With the rising popularity of CBD, a whole host of CBD products have come up in a short amount of time that use CBD as their main ingredients and can be used for a variety of conditions.

You can use CBD in the form of CBD tablets, CBD capsules, CBD cream, CBD transdermal patches, etc. Your needs essentially dictate the type of delivery medium you use as some of the methods are topical while others are oral. In this article, we will shed some light on CBD cream and explain how it works. 

What is CBD Cream?

CBD cream is a topical cream infused with CBD that is used for several therapeutical and medicinal purposes such as removing acne, chronic pain, or reducing inflammation. Cannabis in general has been used as an ointment for millennia…

For example, the early Chinese surgeon Hua Tuo (c. 140-208) is believed to be the first person use cannabis as an anaesthetic by reducing the plant into powder form and mixing it with wine before administering topically prior to surgery. In fact, the Chinese word for anaesthesia, “mázui”, literally translates as “cannabis intoxication”.

People are often confused when it comes to differentiating between CBD creams, salves, and lotions as all these products may appear to be similar. The difference lies in its’ consistency as CBD creams are usually thicker than salves and lotions. 

How does CBD cream work?

CBD cream interacts with the CB2 receptor found in our endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system in the human body consists of a multitude of receptors, sensory messengers and enzymes. It forms an integral part of our nervous system and plays a vital role in several physiological and cognitive processes by regulating homeostasis. On top of this, the endocannabinoid system also helps to regulate appetite, memory and a number of immune functions.

For such a crucial aspect of the human body, scientific research is remarkably underwhelming and there is still a great deal that we still do not know about it. This is amplified within the realm of CBD, where medical experts are still unsure of exactly how CBD interacts with our endocannabinoid system. We do know that CBD does not bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors, as is the case with THC, but many believe that CBD works by preventing the breakdown of endocannabinoids within the body, which ultimately increases its’ performance.

On the contrary, there is a school of thought that suggests CBD binds to a particular receptor that is yet to be discovered. While the lack of existing research is cause for frustration within the CBD industry, the future does look bright as the last few years have seen renewed efforts in attempting to understand an unpick the pandora’s box that is our endocannabinoid system.

CBD cream can be applied topically for relief from pain, swelling, or inflammation. CBD molecules contained in the cream will interact with the CB2 receptors present in the endocannabinoid system and will alleviate the pain and reduce the inflammation in the applied area. 

How is CBD Cream different from CBD Oil?

CBD cream is usually applied topically on the skin, whereas CBD oil is used to be administered sublingually under the tongue. Both products are intended for different types of usage and must not be used as a substitute for one another as oral consumption of CBD cream can have severe side effects. 

CBD cream and CBD oil also differ in their functionality as CBD oil taken orally usually passes through the digestive system and there is a high chance that not all the CBD oil taken will reach your endocannabinoid system as the digestive process will convert a good chunk of CBD oil into waste. CBD cream, on the other hand, bypasses the digestive system and is considered a more effective method for delivering CBD directly to the endocannabinoid system. 

What conditions can be treated with CBD cream?

CBD cream is primarily used for a wide range of topical skin, muscle or joint conditions including the following:

• Acute pain
• Chronic pain
• Sore joints
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Rashes
• Skin infections
• Sore muscles – prevent DOMS
• Sprains
• Burns

It is a well-known fact that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, and CBD cream will help with any topical skin condition caused by inflammation. Topical CBD is an area in which research has been on the rise in recent years as its’ myriad benefits are anecdotally being realised. After all, the skin is the largest organ of the human body.

Conclusion

CBD cream is the best method of applying CBD for topical conditions, and it also works much faster than oral CBD products. If you are suffering from chronic or acute pain in your joints, muscles, or have any other skin condition, then there is a high chance that CBD cream will help you reduce the suffering. 

Nick Screeton – LEP Fitness