In recent years, the popularity of CBD has taken a big hike in the UK. While not as high as tea, it has started to leave a dent with more than 1.3 million people in the UK using CBD products regularly. It was thus only apt that the combination of tea and CBD resulted in a brew that promotes wellness.
Combining CBD with herbal blends such as chamomile, lavender, or green tea will provide a truly soothing experience that’s great for relaxation, better sleep, or relief from everyday stress. Whether you’re interested in learning about its effects, how to make it, or the best CBD tea bags to buy, this guide has everything you need to know. From the background of tea in UK culture to ways you can enjoy CBD-infused teas at home, this article covers it all.
What is CBD Tea?
CBD tea is an infused drink that merges cannabidiol’s wellness benefits with the traditional health advantages of tea, further positioning its classification as a therapeutic beverage that has been in use for relaxation and releasing tension, among other health purposes. The non psychoactive CBD compound present in hemp plants acts together with the body’s ECS – an important regulatory network generally responsible for maintaining processes involving mood, sleep, appetite, and pain in a state of balance.
Unlike THC, the psychoactive element within cannabis, CBD does not create a “high” and is thus accessible for anyone looking for benefits in a more holistic manner. Strong CBD tea enhances the effects of general tea by fusing the calming nature of herbs such as chamomile or lavender with the potential of CBD to ease anxiety, improve the quality of sleep, and reduce inflammation. The versatility of CBD tea extends further into formats and preparation methods.
Pre-measured tea bags are convenient and provide the consistency of dosage, while loose-leaf CBD teas afford the tea aficionado an opportunity for self-expression in the art of brewing. Infused blends, featuring herbs like peppermint, ginger, or valerian root, amplify CBD’s therapeutic effects in every way while catering to a variety of taste preferences. For those looking to have a little more freedom, CBD oil can be added directly to any tea and can be measured to perfect, personalized concentration. Beyond convenience, these formats also play into a wider trend in the UK, as health-conscious consumers increasingly seek out functional beverages that can be easily incorporated into their daily routine.
The CBD market has grown exponentially within the UK, with the increasing awareness of its health benefits and changes in consumer preference. A report by the Centre for Medicinal Cannabisestimated the market, in 2021, to be worth £690 million and one of the biggest sectors within the wellness industry – more substantial than the market for vitamin supplements combined.
Within the cannabis products, beverages, such as tea, have been one of the breakout categories due to its approachable and familiar format. In 2022, the Food Standards Agency reported that 16% of UK adults had tried a CBD product, and tea was gaining traction as a favorite option due to its balance of efficacy and convenience.
Who is CBD Tea For?
CBD tea is suitable for a wide range of individuals who are seeking a natural, holistic way to enhance their well-being. Its versatility and therapeutic potential make it attractive to those trying to tackle specific health concerns or simply looking to add a calming ritual into their daily routine. Below is a more detailed look at who can benefit most from CBD tea and why it might be the right choice for them.
Individuals Managing Stress and Anxiety
Some of the major targets for CBD tea are those individuals who happen to suffer from chronic stress or anxiety. How CBD works with the endocannabinoid system of the body helps to regulate mood and lower cortisol levels, which are generally heightened when a person is stressed. According to a study in Neurotherapeutics, CBD actually reduces symptoms of generalized anxiety disorders, social anxiety, and even PTSD. Together, if combined with calming herbs, such as chamomile and lavender, it has a synergistic effect. This would very definitely provide that moment of soothing someone is seeking in these fast paced times.
Sleep-Disturbed People
CBD tea is perfect for those individuals who face the trouble of sleep disturbance. Research published in the Permanente Journal shows that 67% of people using CBD reported improvement in sleep. By relaxing the body, reducing anxiety, and soothing physical discomfort, CBD can hasten falling asleep and improve the quality of sleep. For this purpose, herbal teas like CBD chamomile tea and CBD lavender tea have gained significant traction due to their natural sedative action and hence are ideal options for night rituals.
People Suffering from Chronic Pain
Whether the reason is arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other inflammatory diseases, people suffering from chronic pain can find relief by consuming CBD tea. Various studies have identified anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of CBD, including a 2020 meta-analysis published in International journal for molecular sciences. By acting on inflammation and interacting with pain receptors, CBD may be useful in reducing discomfort and enhancing quality of life. Herbal teas made with CBD, such as ginger or turmeric blends, further enhance this benefit by supporting joint and muscle health.
