What Is CBD and How Does It Work?
Before diving into how CBD helps with pain relief, it’s essential to understand what CBD is and how it functions. Many claims suggest that CBD can cure all ailments, but only two FDA-approved prescription drugs use CBD, and they are specifically for juvenile epilepsy.
However, there are independent clinical studies supporting the effectiveness of Tru-Releaf, an OTC (Over-the-Counter) product, for pain relief. Tru-Releaf has been tested for its ability to alleviate sore muscles, headaches, menstrual cramps, and more—something no other CBD product has achieved with independent studies.
Why Clinical Studies Matter
The first thing to consider when purchasing a CBD product is whether independent studies validate its effectiveness. Unlike FDA-regulated medications, CBD products lack regulatory oversight, making it crucial to verify clinical backing. As of now, Tru-Releaf is the only company with independent clinical studies that have proven that its product works. The old saying Caveat Emptor (buyer beware) strongly applies to CBD purchases.
Oral vs. Topical CBD for Pain Relief
CBD products come in two main forms:
- Oral CBD – Taken by mouth.
- Topical CBD – Applied to the skin.
While much has been written about oral CBD, many so-called experts make claims without clinical studies to support them. The challenge with oral CBD for pain relief is that you must take a high dosage for it to be effective, potentially causing long-term harm. Think of it like Tylenol—when used occasionally and in small doses, it helps with pain, but excessive use can lead to liver failure. We do not yet know the long-term effects of taking CBD orally on the liver, so why take the risk?
This is why topical CBD is the preferred option for pain relief.
How to Choose the Right Topical CBD Product
When selecting a topical CBD product, ingredient transparency is key. If a product contains menthol, capsaicin, arnica, or emu oil, ask yourself: Are you buying a CBD product or just a pain-relief product with CBD added? A pure CBD product—such as Tru-Releaf—uses only CBD for pain relief. While other pure topical CBD products exist, none have independent clinical studies to prove their effectiveness.
How CBD Works for Pain Relief
To understand how CBD relieves pain, consider a simple example: a paper cut. When you cut your finger on paper, it hurts and bleeds, but soon the bleeding stops, and the pain fades. Here’s why:
- The nerve sends a pain signal to the brain.
- The brain responds by contracting muscles and ligaments in the area, clamping down on capillaries to stop bleeding.
- The CB2 receptor in the affected area absorbs 4 to 7 µg of the body’s natural endocannabinoid, which, through the calcium channel, signals the nerve to stop sending pain signals.
However, our bodies produce a limited amount of endocannabinoids. Conditions like muscle pain, headaches, sciatica, and arthritis do not receive enough naturally produced endocannabinoids to stop the pain. This is where applying a pure topical CBD product helps. CBD binds to CB2 receptors, supplementing the body’s natural pain management system and reducing discomfort.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a CBD Product for Pain Relief
When selecting a CBD product, focus on these three critical factors:
- Are there clinical studies supporting the product’s claims?
- What are the ingredients? Avoid unnecessary additives.
- Does the product offer a money-back guarantee? A reputable product should come with consumer protection.
If you find a CBD product that meets these criteria, try it and see if it works for you. Tru-Releaf is one of the few options on the market that checks all three boxes, making it a trusted choice for natural pain relief.
