With research discovering new potential wellness and therapeutic applications for cannabidiol (CBD), the demand and availability of CBD products continue to increase. This greater variety of products gives patients more choices in finding a CBD option and method of consumption that aligns with their health and lifestyle needs.
New research uncovers more therapeutic uses for cannabidiol (CBD.) Along with this research, there is an ever-greater variety of CBD markets on the product. With each new product, patient choice grows, and choosing the right product and method of delivery becomes essential to gain the maximum benefit.
Two of the most popular ways to take CBD is with a topical cream or ingesting a CBD oil-infused pill, edible or beverage.
Both these methods have their advantages and disadvantages and knowing what these are will make your CBD use as beneficial as possible.
Topical CBD Cream – The Pros
Hemp-based CBD creams have proven to be effective in treating arthritic conditions such as sore muscles and joints, inflammation, muscle tension, and skin conditions like rashes, psoriasis, acne, and burns.
Because of its versatility, topical CBD creams are used in a wide variety of cases including:
- People living with arthritis – apply it liberally on affected joints and muscles, allowing the cream to absorb, providing pain relief, and reducing inflammation.
- Athletes – used as part of a pre- and post-work regimen, the loosening of muscles and reducing inflammation can reduce the risk of injury.
- Impact injuries – applying it directly after an injury can kick-start the healing process while reducing the immediate pain.
Some topical creams have advanced transdermal properties than allow it to penetrate further into the body so that that CBD’s anti-inflammation and pain relief properties can penetrate deep into the muscles and joints.
Many formulas are non-greasy and don’t stain meaning you can apply it liberally throughout the day.
Topical CBD creams for pain are more consistent in their formulation than there oil counter-parts meaning you can consistently use the amount of product you require with no wastage – with many producers creating distinct formulations for daily use and extra-strength creams for immediate pain relief.
Topical CBD Cream – The Cons
Hemp-based CBD creams are an excellent way to apply CBD to problem areas. However, with some other ailments creams, while not useless, are not the best course of action.
For instance, people who wish to use CBD for anxiety or sleep disruption may find the slow release of an oil or edible a more appropriate delivery method.
Users with super-sensitive skin may not agree with applying CBD cream, stating this is more a precaution though, as users with sensitive skin often use CBD cream primarily because of that.
Ingesting CBD Oil – The Pros
Ingesting CBD comes in various forms, oils, edibles, and drinks. An obvious benefit of this is the variety of ways you can take it.
Oils can also be used to infuse your own meals. Ingesting CBD provides a slow release of CBD throughout the day as it has to be broken down by the liver – for this reason, they are better for issues such as anxiety and sleep disorders.
Ingesting CBD Oil – The Cons
Ingesting CBD has several drawbacks. It is slow release, so for those who are looking to relieve pain, it won’t be as quick as a topical CBD cream for pain.
Ingesting CBD can also be an inexact science because it has to be broken down by the liver the time it takes to do so can be affected by what else you’ve eaten, the time of day, etc.
CBD oil can be unreliable in terms of quality and strength – this can make taking the correct dosage a guessing game.
Final Word
When it comes to deciding what is best – topical CBD cream or ingesting CBD oil, you need to consider two things – what do you intend to use it for it? And how quickly do you need it to work?
For people living with arthritis, chronic joint pain, and other physical injuries, a CBD cream for pain is the best way to go. You can apply it directly to the affected area, and it can start working within 15 minutes.
If you are looking to treat anxiety, then a CBD oil may be the most effective.
