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Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
A person with nerve damage may experience pain, numbness, or prickling sensations in certain parts of their body. Cannabidiol (CBD) may reduce these symptoms, but very little evidence supports CBD for this use.
Best creams
- Best cooling cream: CBDfx CBD Cream for Muscle & Joint | Skip to review
- Best organic balm: Aspen Green Pain Relief Body Balm | Skip to review
- Best for deep pain relief: +PlusCBD Pain Relief Penetrating Cream | Skip to review
- Best for joint pain: Charlotte’s Web Arthritis Aches and Pain Relief Ointment | Skip to review
Best alternative CBD products
- Best skin patch: PureKana Transdermal Patch | Skip to review
- Best low dose tincture: CBDistillery Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture | Skip to review
- Best roll-on: RE Botanicals Menthol Muscle Rub With CBD | Skip to review
Nerve pain, which doctors call peripheral neuropathy, affects
CBD is a therapeutic compound that grows in the cannabis plant.
Manufacturers combine CBD with oil to create CBD oil for use in balms, creams, tinctures, and more.
This article discusses seven of the best CBD products that may help with nerve pain and damage. It will also explore the benefits and risks of using the substance for this purpose and answer some of the most common questions about CBD.
For more information and resources on CBD and CBD products, please visit our dedicated hub.
The below table details some helpful terminology that may help those new to CBD navigate their options.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CBD | A compound within the C. sativa plant that does not create the high sensation individuals commonly associate with cannabis use. |
| THC | A compound in the C. sativa plant. It is the psychoactive compound that creates the high sensation from cannabis use. |
| Full-spectrum | A full-spectrum product will contain all of the natural compounds in the cannabis plant, including THC. However, THC levels must be no more than 0.3% to comply with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation on full-spectrum CBD products. |
| Broad-spectrum | Broad-spectrum products contain natural compounds of the cannabis plant. However, while manufacturers remove all or most of the THC in broad-spectrum CBD, it may still be present in trace amounts. |
| CBD isolate | This is the purest form of CBD and should contain 0% THC. |
| Cannabinoids | The compounds within the cannabis plant, of which there are |
| Terpenes | Another compound of the C. sativa plant, terpenes typically give plants their specific aromas. Some terpenes, such as limonene, may have specific health benefits. |
| Certificate of analysis (COA) | Reputable manufacturers of CBD products should ensure a COA is available for inspection. A COA provides information on the third-party testing that independent labs conduct on a particular product. Sometimes, products will have a scannable smartphone code that directs people to the COA online. |
Read more about terminology and other important CBD information here.
Medical News Today’s methodology
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
- Ingredients: MNT chooses products containing safe and high quality, clearly labeled ingredients. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
- Dosage: MNT chooses products that must clearly state the CBD dosage and THC content.
- Serving size: MNT selects products in which manufacturers recommend a dosage and how to take it.
- Third-party labs: MNT chooses products that undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
- Available certificate of analysis: MNT chooses companies that demonstrate transparency and share a product’s certificate of analysis (COA) after receiving its third-party lab results.
There is no evidence to suggest that CBD can fix damaged nerves. This is because it cannot penetrate enough of the skin’s layers to reach the nerves.
However, these creams may help by numbing or alleviating the pain that can accompany nerve damage. As a result, people may wish to consider the following products to help with nerve pain.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publishing.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more.
Best cooling: CBDfx CBD Cream for Muscle & Joint
- Price: $79.99–129.99
- Potency: 1,000 or 3,000 milligrams (mg) per bottle
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- COA: available online
This cream includes menthol for a cooling effect, as well as caffeine and white willow bark, which the company says helps with pain relief.
The manufacturer recommends using between a dime-size and a quarter-size amount of cream at each application, depending on the area size. It also says that for best results, a person should apply it between three and four times daily.
Each container has 50 milliliters (mL) of cream.
Use code “MNT20″ for 20% off.
Pros
- cooling sensation
- two potencies
- contains nondetectable amounts of THC
- easy to apply
Cons
- difficult to measure doses
- not designed specifically for nerve pain
- higher potency is very expensive
- limited evidence to support the effectiveness of white willow bark
Best organic balm: Aspen Green Pain Relief Body Balm
- Price: $89.99
- Potency: 1,000 mg CBD and 33 mg tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) per jar
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- COA: available online
This balm features Organic certification from the Department of Agriculture. The company uses hemp from Colorado and also includes a range of botanical and organic emollients in this balm’s formula.