Athletes and Active Individuals
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts can also benefit from CBD tea, particularly for recovery and inflammation management. Muscle soreness and inflammation are common after any high-intensity physical activity. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties help reduce these symptoms, while the hydration from tea supports overall recovery. Some athletes prefer CBD-infused herbal teas like peppermint or ginger for added digestive support, making it a versatile addition to their post-workout routines.
Older Adults
Generally speaking, CBD becomes more popular as an alternative among elderly adults in relation to various health issues, which are a consequence of their age. This helps in arthritis management, promoting good relaxation and sleep. Also, it is non-psychoactive and gentle, hence one of the best alternatives to the elderly people for whom classical medications have already stopped any positive effect. Convenient ways of intake include loose leaf CBD teas or pre-measured tea bags.
Pros and Cons of CBD Tea
CBD tea has become a popular way to enhance wellness naturally. However, like any product in the market, it has some advantages and disadvantages. For your informed decision, the following is a detailed breakdown of the pros and cons.
Pros of CBD Tea
Promotes Relaxation and Reduces Stress
Generally, CBD tea is highly regarded for its relaxation properties. The way in which CBD works with the human body’s ECS helps balance mood and lower cortisol, the stress hormone. Adding to this, calming teas like chamomile and lavender make it a soothing drink that can be consumed after a long day. Research, like the one published in Neurotherapeutics, helps support the idea that it could alleviate symptoms of anxiety and help the individual relax.
Supports Better Sleep Patterns
To people suffering from insomnia or irregular sleeping patterns, this is a godsend. A study in the Journal of Clinical Psychology reported that over 65% of persons taking CBD reported sleeping better. Herbal teas that are mixed with CBD, especially those with chamomile or valerian root, enhance its natural sedative properties and, therefore, become an excellent addition to one’s bedtime routine.
Reduces Inflammation and Pain
CBD is famous for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help mitigate chronic pain, arthritis, and muscle soreness. In combination with anti-inflammatory herbal ingredients such as turmeric or ginger, CBD tea offers a holistic approach to pain management without pharmaceutical intervention.
Boosts Overall Health
Tea on its own is packed full of antioxidants, vitamins, and other nutrients; with the addition of CBD, these health benefits are amplified. For instance, CBD green tea combines the systemic balance of cannabidiol with the powerful antioxidants of green tea in supporting heart health and cellular repair. CBD tea can also be combined with herbs like peppermint for digestive support or lavender for relaxation, offering solutions tailored for specific wellness concerns.
Cons of CBD Tea
Poor Bioavailability
The bioavailability of CBD, or the rate at which it enters the bloodstream, can be relatively low when taken in tea form compared to other methods such as oils or tinctures. This is because CBD has to go through the digestive system, which reduces the amount absorbed. Adding a source of fat, such as milk or coconut oil, to your tea can help increase absorption.
Delayed Onset of Effects
Unlike sublingual CBD oils or vapes, the effects of CBD tea take a little longer to manifest – usually 30 minutes to 2 hours – since it has to be digested first. This is definitely not what one needs when seeking immediate relief from some painful sensation or anxiety.
Varied Dosage Control
In the case of CBD tea, dosages are often pre-set and not necessarily tailored to every person’s needs. That, while convenient, is problematic for those who must take a very specific dose to alleviate certain conditions. It’s a little more work to use loose-leaf teas or add your own CBD oil to tea to achieve the right dosage.
Possible Side Effects
Generally well-tolerated, CBD tea can cause some minor side effects, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, or digestive discomfort in some users. These are usually rare and only at higher dosages. It is always advisable to begin with a low dose and observe your body’s response.
Different Types of CBD Teas
These are many types of CBD teas available, from various forms, blends, and flavors that are aimed at different tastes and needs for wellness. Each style of CBD tea has something different to offer, from the most classic traditional tea bases to herbal infusions. Below, a detailed overview is given about the various types of CBD teas available and what makes them special.
CBD Herbal Teas
These CBD herbal teas combine cannabidiol with natural herbs and botanicals for a caffeine-free soothing experience. Many are specifically designed for rest and relaxation, sleep, or healthy digestion.
