Your ultimate CBD oil guide: types, benefits & much more

Whether you have heard all about CBD oil and would like to try it for yourself, or you are simply CBD-curious, you have come to the right place.

In this guide we will run through all the different ways you can consume CBD oil, as well as the different benefits for each method.

Hopefully this will help you decide to-CBD or not-to-CBD and how it may be able to help you – let’s get started!

What is CBD oil?

Let’s get the basics covered first: what is CBD and what is CBD used for?

What is CBD used for?

When we take a CBD product, it interacts with our endocannabinoid system – that’s right, we already have a natural system for these endocannabinoids to interact with!

In human and other mammal bodies, this physiological system is made up of millions of CB1 and CB2 receptor sites.²

6 of the best ways to use CBD oil

How to take CBD oil

CBD comes in a variety of formats, so you should be able to find one that can work for you. Whether it’s straight-up CBD oil you’re interested in or balms, capsules or beauty products, read about them and how they work below.

1. CBD oil

The original – and maybe – the best? CBD oil is likely the easiest to get your hands on and perhaps the simplest to use. The brand and product type will dictate how many drops or the dosage (e.g. 2ml) per day it is recommended that your take.

It is usually taken under the tongue to help absorption. This could make it somewhat difficult for some people to swallow, so if you have a sensitive palate, a different method could be better for you!

CBD oil with food

Taking your CBD oil with food can improve its bioavailability³ – the rate and degree that a substance is absorbed and sent to the bloodstream. What’s more, choosing to take your CBD oil when consuming certain food types can improve the bioavailability of CBD compounds even more.

Some of the best foods to eat alongside taking CBD oil is medium-chain and long-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids ‘bind’ to the cannabinoids before they reach the liver (with less CBD concentration loss), where they get metabolised instantly together – ready for your body to put to work straight away.⁴ 

Studies have been conducted to test the link between fatty foods and how bioavailable CBD supplements can be. They found that eating fatty foods alongside supplementing CBD may ‘substantially increase the systemic exposure to orally administered cannabis-based medicines.’⁵

Here are some of the best foods to eat in conjunction with supplementing CBD

You could easily combine some of those ingredients to make a healthy, CBD-friendly meal that helps you make the most of your supplements.

Try making a hearty guacamole with olive oil, avocado, tomatoes, onion and garlic. Or why not treat yourself to some coconut oil in your morning fruit smoothie to get your day started off right.

Here's our round up of the best CBD oils.

CBD oil for pets

Some CBD is specially formulated for pets so that they can feel the natural benefits too. Always make sure to find a pet-friendly product and consult your vet before administering, though!

3. CBD beauty products

In a very similar way to CBD balms, the CBD in beauty products like CBD-enriched moisturisers, serums and facial oils gets absorbed through the skin.

4. CBD capsules

CBD capsules are a great option for people who don’t get on with the Earthy taste of CBD oil. They usually contain similar recommended dosages to CBD oils, so you can use them in the same way.

Some CBD capsules also contain added vitamins and nutrients, e.g. B vitamins, so you can enjoy additional health benefits with your dose of CBD.

Here's our roundup of the best CBD capsules and supplements.

5. CBD gummies

In the same way as CBD capsules do, CBD gummies take away the sometimes-unpalatable taste of CBD without taking away any of the benefits. If anything, CBD gummies take it one step further, with their fruity flavours.

They’re great for travelling too, as you can take them without a drink. Here's our roundup of the best CBD gummies.

6. CBD oral sprays

Quick, simple oral sprays are also an option when it comes to taking CBD. Most have a pleasant flavour or are flavourless – ticking the ‘I don’t like the taste of hemp’ box. In addition, some of them also contain vitamins and other nutrients so you can enjoy even more benefits with each spray.

As it is administered onto the tongue via spray, this CBD will enter your bloodstream faster than capsules and edibles, as they don’t have to pass through the digestive system. You don’t need a drink to ‘wash them down’ either, making CBD sprays perfect for travelling.

Summary

• CBD or cannabidiol is a compound derived from the hemp plant
• CBD products interact with our endocannabinoid system
• CBD is available in the following forms: oil, balm, beauty products, capsules, gummies and oral sprays

Why is CBD oil now in beauty products?

Scientists are only beginning to discover the benefits of CBD oil but emerging research shows it has a positive effect on a number skin conditions including acne, dermatitis and psoriasis.⁶ CBD also has an antioxidant effect, helping to protect skin cells from the potentially damaging effects of free radicals.⁷

So, exactly how could CBD oil give your beauty regime a boost?

It can tackle oily skin and acne

While oily skin can be caused by genetics, hormones or your diet, CBD oil can help control it. In 2014, researchers from University of Debrecen, Hungary, discovered that CBD oil could stop sebaceous glands in the skin producing excess sebum – the oil that causes a shiny appearance – and also prevented ‘pro-acne’ agents such as inflammatory proteins from being activated.⁸

A later study by the same team concluded that CBD oil could be a ‘highly efficient, novel anti-acne agent’.⁹

It’s good for dry or itchy skin

In 2006 German scientists discovered that 14 patients with dry or itchy skin conditions – either prurigo, lichen simplex or pruritus – who were given a cream containing a substance that could stimulate the ECS, reported an 86.4% reduction in itch.¹³ The skin also has its own ECS receptors, which may make topical application of CBD oil particularly effective.¹⁴ According to evidence presented by the American Academy of Dermatologists, further studies have found that CBD can ease symptoms of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema.¹⁵

It can soothe sore muscles

CBD could help ease aching muscles after a workout, too. It’s well known that cannabinoids have muscle-relaxant properties, while medicinal cannabis is often prescribed for adults with multiple sclerosis suffering from muscle stiffness.¹⁶ The results of a controlled trial by Bath’s Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in 2006 revealed that CBD could tackle symptoms of the inflammatory condition rheumatoid arthritis.¹⁷ Patients using a cannabis-based medicine were better able to move around and also experienced greater quality of sleep.

