You’re probably aware of the benefits CBD edibles can have on your mental state. From calming you down and relieving anxiety, to helping treat chronic pain or conditions, which traditional medication can’t treat. Today, however, there are a number of CBD topicals available for pain relief, for treating medical conditions/issues, and for general health and well-being. And, these topicals are available for both humans, and our furry four-legged friends.
With plenty of research done on CBD a number of medical professionals now utilize it as a viable form of treatment for many patients. It also offers many health benefits. So, what are some of the many topicals and CBD products available today? There’s no shortage of options to choose from.
There are countless CBD products available for treating anxiety, depression, general pain relief, headaches/migraines, nausea, and other medical issues individuals suffer from. These are a few of the many options available to patients looking to experience those healing effects.
CBD Salve and Balms
CBD salve and balms are a couple of the many topicals available to help treat pain, inflammation, skin conditions, or other illnesses; by delivering the potent benefits of cannabis, without the psychoactive symptoms. A salve is an ointment that one makes from CBD oil. There are also numerous ways to prepare the salve or balm. However, every method utilizes a base of fatty oils and natural wax.
Beeswax is the most common wax base used in preparing salves and balms. Because it is sticky and also hard, it has to be dissolved to apply it to the skin. Vegetable wax is another popular base used in preparing these topicals. Various oils can also be of use in preparing salves and balms, including coconut oil or vitamin E.
Before applying the salve or balm, it’s best to wash the area of application to allow it to absorb into the skin. Additionally, it’s best to rub the area needing treatment, and then allowing the salve to absorb into the skin for several minutes. Don’t wipe it off or cover it with bandages after application. It can take from 1 to 48 hours for the healing effects to be felt with these topicals.
The Benefits
Several benefits exist when applying CBD salve or balms onto the skin including the treatment of:
- Skin conditions including psoriasis
- Conditions like nervousness, depression, or anxiety
- General body aches, pain, and discomfort
- Bacterial diseases
It’s also a potent disinfectant and has anti-inflammatory capabilities, so it helps in treating conditions like arthritis, and other physical or muscle ailments.
CBD Lotions and Creams
The primary difference between salves/balm and creams and lotions as topicals made with CBD is that this category contains water in the mix. In addition, the water acts as a moisturizing agent, which isn’t present in the salve or balm which utilizes oils/fats. Creams are a good choice for very dry skin. The water-base can help in alleviating dryness and moisturizing. Creams and lotions tend to absorb into the skin faster, making them a good option for immediate (or faster) pain relief.
The Benefits
The primary benefit of creams and lotions is in treating inflammation, soothing skin problems, and helping to heal wounds. Additionally, acute joint inflammation can be ail by applying a topical solution to the affected areas. Cannabis topicals can also help treating severe itching, psoriasis, or dermatitis. It can also help in moisturizing extremely dry skin.
It’s beneficial in pain management and also healing of certain wounds. Many users note that it helps speed up the healing process, reduces redness, swelling, and irritation. Although benefits will vary from user to user, these are a few of the primary ways creams and lotions with CBD can help with pain management and treatment.
CBD Tinctures
A tincture is a liquid extract; it’s craft by soaking two substances together. In this case, alcohol and CBD. Although alcohol is the most widely used liquid, glycerin, vinegar, or oils can also be used in preparing a CBD tincture. Tinctures can either be applied directly onto the skin for treatment, or can also be used in a dropper form (and dropped below the tongue). Tinctures which are applied topically, are also combined with cannabis oils.
The Benefits
Like the other topicals, there are many benefits which CBD tinctures pose for users including:
- Treating insomnia
- Chronic pain relief
- Reducing muscle spasms and pain
- Seizure and convulsion treatment
- Reducing inflammation
- Nausea and upset stomach treatment
- Treating anxiety and panic attack disorders
CBD Oil
Using CBD oil for pain treatment and management, is also a popular option for those looking for topical applications. The oil is extracted from the hemp plant and then distilled. Additionally, the distilled oil is what companies sell as packed CBD for topical application.
The Benefits
Benefits of use include relieving pain, regulating sleep patterns, treating anxiety, and improving immune system response. Some reports that CBD oils can help reduce anxiety and depression, and may help serve as an acne treatment for some. Treating general discomfort, pain, nausea, and skin conditions, are also possible uses for CBD oil as a topical solution.
For Pets
We obviously know the benefits of CBD topicals for humans, but our pets, both cats and dogs, can also benefit from them. For pets, the primary CBD products available include:
- Oils
- Tinctures (dropper)
- Balms
- Honey (edibles)
- Capsules
For your cat, some of the benefits of these products include:
- Treating poor appetite
- Reducing fear of the litter box (anxiety)
- Improving muscle spasm, seizures, and pain
- Reducing anxiety when taking them to the vet/trips in car
- Treating grumpiness, aggression, or other behavioral issues
And for your dog, some of the benefits include treating:
- Lack of appetite
- Separation anxiety
- Nausea
- Excessive barking
- Fear of thunderstorms/loud noises
- Pain from arthritis
- General pain relief as they age
The dosage level for your dog is determined by their weight. Also, for cats, a dose of 1 to 5 mg is only necessary.
Final Verdict… Are CBD Topicals for You/Your Pets?
As noted, there are many health benefits that CBD, hemp, and cannabis-infused products can provide. Depending on the treatments you’ve tried in the past, with limited success for pain relief, you should consider talking to your doctor or a specialist about CBD topicals. The great health benefits and improvement of symptoms, is worth the minimal risks (if any) you’ll experience with use.
If you’re searching for pain relief, general well-being, improvements in mood, or other health benefits, CBD might be what you’ve been looking for.
Check out our vast selection of CBD topicals that includes products designed for pets and micro-dosing.
