What are some of the top CBD ointments?

Cannabidiol (CBD) products are becoming increasingly popular. Research suggests that CBD has several potential benefits, including alleviating pains and strains. CBD is available in various formats, such as topical CBD ointments.

CBD is a cannabinoid, or compound, that comes from the Cannabis Sativa plant. It does not change a person’s state of mind or behavior, unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the compound that can lead to the ‘high’ that many people associate with cannabis use.

This article will discuss CBD’s effectiveness and side effects and provide a list of CBD ointments that people might want to try.

Effectiveness

The human body contains an endocannabinoid system (ECS). This is a complex cell signaling network of neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers, and cannabinoid receptors.

While limited research leaves some experts skeptical about the effectiveness of cannabinoids, others believe the ECS may contain multiple promising therapeutic targets. However, according to an article in Frontiers in Pharmacology, more research is necessary to explore this further.

Many studies suggest that CBD may have pain-relieving properties. A 2019 study indicates a link between CBD and reduced chronic pain. In the study, 94% of participants improvements in their quality of life. Additionally, a 2015 review notes that CBD may also have anti-inflammatory properties.

A 2016 study on rat models of arthritis notes that applying topical CBD reduced pain and inflammation.

A 2020 randomized controlled trial suggests that topical CBD may provide pain relief for people with peripheral neuropathy. Researchers found that CBD can significantly reduce intense pain, sharp pain, itchy sensations, and cold.

Other research also suggests that topical CBD may be useful for treating joint and muscle pain associated with other conditions, such as migraines.

Topical CBD may also benefit certain skin disorders. A 2019 study suggests that CBD ointment is a safe and effective treatment for those with inflammatory skin conditions.

The American Academy of Dermatology also note that topical CBD may be a useful treatment for acne, psoriasis, and eczema due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Side effects and risks

CBD is generally safe and well-tolerated by many people. For topical CBD products, people are more likely to experience irritation from other ingredients in the ointment. It is, therefore, advisable for people to do a patch test before using the product.

Anyone looking to use CBD should first consult a healthcare professional, as it is possible for CBD to interact with some prescription medications or supplements.

However, topical CBD products are the least likely of any other CBD product to reach the bloodstream and cause any drug interactions.

Some common side effects of CBD, which may be dose-dependent, can include:

dry mouth
drowsiness
fatigue
diarrhea
changes in appetite and weight

How to use CBD ointment

Typically, people apply the CBD ointment directly to the affected area and massage gently as necessary. Depending on the product, users might feel warm, cooling, or tingling sensations.

People should follow the instructions on the label and follow any guidance on the packaging. It is also important to note that CBD ointments may irritate when used on broken skin.

People should also be aware of the difference between ointments and other topical products such as creams. Typically, the primary difference is that ointments contain the highest oil content at roughly 80% oil. This means they stay on top of the skin and do not evaporate, ensuring maximum product absorption.

How to choose the best CBD products

It is important to choose CBD products on criteria that indicate good safety quality and transparency. Each product in this article:

is from a company that provides proof of third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant lab
contains U.S. grown hemp
contains no more than 0.3% THC, according to the certificate of analysis (COA)
passes safety checks for pesticides, heavy metals, and molds, according to the COA

People should also consider:

company certifications and manufacturing processes
product potency
overall ingredients
indicators of user trust and brand reputation, such as:
- customer reviews
- whether the company has been subject to a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning letter
- whether the company makes any unsupported health claims

Importance of third-party testing

Since the CBD industry is currently unregulated, there is a chance of unethical CBD manufacturers being dishonest about cannabinoid content in their products. This is where third-party testing comes in. It is important because:

the FDA do not regulate CBD products
it verifies the quality of CBD products
it provides a neutral, unbiased source of information

List of Products

Many CBD ointments are available to buy on the market. Below, we list three ointments that people may wish to try.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All product information is purely research-based.

PureKana Topical CBD Ointment

PureKana topical CBD ointment is a formulation containing 600mg CBD. The manufacturers state that this ointment is a convenient and easy-to-use way to hydrate, moisturize, and rejuvenate skin.

They recommend taking a small amount of the cream and rubbing it gently over the desired area.

According to its website, PureKana creates its products from CBD-rich hemp oil sourced from the best Kentucky sources.

Envy CBD Aloe Vera Ointment

The manufacturers of this ointment designed the product to soothe skin after exposure to the sun. Each bottle contains 300mg of full-spectrum CBD. This means it contains all the compounds of the cannabis plant, including up to 0.3% THC.

Combining full-spectrum hemp extract plus other botanical extracts, such as witch hazel and organic aloe leaf juice, the manufacturers say that the ingredients work together to hydrate, nourish, and repair broken skin.

They recommend applying a quarter-sized amount of aloe vera ointment on the skin after sun exposure and gently rubbing it to achieve the required results.

Simply Pure CBD Pure Relief CBD Salve

Simply Pure CBD Salve ointment contains 500mg broad-spectrum hemp extract. Broad-spectrum means it contains various compounds and cannabinoids from the cannabis plant but typically contains no THC. However, some broad-spectrum products will contain trace quantities.

The manufacturers recommend the cream for relieving sore muscles, supporting joint health, or maintaining overall skin health. They also suggest that the presence of essential oils help soothe the skin and offer relaxation effects.

Alternative treatments

If people do not want to use CBD ointments, there are other topical CBD products available. People may also choose to use CBD in another format, such as oils or gummies, for pain relief.

Apart from CBD products, there are many other alternatives that people can try to relieve pains and strains.

The RICE method is an effective approach to muscle strain recovery. In addition to the RICE method, people can take medication, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), to control pain and reduce swelling or inflammation.

People can also try natural pain relief methods, such as essential oils, herbs, and alternative therapies.

For skin conditions such as eczema, people can try topical corticosteroid ointments and creams or use natural remedies, such as gels, oils, or baths.

Summary

CBD may be a useful ingredient to provide pain relief. People may use different forms of CBD, including oils, gummies, and capsules. However, for those who do not want to ingest CBD orally, topical CBD products, such as ointments, could be a better choice.