Have you ever wondered about the smell and taste of your CBD tinctures?
Why do some tinctures have an earthy odor, and some have aromas like mint, and still some others don’t seem to have any smell at all?
What makes some CBD products taste nutty, or grassy, or even bitter?
We followed our nose to find the best answers to your questions about CBD, terpenes, and essential oils and and here is what we found.
Table of Contents
Full Spectrum CBD and Terpenes
Terpenes (terpenoids) are the chemical compounds responsible for the aroma and flavor of a plant.
They serve an essential purpose in plants: terpenes may attract pollinators or even repel predators that may consume the plant.
It is a combination of terpenes that give many CBD oils their unique smell and taste.
Hemp plants used to make CBD include a variety of terpenes. Some of the common terpenes found in cannabis include Limonene (also found in citrus plants), Pinene (also found in Pine), Linalool (found in lavender and over 200 plant species) and Myrcene (also found in thyme and lemongrass).
In CBD oil products these terpenes interact synergistically with the cannabinoids.
Some call this the entourage effect, and it’s the reason terpenes have become such a significant piece of the cannabis puzzle.
Full spectrum CBD is best for preserving naturally occurring elements valued for their beneficial effects.
These include: cannabinoids, vitamins, beta carotene, minerals, essential fats, and proteins.
Full spectrum CBD oil products also preserve the natural hemp terpenes, which is why you may notice an earthy smell and flavor.
Experts recognize that this natural aroma and taste is associated with a full spectrum CBD, and therefore offers the benefits of a full spectrum product.
Other types of CBD may not include all the beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes, and other elements found in full spectrum CBD.
Broad spectrum CBD is full spectrum CBD without the THC.
There are two ways that broad spectrum CBD can be manufactured.
The first is to add beneficial cannabinoids (minus the THC), terpenes, and flavonoids to CBD isolate.
The second method is to make broad spectrum CBD through additional processing of full spectrum CBD to remove all trace amounts of THC.
CBD isolate, obtained with supercritical CO2, only contains the single cannabinoid: CBD (cannabidiol). This process of extracting CBD removes all of the terpenes, leaving little to no flavor or aroma.
It also removes flavonoids and other valuable cannabinoids like CBN, CBDV, THCV, CBG, CBC, and THCA, which work with your Endocannabinoid System (ECS) to help promote balance or homeostasis.
Keeping Your Body In Balance
The ECS is involved in multiple physiologic processes.
It is one of 12 systems that helps maintain your body.
Research being done to understand how cannabis affects our bodies led to finding and naming the system.
ECS receptors and endocannabinoids, which are chemical messengers produced by the body, work together along with enzymes to promote homeostasis.
Plant substances, or phytocannabinoids such as CBD, can stimulate or interact with your ECS.
And other natural plant compounds, particularly terpenes, have actions that are complementary to phytocannabinoids.
Despite the importance of terpenes, cannabinoids, and other beneficial elements, some companies will try to mask the taste, smell, and appearance of CBD by adding unnecessary ingredients such as artificial flavors, sweeteners, and colors.
Consumers looking for a full spectrum, natural remedy with clean, simple ingredients should read labels carefully.
Essential Oils and Terpenes
Hemp is not the only plant that delivers terpenes.
Almost all plants contain terpenes that can be extracted to create essential oils. Essential oils are highly concentrated oils obtained by cold-pressing or steam-distilling plant seeds, leaves, stems, roots, and, or fruits.
Terpenes are the primary component of essential oils along with other hydrocarbons.
Essential oils are not the same thing as natural or artificial flavoring, which may help with the flavor of the product but do not offer the benefit of terpenes.
Do not confuse essential oils with fragrance. Produced with potentially harmful chemicals, fragrances are not appropriate for consumption. When in doubt, always consult with a medical professional before trying any new substances.
There are hundreds of varieties of essential oils, each containing a specific mixture of terpenes, and each offering a unique set of benefits.
For instance, lavender contains a high linalool terpene concentration and is known for its soothing, relaxing properties.
Many people think essential oils are just used for aroma. Diffusers have become a popular way to use essential oils.
Others apply essential oils topically or add them to products like lotions and balms. It’s important to note that not all essential oils are made for consumption by humans, but some food and supplement companies are taking advantage of their terpene-rich benefits.
Several essential oils are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food and other products made for ingestion including CBD oil tinctures.
