There are a lot of reasons it fell out of favor, mainly political. But as hemp and marijuana come back into favor, all of that weirdness and hype has started to change. Largely, the change is due to evidence, – some scientific, some anecdotal – that pain and other conditions can be relieved with CBD topicals.
CBD topicals respond quickly
Because of something called an endocannabinoid system, or ECS, our bodies are wired to respond to CBD ingested, inhaled or applied externally. Our bodies already contain cannabinoid receptors (
CB1 And CB2), which we produce on our own. This phenomenon was first discovered in a 2003 study published in the Journal of Neuroreport. It showed the first evidence that exercise of moderate intensity activates the ECS. Further study by Ananya Mandal, MD, has shown that, “Cannabinoids exert their effects by interacting with cannabinoid receptors present on the surface of cells in different parts of the central nervous system.”
Located throughout the body and brain the CB receptors in the ECS regulate appetite, mood, pain and memory. They are strengthened when we introduce CBD-infused products, which kick up our ability to process and use CBD for health benefits. For example, individuals with pain may be able to find relief with CBD because it hooks up with the already present receptors in the skin to relieve pain quickly. Rather than navigate the digestive system, which can take an hour or more, CBD topicals, applied directly to the affected area, penetrate the skin to get to the pain faster.
CBD is an anti-inflammatory
Sometimes, the receptors need a little help. That’s where CBD comes in. It’s a known anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, analgesic and antioxidant. For skin care, wounds, burns, arthritis, pain, sore muscles, etc., apply CBD topicals directly on the skin. All of the hemp-derived nutrients are almost instantly absorbed, allowing a quicker, more focused effect. Researchers believe that CBD doesn’t attach directly to the receptors. Instead, it activates them, which allows for many of the health benefits that people associate with the CBD.
CBD tends to calm irritation and reduce discomfort. Here are few conditions that may benefit from using topicals.
- Pain and inflammation. Research showsw that, in addition to being an anti-inflammatory, it has analgesic, antispasmodic and neuroprotective properties, which can help alleviate pain. The best part is that CBD doesn’t have the side effects often associated with over-the-counter pain medications.
- Symptoms of shingles. Chicken pox virus causes shingles. CBD has been shown to inhibit virus. The blisters and rash associated with shingles are painful and there isn’t a cure. It attacks the nerve cells in your body, causing pain, itching and inflammation. In addition to reducing inflammation, a major cause of the pain from shingles, CBD can provide relief from the pain and itching.
- Chronic skin conditions. CBD has been shown to mimic healthy skin. It engages with the receptors throughout the skin to help reduce inflammation and irritation. Skin, the largest organ in the body, has an active ECS that responds well to applied CBD, improving skin health and restoring balance. Allergic dermatitis, sunburn, skin itching, seborrhea, eczema and psoriasis respond positively to CBD, without harmful side effects.
What else can CBD topicals benefit?
As a known anti-inflammatory, CBD can also help alleviate neuropathic pain according to this study. But there are other conditions that benefit from applying topicals to a localized area such as:
- Nerve pain
- Contact dermatitis
- Neck and back pain
- Bacterial infections
- Itchy rashes
- Muscle pain
- Inflammatory skin conditions
- Joint swelling
- Joint pain (arthritis)
- Wounds and burns
CBD helps these conditions because, as I mentioned before, it bypasses digestion, penetrating deep into the skin, going beyond the first layer.
Currently, the Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate CBD products. However, many researchers are studying the effects of CBD on humans. As research continues, a path to regulation may become clearer. In the meantime, don’t just buy a product because it has CBD on the label. Look for the real deal. Don’t be disappointed.