Charles Hassinger Posted on 3:43 pm

CBD for Topical Use

Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is one of more than 100 active ingredients called phytocannabinoids found in the hemp plant. Today, topical CBD has become popular as a natural remedy used for many common conditions.

Much of its fame is due to the fact that being free of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, CBD has no psychotropic or addictive effects and, when used on the skin, it has no significant side effects. This does not mean that CBD does not present spectacular properties when used through the skin.

CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from THC-free species of the Hemp Sativa plant. This concentrated oil is then diluted in carrier oils such as virgin olive oil, virgin hemp seed oil, or coconut oil.

Among the most interesting effects of CBD for topical use are its:

  • Antioxidant effects: CBD has a potent antioxidant action that protects the skin from oxidative damage helping to slow the signs of skin aging.
  • Anti-inflammatory effects: Laboratory studies have shown how the application of CBD on inflamed tissues modulates the production of some inflammatory markers by blocking the inflammatory response.
  • Analgesic effect: Hemp has been traditionally used since time immemorial as a natural treatment for arthritis and joint pain. This traditional use is now supported by scientific evidence that has shown how CBD activates specific receptors involved in pain modulation, with an analgesic response.

How does topical CBD relieve pain?

The key to the analgesic effects of CBD would be in the endocannabinoid system and TRP channels.

The endocannabinoid system functions by regulating, among other aspects of our body’s functioning, the levels of pain, stress, and anxiety in our body. The skin is the largest organ of our body and, as such, has a large number of cannabinoid receptors. CBD is able to interact with these receptors located in the skin regulating pain and inflammation.

TRP receptors are expressed in many tissues of our body and respond to many sensory stimuli such as taste, thermosensation, mechanisation, and nociception (the perception of pain). At the topical level, CBD has the ability to reduce pain by acting on these receptors.

TRP receptors can be modulated with other natural substances that mimic burning or cooling sensations such as capsaicin, allicin, or menthol. Two substances are particularly potent in this respect, namely, cinnamaldehyde generating a sensation of cold, and nicomenthyl hot nicotinate generating a sensation of heat.

CBD formulations for topical use

CBD for topical use can be found both isolated and in the form of a cream accompanied by other substances that enhance its effects, as would be the case of the aforementioned menthol, cinnamaldehyde, or nicotinate of menthyl (Nicomenthyl Hot).

Other medicinal plants that can accompany CBD in the form of topical creams would be:

ARNICA (Arnica montana L.): its topical use has analgesic and anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant effects. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) approves its traditional use (in topical application) for the relief of bruises, sprains, and localized muscle pain.

HARPAGOFITE (Harpagophytum procumbens L.) The root of the devil’s claw has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

ECHINACEA (Echinacea pallida Nutt.) Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and healing properties, accelerate wound healing, improve epithelialization, and reduce inflammation. If you enjoyed this article and want to learn more about CBD Oil, come and visit Health well being to get more important information.