Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a chemical substance extracted from hemp plants. Hemp plants are part of cannabis plants. Unlike Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, CBD does not cause euphoria. That is why it is legal in a lot of states. Though, it is essential to note that CBD is not regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and is considered a supplement.
CBD lotion is known to cure many diseases, such as muscle and joint pain, inflammation, chronic pain, and much more. In case of joint or muscle pain, you must gently apply and massage the area. It takes 15 to 20 min to feel the pain relief.
What is CBD lotion?
You can use it 2 to 3 times a day, according to your schedule, until you feel the pain no more. If you get inflammation or any bruises, you may use sticks to bring coolness to the skin.
This article will discuss CBD lotion with the various disorders it may be applied to. We will talk about how to apply it to pain and its frequency of use. Also, we will see the possible side effects of CBD lotion after using it for pain.
The Cannabis plant contains various chemical compounds. Among them are CBD and THC. This last one is what causes people to feel "high and happy". Unfortunately, THC is defined as a drug, and its consumption is illegally permitted in the United States.
CBD does not produce the "high and happy" feeling, and many researchers confirm that it may offer many health benefits. CBD products are, as a result, legal at the federal level but only when THC concentration is less than 0,3%.
The states have different regulations about it. CBD products are prescribed as supplements or beauty products. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved one CBD drug to treat types of seizures.
The CBD lotion combines CBD with a mixture of oils. It is now popular as it is natural and non-habit forming. It is also reputed to have few side effects on the body.
What are the benefits of CBD?
Mental health disorders
Our brain has got neuroreceptors in the endocannabinoid system. These receptors send signals between the cells to help regulate our movement, mood, and immune system. As a result, CBD produces good effects on mental health disorders such as anxiety, PTSD symptoms, epilepsy, and much more.
Physical pain
CBD researchers have found that it can also be used to treat varieties of bruises or pain. Among them, we can find:
- Muscle pain;
- Joints pain;
- Inflammation;
- Chronic pain;
- Arthritis;
- Related-cancer symptoms.
What are the side effects of CBD lotion?
CBD holds, as said above, many positive effects on the body. The side effects in the body might not be from the CBD but from allergic reactions from the other ingredients in the lotion. These include:
- Skin irritation;
- Itching;
- Redness;
- Dry skin.
It may also cause allergic reactions, mostly in people with tree or nut allergies. However, researchers found that CBD products have fewer side effects than other drugs doctors prescribe. Also, if the CBD lotion is not mixed with any trace of THC, it won't make the person feel high.
What are other alternatives that may be contained in a CBD lotion?
CBD lotion may contain other forms of pain management, such as arnica, vitamin B6, emu oil, ibuprofen, honey, chamomile, and aloe vera.
How to apply CBD lotion for pain?
CBD lotion might be presented in various forms. You can find it as a balm, a stick, an ointment, or a cream. In case of sore muscle or joint pain, taking a CBD balm might relieve the pain throughout the body, but it may not cancel the muscle or joint pain itself.
To use it, clean your skin first. Then, gently massage as you apply the lotion to your aching area. The pain-relieving effects of CBD will be focused on that one area. Although the muscle may be sore and tight, the pain will be relieved, and you will feel the effects within a few minutes of application.
In case of inflammations, you can use a stick to apply in the inflaming area. The coolness will come back in a few minutes.
You can apply it to your skin twice a day for a maximum of seven consecutive days. CBD lotion contains the virtue of nourishing your skin and soothing pain. It also helps to distillate your skin when you need it.
What to consider when looking for a CBD lotion?
As you purchase a CBD lotion to release your pain, you must consider some important points:
Dosage
Make sure you read the lotion label to see its potency or dosage. The dosage in the lotion is in milligrams (mg), you better start with a low dosage to come to a higher dose if necessary. High potency is about 8 mg, while low potency is 3 mg.
CBD extraction
You may want to know what other substances are mixed into the CBD lotion. Sometimes, CBD extraction requires harsh chemicals that might be harmful.
How does CBD lotion help with arthritis?
The effects of CBD lotion and arthritis are still promising but not conclusive. Many researchers suggest that it does not help pain relief but reduces inflammation. It probably may require long-term use for noticeable results.
Despite the uncertainties of the studies, CBD lotion is reputed to be a safe product for people. In addition, it surely helps reduce chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia.
Is CBD lotion helpful for sciatica?
The studies on CBD for sciatica pain management are still very early. Sciatica symptoms are mild to debilitating pain, tingling, and numbness in the areas it travels. It includes this kind of pain: the nociceptive, which is the pain of the nerves reacting to tissue damage and sending signals to the central nervous system.
The second pain is called neuropathic when the nerves themselves are damaged.
CBD stimulates a part of the brain which communicates the « good and bad signals». When it does so, it can change a « bad signal » to a good one. This can alleviate both neuropathic and nociceptive pain as well as reduce inflammation.
In doing so, we can say that CBD lotion can alleviate sciatica pain. It won't cure any underlying issue causing sciatica, though. So do not take it as a substitute for your prescribed medications!
Conclusion
CBD may be helpful for people with different health conditions, whether mental or physical. CBD lotion is a mixture of CBD and other ingredients that can soothe physical pain, such as eczema, arthritis, psoriasis, muscle pain, joint pain, and inflammation.
Various brands offer CBD products in different forms: in balm, salves, sticks, or lotion. In case of muscle or joint pain, you may apply the balm to the area. The stick is better used to cool inflammation.
Researchers are starting to find the effects of CBD lotion on sciatica. You are recommended to speak with your doctor about the safest way to use it.