CBD Tea

Tea is an aromatic, often hot beverage that has been used in human cultures for thousands of years. Tea is obtained from the plant species Camellia sinensis and is almost unrivalled as a daily drink that both refreshes its drinkers, and gives them a chance to sit down and unwind. Tea has come a long way, with the word “tea” now attributed to a wide range of herbs and botanical species that can be infused into hot water to create a delicious, and even medicinal beverage.

Tea is inherently relaxing and can even form a meditative practice for some people. Adding components of the cannabis plant into the mix make the drink all the more calming and therapeutic. This is precisely the reason why tea is such an effective and pleasant way to dose CBD.

WHAT IS CBD?

To gain an idea of the therapeutic nature of CBD tea, it’s best to know exactly what CBD is. For those who are out of the loop, CBD is a molecule derived from the cannabis plant, and it belongs to the cannabinoid family. Although some of these cannabinoids produce psychoactive effects known as “highs”, CBD has no such side effects. The molecule has risen to fame in recent years for its therapeutic effects, which can be obtained without the side effect of a high. This makes it ideal to use at any point throughout the day, whilst remaining fully functional.

CBD has been studied quite extensively, and the scientific literature points towards some interesting outcomes in both in vitro (in a petri dish) and in vivo (within a living organism) studies. Some of these reports include anticonvulsant, anti-anxiety, neuroprotective, antitumoral, antispasmodic, antipsychotic, and antioxidant effects. Other research has shown the compound works effectively against skin issues, such as psoriasis and acne.

CBD affects the body in various ways, including its impact upon the endocannabinoid system. This system is made up of a series of receptors that appear on the surfaces of many different cell types within the body. The two currently known receptors are the CB1 and CB2 receptors. The endocannabinoid system has been found to have profound implications on the general health and functions of the body. Authors of a paper^[1] published within the journal Pharmacological Reviews, state that the endocannabinoid system holds promise in a wide range of disparate diseases and pathological conditions, and displays regulatory functions in both health and disease.

MAKING AND CONSUMING CBD TEA

CBD tea is truly a simple, yet highly effective beverage. Various CBD teas are available on the market, which can be used to make the brewing process even easier. Many different brands offer different teas, including turmeric, green tea, hibiscus, yerba mate, and so forth.

Alternatively, users can get creative and opt to create their own concoctions. Cannabinoids such as CBD don’t absorb well, or at all, into water, like other molecules in traditional tea do. They do, however, have a rather extreme fondness for fat sources. This is why products such as cannabutter and cannabis coconut oil are so popular. They provide a fatty base, which adequately absorbs the target cannabinoids, and there are also extremely easy to add to a wide range of food and drinks. These types of butter can be added to tea in order to make a more calorically dense beverage that also contains good levels of CBD.

Another quick and easy option to craft CBD tea almost immediately would be to add several drops of a high-strength CBD tincture or CBD oil into fresh warm water. Using this method, you achieve accurate dosages and speedy application.

Plain CBD is effective for some, and it is a great option for those looking for a speedy dose of the molecule. However, many other different herbs can be used and infused into the brew, to enhance both taste and effectiveness. Those looking purely for taste may want to add herbs, such as lavender, lemon verbena, mint, or sage. Those wanting to further ramp up the medicinal contents of their tea may choose to add medicinal mushrooms such as chaga, reishi, and turkey tail.

The more scientifically-minded tea drinkers out there might be interested to know that different terpenes present within various herbs can actually enhance some of the therapeutic actions of CBD. The so-called entourage effect^[2] suggests that cannabinoids and terpenes can work in synergy to create more profound effects. For example, terpenes limonene and linalool are synergistic with CBD in terms of its anti-anxiety effects. Both of these terpenes, along with pinene, may also enhance the acne fighting effects of CBD.

THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS

Tea is a simple and enjoyable way to administer CBD, and it may be the best choice for those who are not keen on smoking and vaping. Many users may drink CBD tea purely for relaxation and enjoyment, whereas others may be using the molecule for its therapeutic action against certain symptoms. Here are a few of the conditions that CBD tea may bring relief to.

CHRONIC PAIN

CBD has shown a lot of promise when it comes to the treatment of chronic pain. Chronic pain is different from acute pain in that it keeps activating pain signals for long periods that can last up to years after an injury has taken place. This type of pain and the nerve signals that cause the brain to perceive it can also be triggered by various health conditions, such as back problems, infections, arthritis, nerve damage, and migraines. CBD may be a great choice for people experiencing chronic pain and may even assist those who formerly relied upon potentially dangerous painkillers such as opioid medications. A paper^[3] published within the journal Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management documents the role of cannabinoids in the management pain. The authors of the publication state that cannabis extracts, including CBD, can be efficacious for pain.

INFLAMMATION

Inflammation has been shown to be present and a possible causative factor in a massive array of different diseases and health conditions. Furthermore, inflammation is as a classic sign of autoimmune diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Researchers have stated^[4] that in vivo research suggests that cannabinoids may provide a potent treatment modality against inflammatory disorders. Cannabinoids, such as CBD, achieve this effect via the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. Activation of these receptors leads to regulation of the immune system, induction of apoptosis (controlled cell death) in activated immune cells, and the suppression of signalling molecules involved in inflammation, known as cytokines.

NAUSEA

CBD tea may also help with cases of nausea. Nausea is a non-specific symptom that can have a variety of causes, from upset stomach and dizziness to sickness and migraine. When this condition arises, a cup of CBD tea may be enough to relieve it. A paper^[5] published in the British Journal of Pharmacology states that manipulation of the endocannabinoid system regulates nausea in humans. The anti-nausea effects of CBD specifically, may be due to the indirect activation of serotonin receptors.