Are CBD Massage Oils the Same as Essential oils?

CBD massage oils and essential oils are different in the benefits they provide an individual. CBD massage oils work within the body to help support and regulate the functioning and health of the general body, while essential oils primarily work through aroma and they help improve how the brain functions.

This article explores these differences and what makes each type of oil unique.

Massage

 Massage is the exercise of rubbing the skin and kneading the body with the help of your hands. When performing a massage, a massage therapist is forced to apply gentle, strong pressure on the muscles and joints to ease pain and tension. There are different types of massages: Swedish massage, trigger point massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, hot stone massage, and aromatherapy massage.

Importance Of Massage

According to Gasibat et al. (2017), a massage lowers blood pressure. It also helps keep cholesterol levels at bay, massage done regularly can lower blood pressure and reduce conditions and complications related to blood pressure. People who are massaged regularly have good diastolic and systolic blood pressure.

Massage helps one reduce depression, anxiety, and mood changes. Massage done regularly helps when it comes to low mood symptoms such as anxiety and depression. It cannot solely take out depression, but it can be used as part of the recovery regime. Massage works more or less the same as exercise when dealing with mental issues.

Perlman et al.  (2012) reported that massage helps increase flexibility and strength, and people with arthritis have claimed that massage works in eradicating pain.  Hopper et al. (2005) showed that massage improves one's general posture and increases flexibility.

Massage enables one to get relief from stress. Stress is brought about by many factors, such as too much anxiety and mental instability. According to Sethi et al. (2019), regular massage will help lower the amount of cortisol that’s flying around the body by lessening the side effects of stress and offering a person a calming effect and a feeling of relaxation.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are used in aromatherapy, it entails using the aroma of certain plant oils for the mind and body. Ali et al. (2015) indicated that essential oils get absorbed into the bloodstream and alter the body chemistry to improve the mood and emotions.  According to Tang& Tse (2014), essential oils are used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Mahboubi (2021) noted that essential oils also promote relaxation and helps in treating constipation, indigestion, and bloating.

Examples of essential oils include bergamot, eucalyptus, and lavender. These plants have a good aroma. Therefore, they are used to make plant-based massage oils with scents. Essential oils are mostly concentrated; therefore, they should be diluted into mild concentrations using humidifiers or lotions.

What is CBD

CBD Is a cannabinoid found in the hemp plant. CBD   is extracted and later on processed to come up with the oil itself. There are two major species of cannabis plant they are hemp and marijuana. CBD   is available in high quantities in the hemp plant, whereas THC is majorly available in the marijuana plant.THC is tetrahydrocannabinol responsible for giving its consumers a euphoric effect. High levels of CBD consumption do not lead to such euphoric effects. Hemp contains a mere 0.3 % THC, making it safe and free from offering a high feeling to its consumer.

Importance of CBD Massage oils

Itching and Dryness

According to  Atalay et al. (2021), CBD is helpful when it comes to curing common skin conditions such as dry skin and itchy skin.  Baswan et al. (2020) stated that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties very helpful in minimizing the potential triggers of dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema. Massage oils infused with CBD can soften the skin and reduce irritation on it. It is good for people who have sensitive skin.

Aging and Wrinkles

The anti-oxidation effect of CBD takes part in the process of aging. Therefore, as an antioxidant, according to Dawidowicz et al. (2021), CBD is good in preventing the aging of the skin.

Infections – The cannabis plant contains antibacterial and antifungal properties that help prevent skin infections

Dealing with Acne issues

Acne is a skin condition that is common in most people. It is caused when the skin's sebaceous glands produce sebum in excess, a waxy, oily secretion. Sebum protects the skin.  However, excess sebum causes acne. CBD inhibits sebocytes from producing too much sebum, which causes acne. Besides that, CBD has antifungal properties to the cannabis plant.

How CBD Massage oils and Topicals Function

As opposed to the chemically made essential oils offered over the counter, CBD is not known to mask inflammation or pain. However, CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that help with inflammation by binding to the endocannabinoid system and addressing the root of the inflammation.

The ECS is a system used in signaling the body. It works hand in hand with the receptors. Using its cannabinoid receptors and enzymes works to regulate functions such as reproduction, sleep, and response in immunity. When one applies a topical product made from CBD to their body, the skin absorbs it, but it doesn't enter the bloodstream. Rather, it relates to the cannabinoid receptors that are nearby. The receptors then send signals to the endocannabinoid system to relieve pain in the area affected.

Conclusion

CBD massage oils are not the same as essential oils. CBD massage oils have CBD infused in them, offering its users extra health benefits and treats on their skin. For a person who does regular body massage, CBD massage oils can be best if one incorporates them into their daily routine. Compared to CBD massage oils, Essential oils have a long way to go. Though most massage oils are herbal, the plant extract from which the main ingredient has a major role.

References

Ali, B., Al-Wabel, N. A., Shams, S., Ahamad, A., Khan, S. A., & Anwar, F. (2015). Essential oils used in aromatherapy: A systemic review. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 5(8), 601-611.

Atalay, S., Gęgotek, A., Wroński, A., Domigues, P., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2021). Therapeutic application of cannabidiol on UVA and UVB irradiated rat skin. A proteomic study. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, 192, 113656.

Baswan, S. M., Klosner, A. E., Glynn, K., Rajgopal, A., Malik, K., Yim, S., & Stern, N. (2020). Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD) for skin health and disorders. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 13, 927.

Dawidowicz, A. L., Olszowy-Tomczyk, M., & Typek, R. (2021). CBG, CBD, Δ9-THC, CBN, CBGA, CBDA, and Δ9-THCA as antioxidant agents and their intervention abilities in antioxidant action. Fitoterapia, 152, 104915.

Gasibat, Q., & Suwehli, W. (2017). Determining the benefits of massage mechanisms: a review of the literature. Rehabilitation Sciences, 3(2), 58-67.

Hopper, D., Deacon, S., Das, S., Jain, A., Riddell, D., Hall, T., & Briffa, K. (2005). Dynamic soft tissue mobilisation increases hamstring flexibility in healthy male subjects. British journal of sports medicine, 39(9), 594-598.

Mahboubi, M. (2021). Mentha spicata L. essential oil, phytochemistry and its effectiveness in flatulence. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 11(2), 75-81.

Perlman, A. I., Ali, A., Njike, V. Y., Hom, D., Davidi, A., Gould-Fogerite, S., ... & Katz, D. L. (2012). Massage therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized dose-finding trial. PLoS One, 7(2), e30248.

Sethi, K., Ramya, T., Singh, H. P., & Dutta, R. (2019). Stress detection and relief using wearable physiological sensors. Telkomnika, 17(3), 1139-11

Tang, S. K., & Tse, M. Y. (2014). Aromatherapy: does it help to relieve pain, depression, anxiety, and stress in community-dwelling older persons?. BioMed research international, 2014.