CBD Gel: What Is It, and Will It Help with Muscle Recovery?

Today, we will give you some comprehensive information about CBD gel. This CBD-based product may be new to you, but don’t worry. We will tell you everything you need to know about its different aspects. At Marry Jane, we are thrilled to have our own CBD gels as part of our product line, so we will try to tell you everything about the gel from our first-hand experience. Okay, are you ready to get started? Let’s go!

What is CBD?

CBD or cannabidiol is a basic component of CBD gel. This compound is one of over 120 elements of the hemp plant (called cannabinoids). According to several studies, CBD is not psychoactive and cannot get one high. In addition, various scientists report that CBD may have potential health benefits, such as helping to manage stress, anxiety, insomnia, pain, inflammation and more.

However, every coin has two sides, and CBD can have side effects. The list of these includes conditions such as drowsiness, gastrointestinal problems, dry mouth, nausea and others.

Another important consideration is CBD’s association with hemp, which leads some to stereotypically conclude that the compound is illegal. But the answer is not so clear-cut. CBD is legal in many European countries, but some countries in the region prohibit it in all forms. The best option is to carefully check the international and local CBD legislation, as laws can change within a country. To help you gain an overall perspective of this question, we have provided you with a summary of the European CBD legal landscape as of the beginning of 2021.

How does CBD work?

The way CBD functions has been studied in a number of scientific studies. To understand this question, the key aspect to consider is the endocannabinoid system. Called the ECS for short, it is a network of parts in the human body that plays a vital role in the internal biological system. This system is responsible for various processes, including appetite, metabolism, immune system regulation and cellular communication.

The ECS comprises cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), endocannabinoids and enzymes. CB1 are the receptors that affect coordination, movement, pain, anxiety, fear, appetite, memory, mood, energy and other functions, while CB2 is responsible for immune and inflammatory responses.

CBD interacts more readily with CB2 receptors found in the body’s immune system. After the enzymes break down the cannabinoids, the endocannabinoids try to bind to the receptors. However, researchers believe that CBD doesn’t bind directly to the receptor but affects it in some way. Activation of these receptors accounts for many of the health benefits that people associate with the compound.

CBD can also affect non-cannabinoid receptors. According to the specialists, CBD modulates the 5ht serotonin receptor, which can treat psychotic disorders. It can also affect the TRPV1 receptor, which is responsible for pain and inflammation.

What are CBD topicals?

CBD topicals are a type of CBD product that is applied to the skin. Since these hemp-infused creams and gels are gradually absorbed via the skin’s membranes, you may need to wait up to an hour for the potential CBD effects to be felt. The range of CBD topicals is extensive and includes the following products:

• Oils and tinctures
• Face masks
• Hand and face serums
• Face and hand creams
• Gels

The methods of using CBD topicals are virtually the same: Apply to the skin and massage in. With CBD face masks, it’s not necessary to massage the skin.

What is CBD gel?

So what kind of product is this? CBD gel is a transparent, lightweight and quick-drying skin product enriched with CBD. Today, it is trending among athletes and people who lead an active lifestyle. A potential effect of the gel is a cooling sensation on the skin and an aroma that can help you relax following a stressful experience.

CBD gel is semi-solid at room temperature and contains small particles that are easily absorbed by the skin. Taking only about 45 minutes to feel CBD’s potential effects, CBD pain relief gel can be considered one of the easiest ways to enjoy topical CBD ingredients.

Possible applications of CBD gels

Here are some of the applications that CBD muscle gel can be used for:

• Post-training recovery

Recovery and rest periods are among the most important elements of an effective training regime. CBD gels may be useful in helping athletes improve their recovery process and prepare to reach new athletic heights.

• Dealing with pain

No pain, no gain. As several studies report, CBD can help prevent chronic pain, including that experienced in the muscles.

• Anxiety and stress

Some athletes may suffer from stress, anxiety and even insomnia before important sporting events. Cannabidiol in the CBD gel for pain can help combat these, as several studies claim.

MJ CBD gels

CBD gels are one of Marry Jane’s new products. Our CBD gels are called Blade Sports and were developed in collaboration with rising MMA star and world-renowned champion of various kickboxing tournaments Ilias “The Blaid” Bulaid. More interesting stories about Ilias and the role CBD plays in his life can be found in our two-part interview with him.

Blade Sports by Marry Jane are vegan products that are THC-, cruelty- and gluten-free. Our CBD gels are a perfect solution for professional athletes as they comply with the updated Article 4.2.2. of the World Anti-Doping Code.

The gel can be applied to areas of the body and then massaged in gently. For first-time use, we recommend testing the product on a small area to ensure skin compatibility. And remember that the product is for external use only. Also, it should be applied locally and not all over the body. The product is prohibited for children under three years of age, so keep it out of the reach of children.

