On the face of it, unflavored CBD tincture doesn’t seem like all that exciting an option. There are a lot of ways to consume CBD, including convenient soft gels, tasty candies, or even fun flavored oils. Why choose unflavored CBD tincture? 

There are actually some great reasons to go the unflavored oil route. In this article we’ll talk a bit about the benefits of CBD as a whole, and then share some of the reasons why an unflavored CBD tincture just might be your new favorite way to take it. 

What Are the Benefits of Taking CBD?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is an extract of the hemp plant. A cousin of THC, it shares many of the health benefits of that compound, but without the psychoactive effects. This means you won’t get high when you take CBD, nor is it considered an illegal substance. (You can buy it in all 50 states, with some caveats in certain states). 

Some potential benefits of CBD include:

• Controlling seizure activity
• Decreasing symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, and PTSD
• Anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain relieving) properties
• Neuroprotective properties
• Cardioprotective properties

Many of these benefits are currently being studied (for example, use of CBD for Parkinson’s, diabetes, and heart disease). Protection against seizure activity has already been proven, as the FDA has released a CBD-based medication for seizure disorders. The others have strong anecdotal evidence and promising preliminary studies. While the benefits of CBD are yet to be definitively proven, there is great excitement about what it may be able to do. 

In addition, CBD is a far safer alternative to traditional pain medications. It has a good safety profile, with a few mild potential side effects. These include:

• Sleepiness or drowsiness
• Feeling dizzy or light headed
• Dry mouth
• Digestive upset or diarrhea

Compared to highly addictive narcotics with severe side effects and a tendency to cause addiction, it’s no wonder that more people with chronic pain are trying CBD as an alternative. 

Why Choose an Unflavored CBD Tincture?

Okay, granted that CBD is an exciting new supplement that has a lot of potential for health benefits. Why take an unflavored tincture? Why not flavored, or maybe in gummies? How you take CBD is absolutely a personal choice, and there are pros and cons to all of the ways. Let’s take a look at why unflavored CBD tinctures are a great way to consume your CBD. 

Purity

If you’re the type of person who likes your food local, organic, and straight from the source…the purity of unflavored CBD tincture might appeal to you. Most quality sources use very minimal ingredients. Typically it is hemp extract in a carrier oil of some kind (organic MCT coconut oil or hemp seed oil). 

While flavored tinctures and edibles are more fun, they do have other additives like sweeteners and flavored oils. Gummies may have gelatin (though there are vegan options). If you like your supplements as pure and unprocessed as possible, unflavored tincture is the way to go. 

Note: The least processed of all forms of CBD is full spectrum CBD. This means that the tincture has not only CBD, but other essential cannabinoids and beneficial terpenes, fatty acids, and essential oils. The only caveat is that the full spectrum contains trace amounts of THC (less than 0.03%). While not enough to get you high or be illegal, in larger amounts it can trigger a false positive on a THC drug test. 

Versatility

Another great benefit of using unflavored CBD tincture is the versatility. Of course, you can do it the old fashioned way and simply squirt the desired amount under your tongue. But you can also add your tincture to a cup of evening tea, or a glass of juice in the morning. 

If you’re feeling a bit more creative, you can punch up a fruit and protein smoothie with a dash of unflavored CBD tincture. And because CBD tincture is typically oil-based, you can actually bake with it!

Simply substitute a portion (or all) of the oil in a recipe to create a fun edible. (Try infusing it into butter). You can bake CBD brownies, cookies, cupcakes, quick breads…the possibilities are endless. The hemp flavor of the oil will be overpowered by the sugar and other flavorings. Just be sure to measure your tincture properly so you know the dosage of each serving. 

Better Bioavailability and Dosing Control

While most CBD tinctures are more expensive at the outset, you may find yourself needing to use smaller amounts. The pure form of this CBD is powerful and more bioavailable than other options, and so you can start with smaller doses. 

Tinctures come in a variety of strengths, and most offer a measured dropper so you can take a perfectly accurate dose. If you are a newer user who doesn’t yet know what dose works best, using a tincture is an excellent way to get started. You can start with a lower dose, then increase accordingly. If you need more, simply purchase the next strength up next time. 

Note: If you are brand new to CBD, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor about adding it to your health regimen. This is especially true for those who have a chronic health condition or take other medications (CBD can interact with certain medicines). 

More doctors are conversant on the potential benefits of CBD nowadays, and many will be able to help you with dosing suggestions, or may even put you on a schedule to help you find the perfect amount to take. Because CBD is unregulated by the FDA there is no official dosing chart to follow. But the amount you need will vary depending on factors like weight, sensitivity, and other possible factors. A medical professional can help you navigate all this. 

Whatever you decide, a CBD tincture will make using CBD a breeze. Be sure to purchase from a well known and reputable source that offers third party test results for potency and purity.