CBD salve is a type of CBD topical. Compared to CBD cream, which is water-based, CBD salve is oil-based, so it typically absorbs better into the skin.
CBD salve has a variety of potential therapeutic uses. Research suggests CBD topicals may be beneficial for pain, inflammation, acne, psoriasis, eczema, jaw pain, and temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD).
To apply CBD salve, simply place a small amount of it onto the area of your body where you want to use it, then massage it into your skin until it’s absorbed. CBD salve is thick, but will melt as it warms on your skin.
What is CBD Salve?
CBD salve is a topical ointment containing cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabinoid that naturally occurs in the hemp plant. Salves are designed to promote healing and protection for the skin, as well as soothing for the muscles and joints underneath.
Most CBD salves are made with a beeswax and coconut oil base, and may also contain other beneficial ingredients such as essential oils.
Because they’re oil-based, rather than water-based, CBD salves often absorb more deeply into the skin than CBD creams and lotions.
CBD Salve Uses and Benefits, According to Research
There are several different reasons you might use CBD salve. Research has looked at the therapeutic potential of CBD salve – and CBD topicals, in general – in a variety of areas:
CBD salve can be used for physical discomfort
Research suggests that CBD may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, and CBD is frequently used for many different types of pain.
Though CBD is typically taken orally in an oil or edible form, science suggests CBD is also able to render benefits in topical form. One study found that topical CBD may help with pain caused by nerve damage.
Many people use CBD salve to promote mobility and comfort if they’re dealing with pain in a specific joint or area of the body. Athletes and people with high-activity lifestyles use CBD salve to promote physical comfort after a hard workout or training session.
CBD salve can be used for skin conditions
In addition to promoting physical relaxation and soothing, CBD salves may help with skin conditions.
Research indicates that topical CBD, due to its interactions with your endocannabinoid system, may “be a potential therapeutic option for acute and chronic inflammatory skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and psoriasis.”
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), CBD may help with acne, psoriasis, and eczema by reducing the inflammation these conditions cause.
Furthermore, the AAD states that CBD and THC topicals won’t cause any sort of adverse reaction on the skin — at least, not due to the CBD or THC.
While most people use CBD salve for physical comfort, it may also promote skin health.
CBD salve can be used for TMD
Research indicates that topical CBD may help with the jaw pain that results from temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD, also sometimes called TMJ).
The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull. If you have TMD, you may feel pain and experience compromised movement of the jaw.
CBD salve isn’t a solution for TMD, which is caused by excessive strain on the jaw joints. However, many people find it useful for promoting comfort while they seek a permanent solution.
CBD salve can be used for dry skin
Research suggests that CBD may have hydrating properties for the skin – and these benefits are amplified if you’re using a high-quality CBD salve made with other naturally hydrating ingredients.
As we discussed above, CBD topicals have been researched for use with specific skin conditions, but they may also promote generally healthy skin.
How to Use CBD Salve
CBD salve is very easy to use. To apply CBD salve, simply put a small amount on the area where you need it, then thoroughly massage it until it’s been absorbed by your skin.
It’s best used on joints or other areas of your body where you’re dealing with discomfort.
CBD salve is typically thick in consistency, however, it will quickly thin as it warms on your skin.
How Does CBD Salve Work?
To understand how CBD salves and other topicals work, you first have to know how CBD itself works.
CBD works by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a receptor system responsible for regulating every vital function used for moment-to-moment functioning.
Functions the ECS plays a role in regulating include your pain and inflammatory responses, sleep-wake cycle, and body temperature. The job of the ECS is to keep your body in a state of balance.
There are two main types of receptors in your ECS:
- CB1 receptors, responsible for managing how CBD interacts with your mind
- CB2 receptors, responsible for managing how CBD interacts with your body
Each type of receptor is located in different areas of the body, but there are some cannabinoid receptors near the surface of the skin.
While CBD does not create a strong physical response with either main type of ECS receptor, it can reach some surface-level ECS receptors, allowing it to render physical support.
Research indicates that CBD may prevent endocannabinoid breakdown and alter the potency of endocannabinoids, thereby allowing your ECS to more effectively keep your body in balance.
Salves and other topicals do not deliver CBD deeply enough for it to reach your bloodstream, however. This means that any benefits you feel will be local to the area where you applied the CBD salve – they won’t be spread throughout your body.
Is CBD Salve Right for You? Topical vs. Oral CBD
Although CBD salve has many benefits, it can’t do everything that oral CBD products, such as gummies or oil, can.
Oral CBD products deliver CBD to the bloodstream, which enables them to deliver effects throughout your mind and body. As a result, oral CBD is the only viable option if you’re using CBD for mental relaxation and calming, or for full-body wellness.
CBD topicals, on the other hand, deliver targeted relaxation to specific areas of your body, making them better for isolated discomfort.
