CBD is all the rage today, especially in the medical world. Proponents will tell you all about its incredible effects. You can use it to help with insomnia, depression, anxiety, pain, and might even fix your broken relationships. Okay, I made the last one up, but the idea is the same. CBD is touted as a wonder drug. The claims could all be valid, but today, we’re going to focus on the pain relief aspect. Can CBD cream and salve be used for pain relief?
What are CBD Creams and Salves?
I’m sure you are familiar with standard creams and lotions. It’s the same thing, except it is infused with CBD. The same way you find moisturizers combined with cucumbers or eucalyptus. Lotions and creams are a mixture of oil, water, and an emulsifier. Meaning, they tend to leave you feeling more moisturized. They come in a variety of thicknesses and textures, so finding one that’s just right for you shouldn’t be an issue.
Similar to a CBD cream, a CBD salve is an oil and wax combination that’s more solid than creams and lotions. If you looked in the Oxford Dictionary, it says a salve is “an ointment applied on the skin to protect and heal it.” But it works topically just the same as cream. The main difference between the two is the amount of water present in the mix. Check out this CBD salve to treat your pain relief tonight.
Can CBD Cream be Used For Pain Relief?
First, let’s understand the pain better. There are two forms of it; neuropathic and inflammatory nociceptive. When you step on a Lego, hit your knee on a table, or twist your wrist playing tennis, that’s nociceptive. It comes from damage to the tissue, causing them to become inflamed. Other conditions that fall under this category would be something like arthritis and IBS or irritable bowel syndrome. Nociceptive pain tends to be tied to specific movements and positions, often with a throbbing feeling or is dull.
Neuropathic pain, however, is sharp or comes with a burning sensation. It’s caused by damaged nerves from chronic conditions like sciatica or multiple sclerosis. However, it should be noted that pain is still a mystery overall and sometimes don’t have a clear cause. Some conditions, like fibromyalgia, don’t fit easily into either category. Regardless, CBD has been found to help with all forms of pain. Here’s a quick list of all the therapeutic and medical properties of CBD:
- analgesic
- anti-inflammatory
- antioxidant
- antipsychotic
- anti-nausea and anti-emetic
- anticonvulsant
- anxiolytic
- immuno-modulator
So, yes, CBD cream and salve can be used for pain relief. You might be thinking, “Why does it work so well, then?” Well, let’s dive right into CBD and the endocannabinoid system.
Take a look here for “CBD Oil & Back Pain: Here’s What You Should Know” and get tips on treating your back pain with CBD oil.
CBD, The Endocannabinoid System, and Pain
Cannabidiol is abbreviated as CBD. It’s one of the cannabinoids found inside the species of plant Cannabis Sativa. There are over 120 of these compounds found in cannabis, but the most famous and well-studied are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD. Both have been found to have medical and therapeutic uses, but THC is responsible for getting people high. However, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t have any intoxicating effects. So, you can use CBD cream for pain relief with the comfort of knowing you will keep a clear mind.
The endocannabinoid system’s main job is to keep the body in perfect harmony and balance. What scientists call “homeostasis.” So, if you’re too hot, it will release hormones and chemicals to make you sweat. Too cold? Release some to make you shiver. And if you are in pain, it can start the body’s pain-relieving process. Be sure to check out “From Hit to Kick: Time For CBD Oil to Take Effect” to see how long it would take for CBD to take effect.
There are two special receptors part of the endocannabinoid system that CBD binds to. They are called CB1 and CB2. When it binds with these receptors, it’s able to work its magic throughout the entire body. The skin is the largest organ. Did you also know it’s porous? That means when applied topically, the CBD can go straight to the problem area.
How Do You Use CBD Creams or Salves?
I’m sure you are familiar with mint lip-balms or creams and felt the cooling sensation. It works the same way. You apply them to the area that is causing you pain. It bypasses digestion and waits for the CBD to reach the bloodstream. If you took a CBD oil capsule or ate a CBD edible, you don’t have to wait long for topicals to work. They begin to kick in within 10 – 15 minutes and you can apply it whenever you need it.
CBD salves and creams are great for:
- Sore muscles
- Neck pain
- Joint pain
- Back pain
- Arthritis
Is it safe to use CBD creams for pain relief?
All research points out that CBD is entirely safe to use, especially as a cream or salve. CBD also doesn’t lead to addiction or anything like with opiates and other medications. It’s also impossible to overdose, so you can use it as much as you need when you need it. But as always, people are different. Therefore, if you are considering CBD for pain relief, especially using with other medications, be sure to consult with your primary care physician to be safe. Also, check out “Can CBD be Used to Treat Allergies?” for tips on how to alleviate those allergies with CBD.
CBD and all CBD infused products are illegal at the federal level. However, this varies state by state. Some states such as Colorado, Nevada, and California are legal both recreationally and medical for anyone over the age of 21. Be sure to check the local and state laws before purchasing or using any cannabis product. For more differences between CBD and THC, be sure to read “CBD Oil Won’t Get You High But Here’s What to Expect“.
Thank you for reading! Let us know in the comments below if you’re already using CBD creams or salves to treat any pain going on in your body. Or let us know in the comments below what you use your CBD oil for. We’ll see you there!
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