CBD Loose Leaf Tea especially is en-vogue right now.
In 2018, the FDA approved a CBD-based pharmaceutical grade oral solution to treat pediatric epilepsy. This was a huge breakthrough, especially for a drug that was constantly subjected to stigmatization for many decades. Safe to say, today, CBD has overcome its rocky past and garnered massive attention from several players. As its popularity climbs new heights, its range of products has also increased. CBD loose leaf tea is the newest inclusion in an already growing body of cannabidiol products.
Loose leaf tea is a healthy and aromatic way of consuming CBD oil. If you’re looking for the best loose leaf tea in the market, this article will nudge you in the right direction.
What Is CBD Loose Leaf Tea?
CBD loose leaf tea is a blend of cannabidiol and loose tea leaves. CBD is a compound extracted from hemp. It contains only trace amounts of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol — the psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. THC is known to induce a high related to smoking weed and may aggravate certain underlying mental conditions, such as schizophrenia.
You can get CBD tea in the form of teabags. Alternatively, you can also get some loose tea leaves and add a few drops of CBD oil to make your brew. CBD oil is hydrophobic; i.e., it does not dissolve well in water. So, we add fats, such as coconut oil or MCT oil, to improve CBD absorption in edibles and drinks.
When it comes to legality, it varies from state to state. Marijuana-based CBD is illegal because it contains more than 30% of THC, which the FDA has classified as a schedule I controlled substance. But, if CBD is sourced from hemp, it is illegal. Hemp contains less than .3% of TH.
Health Benefits of CBD Tea
CBD loose leaf tea is still a new product in the market. So, specific research focused on its benefits is scarce. However, the research on cannabidiol is relatively more abundant in comparison. Some studies have shown that CBD may help treat the following symptoms and conditions:
- Pain relief from arthritis
- Ease asthma symptoms
- Alleviate chronic pain
- Soothe upset stomach
- Target nervous system function
- Reduce anxiety and depression
- Benefit heart health
- Offer neuroprotective effects
- Reduce acne symptoms
The first CBD-based drug the FDA approved was Epidiolex. Children living with Dravet Syndrome and Lennox Gastaut Syndrome previously had no dependable treatment for their conditions. Results showed Epidiolex to provide children significant relief from epileptic seizures. That said, all the other indicated benefits of the compound require conclusive evidence. Most of the research we have right now is preclinical, meaning it has been conducted on animals rather than humans.
Drinking CBD Loose Leaf Tea vs. Sublingual Absorption
When you take CBD oil sublingually, you place it under your tongue. This delivery system provides immediate effects. It’s also very easy to administer. The sublingual route ensures maximum bioavailability. This means your bloodstream absorbs most of the compound. In some methods, CBD first goes through the digestive system, where some of it is lost in processing. Through this route, the effects also kick in a lot faster — within 20 minutes.
Drinking CBD tea is, however, a whole other ball game. As this is a beverage, it first goes to the digestive system, prolonging effect times. But, some researchers suggest that CBD tea may last longer in your system than when taken sublingually. There’s also evidence to indicate that coupling CBD oil with fatty acids may promote digestion and help increase CBD absorption.
One of the best things about using Loose CBD tea is that you can choose the flavors you love. If you like hibiscus, go for it. And if chamomile is more to your liking, nothing is stopping you. Since effects take their time to kick in, this route is preferable for using CBD for insomnia.
That said, CBD tea is less effective as compared to sublingual consumption. Sometimes, you might not notice any benefits for several hours. Depending upon your tolerance to CBD, metabolic weight, and your last meal, the effects may take anywhere between a few minutes to several hours to rear their heads. Furthermore, some CBD may stick to the sides of your CBD teacup and further decrease availability.
CBD is consumed in many ways. Some people like to puff pot, while others like to make their favorite recipes with the compound. Each method has its merits and demerits. Depending upon your preferences, needs, and intended use, the choice will vary.
How To Prepare CBD Loose Leaf Tea
You don’t have to buy expensive brands to enjoy a hot mug of CBD loose leaf tea. You can use loose tea leaves of your favorite herb from your nearest grocery store and add a drop or two of CBD oil to get the job done.
However, make sure you don’t compromise quality. It would help if you bought loose leaves from a vendor that ensures the highest purity, consistency, and quality. Their testing process should support independent third-party lab testing. They should publicly display their lab results on their website or some other platform, so you know exactly what you’re consuming. It would help if you didn’t make any exceptions to this rule.
The right dosage will vary from one person to another. Depending upon your needs and physiological profile, you may require more or less CBD oil. Rest assured, whatever dosage you take, CBD has an excellent safety profile. Aside from a few mild side effects, the compound isn’t known to cause any complications.
However, if you’re on prescription meds, you should practice caution and consult your doctor. The compound is known to interfere with the metabolism of medications associated with the cytochrome CYP450 system, which processes almost 60% of the medications available today.
Another thing you should keep in mind is dissolution. CBD is hydrophobic — it doesn’t mix well with water. To fill this absorption gap, you have to take the help of some good fat. Some good options include coconut oil, butter, and MCT oil.
Final Thoughts on CBD Loose Leaf Tea
If you want to make the best CBD tea for your health, use organic ingredients. Ensure the product is non-GMO, doesn’t contain any harmful additives, such as pesticides and heavy metals, and is sourced from the US.
