By Michelle Diston - Certified Cannabis Coach and Educator

In the world of holistic wellness, cannabis has emerged as a powerful ally for those seeking natural solutions to their health concerns. While many associate cannabis with its intoxicating properties, there's a lot more to this remarkable plant, especially when it comes to its applications in skincare and topicals. In this article, we'll explore the versatile world of CBD pain salves, and the reasons why CBD topicals work.

The Power of CBD

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the many non-intoxicating compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD won't get you high, but it does offer a myriad of potential health benefits.

THC and CBD work through different pathways but are both very effective at inhibiting the inflammatory response. Our body has a system called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) (1). The ECS is made of endocannabinoids (cannabinoids produced by the body), receptors, and enzymes that produce or break down these components on an as-needed basis, creating balance. There are receptors all over our skin, glands, and even in hair follicles. This is great news for the localized benefits of cannabis topicals.

Most issues in the body stem from stress, and chronic inflammation (2) CBD primarily works by indirectly interacting with cannabinoid receptors, such as CB1 and CB2 receptors (as well as many others as the science catches up with the findings), which are distributed throughout the body. CBD can help modulate pain signals, reduce inflammation, and promote a sense of relaxation and calm.

CBDA is found in raw, unprocessed cannabis plants and has its own list of therapeutic potential that works on different targets in the body compared to CBD. It works by inhibiting (or stopping) the production of enzymes which play a role in the inflammatory response (3)
When using both of these together, it is harnessing the potential benefits of both compounds, enhancing the effectiveness of the product.

Here Are a Few Uses for CBD Pain Salves and The Reasons Why It Works

Bug Bites and Bee Stings

Few things are as irritating as bug bites and bee stings, especially during the summer months. CBD pain salves can come to the rescue with their anti-inflammatory properties. When applied topically, CBD can help reduce itching, redness, and swelling associated with insect bites, allowing you to find relief without resorting to harsh chemicals or medications.

This is also great for kids. First of all, CBD is non-intoxicating so there is no chance of getting “high” with pain salve. Even absorption of THC through the skin into the bloodstream is close to zero as it tends to accumulate in the skin without passing into the bloodstream allowing for localized applications with wonderful benefits. ~” The Wholistic Healing Guide to Cannabis” By Tammi Sweet, MS.

Sunburn Relief

Spending too much time under the sun's rays can lead to painful sunburns. CBD-infused topicals can provide a cooling and soothing effect, helping to alleviate the discomfort caused by sunburn. Additionally, CBD's anti-inflammatory properties (4) can assist in reducing redness and promoting the skin's natural healing process.

Maintaining Skin Homeostasis: in Skin Disorders

For individuals dealing with chronic pain conditions like arthritis or those experiencing muscle soreness after an intense workout, CBD pain salves can be a game-changer. The topical application allows CBD to target specific areas of discomfort, providing localized relief. This can even be more effective than oral CBD products for targeting specific pain, such as muscle soreness, joint and arthritis pain (5). Whereas oral CBD products are great for systemic pain relief. CBD's potential to reduce inflammation may also contribute to long-term pain management. CBD can also reduce the perception of pain by interacting with pain receptors in your skin and nerves. 

The Endocannabinoid System plays a critical role in the maintenance of skin homeostasis (balance). When the balance is disrupted, it may cause disorders such as dermatitis, acne and pruritus (itching). Dermatitis, characterized by red, itchy, and inflamed skin, can be incredibly uncomfortable. Psoriasis and eczema are related to an overactive immune response which triggers inflammation in the skin.

Psoriasis, Eczema

In psoriasis, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, leading to the overproduction of skin cells. This results in thick, scaly patches. CBD helps by stopping the growth of those overproduced skin cells. It can also soothe itching and discomfort.

Eczema is also characterized by inflammation, dryness, and itching of the skin.
CBD's anti-inflammatory (6) and skin-calming properties make it a potential ally for those dealing with psoriasis and other skin conditions. When applied as part of a skincare routine, CBD can help maintain healthier skin overall.

Acne

Acne often involves inflammation of the skin’s sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands (7) are microscopic glands found in your hair follicles that secrete sebum. Sebum is an oily substance that protects your skin from drying out. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can help calm down this inflammation, making your skin look and feel better.

CBD can also help regulate the production of sebum so that it is produced in a more balanced manner, making it less likely to clog pores. There are also antimicrobial properties in CBD (8) which means it can help combat the bacteria that can contribute to acne breakouts.

CBD can also help reduce stress and anxiety, which are known triggers for acne flare-ups. When you are less stressed, your skin is more likely to stay clear.

Conclusion

In my personal and professional experience as a Cannabis Health Coach and Educator,
I find that CBD pain salve is a versatile tool for addressing various issues, offering natural relief without the side effects associated with many conventional treatments.

The diverse applications of CBD and Cannabis topicals keep growing.

References

1. Kirk D, Riley, “How Cannabis Works in the Body (Intro to the Endocannabinoid System).” How Cannabis Works In The Body (Intro to the Endocannabinoid System), www.effectivenewsletter.com/blog/how-cannabis-works-in-the-body-introduction-to-the-endocannabinoid-system-ecs?cid=5e2bacf4-04d8-4d92-9591-b68d733e5133. Accessed 1 Nov. 2023.

2. Pahwa R, Goyal A, Jialal I. Chronic Inflammation. [Updated 2023 Aug 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493173/.

3. Formato, Marialuisa et al. “(‒)-Cannabidiolic Acid, a Still Overlooked Bioactive Compound: An Introductory Review and Preliminary Research.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 25,11 2638. 5 Jun. 2020, doi:10.3390/molecules25112638.

4. Jastrząb A, Gęgotek A, Skrzydlewska E. Cannabidiol Regulates the Expression of Keratinocyte Proteins Involved in the Inflammation Process through Transcriptional Regulation. Cells. 2019 Aug 3;8(8):827. doi: 10.3390/cells8080827. PMID: 31382646; PMCID: PMC6721680.

5. Frane, N., Stapleton, E., Iturriaga, C. et al. Cannabidiol as a treatment for arthritis and joint pain: an exploratory cross-sectional study. J Cannabis Res 4, 47 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-022-00154-9.

6. Martins, Ana M et al. “Cannabis-Based Products for the Treatment of Skin Inflammatory Diseases: A Timely Review.” Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 15,2 210. 9 Feb. 2022, doi:10.3390/ph15020210.

7. Cleveland Clinic medical. “Sebaceous Glands: Function, Location & Secretion.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24538-sebaceous-glands. Accessed 1 Nov. 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24538-sebaceous-glands

8. Oláh, Attila et al. “Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and antiinflammatory effects on human sebocytes.” The Journal of clinical investigation vol. 124,9 (2014): 3713-24. doi:10.1172/JCI64628.

About Michelle Diston:

Michelle Diston has always believed that you can heal yourself naturally. Through years of her own personal research and determination, she learned how to manage Candida with Cannabis and nutrition. She was able to wean completely off 20 years of antidepressants and overcome the underlying traumas that were hiding behind the meds with intentional and targeted Cannabis use. Her journey has inspired her passion to help others. She has become a Certified Cannabis Health Coach and Educator and is one of the founding members of the Effective Cannabis Newsletter.

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Effective Cannabis Newsletter is a platform to educate on the vital role of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in one's health. The information is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in or available through this newsletter is for general information purposes only. It is not medical advice; it is health awareness.