CBD: What it is, how it works and how to take it

CBD is becoming increasingly popular among all age groups in Ireland for various reasons; but what is it and how does it work? Here, we examine what CBD is, as well as the benefits of Satipharm CBD capsules versus CBD oil

If you walk into any pharmacy in Ireland, you’ll likely see a section dedicated to cannabidiol (CBD). People of all ages and backgrounds have found taking CBD to be beneficial, IMAGE staffer Rebecca Branagan is one such person.

“I took CBD for three-to-four weeks and noticed a big difference in my sleep and anxiety,” she says. “What stood out most to me was the boost in my mood, which was great when going through a tough time and under serious pressure.”

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While it’s growing in popularity, there’s still some confusion about what CBD is. We caught up with the experts at Satipharm – a company whose new CBD Gelpell capsules have just launched in Pharmacies across Ireland.

What is CBD?

CBD is just one of more than 100 natural elements (cannabinoids) that occur naturally in the hemp plant. CBD does not have a psychoactive effect, in other words, it won’t make you ‘high’.

For at least 5,000 years, CBD has been extracted from hemp and used by people worldwide; for example, as herbal medicine in ancient China, Rome and Greece. Nowadays, scientists continue to test and publish how CBD interacts with the body.

How does it work?

Just as CBD is a cannabinoid that occurs naturally in hemp plants; the human body has naturally occurring ‘cannabinoid receptors’.

These receptors make up our ‘endocannabinoid system’, a network of cannabinoid receptors and naturally occurring chemical messengers, called endocannabinoids, that play a part in the body’s overall health and wellness. The naturally occurring endocannabinoids interact with the body’s cannabinoid receptors, and it is believed through this process that the endocannabinoid system regulates a range of bodily functions.

What’s more, it is not an addictive substance, which means your body won’t come to rely on it; nor will it build up a tolerance to it.

Capsules vs oil – effectiveness

Many people who take CBD do so in an oil format – but that method presents a number of issues.

Not only do many CBD oils not taste great, but they’re also proven to be less effective compared to other CBD products on the market. The oil is placed under the tongue with a dropper and needs to be kept there for one to two minutes. CBD oils commonly have a bioavailability* (absorption rate) of only 5-6%.

On the other hand, Satipharm CBD Gelpell capsules have a clinically proven bioavailability* of 17.4%; that’s three times more effective than most CBD oils.

This increase is down to Satipharm’s unique ‘Gelpell’ technology. Each capsule is gastro-resistant which means it can successfully reach and be absorbed in the small intestine.

Capsules vs oil – manufacturing standards

Not all CBD products are manufactured under GMP** (Good Manufacturing Practice). This means they may not be made to the highest quality or made in a regulated, safe environment.

That’s where Satipharm comes in, as quality is at the heart of everything they do. Their CBD Gelpell capsules are manufactured under controlled conditions in Switzerland and they are committed to high standards at every stage of the manufacturing process.

Capsules vs oil – reliable dosing

One of our favourite things about CBD capsules versus CBD oils is they are easy to take. Every time you take a Satipharm CBD Gelpell capsule, you know for a fact you’ve taken 10mg of CBD.

This isn’t the case with oils, as it is difficult to accurately monitor what dosage works best.

For more information on Satipharm CBD Gelpell capsules, ask your local pharmacist for advice or visit Lloyds, McCabes, and Total Health Pharmacies nationwide.

*Bioavailability:
This term is used to describe how much of something is absorbed into your system after you take it.

**GMP (or Good Manufacturing Practice):
Agencies all over the world establish guidelines that manufacturers of products must follow in order to ensure consistency and quality, enabling consumers to buy products with confidence. Products that are produced to a high standard and are of consistently high quality (in line with international guidelines) are said to be GMP. Most CBD products available in Ireland are not GMP.

Top photo: Shutterstock

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