As CBD becomes ever more popular, this versatile cannabinoid may be found in an increasingly diverse collection of products. From tinctures to oils, capsules, vapes, and even ingestible, everyone is trying out new ways to access the benefits of CBD (talk about caramel cookies with a hint of CBD).
But as far as the diverse range of CBD products goes, nothing beats CBD balms in terms of fast and localized relief. These balms are especially perfect for those that are still uncomfortable with the prospect of ingesting the powerful cannabinoid.
If you were wondering how these products will work for you and what types of CBD balm are available out there, this post is for you. In this article, we will outline what CBD balm may do, the types of CBD balm available, and how you may tell them apart from other CBD topicals.
What Does CBD Balm Do?
CBD balms are also commonly referred to as CBD salve. Even though some use the two terms to mean different things, both products eventually do similar things. Also, they are often made from the common complementary ingredients.
One of a wide variety of CBD topicals, CBD balms are also made from cannabinoid extracts from the Cannabis Sativa plant. These products are extracted from Hemp, defined as Cannabis with <0.3% THC, due to its naturally high content of CBD and low THC (the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana).
CBD balms have been used for centuries, linked to ancient Egypt and Europe, where they were used as remedies for skin infections. They were also used as disinfectants and used to assist in localized pain and inflammation.
In modern times, CBD balms are still used for applications such as this and backed by scientific study, and they are becoming even more popular. According to this 2015 study from the University of Kentucky, CBD balms are effective against arthritic joint pain and inflammation.
Other research also showed their potential effectiveness against skin conditions, including psoriasis, as well as general muscle soreness.
How Does it Work?
CBD provides benefits to the body through the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a vast collection of receptors that work to maintain homeostasis and wellness throughout the body. The receptors that make up the ECS may be found throughout the body, including the brain, immune cells, organs, tissues, glands, and skin.
Ingested CBD products such as edibles, capsules or sublingual tinctures, find their way into the bloodstream. They enter either through the mucous membrane of the mouth and digestive system and then interact with the ECS as a whole, balancing the ECS function. This allows CBD to provide a powerful holistic effect that is felt throughout the body.
But topical CBD products, such as CBD balms, work differently. Since they are made to be applied to the region of discomfort on the body, these products interact with local ECS receptors through the skin.
Although they offer lower absorption rates than ingested products, they may directly interact with the affected area without having to travel through the whole body and may provide fast relief.
What are the Main Types of CBD Balm?
Collectively made from very similar ingredients, CBD balms, salves, and ointments may comfortably lie in the same category. These core ingredients include:
- A natural wax product, commonly beeswax
- A fatty oil base
- CBD extract
- Optional ingredients such as essential oils or fragrances
However, balms are generally thicker, with a higher concentration of wax. They provide a better consistency that allows them to be applied more efficiently to localized areas than ointments.
On the other hand, ointments and salves are closer to liquid due to their lower wax content. Despite this, they perform essentially the same task, which is to deliver CBD to the skin and to provide relief to affected areas on the body.
Consumers who wish to try out CBD balms will usually be able to choose between three main types of the product:
Full-Spectrum CBD balm: As the name implies, Full-Spectrum balm provides the entire spectrum of cannabinoids. This includes over 113 cannabinoids, including CBD and THC, as well as terpenes. Although the THC content is usually less than 0.3%. Choosing a Full-Spectrum product enables the consumer to enjoy the entourage effect that these compounds produce together.
Broad-Spectrum CBD balm: Like Full-Spectrum balm, Broad-Spectrum CBD contains all the beneficial compounds in the Hemp plant. However, it does not contain any THC. Electing for this balm will still allow a consumer benefit from the Entourage Effect, as there will still be the remaining cannabinoids in the extract.
CBD Isolate balm: For people that prefer their CBD without any accompanying cannabinoids, CBD Isolate balm is an option.
Other CBD Topicals Apart from Balms
As mentioned earlier, there is a wide variety of CBD topicals available, apart from the core types of CBD balm. They include:
CBD creams and lotions: These products are specially formulated to moisturize and hydrate the skin. They are similar to balms, although they have much higher water content due to a combination of emulsified oils and water. The water is added alongside the moisturizing agents in the CBD base. CBD lotions and creams are usually applied for a more rounded effect, as opposed to balms that are meant for strictly localized effects.
Transdermal CBD patches: Transdermal patches are specifically designed for consumers that want a controlled but steady application of CBD. The CBD-infused patch is usually applied to the skin in a stick-on square, much like a band aid. It is designed so that the CBD extract in the patch is gradually drawn out of the patch and into the skin. This way, there is a controlled, steady supply of localized CBD into the body through the skin. Although other topicals do not ordinarily penetrate the bloodstream, transdermal patches may deliver CBD into the bloodstream. They are ideal for people that need constant level or localized CBD application over an extended time but don’t prefer tinctures or capsules.
CBD bath bombs: Essentially normal bath bombs infused with CBD extract, these products are designed to deliver CBD on a whole-body scale. When added to water in a bathtub, the idea is for the CBD content to disperse throughout the water and from there into the skin. Although there are questions over whether this is actually efficient since CBD is not generally made to be water-soluble. Regardless, it is possible to produce an emulsified, water-soluble CBD compound specifically for bath purposes.
Conclusion
So there you have it, all you need to know about CBD balms and the other topicals that you may try. These products will be great for you if you have a specific skin or localized issue that you need to manage regularly. It may also serve as a complement to an ingestible product, used on an as-needed basis.
Whatever your preference, these topicals may be a safe way for you to try out CBD products before deciding on ingestibles. If you would like to try out a few products, check out our collection to see which one fits your needs.
Sources
https://bigskybotanicals.com/blog/cbd-topicals-guide/
https://farma.health/cbd-balm/
https://formulaswiss.com/blogs/cannabis-cbd/the-complete-guide-to-cbd-salves-creams-and-balms
