CBD: the benefits, uses and how it works
CBD oil has gone from niche supplement to mainstream fixture in just a few years. It’s stocked everywhere from health shops to high street chemists – and yet, many people still have questions about what it actually is, what it does and how to use it.
You’re here for a clear, honest overview of CBD oil and what it might do for you – and that’s exactly what we’re going to give you.
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil is a product made by extracting cannabidiol (CBD) from the hemp plant and combining it with a carrier oil, such as coconut, olive or hemp seed oil. CBD is one of over 100 naturally occurring compounds in hemp known as cannabinoids, many of which interact with the human body in beneficial ways. Our CBD oils are made using purified CBD isolate derived from high-quality hemp plants. We use fractionated coconut oil as our carrier and our CBD Night Drops also include a hint of peppermint for a clean, refreshing taste.
Also known as CBD drops or tinctures, CBD oils are designed to be taken sublingually – placed under the tongue for around 60 seconds before swallowing – to allow fast absorption into the bloodstream.
What are the types of CBD oil?
CBD oil comes in three main forms: full spectrum, broad spectrum and isolate. These terms describe the type of CBD extract used and the presence (or absence) of other cannabinoids and plant compounds.
Full-spectrum CBD oil
This contains the full range of cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, including trace amounts of THC (the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis). In regulated CBD products, the amount of THC is minimal and not enough to cause a high. However, it may be detectable in drug testing.
Broad-spectrum CBD oil
This includes a wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids, but with all THC removed. It offers some of the potential benefits of the ‘entourage effect’ (where cannabinoids work better together), without the presence of THC.
CBD isolate oil
This is pure CBD with no other cannabinoids present. It’s often chosen by people who want the benefits of CBD alone, without any THC or other compounds. Goodrays’ CBD oils are made using CBD isolate to give you complete clarity and control.
What does CBD oil do?
CBD oil interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a regulatory system involved in maintaining balance across functions like mood, sleep, stress response, inflammation and pain perception.
Although research into CBD is still developing, early findings suggest it may:
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Support more restful sleep
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Help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety
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Aid post-exercise recovery
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Help manage mild to moderate pain
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Promote a general sense of calm and wellbeing
CBD affects everyone differently. Some people feel noticeably more relaxed, focused or clear-headed after taking it. For others, the effects are subtler and may build with consistent use over time.
What is CBD oil good for?
People use CBD oil for a variety of reasons, but some of the most common include:
Sleep support
CBD is often used as part of a bedtime routine to support deeper, more consistent sleep. It doesn’t act as a sedative, but many users find it helps calm the mind and body enough to make falling asleep easier.
Managing anxiety and stress
CBD has been studied for its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects, with some research suggesting it can reduce the physical and mental symptoms of stress. By interacting with receptors linked to mood and cortisol regulation, it may help the body downshift from a heightened state.
Recovery and inflammation
CBD is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, making it popular among people recovering from intense workouts or dealing with general muscular discomfort.
Focus and everyday balance
Some people use CBD oil during the day to support a calm, focused mindset. Because it’s non-intoxicating, it can be used while working, studying or staying active.
CBD oil benefits: What the science says
While the clinical research around CBD is still growing, early studies and thousands of user experiences point to several benefits:
A 2019 study published in The Permanente Journal found that over 66% of patients with sleep issues reported improved sleep after one month of daily CBD use. The same study reported that just over 79% of participants experienced lower anxiety levels. Other emerging research is exploring the role of CBD in pain management, neuroprotection, and inflammation.
It's always wise to be cautious about any product making bold claims. At Goodrays, we focus on transparency, quality and education so you can make informed decisions about what you use and why.
How do you take CBD oil?
The most effective way to take CBD oil is sublingually. The area under the tongue has a rich network of capillaries, which allows the CBD to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and liver. This makes it one of the fastest and most efficient ways to experience the benefits of CBD.
The effects usually begin within 30 to 45 minutes and can last for several hours. How long they last and how strongly you feel them depends on factors such as your body weight, metabolism, dosage and what you’ve eaten that day.
Sublingual CBD is also appreciated for its flexibility. You can measure your dose precisely using the dropper, which makes it easier to find the amount that works best for your needs, whether that's during a stressful afternoon or as part of a wind-down routine before bed.
How much CBD oil should you take?
The ideal dose for you – and you only – depends on factors like your body weight, metabolism, the reason you're taking it and how your body responds over time. It’s a personal process of trial and observation.
A typical starting dose is one full dropper (1ml) of Goodrays’ CBD oil, which contains 33mg of CBD. This is often enough for most people to begin noticing benefits such as feeling more settled in the evening or able to manage stress more calmly during the day.
We recommend starting with one dose per day, ideally taken in the evening if you’re using it for sleep or at a consistent point in your daily routine if you’re taking it for general wellbeing. After a few days, assess how you feel — are you sleeping more easily or feeling less tense? If needed, you can increase to two doses per day, spaced out appropriately.
It’s also helpful to keep your other habits in mind: how well you’re sleeping, your stress levels and your nutrition can all affect how CBD interacts with your body.
Is CBD oil safe and legal in the UK?
Yes. CBD oil is legal in the UK as long as it meets certain criteria: it must be derived from approved hemp strains and contain less than 1mg of THC per container. Reputable brands will have third-party lab reports (certificates of analysis) to confirm this. At Goodrays, all of our CBD products are independently tested and fully legal for use in the UK.
Why choose Goodrays CBD oil?
Because we focus on three things, always: quality, simplicity and trust.
- We use pure CBD isolate with 0% THC
- Our oils are blended with natural coconut oil for optimal absorption
- Every product is lab-tested for purity and potency
We design our CBD oils to support modern life, from early starts and high-pressure days to the quiet rituals that help you switch off at night
Our Zen Drops and Night Drops are two simple, effective options for people who want to support their wellbeing with high-quality CBD. Easy to measure and trusted by our customers.
CBD oil: Small measures, big impact
CBD oil might just help you take back control of the moments that matter. A calmer commute. A clearer head before bed. A sense of focus when you need it most.
It’s not about numbing, escaping or pushing through. It’s about tuning in – to how you feel, how you rest and how you move through your day. Our CBD oils make that shift feel easy, not effortful. Backed by science, driven by nature and designed to work with your routine, not against it.
So if you want to feel more like yourself – focused, steady, rested – our CBD oils are here when you are ready.