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It seems like everyone is using CBD these days, but what does the science say when it comes to muscle soreness and workout recovery?
The hemp-derived cannabinoid, CBD, has long been used for its perceived anti-inflammatory and recovery enhancing properties. Usage of this non-intoxicating plant compound has spiked after CBD became legal across the United States in 2018 under the Farm Bill. There are numerous, promising anecdotal claims regarding CBD benefits, and a growing volume of scientific evidence to back them up. While the potential of CBD feels nearly unlimited, it’s important to understand the basics of getting started, and sort out fact from fiction when considering putting a product for pain and muscle relief onto or in your body.
Why am I sore?
No matter your fitness level, a tough workout (or even just an active day) can leave your muscles feeling sore. What’s happening is microscopic damage is being done to your muscle fibers. You can offset some of this soreness by properly warming up and stretching before and after activity, but to some degree soreness is an inevitable part of living an active life.
How can CBD impact muscle recovery?
First, it’s important to understand how CDB interacts with the body. CBD is a chemical compound that interacts with a system in the body called the ECS or Endocannabinoid System. This complex system runs throughout the human body to regulate functions, including pain and inflammation, in order to maintain a healthy state of balance or homeostasis.
CBD interacts with enzymes (something that medicines like Advil or Aspirin target) to suppress inflammation and support natural neurotransmitters to promote pain relief. Learn more about how CBD can be used to help with acute and chronic pain or inflammation.
What product is right for me?
CBD is available in many different forms, including creams, gel caps, tinctures, edibles, and bath salts, amongst others. The choice is personal but for the purposes of post-workout recovery, topical CBD is great for providing targeted relief, as the effects are more concentrated on the inflamed local tissue and it doesn’t get into your bloodstream.
Ingesting CBD using gummies, gel caps, or tinctures is a great way to experience full body recovery. This CBD enters your blood stream, working directly on the ECS, providing relief for deep muscle tissues as well as additional systemic benefits, which include sleep quality, and stress relief.
Combining ingestible CBD with a topical CBD product is an effective way to holistically support the body.
Hear from Customers Like You:
From the everyday athlete, to elite professionals, hundreds of thousands of active people claim to have seen the benefits of CBD for muscle recovery for themselves. Here are some words from Mendi customers who have experienced the benefit of plat-powered wellness:
Obsessed with this product. I’m a very active athlete with constant aches and pains. This has been a total game changer.
Alexa F. (No THC Salve Stick)
This salve stick has been a game changer for me. Whether it’s tackling inflammation in my Achilles from a tendinitis issue or inflammation caused by gout, this little stick is up for the job. I had been researching cbd for a while before pulling the trigger and giving Mendi’s salve stick a shot, and I am so glad that I did. I have used it every day since it arrived and was so impressed that I sent a sample to my mom who deals with chronic arthritis pain
Jamie C. (Full Spectrum Salve Stick)
I have tried almost everything on my knees over time with athletics, but I am quite impressed with the salve stick. It doesn't go on overpowering but continues to work over time. I love the convenience of the stick, so I don't have to touch (and get my hands dirty) and it doesn't seem to leave any type of residue on my clothes.’
Rachel D. (No THC Salve Stick)
I stay-at-home all day with a 4.5 year old and a 1 y.o. My day consists of non-stop lifting and holding my big bebes. My neck and shoulders are tight more times than not because of it, and recently I’ve been massaging this oil on my sore spots before bed. The warm-glow I feel, and calming scent after applying Mendi’s massage oil helps me fall asleep, and has me feeling more relaxed to start the next day. Professional stay-at-home dad approved - would highly recommend Mendi’s Massage Oil.
Sean T. (Massage Oil)
I currently use this oil for massage sessions on my clients and they absolutely love it. They walk out of session with more pep in their step as well the have a longer period of time with no pain for that day when they come in. I also use it for my hands and forearms after a long day of massaging and it alleviates the pain and reduces the inflammation I experience. I would recommend this even to my worst enemy hehe its that good.
Kendra C. (Massage Oil)
What does recent research have to say?
A recent clinical trial assessed 52 participants in a controlled clinical environment. Participants were asked to work out at least three times a week for 14 days and use a CBD cream afterwards. The results revealed that CBD was effective at relieving post-exercise joint stiffness and muscle tension in over 97% of participants.
Another 2020 study showed that CBD use significantly reduced muscle aches and improved the rate of muscle recovery, compared to no intervention.
According to a 2018 review of 132 original studies published in Frontiers in Neurology, CBD can indeed reduce inflammation in the body and help improve pain and mobility in patients with multiple sclerosis.
A study in the International Journal of Physical Education, Sports and Health found that trained athletes who took CBD post-workout recovered more quickly and also reported significantly less muscle soreness at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours post-workout. The researchers' conclusion was that "CBD appears to have a significant influence on muscle soreness when consumed immediately after strenuous exercise."
