BEST CBD FOR PAIN: CBD OIL VS CBD CREAM

BEST CBD FOR PAIN: CBD OIL VS CBD CREAM

What is CBD? Can CBD be used for pain? Which CBD product is good for pain? What is CBD oil? What is CBD cream? Which of the two products is better than the other? What is the dosage for this product? This article explains the best CBD for pain and the differences between CBD oil and CBD cream.

CBD is also called cannabidiol, a plant extract from the cannabis sativa plant. In recent years, it has gained popularity and legality to be publicly used by individuals as its demand is also increasing. Some claims suggest that CBD has various benefits as individuals use it in managing pain, but this aspect is anecdotal. With the signing of the Farm Bill in 2018, CBD was legalized in the United States of America. Products with 0.3% THC levels were considered legal. Also, only Hemp-based CBD products were considered legal, while marijuana-based CBD products were illegal. The FDA did not check the quality or usage of the product but mostly dwelt on the health aspects affecting the public and which can result from the products, such as product contamination. Before using any CBD products, individuals should consult a doctor to know the needed dosage for use.

What Is CBD Oil

CBD oil is an extract from the hemp plant and does not contain any other compounds found in the hemp plant, including THC, flavonoids, and terpenes. CBD oil can be made into various products such as edibles, smokables, and soft gels. Jacques (2020) explained that individuals could access such products in different forms and concentrations like; isolate-based CBD oil, full-spectrum CBD oil, and Broad-spectrum CBD oil. Each form contains different compositions ranging from all the components within a hemp plant to one specific compound.

What Is CBD Cream

CBD creams are products infused with CBD and applied topically. An individual can directly apply this type of product to the affected area of the skin. Tabassum & Hamdani (2014) explained that CBD cream is also beneficial as it helps heal skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Also, helps in alleviating muscular-related pains and joint pains caused by arthritis. Individuals can use this product effectively when prescribed by the doctor. CBD creams are mostly applied to the skin to help calm, refresh, rejuvenate, and help it grow.

CBD Oil For Pain

Although there is limited information about CBD oil and pain alleviation, most individuals still opt for CBD products. CBD oil has been credited with aiding in the management and treatment of pain. According to Philpott et al. (2017), topical application of CBD oil on the skin reduces arthritis-related pains that mostly occur in an individual’s joints. Also, some conditions like dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis can be treated using CBD creams and oils. Most individuals that used this product reported positive improvements in their conditions. Forouzanfar & Hosseinzadeh (2018) explained that the consumption of CBD oil help in reducing jaw and nerve pain.

CBD Oil And CBD Cream. Which Is Better?

CBD cream and CBD oil as some of the basic products of CBD. CBD oil can be sublingually consumed and added to drinks and foods, while CBD creams are topical products directly applied to the skin. CBD oil is administered dropwise under the tongue by an individual. Under the tongue, it is absorbed directly into the blood. It is the fastest way an individual can experience the effects of CBD and can be after 10 to 15 minutes before the effects kick in. with topical products, an individual applies the Cream on the affected area. With CBD cream, once absorbed into the skin, it associates with the skin receptors, but CBD cannot enter an individual’s bloodstream. Individuals consuming CBD orally tend to bear the earthy taste, but those using CBD cream cannot feel the earthy taste.

CBD Oil And CBD Cream. Dosages

Dosage of CBD cream turns out to be hard compared to CBD oil products because it comes in cream forms. With oils, they come with droppers that individuals can use to measure the exact amount of oil drop they need. The droppers are calibrated to be easier on individuals using such products. Unlike the capsules and gummies, CBD oil and Cream are hard to get precise dosage as measuring the required amount of CBD is hard to attain.

Tips For Buying CBD Products (CBD Oil And Creams)

When purchasing CBD products, either oil or Cream, individuals should make sure the products being purchased contains CBD. Individuals should not confuse the composition as CBD oil a hemp seed are different products with different side effects. When shopping, individuals may consider;

Type Of Extract

Since there are three main extract types, individuals should be careful not to confuse. They include full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and isolate CBD.

Ingredients

One should consider products with organic ingredients and processes when purchasing CBD products. The CBD should be sourced from hemp plants cultivated without additives or synthetic compounds. During harvesting, the hemp plant should be harvested without any herbicide or pesticide.

Potency Level

Each CBD product contains a different potency level. Individuals should check the contains for the number of milligrams indicated as one to know the amount of CBD milligrams they are consuming.

Third-Party Test

All CBD products should contain a third-party lab report on the composition of the product to help know if the products are contaminated at any point. Also, they should contain batch numbers that will help you know the product’s originality.

Side Effects Of CBD Oil And Creams

The different individual reacts differently to CBD products. There are some of the side effects that are associated with CBD, and they include;

  • Fatigue
  • Weight change
  • Dry mouth
  • Diarrhea
  • Change in appetite
  • Drowsiness

Conclusion

Both CBD oil and Cream have been used widely and purposefully to alleviate pain, even with less research on CBD. Individuals should consult the doctor before using any CBD product for pain or other purposes. Individuals should prefer CBD oil products to CBD creams when it comes to effectiveness because the effects are felt faster.

References

Jacques, J. (2020). The Need for a Common Language. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 26, 4-5.

Forouzanfar, F., & Hosseinzadeh, H. (2018). Medicinal herbs in the treatment of neuropathic pain: a review. Iranian journal of basic medical sciences, 21(4), 347.

Philpott, H. T., O’Brien, M., & McDougall, J. J. (2017). Attenuating early phase inflammation by cannabidiol prevents pain and nerve damage in rat osteoarthritis. Pain, 158(12), 2442.

Tabassum, N., & Hamdani, M. (2014). Plants are used to treat skin diseases. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 8(15), 52.

Elena Ognivtseva
Latest posts by Elena Ognivtseva (see all)

Nutritionist, Cornell University, MS

I believe that nutrition science is a wonderful helper both for the preventive improvement of health and adjunctive therapy in treatment. My goal is to help people improve their health and well-being without torturing themselves with unnecessary dietary restrictions. I am a supporter of a healthy lifestyle – I play sports, cycle, and swim in the lake all year round. With my work, I have been featured in Vice, Country Living, Harrods magazine, Daily Telegraph, Grazia, Women's Health, and other media outlets.

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