Everything taken into a human body has some effect. The net effect generated by whatever is consumed is often based on the bioavailability of the compound consumed. The question of how do you take CBD oil is best answered by determining the method that is going to lead to the best absorption.

What is Bioavailability?

Bioavailability is a term used in pharmacology, nutritional and environmental sciences referring to the degree and rate at which an administered compound is absorbed by the body's circulatory system. When a compound is highly bioavailable, the body can absorb a large percentage of it consistently. Method of administration plays a crucial role in bioavailability. Recent years have produced an upward trend in the sublingual administration of compounds due to the high rate of bioavailability it allows.

The most common way to receive substances into the body is through ingestion; eating and drinking. Obviously, the vast majority of our daily intake is processed through this route.

Method of administration plays a crucial role in bioavailability. Recent years have produced an upward trend in the sublingual administration of compounds due to the high rate of bioavailability it allows.

How do you take CBD oil? Methods of Administration

The most common way to receive substances into the body is through ingestion, aka eating and drinking. It is not always the most efficient method, but the vast majority of our daily intake is processed through this route.

Sublingual Standard

The word “sub” means under. “Lingual” refers to the tongue.” Sublingual administration involves placing a substance under the tongue, allowing it to dissolve and absorb through that tissue. The mucous membranes under the tongue are ideal for absorption due to the large number of capillaries and blood vessels located there.

The only risk of degradation prior to entering the bloodstream is the minor effect of salivary enzymes. This direct route foregoes the digestive tract, thus maintaining the efficacy of the compound. Avoiding metabolization in the liver may induce a stronger result using less volume or lower concentration.

There are a number of uses for sublingual administration. Some sublingual products include vitamins such as B12 and D3, supplements like melatonin, pain medication, caffeine and even breath mints. Often, doctors and nurses will administer medications sublingually. While sublingual administration of CBD is the most effective way to deliver cannabinoids into the bloodstream, it is not the only way.

Oral Intake

When you eat, drink, or swallow a pill those compounds travel through the entire gastrointestinal tract. This journey starts in the stomach, where acid, bile and other enzymes contribute to the breakdown. Then they move on to the intestines where absorption takes place, and the liver where metabolization and distribution occur.

The conditions of the gastrointestinal tract are designed to be harsh. This is the system through which food is broken down and nutrients stripped out. The process is called “first-metabolism.” Compounds make a second pass through the liver before they are eliminated. There are several factors that could impair the efficacy of oral uptake.

• High water solubility
  
• Not dissolving sufficiently
  
• Poor digestion
  
• Binding to other substances
  
• Use by intestinal bacteria
  

Breathe it In

Inhalation is also a common method to receive certain compounds into the bloodstream. Lung tissue has high permeability as well as a large, absorptive surface area. The blood supply in the lungs is also sufficient to allow breathable compounds to enter systemic circulation.

CBD Sublingual Administration

Though edibles infused with CBD oil may be delicious and smoking may be a tradition, CBD sublingual administration provides far more bioavailability. This means that you can take less of the substance sublingually and receive equal or greater effects because the compounds remain intact when entering the bloodstream. How you take CBD oil may impact your serving size.

For proper CBD sublingual use, place your desired amount of CBD tincture under the tongue and leave it there without swallowing for one to two minutes. The longer you can wait and allow the oil to be absorbed by the mucous membranes under the tongue, the more effective your serving will be.

CBD and Carrier Oils

CBD administered with medium or long-chain triglycerides (fatty acids) is known to increase bioavailability. This is thought to occur because some fatty acids are directly metabolized into energy by the liver, allowing them to quickly disseminate into the bloodstream. Some studies have shown that fatty acids may also work by bypassing the first metabolism.

Fatty acids are important even in CBD sublingual administration because of the small percentage of the compound that is not held under the tongue and is instead swallowed. That swallowed CBD oil would normally be subject to the full gastrointestinal process that occurs for oral administration, which causes dilution.

Receptra Naturals uses high-quality MCT derived from organic coconut oil. On its own, MCT oil has been linked to improvements in cognitive function, weight management, and other health benefits. Paired with CBD, MCT oil helps to increase bioavailability.

Other Applications

Topical CBD

CBD can also be used topically. CBD binds to CB2 receptors in the body, inhibiting production of the enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter called anandamide. The purpose of anandamide is to block pain receptors. More anandamide equals less pain. Topical applications, such as Receptra Targeted Topical, address muscle and joint pain by reducing inflammation via direct application This can be very effective when used with sub-lingual oils which address inflammation systemically.

How do you take CBD?

There are a great many reasons to take CBD oil. Regardless of your individual needs, getting the most out of every serving makes a lot of sense. Using CBD sublingual applications with high-quality tinctures such as Receptra Naturals is the best way to accomplish that purpose.