From Pain to Skin Conditions: 6 Uses of CBD Salves

With more and more people becoming aware of the benefits of cannabidiol, the use of CBD oils, tinctures, and edible products has skyrocketed. But did you know that besides taking cannabidiol internally, you can also reap its benefits by applying topical CBD products?

If you are looking to solve a skin issue or ease localized pain, CBD salves may be a perfect option. Research has shown that cannabidiol interacts with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for regulating a number of bodily functions, including the skin’s immune and inflammatory systems. The skin quickly absorbs topical substances, which means that when CBD is applied, its health benefits will take effect right away.

In this article, we’re discussing how CBD salves work and the different ways you can use them.

1.  CBD Salve for Nerve Pain

Evidence suggests that CBD can help with different types of pain, including neuropathic (nerve) pain, a painful condition that affects about 20 million people in the US. Nerve pain originates directly from the nerves in the body and usually results from nerve damage or health issues like diabetes.

According to one study, using CBD salve for pain can provide instant relief as CBD targets specific receptors which are responsible for the sensation of pain. As mentioned before, CBD interacts with our ECS, which is responsible for the regulation of pain, so this might explain why applying CBD salves to the affected area can provide significant pain relief.

2.  CBD Salve for Other Types of Pain

Besides nerve pain, CBD has the ability to ease other types of pain, including chronic pain, muscle soreness, arthritis pain, and tension. Multiple studies have also found that cannabidiol may be able to help alleviate pain associated with migraines, while at the same time reducing the frequency of migraine attacks. Finally, according to the National Cancer Foundation, cannabidiol might be able to reduce pain resulting from chemotherapy.

Part of CBD’s ability to control pain results from its anti-inflammatory properties. Numerous studies have shown that CBD is very effective in reducing inflammation through targeted relief.

3.  CBD Salve for MS Spasticity

Muscle spasticity occurs when the muscles tighten or stiffen, preventing normal fluid movement. They remain contracted and resist being stretched, affecting speech, gait, and movement.

CBD is quite popular when it comes to treating MS. In fact, CBD oil and MS drugs like Sativex, a cannabis oil consisting mainly of CBD and THC, can now be prescribed to MS patients living in states and countries with medicinal cannabis programs who feel that traditional pharmaceuticals don’t relieve their symptoms. The available data indicate that rubbing a small amount of CBD topicals (such as salve) into the skin can alleviate pain from MS cramping and spasticity.

4.  CBD Salve for Skin Disorders

Oil extracted from the hemp plant contains essential fatty acids that moisturize and nourish the skin. CBD salves have been shown to help people who suffer from dry and irritated skin and alleviate symptoms related to a number of skin disorders, including psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea.

Anecdotal evidence from people suffering from psoriasis, a skin disorder that causes red skin plaques, suggests that cannabidiol can provide relief. This is supported by research as well: A 2019 study looked at the effect of CBD-enriched ointment in people with skin disorders like psoriasis and concluded that the product resulted in improvement of the skin.

Recently, several small studies also suggested that CBD topicals might further help reduce eczema symptoms like itchy and dry skin. One of those studies involved 20 patients with various skin disorders, including eczema, and found that a topical CBD product helped reduce itching and improved skin. Experts believe that this is due to the fact that CBD is antimicrobial and can kill bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, which commonly results in contracting infections with eczema, causing flare-ups.

There are only a few studies that investigate the effects of CBD on rosacea, but we do know that it can effectively reduce redness caused by inflammation. There’s promising evidence that CBD, in combination with prescription treatments, could help reduce rosacea flare-ups, similar to its positive effects on eczema.

5.  CBD Salve for Acne

Acne usually occurs as a result of clogged pores, which can be caused by hormonal imbalances, excess oil, dirty skin, or bacteria growth. Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, CBD helps clean the skin and stops the bacteria that cause acne from spreading.

Evidence also suggests that CBD can help regulate the production of sebum, an oil produced in the skin that leads to the spread of acne. As a result, CBD salves can help keep the skin clean and acne-free.

6.  CBD Salve for Other Skin-Related Issues

CBD’s antibacterial properties help the skin heal from superficial wounds, such as cuts, bruises, minor burns, and scrapes. CBD can even reduce and prevent the appearance of scarring.

CBD salves can also be very effective in providing relief from insect bites and poison ivy. When the skin is exposed to poison from plants or insects, the body triggers an immune response that can result in irritation, swelling, and redness. Applying a CBD topical product to the affected area can provide immediate relief and help speed up the healing process.

Final Thoughts

If you want to experience the benefits of CBD, salves can be a great administration method. They can be particularly useful for those looking to reduce different types of pain or increase skin health and balance. The best thing about CBD salve is that it comes with virtually no side effects. It is also very easy to use and fast-acting, which means that anyone can use it.