Chances are you have an achy muscle or seven somewhere in your body. While foam rolling, warm compresses and ice baths are all great ways to ease muscle soreness, there’s another product you may want to add to your pain relief arsenal: hemp oil cream.
Hemp creams are rich in skin-nourishing omega fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and help moisturize the skin, as well as other nutrients that can reduce swelling. When massaged into the skin, these nutrients penetrate deep into the tissues, easing inflammation and relieving pain by targeting the source of the ache or spasm.
Natural Healing: Harnessing Hemp Oil Creams
Most hemp oil creams also contain other analgesic compounds such as menthol, camphor, and capsaicin. These compounds work by distracting the nerves that send pain signals to the brain, reducing your perception of the discomfort. They can also provide a cooling or heating sensation, which can help relieve pain by stimulating the skin’s receptors or by increasing blood flow to the area, respectively.
Hemp lotions can be found in a variety of forms, such as gels or sticks. Hemp gels are lightweight and more hygienic, while hemp creams feel smooth and absorb quickly. For best results, apply a small amount of the hemp cream to clean, dry skin at least three or four times per day and gradually increase the use as needed. Most products recommend starting with a dime-sized amount and massaging the cream into the muscles affected by pain or soreness.
