Cannabidiol, or CBD, is fast becoming the country’s hottest new wellness trend. People are using this safe and non-psychoactive compound to soothe their aches, pains, and many, many other issues they may be struggling with. As more research about the effects of CBD on humans is being conducted, scientific proof about its therapeutic benefits is only growing and becoming stronger. Products like CBD arthritis cream and topical products for dealing with other chronic pain have been becoming more popular, and with good reason.
Effects of CBD
CBD is one of many different compounds in the cannabis plant called cannabinoids. Some cannabinoids, like the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC, will produce the “high” people usually think of when the cannabis plant comes to mind. However, CBD is non-psychoactive, and therefore, there is no possibility of a “high” that can come from ingesting or using products made from pure CBD oil.
The effects of CBD on the human body are very complex, and its intricacies are still being studied by researchers. CBD can inhibit or activate different compounds in the human body’s own endocannabinoid system. This can affect the way the body processes pain and the way it reacts to inflammation as well as many other stimuli.
How can CBD help?
Cannabis, in some form, has been used to relieve pain and achieve a more relaxed state of mind dating back to the civilizations in ancient China. It is commonly used to help ease the pain associated with conditions such as cancer, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (or IBS), headaches, migraines, lower back pain, neuropathic pain, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, and temporomandibular disorder (or TMJ).
CBD can be taken sublingually (under the tongue) as an oil, eaten in a CBD-infused edible, or swallowed in pill form. It can be inhaled through a vaping device and can also be applied topically. CBD topical creams are great choices for people struggling with chronic pain in specific places, while CBD oil may be a better choice for people dealing with chronic pain that can be felt all over the body.
Applying CBD topicals
For people who would like to try using a CBD topical cream as their first foray into the CBD market, the process is very easy and can have effective results after very little time. The product can be massaged into the skin vigorously and then is allowed to absorb. If the product has fully absorbed and the relief is not yet at the level that you want, then another layer of the topical product can be applied.
Why choose CBD?
For people who have dealt with chronic pain for a long time, it can be difficult to switch up your routine. However, the benefits of moving from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like over-the-counter painkillers to natural solutions like CBD oils and topical creams will benefit your body in the long run.
If overused, NSAIDs can cause liver problems and bring an excess of chemicals into the body. When dealing with minor and timely pain, they are a perfectly effective and appropriate way of mitigating your discomfort. However, with pain that by nature will never go away, it is often a more prudent choice to switch to a natural painkiller like CBD.
Other benefits of CBD
If you start by using CBD oils or topical creams to relieve pain, there are many other uses for CBD oil. Not only can it be used for general relaxation, but there are also studies on its potential for a sleep aid for insomnia sufferers, the possibility of it being used as a cure for dry skin, hormonal acne, and other dermatological issues, and a litany of different medical conditions ranging from mild to severe.
As more studies are conducted, and as the FDA produces a concrete set of regulations, the CBD market will only continue to boom. If you are struggling with your chronic pain, pick up some CBD topical cream and try it out for yourself!
