As outlined above, the uses of CBD balm are plentiful. Although research into topical CBD is less advanced than other delivery methods, a number of interested studies have highlighted certain effective attributes of topical CBD products.
○ Pain Relief - A 2018 review of clinical and preclinical trials pertaining to various CBD delivery methods declared that topical application was an effective manner of reducing pain and inflammation. This was backed up by a similarly comprehensive review two years later that noted the benefits of topical CBD for muscle soreness amongst athletes.
○ Topical Benefits - A number of studies have referenced the the range of topical benefits that CBD possesses. In 2019, Palmieri et al studied the therapeutic effect of topical CBD on severe chronic skin diseases and/or on their outcome scars. Skin evaluations based on parameters including hydration, elasticity, photographic data and clinical assessment, found that topical CBD significantly improved the condition of participant’s skin.
Additionally, a report by the American Academy of Dermatology notes that topical CBD has therapeutic benefits when used in the treatment of psoriasis, acne and eczema as a result of its powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
○ Muscle Recovery - After an intense workout, it is common to experience soreness and aches in muscles that have been worked particularly hard. This occurs as a result of minuscule tears to the muscle fibres, which then cause inflammation and aching sensation.
As is well documented, we know that CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Chemokine, cytokine and T-regulatory cell production all contribute towards the slowing of the muscle recovery process and CBD essentially suppresses these. The suppression of these inflammatory responses leads to faster muscle recovery and less pain.
○ Joint Pain - One well known 2016 study examined the impact of topical CBD when applied to rats who were diagnosed with arthritis. Once again, the results were incredibly promising. The researchers stated that “transdermal CBD gel significantly reduced joint swelling, limb posture scores as a rating of spontaneous pain, immune cell infiltration and thickening of the synovial membrane.”
○ Nerve Pain - A minor study conducted in 2020 analysed the impact of topical CBD in relation to the symptomatic relief of peripheral neuropathy (a condition where the nerves carrying messages to and from the brain are damaged/diseased). The researchers found that “there was a statistically significant reduction in intense pain, sharp pain, cold and itchy sensations in the CBD group when compared to the placebo group.”
○ Jaw Pain - A relatively recent 2020 study looked into the effects of topical CBD on temporomandibular disorders (disorders of the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and the nerves linked to chronic facial pain). The researchers revealed that the participants who applied topical CBD twice a day enjoyed a significant reduction in pain after approximately 2 weeks.
○ Massages - CBD balm can improve the efficacy of your massages. This is due to the additional heat created by the CBD alongside the rubbing motion of a massage. This aids circulation and allows for faster muscle recover. This is particularly effective when the balm is applied directly on to affected muscles.
○ Tattoo Aftercare - Tattoo.com describe CBD as “the hottest thing in tattoo aftercare”. There are a number of reasons why CBD is quickly becoming the go-to solution for tattoo aftercare. Primarily, the powerful anti-inflammatory properties of CBD help to reduce swelling and inflammation during the healing process. CBD also possesses antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are vital to protecting cells from damage and maintaining healthy skin.
CBD also fights free radicals, which can occur when you have black ink tattoos. Finally, CBD is frequently used as a form of pain management. This works by CBD increasing the effects of your glycine receptors, which reduces the body’s perception of pain.