Topicals are also a great option if you want the physical benefits of CBD but don’t want the mental effects (although CBD will not get you high).
How to Shop for CBD Salve: Buying Tips
Not all CBD salves are created equal. And since the CBD industry isn’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it can sometimes be hard to tell which products are worth your money.
Here are a few tips to find high-quality topical CBD products:
Make sure it’s 3rd-party lab tested
To verify the safety and potency of the products you buy, look for CBD topicals with up-to-date lab testing reports prepared by 3rd-party labs.
When examining a 3rd-party lab report, make sure the product contains the amount of cannabinoids it is supposed to – according to its label – and that it passes tests for pesticides, heavy metals, and molds.
Make sure it contains CBD
Just because a salve says “hemp” doesn’t necessarily mean it contains CBD. Make sure the ingredients specifically say cannabidiol or CBD.
Check what type of CBD it contains
There are three main types of CBD:
- Full-spectrum CBD – CBD that also contains the full spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other components that naturally occur in hemp.
- Broad-spectrum CBD – The exact same as full-spectrum CBD, but without the THC.
- CBD Isolate – Just CBD, with nothing else.
When you’re evaluating topical, be sure you understand what type of CBD it contains, and ensure it’s the kind that would be best for you. Due to the range of compounds it contains, full-spectrum CBD is generally the most beneficial type of CBD.
However, if you have to undergo drug testing for work or other reasons, you might opt for a broad-spectrum or isolate product to be doubly sure that no THC is anywhere near your body.
Shop the Best CBD Salves At Natural Ways CBD
At Natural Ways CBD, we believe the best CBD salves combine two things: high-quality CBD extract and additional beneficial natural ingredients.
If you’re looking for a CBD salve, look no further than these two products:
4000mg CBD:CBG Salve
Our 4000mg CBD:CBG salve combines 3000mg of CBD (cannabidiol) and 1000mg of CBG (cannabigerol) for 4000mg total cannabinoids.
Cannabigerol (CBG) is another natural hemp-derived cannabinoid that, like CBD, has a variety of potential therapeutic benefits. Many people even say that CBG is more effective for pain and inflammation than CBD.
This salve combines CBD and CBG in a 3:1 ratio to promote deeper relaxation than you can get from CBD by itself.
With a beeswax and coconut oil base, and added arnica oil and shea butter, this salve delivers natural, effective topical wellness.
Our CBD:CBG salve is a favorite among customers looking to support mobility and address physical discomfort in specific areas.
Ultimate CBD Salve Stick
Our Ultimate Salve Stick combines CBD, CBDa, CBG, and delta 8 THC for a whopping 7500mg of total cannabinoids.
This stick uses four different cannabinoids so you’ll experience the entourage effect: the elevated benefits you receive when you use cannabinoids together, as they occur naturally in the hemp plant.
The CBD and CBDa deliver soothing physical benefits, while delta 8 and CBG add additional relaxation. And since it’s a topical, you can benefit from delta 8 without feeling a head high.
The benefit of this salve stick over other salve products is that you don’t need to wait for it to melt and dry – you just apply it and you’re ready to go.
Our Ultimate Salve Stick is popular among customers who are athletes or who have particularly active lifestyles and need on-the-go relaxation.
Conclusion: How Can CBD Salve Help You?
CBD salve delivers targeted relaxation while supporting healthy, glowing skin. CBD salves are especially effective when they contain cannabinoids like CBG and delta 8 THC, which have powerful soothing effects.
The downside of salves and topicals is that they don’t deliver the mental benefits of cannabinoids, and they don’t spread the cannabinoids throughout your entire body.
But this can also be an upside – THC topicals, for example, allow you to feel the relaxing benefits of cannabinoids like delta 8 and delta 9 without getting high.
CBD Salve Uses: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions customers frequently ask us about CBD salve.
Does CBD salve penetrate the skin?
CBD salve will penetrate the skin, reaching the endocannabinoid system and rendering physical relaxation and other benefits. However, CBD salve will not enter the bloodstream.
Will CBD salve cause you to fail a drug test?
Although CBD salve soaks deep enough into your skin to reach your endocannabinoid receptors, it does not reach the bloodstream. As a result, topicals containing THC (such as full-spectrum CBD topicals, or other products with THC) will not cause you to fail a drug test.
However, if you have to undergo drug testing regularly, we still recommend erring on the side of caution when using any topical product that contains THC, as the research around topicals is still limited.
What can topical CBD be used for?
Topical CBD can be used for physical discomfort, as well as for promoting healthy skin. CBD topicals have been researched for pain, inflammation, skin conditions, TMD, and more.
Where do you put CBD salve?
CBD salve can be put anywhere on the body where you’re experiencing discomfort to promote physical balance.
Can I put CBD salve on my face?
Yes, you can put CBD salves on your face. CBD salve may promote relaxation in the muscles and joints in the face, and it’s sometimes used by people with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD).
