How to Get the Most From Your CBD Balm
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Zara Kenyon
Want the scoop on CBD balms? They give you some of the benefits of CBD in topical form, so you can use them while massaging tension away when your muscles feel overworked. But what is a CBD balm? And how can it be used in your everyday self-care routine? Here’s the full lowdown – complete with tips to make knotted muscles a thing of the past.
What is a CBD Balm?
Put simply, it’s a balm that’s infused with extracts of CBD (AKA, cannabidiol); a hemp-derived cannabinoid extract that’s used in a variety of cosmetics and topical skin products. The extract is mixed with the balm and, sometimes, a raft of other skin-kind ingredients. Case in point: we’ve blended our CBD Muscle Balm with a muscle-warming tingle of eucalyptus. There’s also linalool, arnica and aloe vera in there; a trifecta of hero hydrators that nourish skin and make the balm quick to massage in.
The Benefits of a CBD Balm
While CBD oils and CBD capsules interact with your body internally, a CBD balm works on the surface of skin to enhance a muscle-soothing massage. The rich texture makes it easier for fingertips to glide over skin and eke out tension, whether you’re rubbing it into a sore neck, injured knee or achy shoulders.
The application method means CBD balms are designed to be applied in a very targeted way. However, it’s important to note that – unlike oils and edibles – CBD topicals won’t enter your bloodstream. This means you don’t need to manage your dosage in the same way – you can use as much as you like as long as you don't exceed 70mg CBD per day.
What Is CBD Muscle Balm Used For?
CBD Muscle Balm is perfect for giving yourself a CBD massage to eke out tension and release tight muscles. Scoop out a generous amount, then warm between palms before applying directly to the skin in soothing strokes.
Where to apply CBD Muscle Balm?
To Ease an Achy Neck
Gently squeeze the back of your neck with the palm of your hand, then use fingertips to massage the area where your neck and shoulders meet, avoiding the spine. Press, release, then press again until you start to feel relief.
To Soothe Sore Shoulders
Get a little of the balm in the palm of your right hand, then reach over your chest and gently squeeze the back of your left shoulder. Roll that shoulder backwards as you squeeze, until you start to feel tension ease. Repeat on the other side.
When Do You Use a CBD Balm?
You can use a CBD balm at any time. Some like to apply it before they work out, as the act of massaging muscles can help to prep and warm up tight limbs. Others may prefer to rub in a scoopful after they’ve exercised, focusing on clicky joints and the soles of feet – any place they tend to hold tension.
CBD balms can also be applied during work. If you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk, keep a jar close by so you can rub the balm into scrunched-up shoulders in between calls. (The kind that really should have been emails). You could also try a CBD massage to relax after WFH, or apply the balm before you go to bed. Because it’s non-sticky, you don’t have to worry about getting it on your sheets.
Up next: Discover 5 of the most common CBD myths – all debunked by our experts.
