.
An article on the Ministry of Hemp Site lists several top ranked CBD oils available; I’ll list a few below.
If you’re not a fan of the taste of CBD extract, then there are flavored options available.
CW Hemp Extract Oil is a great product that comes in Mint Chocolate flavor, and is one of the best products on the market. It comes in varying strengths, ranging from 300mg to 2500mg.
Palmetto Harmony Full Spectrum Oil is made only from two ingredients; CBD and coconut oil.
Ambary Garden’s Full Spectrum Daily CBD Hemp Extract is made with organically grown hemp sourced from Evergreen, Colorado, and ranges in strength ranging from 500mg – 5000mg. The flavor is moderate.
Medterra MedOil CBD Tincture is flavorless, which makes it good for cooking and comes in a variety of strengths and flavors.
Tinctures generally have long shelf lives and can be stored for years without losing potency.
