Motivation will get you to the gym and habit will keep you there, but no amount of inspirational YouTube videos is going to get you up and moving if you wake up to aching joints and muscles.
That familiar pain and stiffness we feel is known as Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness (DOMS for short) and it normally happens 1 to 2 days after unaccustomed or strenuous exercise.
If you’re serious about getting fit then you should know how important a steady routine is. Lying in bed complaining that you pushed yourself too hard yesterday is only going to set back any progress you have already made.
The bottom line is that your body needs to be able to recover quickly enough to allow you to stay in control and maintain those new year’s resolutions.
There are proven steps you can take to help you recover faster and more efficiently such as sleeping more, using foam rollers to self-massage, stretching properly before and after exercise, eating healthy foods and drinking more water.
These are tried and trusted methods to help your body recover, but just like we add vitamins and supplements to our diet to improve our health, there is another not-so-secret ingredient that athletes and gym bunnies are using to fast track their recovery: CBD balm.
CBD balms have been all the rage for fitness fanatics ever since it was first discovered that the human body has an abundance of cannabinoid receptors that CBD interacts with.
What Is CBD?
CBD is cannabidiol. It is the most active compound extracted from the hemp plant. Unlike its cousin THC, CBD is non-intoxicating, so it’ll never produce any euphoric-like feeling typically associated with the cannabis plant.
CBD mimics compounds that our body naturally produces in order to boost the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is responsible for maintaining homeostasis and it has receptors located throughout our bodies that CBD can interact with and influence.
What Are the Benefits of CBD?
We are currently restricted from highlighting the potential benefits of CBD and as such we strongly recommend our readers to visit the US National Library of Medicine which has thousands of papers on the enormous potential of this brilliant cannabinoid.
Top 10 CBD Balms
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10. CBD Eaze – Soothe Pain Balm
Relieve aches and pains with this brilliant balm specially formulated using a unique blend of essential oils and natural herbs to help you heal naturally.
Juniper berries are rich in essential oils and flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory properties which will help reduce the inflammation in your joints and muscles while the wintergreen herb and peppermint oil were chosen for their well-known natural pain-relieving qualities.
Cloves have antibacterial features to help fight off unwanted pathogens and bacterial infections while eucalyptus oil is used to treat wounds and prevent infections, as well as ease joint pains.
CBD Eaze Soothe Pain Balm contains a low dose of 50 mg of lab-tested full-spectrum CBD in its 15 ml bottle.
9. CBDfx – Shea Butter Citrus Balm
Nourish your body with this intensely hydrating balm containing natural plant ingredients to reduce inflammation in the body and the associated pain.
CBDfx is a world-renowned American company who have combined 150 mg of organic CBD oil together with shea butter, and essential oils like coconut oil, sunflower oil, and jojoba oil which can nourish, hydrate and help soothe aching limbs.
Not only will you begin to feel better but your skin will glow as you bask in the invigorating scents of orange, lemon and tangerine oils.
8. FourFive CBD – Balm
FourFive CBD balm is made from a collection of specially selected oils, waxes and the best botanical extracts on the market all infused into one potent topical with 300 mg of CBD.
FourFive CBD was set up by international rugby players Dom Day and George Kruis who are well used to injuries. Following an operation, Dom took CBD as a supplement during recovery and found it to be of such great benefit that he and George set up the FourFive CBD company.
What makes this balm unique is that it uses CBD isolate which means there are none of the intoxicating THC compounds whatsoever, which is of vital importance to athletes who may undergo drug testing.
7. CBDfx – Overnight Balm
The body performs the majority of its healing during non-REM sleep, but before you nod off why not give it a helping hand with this overnight recovery balm from CBDfx.
Natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and jojoba oil will help alleviate inflammation and reduce redness and swelling while chamomile and lavender’s analgesic properties will help relieve the pain following a strenuous workout.
CBDfx contains 150 mg of organic CBD oil which is boosted by essential oils and natural ingredients to help soothe tired sore muscles allowing you to rest and recover.
6. LVWell – CBD Balm
LVWell CBD Balm is perfect for rubbing directly into inflamed joints and muscles. Unlike any other balm on the market, it is made from 100% fully winterised CBD extract. This potent, quick-absorbing, restorative balm is ideal for muscle recovery.
LVWell is a UK company who use 500 mg of full-spectrum hemp extract jam-packed with cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids that all work synergistically in what scientist’s calls the entourage effect.
5. Equilibrium – Sports Recovery
Recover faster from inflamed joints and muscles using Equilibrium Sports Recovery balm which contains natural anti-inflammatories such as tea tree oil, almond oil, and grapeseed oil.
Simply apply a small amount to the site of pain and discomfort and it will get to work quickly, reducing inflammation and pain. It’ll even hydrate your skin.
This medium strength balm contains 400 mg of organic full-spectrum Colorado CBD oil in a 60 ml bottle which has been independently lab-tested to ensure your skin absorbs only the best natural ingredients.
4. ECS – Topical Balm
ECS Topical Balm is a natural and organic CBD balm that can help relieve those stiff bodily aches following a tough workout.
ECS is a UK based manufacturer who uses only 100% organic ingredients such as CBD, hemp seed oil, beeswax, and shea butter.
Shea butter can help with inflammation and the pain that comes with it, while hemp seed oil is incredibly rich in essential omega-6 and -3 fatty acids that will nourish your skin.
If you have any cuts you will be happy to know there is also beeswax present which can prevent harmful bacteria from entering through cracks in the skin.
This 50ml topical balm contains a large 500 mg of CBD all enclosed in an ultraviolet container which protects the cannabinoids within.
3. Naturalis London – Post-Workout Oil
This soothing massage oil is formulated by an in-house UK pharmacist using premium CBD oil infused with skin-loving essential oils such as Roman Chamomile, lavender, yarrow, and thyme.
Simply spray a small amount onto your skin gently massaging it into your muscles as the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving qualities of lavender, chamomile and yarrow take effect.
This 10 ml bottle is vegan and cruelty-free and contains 250 mg of rigorously tested CBD oil.
2. Equilibrium – CBD Extreme Sports Recovery
This soothing balm is suitable for all skin types and was specifically made for those of you who perform intense workouts or compete professionally and need to recover fast.
It is packed full of essential oils like almond oil, tea tree oil, coconut oil, and grapeseed oil which are nature’s natural anti-inflammatories helping to reduce post-workout inflammation and pain.
Equilibrium has infused this natural balm with the highest dose of 800 mg of organic CBD in a 60 ml container that will help you recover faster and get on with life.
1. Cali Greens – Cocoa Orange Balm
Revitalise sore, tired, aching joints and muscles with this award-winning CBD balm that will leave your skin basking in the balmy scents of cocoa and orange.
Cali Greens is packed full of skin-loving ingredients like almond oil that moisturises, hydrates and nourishes your skin while coconut oil and shea butter have proven anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the swelling and inflammation following a stressful workout.
This 60 ml container has a medium dose of 300 mg of full-spectrum CBD oil which is suitable for all skin types and ideally used after a warm shower when the pores are more open.
How to Use CBD Balms
Apply a small amount to the site of discomfort and massage in gently. CBD balms should be applied immediately after a workout and again just before you go to sleep at night.
Our body does most of its healing during the non-REM phase of sleep and by using the balm before you sleep you give your body that little extra help it might need.