Examples include essential oils of Thyme, Coriander, Lemon, Ginger, Peppermint, plus others.
These essential oils will add both aroma and flavor, and of course beneficial terpenes.
CBD & Essential Oils Together At Last
A few pioneering companies have recognized the importance of terpenes in both full spectrum CBD oils and essential oils, and they have investigated ways that these substances may work together.
In some cases, the essential oils bring terpenes already found in the full spectrum CBD, so the existing terpenes have a greater effect.
In other cases the essential oils bring terpenes not found in the CBD, and provide added benefit by enhancing the overall terpene profile.
In both cases, essential oils may enhance the intrinsic benefits of CBD, and savvy brands are are offering CBD Oil tinctures formulated with essential oils to support specific health goals and regimens.
Here’s some information about CBD oil tinctures from one such company, CANVIVA™, including a description of the essential oils in each of their products.
>> Learn more about CANVIVA by listening to our podcast with their founders, Jim and Dave
BALANCE
A balanced digestive system is an important part of overall wellness.
CANVIVA enhances its BALANCE CBD Oil Tincture with Fenugreek and Thyme essential oils.
These essential oils complement the CBD oil by enhancing the terpene profile, specifically the terpene gamma-terpinene.
BOOST
Keeping your energy level at an even keel is good both physically and mentally.
CANVIVA enhances its BOOST CBD Oil Tincture with Coriander and Lemon essential oils. These oils complement the CBD oil by containing high levels of the terpene limonene.
CALM
Relaxation is important to your overall well-being.
CANVIVA CALM CBD Oil Tincture contains Bergamot and Ylang Ylang essential oils.
Limonene and linalool terpenes in these essential oils enhance the benefits of the CBD oil.
RESTORE
Soothing sore muscles and reducing inflammation are part of recovery for athletes and weekend warriors alike.
CANVIVA RESTORE CBD Oil Tincture, is enhanced with Turmeric oil and Ginger essential oil, which complement the CBD oil.
Together, they boost the terpene level of trans-caryophyllene.
REST
A good night’s rest can help you be your best you every day.
CANVIVA REST CBD Oil Tincture, enhanced with essential oils of Chamomile and Clary Sage, complement the CBD oil by intensifying the terpene linalool.
FOCUS
A calm mind can improve your focus and thought process.
CANVIVA FOCUS CBD Oil Tincture includes Holy Basil (Tulsi) and Lemon Balm essential oils.
These oils complement the CBD oil and contain the bisabolol terpene.
How To Take A CBD Tincture
Enhancing CBD with essential oils provides safe, effective choices perfect for wherever you are on your health and wellness journey.
So what is the optimal way to use these products?
Whether your tincture is a pure CBD oil blended with a carrier oil such as MCT, or that CBD oil tincture is further enhanced with an essential oil, the best way to take CBD oil tinctures is sublingually, or under your tongue.
Swallowing CBD is not the most efficient delivery method. It can take longer (as much as two hours) to take effect. Plus, its concentration lowers as it passes through the digestive and metabolic systems.
Depending on the strength of the tincture, a few drops held under the tongue for about one minute will allow absorption of the CBD into the bloodstream with a faster, stronger onset than just ingesting it.
The CBD absorbs directly into the capillaries and mucous membranes of the mouth, bypassing the digestive system and metabolism in the liver. The remainder may be swallowed, allowing for additional absorption. In this way, an individual choosing the sublingual delivery method may receive both immediate and long-lasting relief.
About CANVIVA
Choosing safe, full spectrum CBD products for yourself or a loved one is an important decision.
You want a brand that you can trust and CBD products that are natural, pure, and effective.
CANVIVA’s hemp-derived cannabinoid oil is phytocannabinoid-rich, full spectrum, and organically grown in the U.S.
CANVIVA’s mission, to be your trusted, go-to brand, begins by providing safe, effective, superior CBD products.
With six unique CBD oil tinctures formulated with essential oils, and no added flavors, sweeteners, or colors, they are a leading brand offering functional tincture products.
>> Click here to read CBD School’s First Hand Review of CANVIVA’s CBD products
From inspiration to information, to education, CANVIVA is here to help you maximize your health so you can be your best you.
For more information about CANVIVA CBD products or how essential oils can enhance your CBD experience visit the CANVIVA website.
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