CBD gel ingredients

CBD cooling gel is a combination of water, alcohol, oils and a thickening agent (such as carbomer). It is a complex product that contains various elements, with the following active ingredients:

• Terpenes (like menthol or limonene)

Terpenes are natural compounds found in many different plants that impart specific aromas to them. Both menthol and limonene are present in hemp. The first one can produce cooling and warming sensations. In another study, it was found that applying menthol to the skin may reduce blood flow rapidly and in the short term. Limonene can also be found in lemon. One study showed that topical limonene may potentially treat the symptoms of post-exercise inflammation. It may also affect the normal activity of muscle proteins in the body.

• Essential oils (like eucalyptus and clove oils)

Eucalyptus is one of the most popular plants used for deep breathing exercises. Many scientists have proven its beneficial effect in dealing with some of the symptoms of swelling and signs of muscle tension in the airways. Clove oil is a golden liquid that is extracted from clove buds. According to research, it could help alleviate some of the symptoms of oedema or also known as tissue swelling.

• CBD extract

This liquid is extracted from the leaves and flowers of hemp plants, and is rich in CBD molecules. Such an extract can contain not only CBD, but also CBG, terpenes and flavonoids. We are proud to say that in our Blade Sports, we use the original EU-certified MJ Hemp Extract®, which is carefully produced in-house.

The potential benefits of using CBD gel for muscle recovery: What does the science say?

As we mentioned in this article, CBD can have several health benefits. For example, according to several studies, CBD may be useful for treating some of the symptoms of post-workout inflammation. Other research reports that the compound may affect self-perceived muscle recovery in rugby players (can you find a more contact-heavy sport than rugby?). Additionally, CBD can improve sleep and calmness, which are so crucial before major competitions, as a 2020 sports review states.

One important point to consider is that there hasn’t been enough research on CBD, especially in sports. However, several studies are still ongoing, so we will definitely get more accurate information about it in the future.

Final thoughts

This has been our comprehensive guide to CBD gel, one of the newest products in Marry Jane’s line. If you want to know more about our different products or CBD in general, don’t hesitate to look for all the information you need on our blog. Also, our team of professionals is always on hand to answer all your questions, so feel free to contact us.

Sources

1. Beyond CBD: Other cannabinoids in hemp and their exciting potential as ingredients (https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/beyond-cbd-other-cannabinoids-hemp-and-their-exciting-potential-ingredients)
2. Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t (https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476)
3. Cannabidiol (CBD). Pre-Review Report. Agenda Item 5.2 (https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/5.2_CBD.pdf)
4. Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/)
5. Side Effects of CBD Oil: What Are the Risks? (https://marryjane.com/blog/side-effects-of-cbd-oil-what-are-the-risks/)
6. The Endocannabinoid System (https://marryjane.com/blog/the-endocannabinoid-system/)
7. CBD: understanding how CBD works with our bodies (https://www.healtheuropa.eu/cbd-understanding-how-cbd-works-with-our-bodies/96718/)
8. CBD for Arthritis Pain: What You Should Know (https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/pain-relief-solutions/cbd-for-arthritis-pain)
9. Boost Your Athletic Performance with Marry Jane CBD Oils (https://marryjane.com/blog/boost-your-athletic-performance-with-marry-jane-cbd-oils/)
10. Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851925/)
11. Cannabidiol (CBD) and its analogs: a review of their effects on inflammation (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25703248/)
12. The Empowered Pain Patient’s Guide to CBD (https://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/patient/treatments/marijuana-cannabis/empowered-pain-patient-guide-cbd)
13. Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/)
14. World Anti-Doping Code 2021 (https://www.wada-ama.org/sites/default/files/resources/files/2021_wada_code.pdf)
15. What Are Terpenes and What Should You Know About Them? (https://marryjane.com/blog/what-are-terpenes-and-what-should-you-know-about-them/)
16. The Sensory Effects of l-Menthol on Human Skin (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/08990229209144774)
17. A comparison of topical menthol to ice on pain, evoked tetanic and voluntary force during delayed onset muscle soreness (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22666646/)
18. Topical application of (S)-(-)-limonene is as effective as phonophoresis for improving oxidative parameters of injured skeletal muscle in rats (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32653977/)
19. Eucalyptus – Uses, Side Effects, and More (https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-700/eucalyptus)
20. Effect of Eucalyptus Oil Inhalation on Pain and Inflammatory Responses after Total Knee Replacement: A Randomized Clinical Trial (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3703330/)
21. Experimental evaluation of anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antipyretic activities of clove oil in mice (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26333873/)
22. High Prevalence of Cannabidiol Use Within Male Professional Rugby Union and League Players: A Quest for Pain Relief and Enhanced Recovery (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343308313_High_Prevalence_of_Cannabidiol_Use_Within_Male_Professional_Rugby_Union_and_League_Players_A_Quest_for_Pain_Relief_and_Enhanced_Recovery)
23. Cannabidiol and Sports Performance: a Narrative Review of Relevant Evidence and Recommendations for Future Research (https://sportsmedicine-open.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40798-020-00251-0)