With the increase in popularity, CBD has earned a lot of hype during the past couple of years. From new CBD brands popping up daily, many bloggers talking about it, and different studies and research going into it, there is no question about CBD effectiveness in relieving various types of pain within the body.
When it comes to severe pain, which affects millions of people across the world, knowing which CBD product could be the best suitable can be challenging. When faced with such a variety of possible choices, the search can be isn’t quite as simple. If you have spent some time to browse CBD products lately, you know that CBD can be taken in different forms, including tinctures, oils, capsules, edibles, topicals, vapes, and even bath bombs. Let’s take a closer look at the battle of CBD oils vs CBD topicals as the possible treatment for alleviating pain and aches.
How Does CBD Work To Decrease Pain?
Cannabidiol (or simply CBD) is a natural compound that is found in large quantities in the cannabis varieties. CBD has beneficial effects on the body rivalling even the most commonly used and effective pharmaceuticals.
CBD is closely related to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is another cannabinoid obtained in high levels in the cannabis plant. However, THC can trigger feelings of euphoria and alter the mind in case of large concentrations, while CBD doesn’t possess such psychotropic properties and cause of a ‘high’. Both cannabinoids affect the body by interfering with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which consists of cannabinoid receptors and metabolic enzymes.
The ECS is responsible for vital body processes such as pain, stress, mood, sleep, inflammation, etc., as well as maintaining homeostasis in an organism. When specific processes are out of balance, this results in disease and the body’s pain response. Putting an organism back into balance can help to reduce symptoms, including pain.
Cannabinoid receptors of the ECS occur throughout the body on the cells surface, while endocannabinoids impact and activate these receptors. CBD may imitate the activity of endocannabinoids that are naturally produced by the body to stimulate similar effects, such as pain reduction. After intake, THC can bind to CB1 receptors in the brain, causing users a ‘high’, while still providing various health benefits. As for CBD, it doesn’t directly bind to these receptors. It is known to interact with the CB2 receptors that are discovered primarily in the immune system.
Due to a positive effect on ECS, cannabidiol is able to decrease various levels and types of aches, including arthritis and joint pain, extreme inflammation, muscle spasms and soreness, cramps, tendonitis, and even migraines.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is obtained by the extraction of the CBD compound from the cannabis plant. After receiving the substance, it’s usually diluted with certain carrier oils such as coconut or MCT oil, hemp seed oil, and vegetable glycerin base. CBD oils vary in bottle options, strengths, concentrations, and potency due to different extraction methods.
How CBD Oil Can Be Taken?
You can also use CBD oils in many ways such as add few drops in your meals and beverages, bathtub or diffuser for aromatherapy, including the following possible ways:
Ingestion. Oral intake of CBD can help to boost the digestive system and metabolise in the liver before entering the bloodstream. Despite low bioavailability and long digestion process, this method might be a great start for CBD newbies to maintain effects in the system for a more extended period.
Sublingually. One of the popular ways to use CBD oil is by taking orally under the tongue. Such intake helps to absorb oil through the mucous membranes and hit the bloodstream without going through the digestive system;
Topically. CBD oils might be applied topically to relieve inflamed areas and body parts. The oil penetrates deeply through the layers of skin and provides need facilitation;
Inhalation via smoking or vaping. You can purchase electronic vaporisers and vape pens that allow you to inhale CBD oil, specially designed for vaping. As an alternative, you can add the CBD oil to your vape juice to receive benefits almost instantly after inhalation.
What About CBD Topical?
CBD topicals are manufactured with the extracted oils from the cannabis plant or hemp and then infused into a topical base. These products can include natural ingredients like shea butter, CBD substance, beeswax, and beneficial essential oils. Just like CBD oil, the CBD topical products interact with the CB2 receptors of the body’s ECS to ensure pain-reducing effects. Topical formats can be produced in creams, rubs, salves, ointments, and others.
CBD creams differ from ointments and salves in terms of their texture, consistency, and sometimes their potency. CBD ointments tend to be thicker in consistency, and in some cases considered to be more effective regarding CBD content. On the other hand, creams are usually water-based and have a looser texture.
Rather than being taken orally like CBD oil, topicals are applied to the cause of the pain similar to the everyday usage of traditional lotions. The cream is rubbed directly onto the skin to provide absorption of CBD compound and experience benefits.
Apart from diminishing pain, a CBD cream can also ensure skin-nourishing due to various useful ingredients in the composition. People are used a CBD cream to prevent common skin ailments that lead to severe pain and inflammation like dermatitis and psoriasis. The healing and anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can promote relief from pain, redness, dryness, and irritation.
Final Word: CBD Oils & CBD Creams
Both CBD oils and CBD topicals have their features and use. Each product possesses a set of unique and distinct qualities and characteristics that help in treating different kinds of pain. Choose between the two options depends on CBD user and requires considering individual onset time, texture, format, and application of the specific CBD items.
The CBD creams can be useful for muscular aches due to direct application on the skin, whereas the CBD oil is an apt choice for soothing various types of pain, such as neuropathic pain and inflammation. Always purchase high-quality products from trustworthy sources or reliable sellers and opt for a suitable CBD form that can fulfil your needs.
Sarah is a passionate author, blogger & internet marketer. She is a mom of two great sons. She is working full time as a professional editor. She loves to teach and help others!
