CBD Topicals - How do they Work?
CBD products are not only popular but also far easier to get your hands on than widely prohibited THC products. There are many ways to use CBD, but topicals are one of the most accessible. However, before choosing one off the shelf or online, there are a few things to know first.
What are CBD topicals?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound produced by cannabis and hemp plants. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t produce a feeling of being high.
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CBD topicals such as lotions, balms, gels, or creams are infused with CBD to produce skin-friendly products that contain the medicinal properties of CBD. In topical form, CBD is most popularly used for managing pain and inflammation.
How does the CBD Topicals Work?
CBD Topicals are theorized to work in a number of different ways to reduce inflammation, decrease pain and increase the number of endocannabinoids within the body.
The main idea behind the use of CBD infused topicals in problem areas-whether for joint pain, swelling or open wounds-has to do with the soothing and healing properties of the substance. Since CBD can be used as an anti-inflammatory, applying the topical to the skin so that it can soak in is deemed a good way to reduce swelling and eradicate pain in targeted areas.
The second theory of CBD cream function comes from the kickstarting of the natural endocannabinoids within the body, in a manner similar to the CB2 receptors found in the immune system. The use of a CBD-based topicals is thought to fire up the body’s natural endocannabinoids, thus reducing any inflammation and soothing areas in pain.
Is a CBD topical right for me?
CBD topicals penetrate the skin to provide targeted relief, without entering the bloodstream. This makes them a fantastic choice for anyone who wants to focus the healing properties in specific problem areas rather than feel the effects throughout their body. CBD topicals can potentially provide relief for a variety of pain, headache, and skin issues such as:
Joint or muscle pain
Dermatitis
Eczema
Psoriasis
Headaches/migraines
Menstrual cramps
Foot or hand pain
Arthritis
What does the evidence say?
Lo Friesen, lead chemist for cannabis wellness company Heylo, believes CBD topicals are also a fantastic preventative medicine. She says using these topicals every day, multiple times a day allows the body to not only uptake CBD quicker, but also build a CBD level in those areas and prevent worsening inflammation.
Although the CBD creams are widely regarded as safe a ‘why not’ approach is thrown in when discussing topical use and there is a decided lack of scientific data to support their effectiveness.
This is not to say that CBD creams are just skin-applied placebos. There is some evidence from the National Academies of Sciences, Medicine, and Engineering concluding that when treated with cannabinoids, adults suffering from chronic pain are more likely to experience a significant reduction in pain symptoms.
Before buying any CBD topical products, talk to your doctor or dermatologist. It’s important that you consult with them beforehand to ensure you’re using CBD oil in the safest way possible.
Source: https://www.leafly.com/news/strains-products/cbd-cannabis-topicals-and-lotions/
Explore your curiosity, you might find something that could help you or someone you know.
GreenLeaf Insights is not a medical site and would encourage you to consult with a physician regarding the use of CBD for medical purposes.
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