Want to start using CBD skin-care products? Take your pick from luxury brands all the way through to the high street. Remember to do a patch-test 24-hours before use, and be aware that CBD effects include interacting with some medications; talk to your GP if you’ve got any questions.

Why can’t I find any health claims on CBD products?

Demand for CBD food supplements has arisen from information generally available to consumers on CBD, based on global consumer experience and emerging science.

In the EU, compliant manufacturers and retailers market their products in accordance with EU Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation and only utilise authorised health claims for the food supplements they sell.

Due to the time and specific format of studies required to gain authorised health claims in the EU, there have been no CBD specific health claims authorised at this time.

1. No health claims can be made about CBD oil, which is sold as a food supplement, rather than a medicinal product
2. CBD is not psychoactive and cannot make you ‘high’
3. The World Health Organisation has found CBD to be generally well tolerated, with a good safety profile

What strength CBD should I use?

Our answer: Take things slowly…

If you haven’t taken CBD products before and would like to try, it is recommended that you start off small, e.g. a lower potency product with a small dose.

Then you can start to increase it little by little over a period of time until you reach the daily allowance advised on label.

The Food Standards Agency consumer guidance advises no more than 70mg daily. It’s impossible to know what dose to use before you’ve done a little experimenting

Different CBD supplements and different formulations may also influence how much and how frequently you take CBD. Keep reading for more information on that.

How much CBD is in CBD products?

A good way to determine how much CBD you should be taking is by looking at which products appeal to you, e.g. CBD oil, balms, capsules, gummies, and seeing how much CBD they contain.

Lets talk numbers

As well as percentages to show how much CBD is inside, you may also see the CBD content referred to in mgs, e.g. 8mg.

If you then go and look at the recommended dosage, e.g. 3 drops per day, this typically means that in those 3 drops, there will be 2.66mg (2.66mg x 3 = 8mg).

Meaning, you may have to do a little maths to compare different products.

Here are some of the CBD oils we sell here at Holland & Barrett, from the lowest to the highest concentration:

Other CBD products and their CBD content

CBD capsules

Another way to take CBD is capsules. If you don’t mind swallowing pills, and would rather that than tasting the CBD oil, capsules could be for you.

Monitoring your dose can be easier with capsules too, as you usually only have to take one or two capsules a day – like taking your multivitamin.

However, this does also mean you have less room for experimentation than if you were using CBD oil. They’re perfect for taking when you have found your favourite dose, though.

The highest dose capsule we sell is from Reakiro and contains 50mg of CBD per dose: Reakiro CBD Gel 1500mg 30 Capsules We also sell CBD gummies, CBD sprays and CBD drops with varying doses.

CBD doses

Use the below guide to help you find the right product with the right dosage for you.

Why does CBD taste bad?

CBD is derived from hemp plants, so if you are not a fan of the natural flavour, there are many different unflavoured, and flavoured, options available.

Capsules or tablets are a great option if you don’t like the natural hemp flavour. You could also try flavoured sprays or try adding suitable CBD oil to your drinks or food.

How long does CBD stay in my system?

Many different factors will influence how long CBD will remain in the body. These include the form of CBD used (gummies, oral sprays, creams, oils) and the dose you are using. It is widely accepted that CBD ingested on an empty stomach is metabolised faster, than when CBD is taken with food. The elimination half-life of CBD (the time it takes for the amount of CBD in the body to half) is thought to be between 18-32 hours.

Are CBD products age-restricted? Can I take them during pregnancy?

Responsible producers and retailers exercise an abundance of caution towards groups with particular health sensitivities for which there is presently less data on use.

Thus, whilst CBD products are generally safe, many traders ensure products are only sold to adults and make advisory statements such as: ‘Do not use during pregnancy and breastfeeding’.

All our CBD food supplements and the vast majority of our CBD based beauty products are restricted for sale to those aged 18 years and above.

Can CBD interact with my medications?

Responsible producers and retailers exercise an abundance of caution towards groups with particular health sensitivities for which there is presently less data on use.

Unfortunately, there is no definitive list of medications that are known to interact with CBD, and therefore as a responsible retailer, we would advise that if you are on medication you should always check with your GP first before using any CBD product.

What about tests for cannabis abuse and CBD?

The responsible CBD industry appreciates that individuals should not be under the influence of substances impairing their judgment during daily duties, and therefore, employs quality controls to ensure that residues of THC in CBD products are negligible – most importantly ensuring that residual levels have no psychoactive effect.

The actual amount of THC residue may vary from product to product and batch to batch. Health and safety considerations demand that individuals in certain roles are subject to substance testing to safeguard colleagues and the public. We are aware that CBD supplements have been subject to monitoring as part of official controls (under (EU) 2016/2115) using tests for THC residues that detect a limit of quantification of 200ppm.

In light of this limit used independently for testing, we believe that it is unlikely that quality-controlled CBD products should give rise to adverse test results. As both sensitivities of tests and THC content of products can vary, Holland & Barrett cannot take any responsibility for positive test results and we would suggest that this investigated with the tester before taking CBD.

A final note

Everybody is different – some products will suit you nicely, and others will not work for you and your lifestyle.

We recommend seeking the advice of a medical professional before you decide to supplement CBD oil for the best advice.

Last updated: 30 January 2023