How Does CBD Cream Help Sore Muscles?

Exercising has several benefits to your muscles, skin, and cognitive development since it improves blood circulation increases energy levels, and helps weight loss. However, muscle soreness often occurs after strenuous exercises. This blog discusses CBD creams, how it relieves sore muscles, the benefits of CBD cream, and how to use CBD cream.

Research studies suggest that CBD relieves muscle aches, joint pains, and inflammation. CBD has gained massive popularity recently for its therapeutic effects and versatility since it can be infused in gummies, capsules, and several topical products such as creams, lotions, and ointments. CBD creams are administered topically and interact with nerve endings and receptors under the skin. Muscle soreness occurs after strenuous exercises due to overstretching of the muscles. Furthermore, it can lead to inflammation and joint aches. While using CBD creams for sore muscles, confirm the product's potency and whether the product has been licensed.

What Is CBD Cream?

CBD creams are topical preparations containing other organic essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, and cannabidiol. The creams are more efficient at reducing muscle pain, inflammation, and stress because the essential oils give them a pleasant aroma.

A naturally occurring, non-psychoactive chemical substance called CBD is extracted from cannabis plants. Hemp and marijuana are the two major plant strains of cannabis. The CBD content of hemp is higher than that of marijuana, which is far lower. Contrarily, marijuana contains higher concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive chemical that impairs the user's cognitive abilities.

Terpenes and flavonoids, two other crucial chemical constituents of cannabidiol, are also present. Terpenes are organic chemical elements naturally present in plants, giving them their distinctive aroma. They have anti-inflammatory qualities that reduce inflammation in the muscles and skin. The organic chemical substances known as flavonoids reduce oxidative stress in muscle tissues.

How Do CBD Creams Help Sore Muscles?

Lowe et al. (2021) suggested that the endocannabinoids system (ECS), a complex system of endocannabinoids, enzymes, and receptors, interacts with CBD cream to keep the body's homeostasis in check. CB1 and CB2 receptors are present in the central and peripheral nervous systems, respectively, in the ECS.

Best (2022) showed that CBD indirectly connects with CB2 receptors under the skin, causing impulses to be transmitted to the desired locations and decreasing body pain and inflammation.

CBD inhibits several enzymes whose activity would normally increase inflammation. It also interacts with other nuclear components in the body to reduce the effects of inflammation.

CBD inhibits the effectiveness of inflammatory transporters by indirectly binding to several transporters in the ECS.

How Are CBD Creams Absorbed?
CBD creams exhibit dermal absorption, and the cream is massaged gently onto the affected muscles. The cream penetrates the outermost layer of dead skin cells and, later on, the inner skin layers, interacting with the numerous nerve endings in the epidermis. The CBD compound then diffuses into the muscles and fatty tissues under the skin.

How to Use CBD Creams

CBD creams can be used for muscle maintenance after strenuous exercise. They can also relieve muscle soreness and inflammation and warm the muscles before the exercise.

While using CBD cream, ensure you check the product's potency. The potency would indicate how much cream you need to apply to your skin; thus, higher potency CBD creams would need a smaller amount of cream applied to the muscles.

Check for the instructions on the product label before using it. The directions for use are often scientific-based, so it's important to read them carefully.

Also, exfoliate your skin to remove dirt, oil, and bacteria, which may hamper penetration of the cream into your inner skin layers. Ensure you clean your hands to remove germs and bacteria that may be redeposited onto your skin. Use the right amount of CBD cream, apply it gently, and let it absorb for a couple of minutes to ensure proper penetration into the inner skin layers.

Are CBD Creams Safe?

Lotions, creams, balms, and salves containing topical CBD are combined with other essential oils. Topical CBD is often used topically and has no immediate effects on the bloodstream. Utilizing topical CBD in the proper dosages has no negative side effects like sleepiness. Verify the product's ingredients to ensure you are not allergic to any components utilized.

Are CBD Creams Legal?

