Since its discovery, one of the most common uses of CBD oil has been pain relief.
Even though CBD is available in different forms such as tinctures, creams, vapes, pills and capsules, experts and testimonials from CBD users show some similarities and differences in the performance of CBD oil vs. CBD cream for pain relief. Today, we’re going to discuss these differences and which one you should prefer to use for pain relief.
How Does CBD Work to Relieve Pain?
The precise mechanism of CBD in pain relief remains debatable. However, experts have narrowed down their findings, pointing at how it interacts and influences the functioning of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is responsible for maintaining the body’s homeostasis.
The cannabis plant is believed to contain more than 100 natural chemical compounds. However, cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two most common compounds. The main distinguishing feature of these two is that THC is responsible for the psychoactive characteristics of the cannabis plant, while CBD is associated with the therapeutic benefits. Most experts argue that a blend of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids achieves the best effects since the cannabinoids work synergistically for the entourage effect instead of pure CBD.
After that, full-spectrum CBD oil for pain is preferred.
The manufacture of hemp-based CBD products usually comes with a THC amount of less than 0.3% (federally legal amount). Upon consumption, it binds with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the ECS. These are signal transporters that carry hormone imbalances or chemical reactions from any part of the body to the brain, triggering the brain to adequately respond and restore the body’s homeostasis. It is this mechanism of action that is believed to enable the body to experience relief from pain.
The speed of response largely depends on the type of CBD used, the potency or strength, and mode of application or consumption. The two most used CBD-infused products for pain are CBD oil and CBD cream. Each of these serves specific purposes even though the body experiences all the known benefits of CBD.
CBD Oil for Pain: An Overview.
CBD oil is the most effective form of CBD product available for pain relief since it is the original extract from the hemp plant. Many premium CBD oils for pain even come with different potencies and formulations for providing the best results to general users. These oils also use intricate extraction processes, with the CO2 method considered the best because it guarantees the purity and safety of the extracts. The preferred method of consuming CBD oil for pain is by placing a few drops of the oil below the tongue and letting it gradually get absorbed into the body through the mucous membranes.
This method realizes faster pain relief since the compound does not have to go through the complex digestive system. However, the effect, though fast, might equally wear out fast from the system depending on its potency. It is recommended for internal pains such as headaches and stomachaches.
CBD Cream for Pain: An Overview.
After extracting pure CBD oil from industrial hemp, different products can be formulated. CBD cream for pain is basically a cream that contains CBD intended for topical application. They resemble the typical creams used to enhance the health and appearance of the skin, only that it offers additional health benefits.
It should be applied to dry, clean skin. Top-quality CBD creams for pain are highly recommended for muscle and joint pain relief. They offer additional health benefits as they can help manage some symptoms of conditions such as acne.
CBD Oil vs. CBD Cream: Which One is More Effective for Pain?
The choice between CBD oil and CBD cream for pain will depend on several factors such as type, nature, and severity of pain, the potency of CBD, unique characteristics of the user, and dosage used.
For example, internal pains such as headaches are best treated with CBD oil instead of creams because the chemical compounds, once consumed orally by placing them under the tongue, are easily absorbed and transported to the brain by the receptors. This helps expedite the right reaction needed in pain relief. On the other hand, creams are ideal for application to manage joint and muscle pain. It can be targeted to a specific part of the body and therefore aids in faster pain relief.
Therefore, you should make your choice based on the above factors even though CBD will still offer all the known medicinal benefits other than pain, irrespective of the type or model of the application.
CBD Oil vs. the Cream: What Are the Side Effects?
Most people tolerate CBD. Considering it is a natural chemical compound, cases of severe side effects are rare. However, some users have reported experiencing some side effects after use. Some of the reported side effects include, but are not limited to;
- Feeling of sedation and drowsiness.
- Possibilities of gastrointestinal complications.
- Dry mouth, especially with full-spectrum CBD.
- Nausea and dizziness.
- It might cause drug interaction when consumed alongside other medications.
These side effects may vary from one person to another depending on the CBD type used, mode of consumption, and potency.
Best Ways to Use CBD Oil and CBD Cream for Pain
The recommended way of using CBD oil for pain is to stick to the manufacturer’s instructions. Potency is also important as it helps the effects to kick in faster. For CBD cream for pain, it is recommended that you gently apply it only to a clean and dry skin surface to allow it to penetrate the skin and deliver the perfect effects. Remember, the skin can be thick, requiring you to apply enough CBD cream for sufficient absorption. Above all, you must ensure that the CBD oil or CBD cream is of superior quality and from a respected brand.
Final Thoughts
How you use CBD cream and CBD oil for pain relief might differ slightly, but the overall effect of the cannabidiol is universal across different CBD products. You must understand the nature of the pain, the severity, and the type of CBD for the ultimate benefits. Finally, any high-quality CBD product you use for pain should give you the benefits you desire. Check out Newphaseblends for more guidelines.