One of the most common reasons that Americans use CBD is for the treatment of chronic pain. Due to the growing concerns around opioids, more and more Americans are searching for a healthier, more sustainable way to deal with it. For a chemical-free remedy, CBD balm for pain could be a perfect solution.
As the name suggests, the active ingredient in CBD balm is a phytocannabinoid called "cannabidiol" (CBD).
Among many other healthy properties, CBD is well known for having anti-inflammatory, as well as analgesic effects. For anybody who suffers from neuropathic pain, inflammation induced pain or simply muscular soreness, CBD can offer a range of benefits.
The Power of CBD Balm for Pain
First, let's debunk a popular myth about the application of CBD to the skin.
It is widely assumed that topically-applied CBD never enters the bloodstream. This is nonsense. The circulatory system is, after all, the body's own highway for supplying nutrients etc to its cells, and applying CBD balm to the skin doesn't bypass it.
CBD levels can be accurately measured in blood plasma. What's more—transdermal (skin) application of CBD seems to provide more constant plasma levels than ingesting CBD. [2]
That said—topical CBD is a faster way of getting the cannabinoid to the CB receptor sites. These sit in the dermis, the second layer of the skin, where CBD is delivered pretty fast after application.
Topicals are arguably one of the most direct methods of using CBD balm for pain. If CBD oil is ingested, for instance, it goes through specific metabolic pathways before it reaches the bloodstream. After that, the blood needs to carry it to the site of inflammation.
With topicals, as said, CBD can be directly applied to the target area and bypass these pathways.
The only downside of using CBD balm and other topicals is that it must be applied liberally to take effect. The skin generally has low permeability to substances, and a large volume of balm must be applied for CBD to pass this barrier.
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CBD Balm for Pain Is Also an Anti-inflammatory
As mentioned, one of the most appealing characteristics of CBD is the fact that it has anti-inflammatory properties.
It’s important to understand that inflammation is a natural response of the body to an injury or another negative stimulus. However, when inflammation goes unaddressed for a long time, it often causes a range of conditions that lead to chronic pain. Almost all cases of chronic pain are related to chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and many others. [1]
A European study conducted on rats confirms that applying CBD to the skin at the site of pain and inflammation can have powerful effects. The researchers concluded:
"Transdermal CBD gel significantly reduced joint swelling, limb posture scores as a rating of spontaneous pain, immune cell infiltration and thickening of the synovial membrane in a dose-dependent manner. PWL recovered to near baseline level. Immunohistochemical analysis of spinal cord (CGRP, OX42) and dorsal root ganglia (TNFα) revealed dose-dependent reductions of pro-inflammatory biomarkers. Results showed 6.2 and 62 mg/day were effective doses. Exploratory behavior was not altered by CBD indicating limited effect on higher brain function."
In common language, this means that CBD gel application to rats with arthritic inflammation in the knee joints showed the following results:
In this study, 6.2 and 62 mg of CBD per day were the effective doses. (Note here: these doses were used on Sprague–Dawley rats, much smaller than humans. This could mean that a human adult will probably need a higher-dose CBD balm for similar effects. Using a CBD isolate vs a CBD full spectrum product is also likely to affect the dose.) [2]
CBD Balm for Acne
Interestingly, this anti-inflammatory property also makes CBD a good addition to a skincare regime, especially for those who suffer from acne or other inflammatory skin conditions.
A laboratory study has shown that CBD is an effective sebostatic agent. This means it can help regulate the rate at which the skin produces oil. The researchers concluded that "CBD has potential as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of acne vulgaris."[3]
RELATED: CBD Dosage for Inflammation: What You Need to Know
CBD For Pain and Skin—Other Conditions
CBD balm can be used to remediate just about any condition affecting the skin. Some even use CBD balms and lotions on sores and cuts (together with a small amount of THC, it has been shown to have anti-infective properties too), and to reduce bruising.
Even dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis can be treated with CBD oil with noticeable benefits. This cannabinoid is also an antioxidant, which makes it a great addition to any skincare product.
Ultimately, CBD is a great treatment method for anything localized. Whether it is a dermal condition, an injury, arthritis or neuropathic pain, CBD can be applied topically for relief. For optimal results, it should ideally be used in conjunction with other CBD products, such as tinctures and oils. Ingesting it could address any systemic inflammation too.[4]
RELATED: How to Use CBD Tincture in Everyday Life
CBD Balm For Pain—A Healthier Alternative
With 100 million Americans suffering from chronic pain, we are in dire need of a sustainable alternative. Using CBD balm for pain is an alternative to prescription medication that could potentially be just as, or even more effective, but without harmful side effects. As a non-psychotropic cannabinoid, CBD is appropriate for all demographics, including children and the elderly. [5]
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