How to Make CBD Cream for Arthritis

CBD topicals for arthritis can be made from home by mixing Cannabidiol oil with the right ingredients. This article gives a simple recipe to make cannabis-infused creams for arthritis pain and other diseases. 

Arthritis causes a lot of pain and swelling in the joints. People use different medications to deal with the symptoms. These medications might have adverse side effects after long-term use. Other natural products, such as CBD, have proved to help with pain management. The topical application of the cream can be effective. CBD for arthritis can also be made from home using the right materials. 

What is CBD Cream?

CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is one of the extracts from the cannabis plant. It does not produce a high effect associated with cannabis products. The compound that is responsible for the psychoactive effect is tetrahydrocannabinol. CBD topical products include oil, cream, beauty products, and bath bombs. Some people use CBD products to manage pain and inflammation in medical conditions. These products can be taken sublingually, orally, vaping, or applied topically. Cannabidiol-infused creams provide multiple benefits for localized pain, such as arthritic pain. The cream is made commercially by mixing Cannabidiol with carrier oil like MCT, alongside other ingredients which make it usable for skin problems. However, the cream is made at home with the right materials.

CBD and Arthritis

Arthritis causes swelling and tenderness of the joints. It is characterized by pain and stiffness in the joints. Khaleghi (2020) stated that the two common types of arthritis are rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis commonly affects the hands and feet and is caused by one's immune system attacking the joints. Osteoarthritis affects the cartilage in the joints and bones. It affects the knee, hip, and thumb joints, causing pain and stiffness. Anti-inflammatory medications are used to ease the pain; however, most have side effects. 

Benefits of Using CBD Cream for Arthritis

Different studies have shown the benefits of CBD in managing pain and inflammation; to understand how CBD works, it is important to know about the body's endocannabinoid system, ECS. The ECS is a network of neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoids from CBD. The ECS is responsible for modulating pain and inflammation. According to Xu et al. (2020), CBD counteracts the internal activation of brain cells that increase pain hypersensitivity by acting on CB2 receptors during inflammation. The interaction help patients with arthritis manage pain. Most people dealing with arthritis find that topical application of CBD effectively manages symptoms. Khaleghi (2020) stated that one advantage of using CBD over other medications is that it has little to no side effects or adverse health risks. Studies are still ongoing to ascertain the many benefits of CBD in dealing with arthritis.

Making CBD Cream for Arthritis

• 7-10 grams of ground, dried hemp flower/bud
• 1 ½ cups of coconut oil
• 1/3 cup olive oil (optional)
• 1/3 cup beeswax
• One baking sheet
• One saucepan (or double boiler)
• One jar
• One cheesecloth
• A few drops of essential oil (personal choice)

Steps for Making CBD Cream for Arthritis

• De-Carboxylate the hemp flower; this is done in an oven preheated to 240 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the dried hemp flower on a baking sheet and place them in the oven for up to 30 minutes. 
• Place the coconut and olive oil in the saucepan or double boiler over low heat while the hemp is in the oven. Stir continuously.
• Remove the hemp decarbxylated from the oven and mix in the coconut oil. Reduce the heat and keep it low while stirring the hemp flower and oil mixture for 20 to 25 minutes.

•       Note:Keep the heat low to prevent scorching and burning the CBD, which lowers the potency. 
• Remove the mix from the heat and pour it into the jar through cheesecloth. Place the deposit aside.

• Next, melt the beeswax by heating it in the same saucepan. As the beeswax melts, slowly add the oil infused with CBD. You can also add essential oils to your mixture. Most people use lavender, peppermint, or oils from the tea tree. A few drops of essential oil will do.
• Once the beeswax and coconut oils are thoroughly mixed, remove the mix from the heat and transfer it to your infused cream containers.

• You can increase the amount of oil used to increase the fluidity of the cream. Other ingredients include cayenne pepper, mint, and others for their therapeutic benefits. 

How to Store CBD Cream?

Storing CBD cream in a cool, dark place will help preserve it longer. Keeping CBD cream in the dark container prevents it from light. Use CBD cream for arthritis when needed on affected areas for relief. 

Frequently Asked Questions about CBD Cream

Does CBD Cream Make One High?

CBD does not make one high. The topical application of CBD cream for arthritis provides great relief for pain management. Since the cream is applied on the skin, it does not get into the bloodstream but rather works in a centralized place on the skin. 

Does CBD Cream Have Side Effects

Dos Santos, Hallak&Crippa (2021) stated that though safe to use, CBD can cause side effects like dry mouth, fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea. These side effects are, however, associated with oral use or vaping. 

How to Apply CBD Cream? 

One can apply CBD cream on the skin as any other skin product, like lotion. Massage a little of the cream to the affected area. New users need to start with less and increase the amount gradually. People using other medications for arthritis should speak worth their doctor before using CBD. 

Conclusion

CBD products have long been used for medical and cosmetic use. Cream infused with CBD can be applied topically to aid pain management, headaches and inflammation. People dealing with different types of arthritis can use CBD products instead of medications with long-term side effects. Cannabidiol-infused cream does not make one high or cause medical risks. One can make the cream with the right ingredients. People with arthritis that are on other medications should consult their doctor before using CBD cream. 

References 

Dos Santos, R. G., Hallak, J. E., &Crippa, J. A. S. (2021). Neuropharmacological effects of the main phytocannabinoids: a narrative review. Cannabinoids and neuropsychiatric disorders, 29-45.

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.

Stella, B., Baratta, F., Della Pepa, C., Arpicco, S., Gastaldi, D., &Dosio, F. (2021). Cannabinoid formulations and delivery systems: Current and future options to treat pain. Drugs, 81(13), 1513-1557.

Xu, D. H., Cullen, B. D., Tang, M., & Fang, Y. (2020). The effectiveness of topical cannabidiol oil in symptomatic relief of peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. Current pharmaceutical biotechnology, 21(5), 390-402.