CBD vs. Hemp Oil for Tension & Discomfort
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| Navigating the world of CBD and hemp oil can seem complex, especially when it comes to understanding their potential benefits for tension and discomfort. We’re here to help break it down as we demystify these two natural products: CBD and hemp seed oil. |
Ready to learn more about the cannabis plant and its varying nourishing abilities? Let’s get into it.
What Is the Cannabis Sativa Plant?
Cannabis sativa is a species of plant under the broader cannabis genus, which is famous for its psychoactive properties. There are two primary varieties under this species – hemp and marijuana. The hemp plant, often harvested for its fiber and seeds, is rich in CBD and has a much lower THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) concentration than its counterpart.
What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabis plants are home to a variety of chemical compounds called cannabinoids. Two of the most studied cannabinoids are CBD, or cannabidiol, and THC.
CBD vs. THC: What’s the Difference?
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is known for inducing psychoactive effects, causing the "high" feeling associated with cannabis use. On the other hand, CBD doesn't produce such effects, making it a preferred option for those seeking potential health benefits without intoxication.
What Is CBD?
CBD refers to the phytocannabinoid-rich oil that is carefully extracted from the mature hemp plant. Because this oil contains CBD – and sometimes other cannabinoids as well – CBD oil can play a unique role within the body by engaging with the body’s own endocannabinoid system (ECS).
What Are the Potential Benefits of CBD?
CBD is becoming increasingly recognized for its potential benefits. By working with our endocannabinoid system – a complex internal messaging network meant to help regulate biological functions and maintain homeostasis throughout the body – CBD may serve as a plant-based wellness companion as it helps the ECS help promote relaxation, soothe tension, and ease discomfort as needed.
What Forms of CBD Are There?
CBD oil is derived primarily from the hemp plant, specifically from its stalks, leaves, and flowers. The extraction process is meticulous to ensure a high-quality yield.
The most common forms of CBD oil are full-spectrum CBD oil, broad-spectrum CBD oil, and CBD isolate:
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Full-Spectrum CBD – Full-spectrum CBD Oil retains all the cannabinoids (including THC), terpenes, and essential fatty acids found in the hemp plant delivering the much-sought-after entourage effect.
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CBD Isolate– On the contrary, CBD isolate is considered the purest form of CBD, with all other cannabis plant compounds removed. After filtering out all the other plant parts from the hemp extract, the final form of CBD isolate is pure CBD.
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Broad-Spectrum CBD – As an ideal in-between, broad-spectrum CBD contains all of hemp’s nourishing plant parts, terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoidsexceptTHC. This allows users to benefit from the desirable entourage effect – which occurs when the varying plant parts work synergistically together – without needing to worry about any potential adverse effects of THC.
What CBD Products Are Available?
There is no shortage of ways to enjoy the soothing benefits of CBD. The CBD oil extracted from the hemp plant can be infused in a wide range of products, each offering unique wellness benefits and methods of application, catering to individual needs and preferences.
CBD Oils and Tinctures
CBD oil, usually paired with a carrier oil such as hemp seed oil, is one of the most popular CBD products. This form is often used sublingually (under the tongue), allowing for direct absorption into the bloodstream. CBD oils come with a dropper that allows you to easily measure out and experiment with the amount of CBD you use. CBD Oils can also include other nourishing ingredients, such as Muscle MX Relax CBD Oil Drops. Containing CBN and Ashwagandha, these drops are formulated to help you wind down, clear your mind, and prepare for a restful sleep.
CBD Topicals
CBD topicals come in the form of lotions, balms, creams, and even bath products. They are designed for localized application, targeting specific areas of discomfort or tension. Restore CBD Lotion and Recovery CBD Balm from Muscle MX are excellent examples.
Restore CBD Lotion combines CBD with nano-silver technology and hyaluronic acid for a comprehensive skincare solution, offering hydration, protection, and relief. On the other hand, Recovery CBD Balm utilizes the cooling effects of CBD, menthol, tea tree, and eucalyptus to provide immediate relief from muscle and joint pain.
Edibles
CBD can also be consumed in the form of gummies, chocolates, and other edible treats, providing a tasty, convenient, and discreet way to consume CBD. Our ultra-calming CBD Bliss Gummies, for instance, are a fun and berry-flavored option that combines CBD with other all-natural ingredients to make CBD consumption simple and enjoyable.
What Are the Side Effects of CBD?
While CBD is generally well-tolerated, some users may experience side effects like gastrointestinal discomfort when taking large amounts of CBD oil. It's always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating CBD into a daily regimen, especially if you use any other medications.
Is CBD Legal?
As for legality, CBD derived from hemp plants with less than 0.3% THC is legal at the federal level in the U.S., thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. However, it's important to check state laws and FDA regulations as the rules can vary.
What Is Hemp Oil?
Also known as hemp seed oil, hemp oil is derived from the seeds of the hemp plant. While sourced from the same plant as CBD oil, the effects, nutritional value, and benefits of these two oils vary greatly.
How Is Hemp Oil Extracted?
Hemp oil is the result of a cold-press extraction process. Since cannabinoids don’t develop within the hemp and cannabis plants until they’ve matured, hemp seed oil does not contain significant concentrations of CBD or THC. Rather, it is rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and other essential nutrients.
