Best CBD Salves For Pain And Inflammation And How To Use Them
Adding CBD to topicals appears to be the latest trend in the health and wellness industry. Everywhere you turn, you will likely come across a CBD-infused salve, cream or lotion. But with thousands of products to choose from, how do you know which is the best CBD salve for inflammation?
But before we find the best product for you, we need to find out if a CBD salve can help with inflammation, and if it does, how it works. Cannabinoids such as CBD have been with us for decades, but some people are still unsure of their effectiveness.
Current research studies have confirmed some of the benefits of cannabidiol extracts. However, that doesn’t mean you can just pick any CBD product you see and get relief.
The CBD market is relatively new and largely unregulated. So, of the thousands of products available, some may be ineffective or even harmful. This guide looks at how CBD works for inflammation and gives you some pointers on choosing the best CBD salves. 
What is CBD Salve?
CBD can be used in various ways. You can take it as a tincture by applying a few drops under your tongue, ingest it as an edible such as gummies or apply it directly onto the skin. CBD products that are applied to the skin, such as salves, are called topicals.
A salve is an ointment used to promote healing of the skin. Like typical salves, CBDsalves are made using herbs, beeswax, and essential oils, but they contain an additional ingredient to promote their effectiveness – CBD extract.
CBD salves differ from other topical products in formulation and usage. CBD lotions are designed to moisturize the skin and can be applied all over the body. Salves and creams, on the other hand, are used where needed. CBD creams and lotions contain water and require preservatives to have a long shelf-life; salves don’t.
Does CBD Salve Help with Inflammation?
Inflammation is an immune system reaction that protects the body from infection, disease, and injury. It also helps the body heal. Inflammation is classified into two main types, acute and chronic inflammation.
Acute inflammation usually occurs for a short period and goes away after the body heals. On the other hand, chronic inflammation typically lasts longer than six weeks and can occur even without injury or infection. Inflammation symptoms include swelling, redness, and pain.
But can CBD salve reduce inflammation?
Research suggests that CBD topicals can help address pain or inflammation affecting a specific area of your body. People that use CBD salve for pain and inflammation suggest CBD doesn’t just cover the symptoms; it helps deal with the root cause of the problem.
Note that the salve ingredients do not reach the bloodstream. This means that you may use CBD salves just like regular over-the-counter ointments to help manage pain or reduce inflammation near the surface or at a specific area such as joints.
How CBD Salves works for Pain and Inflammation
Researchers think that CBD reduces inflammation by affecting the activity of the endocannabinoid system or ECS. The ECS is a complex cell signaling network made of endocannabinoids, enzymes, and cannabinoid receptors. The ECS helps maintain homeostasis by regulating key bodily functions such as the immune system, inflammation, pain, appetite, memory, etc.
The ECS has two primary cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2 receptors. Some studies suggest that CBD can activate, inhibit or antagonize CB1 and CB2 receptors.
These cannabinoid receptors are also present in the skin. By applying the salve, CBD is absorbed into the skin, where it exerts its effects on the CB1 and CB2 receptors, relieving pain and inflammation in the surrounding areas.
Several studies have demonstrated CBD’s potential as a treatment for inflammation. One review of studies found that cannabinoids, including CBD, may suppress the inflammatory response, attenuating symptoms. The review suggests that cannabinoids may help manage several inflammatory autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.
A 2016 study found that topical CBD application has therapeutic potential for the relief of arthritis-related inflammation and pain without significant side effects. Clinical studies are underway to verify the benefits in humans.
Users using CBD topical salve for inflammation also report that it’s effective for their conditions.
4 Things to Look for When Shopping for CBD Salves
As you are probably aware, there are thousands of CBD topicals in the market. However, not all of them are effective or even safe. Here is how you can choose the best CBD salve to help you relieve inflammation or pain:
1. Check whether the product is lab-tested
- The FDA does not fully regulate the CBD market. Therefore, Certificates of Analysis (COA) are the only way to know what the product you are buying actually contains. The third-party lab results should show if the salve contains no more than 0.3% THC. The CBD potency should be indicated as well. Compare the lab results and what is displayed on the product’s label. The COAs should also indicate the lab tests for pesticides, molds, and heavy metals. All Trium Botanicals’ products are full-panel tested, and the results are available here.
2. If the company uses US-grown hemp
- US-grown hemp is of higher quality if it’s grown according to the strict federal and state regulations. It also contains less than 0.3% THC. Although the salve’s contents won’t enter the bloodstream, it’s good to know that your product meets the legal requirements.
3. Potency
- How much CBD does the product contain? Is it too strong for your symptoms or too weak to have any effect?
4. Other ingredients
- A good CBD oil salve will have other beneficial ingredients such as lavender or mint that may help soothe the skin more, help relax muscles or reduce pain.
How to Use CBD Salves
CBD salves are easy to use. First, you need to identify the specific area affected by inflammation or pain. Clean the area thoroughly to remove any dirt, oils, or particles that may interfere with the salve’s absorption. Let the area dry.
Using your finger or any application tool of your choice, scoop out some salve and apply to the affected area. Gently massage it in and wait for the benefits to kick in.
If the effects are not satisfactory, you can add another layer, but it’s advisable to give the first application a few hours to work before reapplying.
Do not apply CBD salve directly to open wounds and cuts.
Two of The Best CBD Salves for Inflammation
1. Trium Botanicals Lavender Topical Relief Salve
Don’t let inflammation and pain take over your life. This fast-acting lavender-scented topical relief salve will have you back on your feet in no time.
Our salves are formulated using the minimal ingredients maximum benefits approach to ensure you get more relief for less. Ingredients include organic MCT oil, organic beeswax, 1000mg full spectrum hemp extract, and lavender essential oils.
The lavender aroma provides additional relief. This product is recommended for all your natural targeted relief needs in the back, neck, joints, etc. It is also perfect for pre-workout relief and post-workout recovery.
This salve is also available in mint. Pick one today and enjoy unparalleled relief.
2. Trium Botanicals Mint CBD Sport Stick Relief Salve
Need inflammation relief on the go? This mint-scented roll-on stick can fit into any pocket and is easy to apply. This rare combination of convenience and effectiveness is just what you need for all your sporty activities.
Trium Botanicals premium relief salve comes with 250mg full-spectrum hemp extract infused with peppermint essential oil for the relaxing aroma and soothing benefits. We use organic ingredients to show our commitment to our goal of providing more natural solutions and the focus we have on our products.
To apply, uncap the stick and roll it on the affected area. This CBD sport stick is also available in a lavender-infused formula.
Reducing Inflammation with CBD Salve – Takeaway
Inflammation is how the body fights against things that can harm it. It may be an injury, infection, or toxins. However, inflammation may become a problem if it persists after the threat is no longer active or activates without cause.
Fortunately, there is research evidence suggesting that CBD salve can help. But to enjoy these benefits, you first have to get an effective product.
If you are looking for highly effective CBD salves to help reduce inflammation or pain, check out our topical salves and sport stick relief salves for fast-acting pain, muscle aches, and inflammation relief.
