Cannabidiol (CBD) has been generating a lot of buzz for its pain management potential, offering relief for everything from arthritis to migraines. CBD isn’t just proving useful for chronic pain, though. Research indicates that this increasingly popular cannabinoid may also be effective for treating the pain and inflammation related to burns. If you have suffered from second- or third-degree burns and are struggling to find relief, you may want to give CBD a try.
Much of the pain that persists after a burn injury is due to acute inflammation. This is just a necessary part of the body’s natural healing process, but it can be grueling. A 2009 study from the journal Future Medicinal Chemistry found that CBD is useful for suppressing inflammatory response in the body. The cannabinoids react with immune cells in the body, suppressing the proteins that contribute to inflammatory pain. Another more recent study from the European Journal of Pain further confirmed that CBD is effective for general pain management.
But now that you know why CBD is beneficial for treating pain, the next step is determining the best delivery system. CBD is derived from the cannabis plant, but it contains none of the psychoactive properties that lead to getting high. It’s available in numerous forms, some of the most effective of which include:
Lotions
When it comes to localized pain and inflammation, CBD topical creams and lotions are your best bet. These solutions penetrate the skin and provide relief directly to the affected area. Best of all, it’s as easy as applying any other type of lotion to your skin.
Edibles
CBD is available in a wide range of edible products, including gummies, cookies, lollipops, and even cake pops. Though the pain treatment isn’t as directly targeted as you would get with a lotion, edibles tend to have longer-lasting effects as the CBD is absorbed directly into your bloodstream. For maximum effectiveness, edibles can be used in combination with lotions.
Capsules
Like edibles, capsules have long-lasting effects. The other advantage is that they provide you with precise dosage. If you’re uncomfortable with the thought of using cannabis-related products for pain relief, capsules afford you a treatment that closely resembles conventional over-the-counter medicine. If you have an older relative who’s hesitant to give CBD a try, you may want to consider the use of capsules. They’re not as fast-acting as other methods, but they do work just as well as any other CBD delivery system.
Find the Solution That Works for You
Ultimately, you’ll have to decide which method works best for you. A wide selection of CBD treatments are readily available, and their increasingly widespread availability means that they’re becoming more affordable all the time. In addition to the methods described above, you may also want to consider vape products and tinctures, both of which can be effective. If you’re suffering from the pain associated with a burn, you owe it to yourself to reach for the best treatments possible.