Posted by Victor Madril on Aug-8-2022
You spent the day hunched over gardening. Your personal trainer kicked your ass. You took a five hour road trip with no stops. And now today, you’re experiencing a new level of discomfort. Major pain in the back, arms, neck and legs, so you reach for the CBD.
A wise choice, as topical CBD has been shown to significantly reduce localized pain and discomfort. But how and why do topical CBD products, like CBD Rubs, CBD Roll On Oils and CBD Lotion, work so effectively? Let’s break it down.
CBD AND THE ECS
We have a vast network of cell receptors throughout our body and brain that help to regulate everything from appetite and pain to memory and mood. It’s called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and its purpose is to help our bodies reach homeostasis—the most stable and optimal environment for our cells to optimally perform. When something in your body is out of whack, or not operating in the right range, it triggers the ECS to help correct it.
Our bodies naturally produce endocannabinoids to support this system, but like any nutrient, we can become deficient in endocannabinoids, which can result in an imbalance of our ECS. Enter CBD. Because CBD is a cannabinoid, it synergistically interacts and stimulates our ECS to help bring our bodies back into balance.
CBD APPLIED TOPICALLY
When you apply CBD topically, it permeates the skin, which activates nearby cell or cannabinoid receptors and, in turn, helps to reduce and regulate issues such as pain and inflammation. The relief will only be felt in the localized, targeted area of application. That’s because topical CBD products do not make their way into the bloodstream, which is why they work on a local level and not systematically (sublingual ingestion is the quickest way for CBD to enter the bloodstream). Topicals like a CBD Face Cream work similarly. They help to regulate and reduce issues such as redness, irritation and acne on the area of application.
In addition to CBD, many topical CBD products, like rubs and roll-ons, contain essential oils. Not only do these essential oils provide wonderful aromatherapeutic benefits (for example, lavender is calming, while lemongrass invigorates), but they also help to enhance the effectiveness of the CBD on the areas of discomfort.
Most people experience relief after applying topical CBD, but one application may not be enough. Applying topical CBD a few times a day, for a day or two, will result in better and more lasting results.