Green Tea Cannabis
CBD green tea combines antioxidant properties of green tea and therapeutic properties of CBD. The health benefits of green tea, which are rich in catechins and polyphenols, help protect against cell damage and generally are great for overall health. The combination with CBD generates balanced energy, perfect to have during the day, thus making it a great tea for a person who wants an enhanced focus and productivity ability without building up stress.
Black Tea
CBD black tea is for the strong and energetic Individuals, added with a flavor of strong black tea. The natural caffeine provides a boost while CBD may balance this by preventing too much jitteriness, aiming to create a calm but alert feeling.
Tea Bags Infused with CBD
Pre-measured and ready to go, CBD tea bags are the ultimate in convenience for not having to think about dosage when using this substance. Many such CBD tea bags contain a combination of tea leaves and herbs infused with CBD in such a way as to make for quick preparation. They come in many flavors and strengths, from regular to extra-strength CBD tea bags.
Loose Leaf Teas
The amount of tea used and the steeping time are two of the most customizable ways to enjoy CBD loose leaf teas. They are often filled with high-quality, whole-leaf ingredients mixed with CBD, providing a richer and more nuanced flavor profile. These loose-leaf teas are best for the tea drinker who enjoys the ritual involved in brewing their tea.
CBD Oil in Tea
For those who prefer flexibility, adding CBD oil to any tea of choice is a popular method. In this regard, one can mix CBD oil into traditional teas, such as green, black, or herbal varieties, giving full control over dosage and flavor combinations. Adding a fat source, such as milk or coconut oil, to the tea can enhance absorption.
Studies and research on CBD teas
CBD tea studies have demonstrated the great variation within different products with respect to their CBD content. One such study, originating in Denmark, investigated cannabinoids like THC, THCA, CBD, and CBDA in cannabis teas. In this study, the measured concentration of CBD in teas made from a product labeled with 8% total CBD was 7.5 µg/mL, while the addition of creamer before boiling increased the amount of CBD significantly. In another study focused on hemp teas, the major components reported were CBD and CBDA, accounting for 87% of the total cannabinoid contents in the dry products.
The efficiency of cannabinoid extraction into the infusion tea is poor due to their poor water solubility. Besides, the average rate of transfer of psychoactive THC into tea was determined at as low as 0.5%. Moreover, a method was optimized for the quantification of cannabinoids in hemp tea by means of microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and it was demonstrated that MAE was particularly more effective in extracting CBD and CBN when compared with other methods such as ultrasound-assisted extraction.
One study on the residues of cannabinoids in hemp leaf teas after preparation revealed that temperature was a major factor in the remaining cannabinoid content. Indeed, higher temperatures increased CBD and CBDA extraction while the degradation of THC to CBN was not significant under typical infusion conditions.
FAQs
How long does it take CBD tea to work?
CBD tea typically takes between 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect, as it needs to pass through the digestive system before being absorbed into the bloodstream.
Can CBD tea work for weight loss?
While CBD tea may help with weight loss indirectly by reducing stress and improving sleep quality, there is limited research supporting CBD as a direct fat-burning agent.
What does CBD tea taste like?
The taste of CBD tea depends on the type of tea used, but it generally has an earthy, herbal flavour. Flavoured blends like chamomile, peppermint, or green tea can help mask the natural taste of CBD.
How do I know how much CBD is in my tea?
Most reputable CBD tea brands provide the CBD content on the packaging, typically listed in milligrams (mg) per serving or per tea bag. Always check the label for dosage information.
How long do you brew CBD tea for?
CBD tea should be brewed for around 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the tea type and personal preference. Longer brewing may result in a stronger flavour, but be mindful not to over-steep.
Does CBD tea contain caffeine?
It depends on the type of tea used. Black, green, or oolong CBD teas contain caffeine, while herbal CBD teas (such as chamomile or peppermint) are naturally caffeine-free.
Should I consume anything alongside my CBD tea?
It’s optional, but consuming a fat source (like milk or coconut oil) alongside your CBD tea can enhance CBD absorption, as cannabidiol is fat-soluble. Otherwise, you can enjoy it on its own.
References
https://theaci.co.uk/690-million-cbd-market/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4604171/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7700528/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6326553/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6326553/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcpt.14056
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19440049.2023.2224455
https://analyticalsciencejournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/sscp.202300220
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S095671352100284X?via%3Dihub
