CBD products have gained a lot of attention in the last few years. CBD oils (also called CBD tinctures) are the most well-known form of CBD. They’re far from the only option, though. There’s a vast assortment of CBD edibles (infused food items like gummies and chocolates) and capsules. Then there are CBD topicals or rubs, which include lotions, creams, and balms.
Topicals work a bit differently than tinctures and edibles. Rather than ingesting the cannabinoid, you apply it to your skin. The cannabinoids are absorbed by your skin but, unlike oral CBD products, they never reach your bloodstream. Instead, they provide more localized relief.
People use CBD products for many different reasons. One of the most common is relief from pain and inflammation. Others use it to alleviate anxiety, stress, and insomnia. Some people are even using CBD to relieve menstrual cramps. However, not everyone wants to smoke, vape, or eat something to ease their pain. That’s where CBD rubs comes in.
If you’re looking for relief from the pain that comes with your monthly cycle, consider using a CBD rub for menstrual cramps.
Potential Uses For CBD Rub
Scientists are still researching all of the potential benefits that CBD products have to offer. While there isn’t much conclusive research on the topic, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence supporting the usefulness of CBD, and a few promising early studies that have helped fuel the CBD craze.
Let’s look at some research. A 2016 animal study published in the European Journal of Pain found that topical CBD may help alleviate arthritis-related pain and inflammation. Another study, published in 2019 in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, found that CBD may reduce muscle pain in the jaw.
In addition to CBD, many topicals like CBD rub contain additional ingredients that help to provide specific effects. Many CBD rubs are used to relieve pain. Products meant for this purpose may have other pain-relieving ingredients, such as capsaicin or menthol.
Pain relief isn’t the only reason people use CBD topicals like rubs. Others include:
- Headache/migraine relief.
- Relief from anxiety.
- Management of skin redness and inflammation (symptoms of skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema).
The Benefits of a CBD Rub
CBD, when absorbed topically, does not enter the bloodstream, and so using a CBD rub will never cause you to fail a drug test.
Another benefit of CBD rub is that it provides more targeted relief. Rather than having the cannabinoids travel throughout your body, you can get relief right where you need it most. You can apply it as often as you want, and you don’t need to worry about potential side effects, so long as you’re not allergic to another ingredient in the rub.
Why Are People Using CBD Rub for Menstrual Cramps?
Presently, no studies advocating the use of CBD rubs to treat menstrual cramps have been published. So, why are people using CBD rub to alleviate their discomfort?
Along with studies that show CBD may help alleviate pain and inflammation, there’s a lot of anecdotal evidence that suggests CBD rub may help. Many individuals who use CBD rub for menstrual cramps swear by it.
Unfortunately, we need more research for conclusive evidence on CBD’s effectiveness in pain relief. We also need studies that look at the link between CBD and menstrual cramps. There was one study that looked at using CBD and cannabis for endometriosis pain. The study compared the effectiveness of these treatments with active treatments like yoga. However, the study didn’t demonstrate whether CBD or cannabis was more effective than these other solutions.
Tips for Using a CBD Rub or Menstrual Cramps
In short, the only evidence we have about the actual effectiveness of CBD rub for menstrual cramps is anecdotal. But if you’re interested in giving it a try, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Choose High-Quality Lab Tested Products
As with any other cannabis product, you should only use the highest quality CBD rubs. Look for products that are third-party tested, and only buy from retailers willing to share their certificate of analysis, like CBD Direct Club. Avoid products that make outrageous claims or that refuse to share testing information. If someone tells you (or the label says) that it will cure your cramps, you might want to look elsewhere to meet your needs. These types of unscientific claims are common in the cannabis world, and are a major red flag.
Pay Attention to the Ingredients
When you want relief from menstrual cramps, having the assistance of other pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory ingredients in your rub can be beneficial. Common ones to look for include:
- Menthol
- Arnica
- Tea tree oil
- Eucalyptus
- Clove
You should also make sure you’re not allergic to anything in a rub. While CBD won’t cause a skin reaction, you may be allergic to another component of the rub and end up amplifying your discomfort, rather than alleviating it.
Apply CBD Rub to Clean, Dry Skin
When applying a CBD rub, you want as many cannabinoids to absorb into your skin as possible. To aid in that, wash your skin with water and a gentle cleanser. Then, dry the area thoroughly.
When applying your CBD rub, use gentle (but firm) pressure. You want to massage the CBD into your skin for the best possible results. There are no risks associated with applying the rub too frequently; you can re-apply as often as you need, depending on the severity of your discomfort.
Should You Try CBD Rub for Menstrual Cramps?
While there’s no hard evidence that a CBD rub will relieve your menstrual cramps, there are many people out there who say it helps. If you’re looking for an alternative to conventional pain relievers, it won’t hurt to try a CBD rub for yourself. If you’re looking for a CBD rub for your menstrual cramps or other aches and pains, CBD Direct Club offers a few CBD topicals that can help. All of our products are third-party tested. Visit us today to find the right product for you!