CBD Soothing Muscle Balm
I recently watched my brother wince up the stairs, leaning heavily on the railing.
It was the day after leg day, and he could barely walk.
And those that don’t skip leg day know that this isn’t uncommon.
Whether you’re experiencing muscle soreness from an intense workout or chronic aches or pains, a CBD soothing muscle balm may help reduce pain and inflammation.
This article will explain CBD and how CBD muscle balms are different from other muscle balms.
It will also discuss potential side effects and things to watch for when searching for a suitable
What is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, one of the active ingredients in cannabis.
CBD is not a medication, but the FDA does not currently regulate a supplement.
However, CBD has been shown to effectively treat some forms of epilepsy and possibly other conditions like anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, and addiction.
While CBD is found in cannabis (the marijuana plant), it does not contain THC, the psychoactive chemical in marijuana that produces a “high.”
Most CBD is made in a laboratory or from the hemp plant.
What are CBD soothing muscle balms?
According to WebMD, muscle balm is a product “used to treat minor aches and pains of the muscles/joints.”
Active ingredients menthol and methyl salicylate create a cooling effect, followed by a warming sensation.
This reaction distracts the user from the ache or pain.
CBD muscle balms often contain the same active ingredients but are enhanced by CBD.
The most significant advantage CBD balms have over other muscle balms is their ability to reduce inflammation rather than distract the user from pain.
How does CBD balm interact with the body?
Your body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS).
Its primary purpose is to maintain homeostasis (balance) within your body, but it affects a wide range of bodily functions.
We don’t fully understand the ECS, but we know that it affects sleep, mood, appetite, memory, reproduction, and fertility.
Our bodies produce molecules called endocannabinoids that resemble cannabinoids (molecules from the cannabis plant).
These endocannabinoids block certain receptors in the nervous system, communicating to your ECS that it needs to take action and return things to homeostasis.
CBD doesn’t block the receptors the same way endocannabinoids do.
Many experts believe that it keeps endocannabinoids from breaking down, allowing them to have greater effects on your body.
If you are interested in more information about the ECS, check out this website.
What are the risks?
According to Harvard Health Publishing, “side effects of CBD include nausea, fatigue, and irritability.”
It can also impact the effects of medications you may take.
However, because CBD balms are topical and do not enter the bloodstream, the risk of adverse side effects is low.
That being said, testing a small amount of the product in a hard-to-see place can help prevent serious allergic reactions of other side effects.
Be careful which CBD products you buy.
Though CBD is not a medication, the FDA does regulate businesses that produce and sell CBD.
As the FDA has performed chemical tests on the products, “many were found not to contain the levels of CBD they claimed to contain.”
Some tips for selecting the right CBD balm
When the FDA corrects a company on CBD-related issues, they send a letter, which is publicly available.
You can read the letters from 2015-present here.
Before purchasing your CBD balm, refer to this list to ensure you get what the label promises.
Another important thing to look for is a certificate of analysis (CoA).
A CoA shows the results of a third-party test conducted on the product.
The CoA proves that the levels of CBD, THC, or other chemicals match the product description.
Conclusion
CBD products are on the rise, and scientists are researching to determine exactly the health benefits of CBD.
We still don’t know everything.
However, CBD can help reduce inflammation that other muscle balms often can’t penetrate.
So if today was leg day, or if you’re feeling any aches or pains, CBD might be worth a try.
Just remember to check with your doctor to make sure CBD won’t affect other medications you are taking.
Research and References
- Harvard Health Publishing, “Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t,” https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
- Guardian Athletic, “How CBD Is Absorbed Through Your Skin,” https://guardianathletic.com/blog/how-cbd-is-absorbed-through-your-skin/
- Bruni et al., “Cannabinoid Delivery Systems for Pain and Inflammation Treatment,” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6222489/
- Healthline, “A Simple Guide to the Endocannabinoid System,” https://www.healthline.com/health/endocannabinoid-system?c=737649570183
- FDA, “Warning Letters and Test Results for Cannabidiol-Related Products,” https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/warning-letters-and-test-results-cannabidiol-related-products
- WebMD, “Muscle Balm Ointment – Uses, Side Effects, and More,” https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-61393/muscle-balm-topical/details
- Frontier Label, “What is a CBD Certificate of Analysis and How to Read One?” https://www.frontierlabel.com/blog/what-is-a-cbd-certificate-of-analysis-and-how-to-read-one
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Legal and Medical Disclaimer
Information provided on the site is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
You MUST consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.
Additionally, you must consult your local and federal laws regarding the legality of buying CBD and THC products.
We do not provide any legal advise.
