An issue that has constantly plagued athletes, regular gym-goers or even normal folks is the problem of pain and inflammation associated with muscle recovery. When the muscle is really exercised during workout sessions or pushed to the limit during regular sports activity or daily routine tasks, a lot of tension and ache around the area being stressed occurs which results in inflammation that causes soreness and pain. The inflammation and soreness are the body’s mechanism of initiating and promoting healing around the affected region.
To avoid muscle damage, reduce the pain, and manage the excess inflammation, numerous means have been used over time ranging from the use of ice baths to the use of analgesics such as NSAIDs and opioids. The goal of such modes of treatment however can also be achieved with cannabis or CBD to be more precise. Cannabis has long been posited to be of immense benefits medicinally and one of such ways with promise is the use of CBD to assist muscle recovery.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is present in the cannabis plant alongside numerous numbers of other cannabinoids. CBD is special among the cannabinoids present in cannabis because it interacts with the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors without psychoactive effects in the endocannabinoid system. CBD has been incorporated into oils and lotions by producers in the industry which has seen it being applied by numerous therapists for relief of pain and to manage inflammation.
It has also been shown that CBD might have the potential to play a significant role in dealing with the edema, hyperalgesia and numerous other medical conditions. Extensive works of research are still ongoing to fully ascertain just how much of an impact the use of CBD can have in dealing with these health conditions.
CBD and Muscle Recovery
Following the numerous activities and benefits seen with the application of CBD in the medical world, it is no surprise that it has been associated with muscle recovery as it has to do with pain and management of inflammation. Several studies have been carried out by experts eliciting the activity of CBD in relieving pain and anti-inflammatory activity.
Studies show that CBD reduces the time of muscle recovery and increases the healing process of the body by activating cannabinoid receptors, influencing vanilloid receptors, and increasing endorphin levels in the body system whose compound effects account for its ability to mediate pain and bring about relief.
How to Use
There are different ways in which CBD can be consumed or used for medicinal benefits and this has been modulated into numerous forms. Some of these forms include;
Smoked or Vaped; possibly the most common mode of using cannabis around though health effects on the lungs with respect to fumes has to be considered as well.
Consumables; CBD has been incorporated into edibles that can easily be taken and consumed without the health risks associated with smoking or vaping.
Topically; lotions, oils, creams, and ointments containing CBD are easily applied topically on the site of stress and inflammation to account for local relief from pain.
Supplements; CBD has also been incorporated into tinctures and capsules that can easily be used the way normal medical supplements are taken to further promote health balance.
Dosage
In choosing the right product to be used, it is important to check the ratio between CBD, the non-psychoactive component of cannabis and THC, the cannabinoids responsible for psychoactive effects. CBD is non-addictive due to the non-psychoactive nature but the CBD oil used for this medical purpose is still allowed to contain 0.3% of THC as the activity of both cannabinoids has been known to give an entourage effect if the right balance of their ratio is achieved. So before making a purchase be sure the ratio of THC in the product is within the acceptable levels.
While considering the ratio of THC present, it is also important to ensure that the right dosage of CBD is used in order to avoid the side effects associated with using a dose higher than required. Much like all other medicinally active compounds, excess of CBD predisposes the user to diarrhea and tiredness. Therefore, the dose must be taken into consideration when making use of CBD.
Benefits of CBD in Muscle Recovery
CBD promotes numerous benefits in dealing with inflammation and pain associated with muscle recovery. It also has advantages over other common modes of treatment with lesser side effects and non-addictive nature. A couple of the major benefits associated with CBD use in muscle recovery include:
Pain Relief; CBD by its actions across the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors alongside influencing endorphins modulates pain associated with muscle recovery.
Reduction of Inflammation; delayed onset muscle soreness which arises on the account of inflammation around the stressed muscle is reduced by the reduction of the inflammation around the affected area.
Improves sleep; the pain and inflammation affect and disturbs sleep which is restored by the soothing effect of CBD. CBD promotes good sleep, an irreplaceable activity of immense importance especially when recovering.
Alternative to NSAIDs; CBD can be considered a better alternative to NSAIDs because it excuses the user from the side effects of NSAIDs which include gastrointestinal bleeding, renal problem, and constipation.