The Essential Guide to CBD Muscle Cream, Lotion, and Topicals
Did you know that the market for CBD products is expected to reach $20 billion in the next 3 years?
One thing is clear: CBD is a huge trend that isn’t going away anytime soon. From muscle cream to massage oil to edibles, there’s a dizzying array of CBD products on the market today.
Are you curious about CBD topicals? Would you like to try it for pain relief but you’re not sure which type of product is best for you?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of CBD and how it can help to manage your pain and inflammation. We’ll also discuss the different types of CBD topicals and what to look for in a high-quality product.
Read on to learn more!
How Does CBD Help With Pain?
CBD is a type of cannabinoid found in both hemp and marijuana. Unlike THC (found in marijuana), it does not make you high, but it can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
CBD works in harmony with our body’s natural endocannabinoid system, or ECS. This system governs many bodily functions, including sleep, inflammation, and the way we process pain.
Studies suggest that the therapeutic properties of CBD interact with the ECS. This may result in relief from pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, migraines, and other ailments.
How Do CBD Topicals Work?
Some CBD products are designed to ingest orally. But because CBD is hydrophobic, some people can’t absorb enough internally to see the full benefit.
CBD topicals enter the body transdermally (through the skin), which allows for faster absorption. Applying a CBD muscle cream or balm directly to your skin means your body has to do less work to get the relief you want.
Topical CBD products do not enter the bloodstream or affect the body as a whole. Instead, it binds with receptors found in the skin’s nerve fibers and tissues. This provides targeted, focused relief for sore muscles, joints, or skin.
To enjoy CBD’s pain-relieving properties, simply apply your chosen topical directly where it hurts. Most people experience relief within 25-45 minutes of application, although for some, it’s much faster.
CBD topicals also offer other benefits beyond pain relief. Most products also contain essential vitamins and fatty acids that soothe and nourish the skin.
Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, or Isolate?
We don’t have time to discuss the difference between CBD and THC or how the extraction process works. But for our purposes today, here’s a brief rundown of the 3 major types of CBD products.
Full spectrum CBD products are made from marijuana or cannabis. These products contain not only CBD but also other cannabinoids and terpenes, including THC. Full spectrum products may not be legal in your area, so be sure to do research if this is the option you’re considering.
Broad spectrum CBD can be derived from marijuana or hemp. While it contains CBD and other cannabinoids, it does not contain THC.
CBD isolate, as its name suggests, contains only the isolated CBD compound. This is the best choice for anyone who wants to be sure their product contains no THC. Bonus tip: Products containing CBD isolate are legal in all 50 states.
What Should I Look For in CBD Balm?
Like other healthcare products, not all CBD topicals are created equal. To ensure you’re getting a top-quality item that is safe and effective, keep the following points in mind.
1. Hemp Source Location
If you find a “cheap” CBD product advertised at a price that’s too good to be true, it probably is. There are many inferior products on the market with little to no regulation or that don’t contain the advertised amount of CBD.
Because it’s heavily regulated in the US, your best bet is to stick with US-based companies that create their products from locally grown hemp.
2. Brand Reputation
How popular is the company you’re considering buying from? Do they have a solid reputation? How long have they been in business?
Check plenty of user reviews before you decide on a company to see if others were happy with their purchases. Keep in mind too that a newer or smaller company may be just as serious about offering high-quality products.
3. Transparent Quality Control
Does the company make any sweeping claims about CBD, including the promise that it will cure all your woes? Can they provide any evidence that their products work as advertised?
All reputable companies will put their products through third-party lab testing for quality control. The results of these tests should be readily accessible for customers to review.
4. Potency/Strength
A final consideration is how strong a CBD product you need to relieve your pain. There’s no one size fits all dose that works for everyone, so you’ll need to determine the right potency for your body.
Dosing ranges from a few hundred to a few thousand milligrams of CBD per product. If you’re new to CBD, it’s best to start with a lower dose and go from there.
Final Thoughts on CBD Muscle Cream & Lotion
As you can see, choosing the right muscle cream or balm isn’t as easy as a quick trip to the store. To get the most benefits CBD, you have to select the right product for you.
Before you start shopping, make sure you understand what CBD can (and can’t) do. Educate yourself about the difference between full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate products.
As you narrow down your choices, look for a product made from US-grown hemp. The company should have a good brand reputation and third-party lab testing results to ensure quality control.
After that, it’s just a matter of making your purchase and enjoying the pain-relieving properties of CBD!
Did you find this article helpful? Be sure to browse out other health-related posts for more great information.
