Posted On:
May 24, 2024
How to Make CBD Muscle Rub
CBD muscle rub, also known as CBD salve or CBD balm, is a topical product infused with cannabidiol (CBD) oil that you can put on your skin. CBD is a type of cannabinoid that is gaining so much attention these days. It’s derived from the cannabis plant, particularly the hemp plant, known for its many therapeutic benefits.
CBD body rubs are popular among athletes, fitness enthusiasts, older adults, individuals with joint pain, and recreational users. Many of them use it as a natural remedy for minimizing pain and inflammation. Due to its popularityand pain-reducing ability, many of our customers are asking how to make CBD muscle rub at home.
So, today in this step-by-step guide, we’ll discuss everything related to DIY CBD muscle rub.
What Is a CBD Muscle Rub and What Applications Does It Have?
For those who don’t know what a CBD muscle rub is, CBD rubs are ointments, balms, or creams that just look like the lotions or creams you use for daily skincare treatment (much thicker and oilier than lotion). The only exception is that it contains CBD extracts, a naturally occurring therapeutic compound found in hemp plants.
Any cannabis plant that possesses 0.3 percent THC or less is defined as a hemp plant. So, if you want to make a CBD-infused muscle rub on your own, make sure that the source of CBD is the hemp plant. It’s also important to note that THC is a psychoactive compound that causes “high” or “euphoric” feelings in its users.
Even Full-Spectrum CBD body rubs contain only 0.3 percent THC to provide entourage effects and maximize its therapeutic benefits. However, you can also make THC-free CBD rubs or balms, and to do so, you would have to prepare the rubs either with CBD Isolate (Pure CBD) or Broad-Spectrum CBD extracts.
Now what are the uses of CBD balm or CBD muscle rubs? As the name suggests, it mainly supports muscle recovery after intense workouts or physical activity. Many people use CBD-infused rubs for reducing body aches and skincare as well.
The following are a few common applications of CBD muscle rubs:
- Pain Relief (e.g., muscle soreness, joint pain)
- Muscle Recovery
- Inflammation Reduction
- Skin Care (Since Rubs have antioxidant and moisturizing properties)
- Stress and Anxiety Relief
- Sleep Aid
How to Make CBD Muscle Rub at Home?
Now that you know CBD rubs or balms, you might feel interested in learning how to make CBD body rub at home. The preparation process of cannabis rub is simple and straightforward.
Follow our step-by-step guide to make your homemade CBD Rub.
Step 1: Gather Ingredients and Supplies
Before you begin, gather all the necessary ingredients and supplies:
- Carrier oil (e.g., coconut oil, jojoba oil)
- Beeswax or alternative wax (e.g., candelilla wax)
- CBD Oil (e.g., Full-spectrum, Broad-spectrum, or CBD Isolate)
- Essential Oils (optional, for fragrance and added benefits)
- Double Boiler or makeshift double boiler (a heat-proof bowl over a pot of simmering water)
- Glass jars or containers for storage
- Measuring spoons and cups
Make sure that your workspace is clean and sanitized to maintain the purity of your CBD rub.
Step 2: Choose Your Carrier Oil
The first thing you need to do now is choose the right kind of carrier oil for your DIY CBD muscle rub. It’s better if you select based on your preferences and skin type.
When it comes to choosing carrier oil, hemp seed oil is the natural option. Though hemp seed oil has many benefits, including natural anti-aging and moisturizing properties, it’s very delicate and goes rancid very quickly. Of course, you can extend its shelf life by adding an antioxidant like vitamin E when the rub is cooling (0.5% of the weight of the recipe).
However, if you want to be on the safe side, you can choose other popular options as well. For instance, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil. No matter what carrier oil you choose, consider the life and potency of the carrier oil.
Step 3: Select Wax
After selecting the preferred carrier oil, choose a wax to bind the ingredients together and give the CBD rub its desired texture. Beeswax is commonly used, but you can also use candelilla wax. Note that to make a vegan-friendly CBD rub recipe, candelilla is a popular choice due to its plant-based origin.
Step 4: Determine CBD Oil Potency
Another important step for making CBD muscle rub at home is to decide on the desired potency of your rub. To do so, you need to calculate the amount of CBD oil. You should consider the factors such as the intended use and individual tolerance.
If you’re using a pre-made CBD oil, determine the concentration of CBD per milliliter. To carry it out, divide the total CBD content (in milligrams) by the bottle size (in milliliters). For example, 1000 mg CBD oil in a 30 ml bottle yields 33.33 mg/ml potency. You can also consult a healthcare provider (a dermatologist) to learn about the dosage suitable for your body and skin type.
After you choose the CBD oil potency, blend the CBD concentrate with 1 cup of carrier oil.
