CBD Salve Benefits & Uses

Salves are topical ointments, balms, creams, or lotions designed to promote healing, soothe the skin, and support discomfort relief.

A CBD salve is a thick oil-based cream infused with CBD. The infused CBD adds additional potential benefits to their topical usage. Due to its topical nature, CBD has the potential to support a wide range of needs and potential users.

What Are CBD Salves Good For?

CBD salves can be good for a lot of things, depending on the formula. CBD salves are good for supporting a pain relief management plan, a healthy inflammatory response, and potential stress and tension relief.

A hand holding a jar of Neurogan CBD Salve with no lid, showing a rich texture of salve

Here are a few commonly reported uses of CBD creams:

Discomfort Relief: CBD salves often help alleviate localized pain, such as muscle aches, joint pain, and general discomfort. The CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors in the skin that regulate a healthy inflammatory response and pain signals.
Skin Health: CBD has antioxidant properties, which may benefit skin health by protecting against free radicals that cause signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines. Some people also use it for conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne, as it may help reduce irritation and promote healing. However, it’s not technically FDA-approved for any skin condition.
Muscle Recovery: Athletes and those engaged in physical activities sometimes use CBD salves after workouts to support muscle recovery by reducing soreness and improving circulation, especially when paired with a gentle massage to the area.
Stress and Tension Relief: The act of massaging a CBD salve into the skin can help alleviate stress and tension, particularly when applied to areas like the neck, shoulders, or temples.

Do Hemp Salves Have Different Benefits?

Hemp salves and CBD salves are similar in many ways but differ primarily in their composition and the benefits they offer. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences and benefits of each:

Hemp Salves

Benefits:

Moisturizing: Hemp seed oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, making it an excellent natural moisturizer for the skin. It helps hydrate dry or flaky skin and improves its elasticity.
Skin Health: Hemp seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which can support soothing. Users commonly report using it for skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
Antioxidant Properties: Hemp seed oil is rich in vitamins like vitamin E, which helps protect the skin from environmental damage and aging.

CBD Salves

Benefits:

Discomfort Relief: CBD salves are often used for localized pain relief, targeting sore muscles and joints and helping to manage the inflammatory response through interactions with the ECS [1].
Muscle Recovery: Due to its potential to support a healthy immune response and provide some stress relief that can help dull the feeling of discomfort, CBD salves are often used by athletes or those engaged in physical activities to aid in post-exercise recovery.

Key Differences:

CBD Content: Hemp salves contain no, as they are typically made from hemp seed oil (which doesn’t contain any cannabinoids), while CBD salves contain significant amounts of CBD made from hemp extract from the flowers.
Targeted Discomfort Relief: Hemp salves primarily offer moisturizing and skin-nourishing benefits, while CBD salves are more geared towards support for muscle recovery.
Wellness Effects: CBD salves interact with the endocannabinoid system, providing more targeted effects, whereas hemp salves focus more on skincare and hydration.

How are CBD Salves Used?

CBD salves are one of the most straightforward CBD products to use. Since it’s topical, you don’t have to be quite as concerned about precise dosing. To use CBD salve, start by choosing an area where you want to apply. Typically, users choose places where they may feel discomfort, like tension or stress.

Next, scoop a small amount of the salve onto your fingers. You don’t need much — a little goes a long way with most CBD salves. Wait for 20-30 minutes to assess how you feel. Since topical CBD doesn’t enter the bloodstream, it’s generally safe to reapply as needed for continued relief.

A jar of Neurogan CBD Salve on top of a rock and a blurry white background

For ongoing issues, consider applying the salve 1-2 times daily or as directed on the product label for consistent relief. Also, if you engage in any form of physical training, like running or lifting, then it can be a wise choice to apply CBD salve before and after a workout.

Salves can vary in CBD concentration, but we have a general guide for what to look for when purchasing a salve. Products with 300-500 mg of CBD per ounce are generally considered mild, while those with 1000 mg or more per ounce are stronger, and we find we have the best results with our 8000 mg salves (2 oz container) — the strongest available on the market.