CBD is a popular natural remedy used for many common ailments. The legal plant-based wellness solution is beneficial for athletes and others seeking an alternative to harsh synthetic treatments. Several ways are available to use the hemp compound, including CBD salve, a common topical that offers localized pain relief.
What is a CBD Salve?
CBD balms are an effective local treatment for achy muscles, sore joints, and other types of pain. A CBD salve is a topical hemp product that contains cannabidiol (CBD) and other active ingredients. You apply a CBD salve to the skin, and it gets absorbed through the skin’s surface to interact with cannabinoid receptors nearby.
How Does a CBD Cream Work?
When you apply CBD salve to the skin, it doesn’t reach the bloodstream. Instead, it interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the epidermis and dermis—the two layers of the skin.
The receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a system of chemicals and receptors that regulate various functions in the body, including pain, immunity, sleep, mood, appetite, and more.
CBD topicals work by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the skin. There are two types of cannabinoid receptors in mammals: CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are primarily in the brain and spinal cord, while CB2 receptors are mainly in the immune system.
CBD may interact with both CB1 and CB2 receptors. When CBD binds to these receptors, it changes how they work. This creates various effects on the body, including pain relief.
What Are The Benefits of a CBD Salves?
There are several potential benefits of using a CBD salve, including pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and skin health.
Topical CBD For Muscle Recovery
When you work out vigorously, you stress your muscles and cause microscopic tears. This is part of the muscle-building process, but it can lead to soreness and pain. Athletes often use CBD topicals to reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery time.
A 2020 study involving CBD and the management of joint disease found the compound reduced pain in mice by reducing inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effects of CBD may also help with muscle recovery. Swelling and inflammation can delay the repair process, so reducing inflammation may help speed up muscle recovery.
CBD For Joint Pain
Joint pain is another common reason people use CBD topicals. As you age, the cartilage in your joints breaks down, causing pain and inflammation. CBD may help reduce inflammation and pain in the joints.
Studies show that CBD may work by inhibiting the inflammatory process, which is a key factor in joint pain and other types of chronic pain. Cannabinoid receptors can be found in both the brain and the immune system, which may explain why CBD offers pain relief to a wide variety of people.
CBD For Skin Health
CBD has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may benefit the skin. CBD topicals may also improve skin health. Inflammation is typical in skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Research also shows CBD has anti-sebaceous properties, which may help control oily skin and breakouts. A 2014 study looked at the effects of CBD on sebaceous glands in rats. They gave the rats either CBD or a placebo for 20 days. The rats that received CBD had reduced sebum production and inflammation.
Antioxidant properties may help protect the skin from free-radical damage, such as UV rays, pollution, and smoke. Several studies show CBD may have the potential. The cells were exposed to UV light for 24 hours, then treated with either CBD or a placebo. The cells that received CBD had less oxidative damage than those that received the placebo.
The research doesn’t mean you should slather on the CBD cream and skip the sunscreen. Instead, it suggests that CBD may help reduce the damage caused by UV exposure.
How to Use CBD Balms
CBD salves are easy to use. Start by washing the area you want to treat with soap and water. This will help remove any dirt, oil, or makeup on your skin.
Once the area is clean, apply a small amount of CBD salve to the skin. Gently massage the salve into the skin until it’s fully absorbed. You can use your fingers or a cotton swab to apply it.
You can use CBD salves as needed. Some people find that using them before bed helps them sleep better. Also, it’s okay to combine them with other hemp products, such as CBD oil, capsules, and gummies.
Choose a Full-Spectrum CBD Salve
When you’re looking for a CBD cream, choose one that contains full-spectrum CBD oil. This means it has all the compounds found in the hemp plant, including CBD, cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and essential fatty acids. The Akira Botanicals subcritical CO2 extraction process preserves these beneficial compounds. With small batch processing, they ensure a potent and pure product.
Full-spectrum CBD oil is more effective than CBD isolate because it allows consumers to experience the entourage effect when all the compounds work together to provide the maximum benefit.
Always start with a small amount to see how your body reacts. You can increase the amount as needed. It’s also essential to use a high-quality product from a reputable company. Akira Botanicals is a great option for CBD balms. We offer premium third-party tested extracts made with farm-direct hemp flower and other ingredients.
A CBD salve has the potential to be effective in reducing inflammation and pain in a variety of different applications. Whether you are using it for joint pain, skin health, or something else, choosing a full-spectrum CBD salve is essential to get the most out of it. Akira Botanicals offers premium quality CBD balm to provide the relief you need.