The Benefits of Taking CBD Products: Internal vs Topical Use

Whist taking some CBD for my arthritis recently I thought: "I think it's time we ran a CBD feature on That's Food and Drink." So here it is.

In recent years, CBD (cannabidiol) has gone from a fringe wellness product to a mainstream supplement. 

Whether infused into oils, capsules, skincare products, or balms, CBD is now widely used for its potential health benefits. 

But what are the real pros and cons of using CBD internally or topically? Here's what you need to know.

What is CBD?

CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, it’s non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t make you feel ‘high’. It's legal in the UK as long as it's derived from approved strains and contains less than 1mg of THC per product.

Internal Use: Oils, Capsules, Edibles

Benefits:

Anxiety and Stress Relief: Studies suggest CBD may help regulate mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety.

Pain and Inflammation: Internal CBD use may assist in managing chronic pain and inflammation from conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia.

Sleep Support: Many users report improved sleep quality with regular use.

Neuroprotective Effects: Early research shows promise in managing neurological conditions like epilepsy and MS.

Cons:

Slow Onset: Effects can take longer (30 mins to 2 hours) to kick in.

Digestive Sensitivity: Some users report nausea or gastrointestinal issues.

Drug Interactions: CBD may interact with medications such as blood thinners or SSRIs.

Topical Use: Creams, Balms, Serums

Benefits:

Targeted Relief: Ideal for localised pain, such as sore muscles, joints, or skin irritation.

Skin Health: May soothe conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Non-Systemic: No risk of it interacting with medications or affecting other body systems.

Cons:

Limited Absorption: CBD doesn’t easily penetrate deep into the skin, so benefits may be surface-level.

Shorter Lasting: Effects may wear off quicker than internal applications.

Inconsistent Dosing: Harder to measure exact dosage compared to capsules or oils.

Which Is Right for You?

The right type of CBD depends on your needs. For full-body effects or mental wellness, internal products may be more effective. For targeted skin or muscle issues, a topical product may be more appropriate.

CBD offers a promising natural alternative for managing various health concerns, but it’s not a miracle cure. Always purchase from reputable UK-based brands, check for third-party lab results, and speak to a healthcare professional—especially if you're on medication or have a chronic condition.

How can you take CBD? Here are some simple recipes you can try for yourself:-

Perfect! Here’s a recipe card you can include in your blog post for a CBD-Infused Lemon & Honey Tea – a relaxing drink that’s simple, soothing, and perfect for first-timers using CBD in cooking.

CBD-Infused Lemon & Honey Tea

Serves: 1

Prep time: 5 minutes

Total time: 5 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

1 cup hot (but not boiling) water

1 herbal tea bag (chamomile or lemon balm work beautifully)

1 tsp honey (or to taste)

1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

1–2 drops (approx. 5–10mg) CBD oil (food-grade, lab-tested)

Instructions:

Brew your tea

Pour hot water over your herbal tea bag and let steep for 3–5 minutes.

Add lemon and honey

Remove the tea bag and stir in the lemon juice and honey while the tea is still warm.

Add CBD oil

Once the tea has cooled slightly (not steaming hot), add the CBD oil and stir gently.

Sip and relax

Enjoy your calming cup of tea as part of your evening wind-down or mid-day wellness moment.

Tips:

Avoid adding CBD to boiling hot water as it may degrade its potency. Let your tea cool to around 60–70°C before adding it.

You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave for a vegan option.

Experiment with herbal blends like ginger, mint, or lavender for variety.