Step 4: Melt Carrier Oil Mixture and Wax
To melt carrier oil and wax, set up a double boiler by filling a pot with water and placing a heat-proof bowl on top. Make sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Turn the stove from low to medium heat. Add the 1/3 cup mixture of carrier oil and beeswax/candelilla wax in the saucepan or double boiler.
Keep it at low heat for approximately 25 minutes. Stir occasionally until fully melted and combined. This prevents burning, and sticking and ensures even heating. You can begin melting the carrier oil and wax at the start of the CBD rub-making process, before adding CBD oil and essential oil.
Step 5: Add CBD Oil and Essential Oil
Once the carrier oil and wax are fully melted and combined, remove the mixture from heat.
Then, gradually stir in the calculated amount of CBD oil until evenly distributed. If desired, you can add essential oils for fragrance and extra therapeutic benefits.
Adding lavender oil might help you relax more deeply. Peppermint essential oil provides a cooling sensation, while eucalyptus-infused oil provides respiratory support. You may also use Frankincense essential oil, which is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It also includes significant quantities of alphapinene and alpha-thujen, which can improve lines and fade scars.
Step 6: Pour Into Containers and Cool
After combining CBD oil and essential oil, carefully transfer the CBD rub mixture to clean glass jars or containers. Now allow it to cool at room temperature until it solidifies.
To prevent contamination and preserve the freshness of your CBD rub, make sure that the containers are tightly sealed.
Step 7: Label and Store
Label the bottle of CBD rub with the date of production and the contents, including the CBD rub's potency. To retain potency, store the containers/jars in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight.
Step 8: Enjoy Your DIY CBD Muscle Rub
Your homemade CBD rub is now ready for use. Simply scoop out a small amount of the rub and massage it into the desired area for pain relief, inflammation reduction, or skincare benefits.
However, if you do not receive the desired benefits or enjoy the flavor and aroma of your DIY cannabis rub, you may experiment with other combinations of carrier oils, waxes, and essential oils to make bespoke rubs that fulfill your needs.
What Ingredients Should I Use in CBD Muscle Rub for Pain Relief?
There are several ingredients that you can add to make your CBD muscle rub (AKA CBD muscle balm) more effective at relieving pain. But first, we want you to know that CBD itself is an anti-inflammatory and analgesic compound that can aid in minimizing pain as well as healing wounds.
Topical CBD is promising for pain relief. According to a 2020 study published by the National Institute of Health, patients with topical CBD experience a significant reduction in sharp pain, and cold, itchy sensations.
You can still add other ingredients with CBD muscle rub to enhance its ability to reduce pain. For example: menthol, arnica, capsaicin, camphor, essential oils, and emu oil.
Menthol has a cooling sensation that can help numb and soothe sore muscles, and joints. Besides, it not only provides cooling distraction but also improves blood flow.
Capsaicin can also be used to lift the pain-reducing ability of CBD muscle rub. It’s derived from chili peppers that can help relieve pain by desensitizing nerve receptors that transmit pain signals. Capsaicin is often used in topical creams and rubs for helping with conditions such as arthritis, and muscle pain.
You can also use ingredients such as arnica or camphor. Both are natural herbs with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects that can help relieve pain. Arnica is commonly connected with pain from bruises, sprains, and muscular strains, whereas camphor produces a warming feeling and improves blood circulation to the troubled area.
Essential oils as well as emu oil have many of the same attributes and properties that can help with body aches and other sorts of discomfort when infused with CBD muscle rubs.
Related Article: Best CBD Rubs for Athletes: Unveiling Tension Relief Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (H2)
Here are some relevant questions and answers related to making CBD muscle rub at home.
How Does CBD Muscle Rub Work?
Ans: CBD muscle rub functions similarly to other over-the-counter topical creams. When applied topically, CBD is absorbed through the skin and interacts with the high concentration of cannabinoid receptors (CB1) present in the skin. That’s why it is so effective at relieving you from constant body aches and muscle pains. It is also worth noting that CBD topical only works under your skin and it doesn’t need to enter your bloodstream.
Are CBD Muscle Rubs Suitable for All Skin Types?
Ans: In general, CBD-infused muscle rubs are safe for most skin types. However, if you have sensitive skin or are allergic to specific ingredients, you should perform a patch test or consult a dermatologist before using a CBD topical body rub.
What Ingredients Enhance the Effectiveness of DIY CBD Muscle Rub?
Ingredients like menthol, arnica, and essential oils can enrich your homemade CBD muscle rub in terms of pain relief. Combining these ingredients with CBD rub will offer cooling sensations, anti-inflammatory effects, and improved blood circulation.
The Bottom Line: Enjoy Your Homemade CBD Muscle Rub
Make your own CBD muscle rub by melting carrier oil and wax, adding CBD oil, and optional essential oils for fragrance. You can also try adding things like menthol or arnica if you want to make it better for pain relief. Store your CBD muscle rub in a cool, dark place and label containers. Enjoy a pain-free day with your homemade CBD rubs.