Due to the CBD product craze, particularly among young folks, some people now think it might be prohibited because of its strong ties to cannabis. 2018 was the passage of the Farm Bill, which redefines hemp per the Controlled Substances Act, given that it did not have any psychotropic effects when used. Although legal on the federal level, state governments were permitted to create rules and legislation governing CBD use.

Other Benefits of CBD Creams

Baswan et al. (2020) stated that CBD creams relieve acne and eczema due to their anti-inflammatory properties.

De Gregorio et al. (2019) stated that CBD could relieve symptoms of neuropathic pain

Blessing et al. (2015) suggested that CBD reduces anxiety and relieves muscle tension.

Shannon et al. (2019) stated that CBD improves sleep quality by reducing pain and inflammation.

Khaleghi & Murdoc (2020) stated that CBD creams relieve arthritis pains due to their analgesic properties.

Do CBD Creams Have Any Side Effects?
Users visit the closest pharmacy after challenging exercise sessions and buy painkillers. However, some medications have severe side effects, like migraines and diarrhea. Topical CBD application offers a benefit because they have minimal side effects.

CBD extract may cause fatigue and changes in appetite and weight. Furthermore, inorganic CBD creams may cause allergic reactions and adversely affect the skin by enhancing irritation and redness.

Do CBD Creams Worsen Skin Conditions?
CBD creams often work well for eczema. Terpenes, which some CBD creams may include, could worsen the itching. Certain lotions may lead to allergies. For instance, CBD creams with coconut oil may make persons with tree nut allergies have skin reactions. Ensure you read the product label before buying CBD creams.

Difference Between CBD and THC
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a psychoactive chemical compound abundant in marijuana. It causes euphoric effects, altering the user's mental functioning.

CBD is a non-psychoactive chemical compound abundant in hemp. It does not cause psychoactive effects, although it makes you feel relaxed and energized.

THC binds directly with CB1 receptors, causing psychoactive effects, while CBD binds indirectly with CB2 receptors to reduce the activity of THC and block the effects of CB1 receptors.

Summary

Muscle soreness often occurs after strenuous muscle exercises. Although painkillers may be effective, they are often infused with inorganic substances that cause unwarranted side effects. CBD creams offer a viable solution since they are organic and have minimal side effects. They are used topically and interact with endocannabinoid receptors under the skin directly, leading to the transmission of impulses to target areas and reducing muscle aches.

CBD has anti-oxidant properties relieving oxidative stress in the muscles and tissues. It reduces the activity of inflammatory enzymes that worsen muscle aches. The creams penetrate the outer and inner layers of the skin, interacting with nerve endings and cannabinoid receptors to reduce joint pains and inflammation.

References

Baswan, S. M., Klosner, A. E., Glynn, K., Rajgopal, A., Malik, K., Yim, S., & Stern, N. (2020). Therapeutic Potential Of Cannabidiol (CBD) For Skin Health And Disorders. Clinical, Cosmetic And Investigational Dermatology, 13, 927.

Best, C. B. D. CBD Oil For Neuropathy? Top Hemp Products For Nerve Pain (2022 Update).

Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol Is A Potential Treatment For Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825-836.

De Gregorio, D., Mclaughlin, R. J., Posa, L., Ochoa-Sanchez, R., Enns, J., Lopez-Canul, M., ... & Gobbi, G. (2019). Cannabidiol Modulates Serotonergic Transmission And Reverses Allodynia And Anxiety-Like Behavior In A Model Of Neuropathic Pain. Pain, 160(1), 136.

Khaleghi, M. (2020). New Arthritis Foundation Guidelines On CBD Use Could Be The First Of Many More. Alternative Therapies In Health And Medicine, 26, 8-11.

Lowe, H., Toyang, N., Steele, B., Bryant, J., & Ngwa, W. (2021). The Endocannabinoid System: A Potential Target For The Treatment Of Various Diseases. International Journal Of Molecular Sciences, 22(17), 9472.