Cannabidiol (CBD):
A cannabinoid produced by the hemp plant. It doesn’t have psychotropic effects and is known for its beneficial properties, especially when it comes to offering support in case of inflammation and pain.
If applied to the skin, it helps relax the muscles and soothe joint pain after physical activity. As this study underlines, physical exertion during sports leads to a functional disbalance and CBD topicals can help to recover from muscle damage and fatigue.
The World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) removed Cannabidiol from the list of prohibited substances, also thanks to sportsmen and sportswomen who highlighted its beneficial effects. Athletes, especially professionals, who rely on CBD should always opt for a high-quality, certified, and third party lab tested CBD product. This guarantees that it doesn’t contain more THC than legally permitted.
Arnica montana:
Arnica is the anti-inflammatory plant par excellence. It is highly appreciated for its anti-edematous and anti-inflammatory properties and is particularly effective in case of injured skin, bruises, and muscle stiffness.
This commentary investigating the role of arnica in cosmetic dermatology showed that Arnica montana gel can effectively reduce edema and bruising associated with surgical procedures.
For this study which investigated the pain-relieving effect of arnica, twenty well-trained men applied arnica cream to the painful area every four hours. After only three days, participants reported that they perceived less pain, which positively impacted their athletic performance.
Finally, a study published in 2021 highlighted that topically applied arnica can play an important role in managing acute and chronic pain without causing the adverse effects typical of prescription drugs.
