People nowadays use cannabidiol for everything from insomnia to epilepsy, and rightfully so as the miracle drug is a natural wonder. Over the last few years, the cannabis market has grown tremendously, thanks to research highlighting hemp’s medicinal and therapeutic effects. One of the fastest-growing verticals within the industry is the topical cream and lotion segment.
Beauty products and muscle relaxants alike list cannabidiol as an active ingredient, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. As per studies, over 60 million people suffer from chronic pain and other mobility-related issues. These affect our quality of life adversely while also increasing our healthcare costs. Are you considering CBD creams to help ease your muscle pain and inflammation? If so, read on to learn more about what makes CBD creams and lotions beneficial to athletes and gym enthusiasts alike.
What is Cannabidiol?
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a phytocannabinoid found naturally in the Cannabis Sativa plant. While the herb contains hundreds of compounds, CBD and THC are the most popular phytocannabinoids in the industry. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol does not possess any psychoactive properties. On the other hand, THC is responsible for producing the intoxication and hallucinations most people associate with marijuana. Certain strains of the cannabis plant have higher concentrations of THC, while others are rich in cannabidiol. Most manufacturers extract industrial-grade CBD from hemp, giving it the moniker hemp extract.
Research shows that cannabidiol possesses various medicinal and therapeutic properties. It works as a natural remedy for several ailments, including insomnia, epilepsy, anxiety, pain management, and inflammation. Since these products do not produce mind-altering effects, they are safe to use for extended periods, unlike tetrahydrocannabinol. Over the years, anecdotal evidence has helped CBD for muscle pain gain popularity as a natural pain-killer. As a result, thousands of athletes and gym enthusiasts across the US use these products to help ease their muscle pain and swelling.
How Do CBD Creams Work?
Our body possesses an intricate and complex network of receptors and transmitters that help regulate various bodily functions. These networks form the endocannabinoid system that is responsible for maintaining homeostasis or internal balance. Receptors and neurotransmitters work together to help regulate our sleep patterns, manage our immune response and control our hormone production. Our body produces compounds called endocannabinoids to interact with these receptors and influence their actions. Phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plant closely resemble these endocannabinoids. As a result, they can bind to our receptors and impact various systems in our bodies.
Cannabinoids interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors responsible for everything from serotonin uptake to our REM cycle. While the former controls cognition, thinking, emotion, and hormone production, the latter handles our immune response. THC has a more significant impact on the former, leading to mind-altering effects, whereas CBD influences the CB2 receptors. Inflammation is an immune response our body uses to counter dangerous external threats. As a result, products laced with these hemp extracts can help manage pain and inflammation in our muscles.
Cannabidiol also impacts the TRPV1 receptor, helping minimize muscle soreness, pain and inflammation. These receptors are responsible for transmitting pain signals throughout the body, and products laced with hemp extracts help block them effectively. Hence, our bodies get relief from aches, soreness, discomfort, and swelling of varying degrees.
Topical CBD Products for Muscle Pain
Topical products include lotions, balms, creams, and gels that contain hemp extracts, such as cannabidiol. These have become significant verticals in the industry due to their ease of use and convenience. Athletes and gym enthusiasts use such products to treat sore muscles and prevent muscular injury after a strenuous workout or training session. Most manufacturers also add other natural ingredients, such as menthol and arnica, to improve the overall impact of such products. These ingredients complement cannabidiol, helping create a potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.
When applied topically, these products help activate our endocannabinoid system, which regulates our body’s immune response. Cannabidiol within these products binds to the receptors in our bodies by working through our epidermal and dermal skin. As a result, individuals feel instant relief from pain, redness, swelling, and inflammation without any adverse side effects. Since such techniques work by acting through our skin, they produce a smoother and milder effect that leaves a pleasant feeling. Additionally, these products are excellent for your skin, helping prevent dryness and other skin-related issues.
Using Hemp-Based Creams to Manage Your Pain
Cannabidiol’s potent anti-inflammatory properties help in preventing muscular injury and soreness. Since these products help relax your muscles and tendons, they aid in recovery and growth. Hence, they serve as a valuable ally to your workout sessions. Additionally, by alleviating pain and inflammation, they allow individuals to sleep better at night. As a result, consumers will feel more rested and relaxed after switching to such products. They can also help prevent after-workout soreness and irritation, which can later lead to niggles and micro-tears. Those who suffer from chronic pain caused by arthritis and other joint-related disorders can also try these products to alleviate symptoms.
Another benefit that such products offer is that they work locally and produce no mind-altering effects. Hence, individuals do not have to worry about hallucinations and other psychoactive properties when using such products. Also, since our skins absorb products effectively, consumers should ensure they are not allergic to any of the ingredients in the products. Consumers should consult a doctor before starting any hemp-based routine to ensure they do not face any adverse reactions or side effects.
Choosing the Best Topical CBD Products
Consumers should ensure they shop only from reputable and credible brands to ascertain that their products have the appropriate amount of cannabidiol. Consult your doctor before administering such products to understand your dosing requirements. Once you know how much potency you need, check for suitable products from trustworthy manufacturers. Go through online testimonials and reviews to gauge the genuineness and credibility of businesses. Additionally, consumers should check third-party testing reports and certificates of analysis to ensure products are free from allergy-causing ingredients.
Conclusion
As you can see, CBD creams and lotions can be a saving grace that protects your body from injuries and pain. Gym enthusiasts, runners, and athletes can utilize such products to alleviate aches, mobility issues, and discomfort. Muscle pain and soreness impact our quality of life by making it difficult to carry out everyday tasks and enjoy life to the fullest. Over-the-counter pain management medication can become addictive and cause several adverse side effects. On the other hand, cannabidiol serves as a natural remedy for various pain-related issues. What is your favorite topical product for pain relief? Let us know how you use these products to manage muscle soreness and inflammation in the comments below!