What Are the Health Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil?
Hemp seed oil is high in omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, which are known for their potential heart health benefits. Additionally, this oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which may aid in managing hormonal balance and supporting the immune system.
What Products Contain Hemp Seed Oil?
Due to its nourishing properties, hemp oil is commonly found in topical skincare products, such as lotions and moisturizers. It's often used to help with skin irritation and discomfort by providing essential fatty acids to the skin. It's also found in other products like edibles, similar to CBD products.
However, remember that hemp seed oil and CBD oil offer different benefits due to their distinct compositions.
Are There Side Effects to Hemp Seed Oil?
Side effects are rare, but allergic reactions could occur in some people. It's recommended to consult a healthcare provider before integrating hemp oil into your daily regimen.
Is Hemp Oil Legal?
With the 2018 Farm Act’s legalization of hemp cultivation in the US, hemp seed oil is legal at the federal level in the U.S.
How Do CBD and Hemp Seed Oil Compare for Tension and Discomfort?
Now that we’ve covered the basics of both CBD and hemp seed oil, let’s talk about tension. Here’s what you need to know about how the two measure up when it comes to tension and discomfort.
Effects on the Endocannabinoid System
One of the main differences between CBD and hemp oil lies in their interaction with the endocannabinoid system. CBD has the ability to interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body, which may influence pain management and overall well-being.
On the other hand, hemp seed oil does not interact with these receptors but provides nutritional benefits instead.
Potential Benefits for Tension and Discomfort
CBD, due to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, shows potential for reducing tension and discomfort. Studies have suggested that it might help the body manage stress levels, ease mental and physical tension, and soothe physical discomfort.
This makes CBD oil a popular choice for people seeking a natural approach to discomfort – from muscle soreness to joint discomfort to physical manifestations of stress and tension.
On the other hand, hemp seed oil, with its high concentration of essential fatty acids, may contribute to general health and well-being, but it doesn't provide the same targeted relief for discomfort and tension that CBD does.
Topical Use
Both CBD and hemp oil can be used topically. CBD-infused topicals are becoming popular for potentially supporting localized discomfort and swelling. By working with cannabinoid receptors directly at the application site, CBD oil-infused topicals can help the ECS in maintaining balance by easing discomfort at the source.
Hemp seed oil, with its moisturizing and nourishing properties, can be used in skincare products to help manage skin conditions.
Legality & THC Considerations
While both CBD and hemp seed oil are federally legal in the U.S., state laws can vary, especially concerning products containing THC. If you are concerned about the psychoactive effects or drug testing, it's essential to choose CBD products made from broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate, which are THC-free. Hemp oil is already free from THC and CBD, so it's less likely to be a concern.
Is CBD or Hemp Oil Better for Tension and Discomfort?
When deciding between CBD and hemp oil for alleviating tension and discomfort, it's crucial to understand that your individual needs and health goals matter most. Both CBD and hemp oil have their unique benefits, but their effects on tension and discomfort vary significantly.
CBD has a more direct relationship with our body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), meaning that it can interact with the network of cannabinoid receptors scattered throughout the body to potentially offer a soothing and fast-acting effect on both physical and mental tension and discomfort.
Topicals like Muscle MX's Restore CBD Lotion provide an ideal option for localized relief. With CBD, nano-silver technology, and hyaluronic acid, it can target areas of discomfort while also offering a comprehensive skincare solution. By applying the lotion directly to areas of discomfort, the CBD can interact with cannabinoid receptors in the skin, offering targeted relief.
On the other hand, hemp oil, rich in essential fatty acids, offers more general health benefits and doesn't directly interact with the ECS or provide the targeted relief for discomfort that CBD does. It is primarily used in skincare products, offering hydration and nourishment to the skin.
While both CBD and hemp oil have their merits, if your main concern is addressing tension and discomfort, a CBD-infused product like Muscle MX's Restore CBD Lotion might be your best bet. The important thing is to make an informed decision based on your individual needs and consult with a healthcare provider if necessary.
Remember, everybody is unique, and what works best for one person may not be the best choice for another. As always, quality matters, so choose high-quality, third-party lab-tested products for safety and efficacy.
Let Your Tension Melt Away With Muscle MX
When it comes to soothing tension and easing discomfort, the choice between CBD and hemp oil largely depends on your individual health goals. While both have their unique benefits, CBD, through its interaction with the body's endocannabinoid system, potentially provides more direct relief for these concerns.
Here at Muscle MX, we are committed to empowering you with the information necessary to make the best choice for your personal needs while providing a range of high-quality, natural wellness products to support you in your wellness journey.
Interested in seeing more ways Muscle Mx can help provide relief in your day-to-day life? Check out our full shop, or discover more tips at our blog.
Sources:
Cannabis (Genus) | ScienceDirect Topics
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) | NCBI Bookshelf
The Case for the Entourage Effect and Conventional Breeding of Clinical Cannabis: No “Strain,” No Gain | Frontiers
Farm Bill | USDA
The cardiac and haemostatic effects of dietary hempseed | PMC
Gamma-linolenic acid Information | Mount Sinai
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