How to choose the best carrier oil?
CBD drops are among the most popular cannabidiol products. But many people find the taste unpleasant. Does the carrier oil have a function other than partial attenuation for cannabis-specific taste?
What is carrier oil
The carrier oils are plant-based and have only a light and unobtrusive scent. They are chosen to nicely complement the main ingredient, in this case CBD, while not interfering with the therapeutic effects of cannabidiol. However, it may be that the typical smell of the oil changes when mixed with CBD. Carrier oil is used, among other things, to dilute essential oils, which are themselves very strong and could irritate the skin, causing itching or blistering. This applies, for example, to lavender or citrus fragrances.
Nearth oil takes many forms. Check beforehand if you are allergic to the raw material from which it is made. Olive oil has the lowest risk of an unreasonable reaction in the body. There are also interesting health benefits, such as aiding digestion, alleviating artery clogging (atherosclerosis) and diabetes, or increasing resistance to stress. However, most users prefer more "modern" carrier oils, such as those of avocado or grapeseed. Some CBD drops even contain not just one carrier oil, but a combination of them.
The most commonly used carrier oils:
- Olive oil
- Hemp oil
- MCT oil
- Sunflower oil
- Avocado oil (thick consistency and linked to allergy to melon, cucumber or kiwi)
- Grape seed oil
- Arnica oil
- Pomegranate oil
- Pumpkin seed oil
CBD is one of more than a hundred substances contained in cannabis. The WHO has labeled it safe and user reviews are overwhelmingly positive. It is talked about for its many potential effects, such as promoting sleep, reducing inflammation and the symptoms of autoimmune diseases, relieving chronic pain, aiding in sex and reproduction, resistance to stress or improving digestion and hormonal balance.
Cannabidiol carrier oil stands in the shadow of CBD and is thought to be just a means to carry cannabidiol to its destination and let it be absorbed into the body.
The carrier oil primarily "dilutes" the potent base, but that is far from its only job:
- Faster transfer of the active ingredient (CBD) to the tissues and organs
- Dissolves cannabinoid molecules
- Better bioavailability (speed and rate of absorption of beneficial substances into the body)
Bioavailability
While CBD capsules have an absorption rate of only up to 20 percent, the numbers are much higher and the effects on the body are stronger with drops due to the carrier oils. Cannabidiol is fat-soluble, which means it is much better and faster absorbed when digested along with even a small amount of fat. The substances do not go directly into the blood (like the water-soluble ones), but are distributed by the digestive tract to the various fatty tissues, where they are then distributed to the rest of the body through the lymphatic system. Carrier oils aid the distribution of CBD to all organs and increase bioavailability so that cannabidiol can be absorbed to its maximum extent.
MCT oil
The most commonly used carrier oil in CBD products is MCT oil. You can find a range of interesting products here. It is extracted from coconut or palm kernel oil. It is often referred to as a fractionated oil, with a higher liquid content than the solid component compared to regular coconut oil. The biggest advantage of MCT oil is the medium chain triglycerides (hence the abbreviation MCT - from medium chain triglycerides). These are processed by the body much faster than the long chain ones and the CBD is absorbed more quickly. It does not have to wait for digestion and immediately sends the beneficial substances (CBD and MCT oil) into the lymphatic system.
Benefits of MCT oil:
- Rapid absorption of CBD (due to composition - 90% fat)
- Light and thin oil, almost tasteless
- Lower price than other carrier oils
- Long shelf life
Disadvantages of MCT oil:
- Increased hunger
- Accumulation of fat in the liver (at high doses)
MCT oil has disadvantages, of course. Nausea, gas or diarrhea may occur, and patients with diabetes, high (or fluctuating) cholesterol levels and liver disease should consult a doctor about their intake of MCT oil.
When purchasing distinguish between coconut oil and MCT oil. Both are suitable for use as a carrier oil in CBD drops, but you cannot get the benefits of MCTs with the former; it is a classic coconut oil commonly used in cooking or skin treatments.
Hemp oil
While CBD is extracted from hemp flowers, the oil is pressed from the seeds. While these contain fewer beneficial substances (cannabinoids and terpenes) than the flower, they do contain some phytochemicals not found in the flower.Using hemp oil as a carrier can contribute to the so-called "companion effect", where the individual hemp components reinforce each other and enhance their effects (thus acting more effectively than alone). Hemp oil is thus often used in full-spectrum products - these contain all the other compounds naturally occurring in the cannabis plant in addition to CBD.
In addition to enhancing the typical effects of CBD, such as relieving pain and inflammation or promoting sleep, hemp carrier oil also has a positive effect on blood pressure or acne.
Olive oil
Olive oil is one of the most widely used carrier oils. However, it has also found application in the kitchen or cosmetic industry. The consistency is reasonably thick and the smell is not obtrusive. It can therefore dampen the aftertaste of CBD, but at the same time it does not overpower it and only creates a pleasant aroma.
Benefits of olive oil:
- High in iron and vitamins K and E
- Strengthens the immune system and cognitive function
- Supports the nervous system
- Cholesterol and blood pressure levels in balance
Disadvantages of olive oil:
- Longer absorption than MCT oil
- Lower solubility in the body (doesn't hold as much CBD)
- Thick consistency (unpleasant feeling when consumed
Summary
Cannabidiol carrier oils help CBD to be better and faster absorbed into the body and can themselves provide positive effects to the body or even enhance the effects of cannabidiol. However, each oil is different, differing in quality, taste, price, and some may cause an allergic reaction (especially the nutty ones).'
Briefly and simply:
- Hemnia does not want to, nor can it, replace the expert care of your doctor.
- Hemnia products are not drugs (aka medicines), so please do not treat them as such.
- Hemnia offers cannabis products, but do not look for any narcotic or psychotropic substances. We do not offer or recommend them.
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