What Are CBD Tinctures?
Tinctures have been used for hundreds of years and were the principal means of treating various medical conditions before the advent of modern medicine. The first recorded medical use of cannabis-derived tinctures was published in 1843 by W. B. O’Shaughnessy, Professor of Chemistry and Materia Medica at the Medical College of Calcutta. The report featured a recipe for a cannabis tincture, which was soon incorporated by various apothecaries and medical professionals.
CBD tinctures are a concentrated, liquid form of cannabis flowers rich in cannabidiol. They can be produced in several different ways—typically through soaking the plant material in a liquid solvent and applying heat to extract cannabinoids and other compounds from the plant.
These potent extracts are then combined with a carrier oil, the end result being a liquid tincture that is taken orally. Most CBD tinctures are produced with a medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil that can help increase how quickly CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream.
How Do CBD Work?
CBD tinctures work through their influence on the endocannabinoid system (ECS). In order to reach the point where they interact with the ECS, they must first be taken through oral administration.
When taken by mouth, tinctures are absorbed by several capillaries, or tiny blood vessels. This is why it’s typically recommended to hold a tincture in the mouth for 1-2 minutes before swallowing—so as much nutrients as possible can be absorbed into these tiny capillaries where it will eventually make its way into the bloodstream. When taking a tincture orally, some even recommend rubbing CBD tincture into the mouth’s tissues to promote maximum absorption before the substance is swallowed.
Once the tincture is swallowed, it makes its way through the digestive system where it’s absorbed and broken down. From the digestive system, it moves on to the liver and is broken down further by liver enzymes before the remaining CBD compounds make their way into the bloodstream.
How Does CBD Work?
Once the CBD in the tincture has been absorbed by the bloodstream, it begins to influence the ECS to offer the potential effects that have led to the cannabinoid’s unrivaled popularity.
While some don’t give much thought to how CBD tinctures work, many people are interested in learning all they can about CBD—there must be a reason CBD tinctures are one of the best-selling CBD products on the market. Having a solid understanding of how CBD tinctures work is important to countless individuals looking to naturally support their overall wellbeing.
