For athletes, recovery is just as important as training. They're no strangers to sore muscles, joint pain and inflammation that stems from intense training sessions and physical demands of sports. Now there's a growing trend toward natural, alternative solutions to aid in recovery such as topical CBD.
Why Athletes are Turning to Topical CBD
CBD has become popular for its holistic health benefits in aiding muscle and joint recovery, reducing inflammation and enhancing wound healing. Derived from the cannabis plant, CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid known for its therapeutic and analgesic (pain relieving) properties. When applied topically it offers fast-acting, targeted relief, making it an attractive option for athletes looking to soothe sore muscles and support faster recovery without the side effects of pharmaceuticals.
CBD works by interacting with the body’s built-in endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors in the nervous system (chemical messengers, molecules and enzymes) that work together to help maintain homeostasis or cellular balance. This system is responsible for rebalancing, managing pain, anxiety, sleeplessness, mood, inflammation, injury and overall wellness. It allows organs and systems to function optimally.
CBD is also packed with antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress, further aiding in decreasing inflammation. These actions provide targeted relief directly to the areas where CBD is applied, making it effective for managing localized pain and swelling. It absorbs quickly into the skin barrier and works best over time due to the compounding effects.
We incorporate additional healing ingredients which can help improve skin health alongside muscle relief. Our formulations are packed with high amounts of CBD making them even more effective.
Here's some of the products we offer that are great for athletes:
1. Pain Cream with Magnesium
Our Pain Cream is our go-to for acute pain targeting. It provides fast-acting comfort, reduced swelling and inflammation, which enhances recovery and reduces the risk of long-term damage.
In addition to a huge amount of CBD, this cream includes Magnesium and OptiMSM, two natural compounds that aid in muscle and joint health. Magnesium is a common metal that activates hundreds of cellular and biochemical reactions in the body. Magnesium benefits are delivered to the bloodstream through the skin (transdermally). Topical magnesium helps regulate muscle contractions, reduces cramps, alleviates stiffness, supports bone health and reduces inflammation.
OptiMSM is a naturally occurring sulfur compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It supports joint health, reduces inflammation, promotes recovery from exercise, and is particularly valuable for athletes seeking to maintain joint flexibility and reduce muscle pain. Sulphur, which is a major component of MSM, plays an important role in making collagen and glucosamine, both of which are vital for healthy bones and joints. You might notice a tingling sensation - that's the magnesium and MSM at work.
2. Muscle & Joint Balm
Our incredible Muscle & Joint Balm soothes tense muscles, reducing spasms and discomfort, while improving mobility. This full spectrum formula is packed with CBD to provide relief from inflammation and pain, while shortening recovery time. Faster recovery means less downtime, enabling athletes to maintain their training schedules. Some athletes report that using CBD topically helps alleviate DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), allowing them to recover more quickly, reducing downtime between workouts.
We've added Hinoki Oil, a type of Japanese cypress tree highly valued for its aromatic wood and therapeutic benefits that ease muscular discomfort and promote flexibility. It contains soothing and moisturizing properties, helping balance skin oils and helping to reduce inflammation. This oil contains natural antimicrobial compounds and it's naturally resistant to rot, mold, and mildew, making it ideal for use in humid environments like bathrooms and saunas. It's also a natural insect repellent!
3. Body & Massage Oil
This soothing Body & Massage provides lasting hydration, total relaxation and relieves joint and muscle pain within minutes.
Similar to the others, it's highly anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving while restoring moisture, vitamins and antioxidants deep into the skin barrier. This formula helps heal bruising more quickly while improving skin tone and texture. It’s not thick or greasy, but absorbs quickly and works wonders on bruises and achey muscles alike. You'll feel the calming, aromatherapy effects of our gender-neutral scent of sandalwood, frankincense and myrrh (our signature scent).
Each of these products is exceptional when used in massage, bodywork and sports therapy treatments, working quickly to heal injuries, providing relief from arthritic hands and feet. These formulas were created especially for sensitive skin types with aroma therapy benefits as well.
The World Accepts CBD for Professional Training
In 2018, WADA announced that they would remove CBD from their list of banned substances. The permitted use of CBD in training and international competition marked a major shift in policy and spelled relief for athletes. That’s especially the case for Olympic athletes interested in topical CBD – a possible alternative to traditional NSAIDs.
CBD’s acceptance by the organization marks the most important reason athletes are using and discussing it openly. At present, CBD is the only cannabinoid – natural or synthetic – permitted under WADA regulations.
As more research unfolds and the benefits of these natural compounds become increasingly recognized, athletes can enhance their recovery routines with safe, effective and natural options. The potential of topical CBD could be the key to optimizing your performance and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle on a cellular level.
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Sources:
The Journal of Cannabis Research
Cannabidiol use & effectiveness: Real-world evidence
Cannabidiol in Sports:
Insights on how CBD could improve performance and recovery