Topical CBD and Sports Recovery

CBD is everywhere these days. You can buy it online, you can buy it in grocery stores, and you can buy it down at the corner store. But all CBD products are not created equal.  So when you look to CBD to aid in your recovery process, here are some things to know you're making the right choice.

WITH OR WITHOUT THC

I think this is the most important question to ask before you dive into the often-confusing world of CBD. For me, my personal plunge came from significant muscle and nerve pain following a fall. The muscles in my arms, shoulders and neck were so tight and stiff, I could barely move them. My doctor suggested a muscle rub with CBD to help calm and soothe my body. I knew I didn't want THC, even though it is allowed in my state, because I didn't want to risk any interaction with other medications I take. 

So after my initial reluctance to jump into the CBD world, I am hooked. My body feels better, it helps me move and relax, and my skin feels good, especially after using the bluerub MASSAGE+.

If you're new to CBD, here are some tips to get started 

• Hemp Seed Oil 
  Hemp seed oil is beautiful for skin. Which is why you will see it in so many skin care preparations. Hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the cannabis sativa plant and is rich in omega-3, omega-6, vitamins B and D, and gamma-linolenic acids. While this is a skin-loving and nurturing oil that's great for mature, sun and wind damaged skin, it does not contain CBD or THC. 
  
  
• CBD Oil
  You'll want to look to see if you are picking up full-spectrum or broad-spectrum:
• full-spectrum CBD oil, which contains all compounds of the cannabis plant, including THC at the legal level
• broad-spectrum CBD oil, which contains several canabinoid compounds but not THC
  
  
• CBD Isolate
  CBD isolate is a form of CBD, or cannabidiol, which is a chemical compound present in the cannabis plant. Isolate contains multiple cannabis plant extracts, including essential oils, terpenes, and other cannabinoids, such as cannabinol. This CBD does not contain THC

Benefits of CBD for Athletes

Athletes push their bodies. Even if you're not an endurance athlete, you still push your body to move, explore, adventure and be fully engaged with the world around you. This can stress joints, muscles, and nerves. When combined with other beneficial ingredients, the addition of CBD Isolate into a topical application can speed recovery, relieve the symptoms of over exertion, and get you moving.

Types of topical product with CBD

CBD infused topical products, like those we offer at bluerub, come in three different categories:

• Warming - this is a lotion, gel or cream with 
  
  essential oils that on their own help muscles and joints. Think Eucalyptus, Menthol, Peppermint, Black Pepper and so forth. TIP: Look for ARNICA in your product for added support. 
  
  Try bluerub's RECOVERY+  for a soothing, pleasant smelling cream-based warming option with 300 MG of CBD Isolate, MSM and Organic Arnica are infused in a base of Organic Aloe Vera, Coconut Oil and blend of essential oils that aid in soothing, and calming overworked, tired muscles.

• Cooling - this is most often a gel, and uses mints, menthol, and cooling essential oils to help cool overheated muscles. Look for other herbal infusions like tulsi basil or chamomile to aid in relaxation.
  
  Try bluerub's CHILL+ with 300 MG of CBD Isolate infused in Organic Aloe Vera gel. It's pretty, light blue color comes from herbal infusions
  
  of Organic Arnica, Tulsi, Turmeric, and Seaweed. But don't worry, it won't stain. It will just lift your spirits and soothe your body. You can use it where you would typically put ice.

• Oil - look for beautiful, skin-beneficial oils in the base. Jojoba, Meadowfoam Seed, Hemp Seed Oil, Vitamin E, Avocado Oil or Grapeseed oil are all fabulous in their own right for skin. Look for ARNICA to aid in recovery. Oils can be scented with essential oils or left unscented, which is great for sensitive skin. Oils are also great for massage
  
  and cupping, too. 
  
  Try bluerub's new MASSAGE+ oil with Arnica. I love this oil and keep a bottle by my bed and in my car. Skin-loving oil base of Organic Jojoba Oil, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Grapeseed oil.

All bluerub CBD products are made with 300 mg of CBD Isolate grown and extracted in Colorado.

Check out the entire RECOVERY Collection of products both with and without CBD.

Val Sanford

Growing up in Southern California, Val played competitive softball (coached by her father), was a gymnast, swimmer, ran cross country, fished, hiked, kayaked, and as an adult, experimented in rock climbing and golf. In 2010 she was diagnosed with a rare cancer; a liposarcoma was growing on her sciatic nerve. Once this tumor was removed, she has been cancer-free! Left with significant nerve damage, she now has limited mobility. Yet still moves and engages in the world around her. She snorkels, walks, travels, and practices yoga to combat chronic pain and to maximize her ability to keep moving. She works with a personal trainer, acupuncturist, physical therapist, and massage therapist to maximize her mobility. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and her dog and gets her fins on so she can swim with the fish any time she can.