Ingredients include mango kernel butter, jojoba seed oil, and organic beeswax. Beeswax makes this product unsuitable for vegans, although it is free from gluten and GMOs.
As a full-spectrum CBD product, it contains a wide range of cannabinoids, including cannabinol, cannabichromene, cannabigerol, and cannabidiolic acid.
Aspen Green also states that the balm is easy to spread, so people may wish to try this product on larger areas if they have more widespread pain.
Pros
- easy to use
- certified organic
- full-spectrum CBD may have more potent effects
Cons
- THC is not suitable for everyone
- unsuitable for vegans
- expensive
- limited evidence for the effectiveness of its additional ingredients
Best for deep pain relief: +PlusCBD Pain Relief Penetrating Pain Cream
- Price: $39.99
- Potency: 1,000 mg per bottle
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- COA: available online
This is a more affordable cream that reportedly provides deep pain relief for the joints and muscles. It includes 1,000 mg CBD per bottle alongside camphor and menthol. After menthol provides a cooling sensation, camphor warms the area and provides soothing relief.
Other natural ingredients include tea tree, jojoba, eucalyptus, and frankincense oil.
While +PlusCBD claims this cream is suitable for neuropathic pain, scientific research is limited.
The company writes the cream is free from fragrances, dyes, gluten, and GMO ingredients. It is also suitable for vegans.
Use code “MNT20” for 20% off.
Pros
- a more affordable full-spectrum option
- contains menthol and camphor to cool and warm
- includes a range of natural ingredients
- suitable for vegans
Cons
- difficult to dose
- some may find its ingredients too strong for sensitive skin
- scientific research may not support its reported neuropathic benefits
Best for joint pain: Charlotte’s Web CBDMedic Arthritis Aches and Pain Relief Ointment
- Price: $29.99
- Potency: 600 mg per tube
- CBD type: unspecified, THC-free (less than 0.01%)
- COA: available online
Some people with nerve damage may not be aware of joint damage due to
This cream from Charlotte’s Web is specifically for joint pain and claims to improve stiffness, minor aches, and pain.
Aside from CBD, its active ingredients are menthol and camphor. Inactive ingredients include eucalyptus, clove, lavender, and frankincense oil.
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Pros
- may help relieve pain and stiffness
- suitable for the joints
- uses menthol and camphor as active ingredients
Cons
- the manufacturer claims the product only provides minor pain relief
- addresses joint pain over nerve pain
- unsuitable for vegans due to beeswax
People who want to explore other forms of CBD for nerve pain may consider patches, ointments, and rubs such as those we list below.
Best skin patch: PureKana Transdermal Patch
- Price: $17.99
- Potency: 60 mg CBD per patch
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- COA: available online
People apply this patch directly to the skin, where it gradually delivers a 60 mg dose of CBD. PureKana writes that it is fast to act and that one patch can last up to 4 days.
This is a convenient and discreet way to use CBD that reportedly provides constant pain relief. However, it may be most effective at the site a person applies it, which may not be useful for those with widespread pain. Additionally, it will not work on bony or muscular areas.
It is also reportedly waterproof and hypoallergenic.
Pros
- easy to use
- provides up to 96 hours of pain relief
- discreet
- hypoallergenic
Cons
- may not help with widespread pain
- expensive per patch
- the patch is not inclusive of a range of skin tones
- contains allergens such as sunflower and coconut
Best low dose tincture: CBDistillery Broad Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture
- Price: $60
- Potency: 1,000 mg per bottle
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- COA: available online
CBDistillery writes that this tincture can help improve pain and inflammation.
A person using this product should place the necessary dosage under their tongue and hold it for 10–20 seconds before swallowing. One serving is 1 milliliter (mL), which is one full dropper’s worth of product. This provides 33 mg of CBD per serving.
This lower dose may be suitable for those new to trying CBD, and CBDistillery advises people to start with an even smaller dose of 5–10 mg of CBD to assess its effects.
A person should discuss the most appropriate dosage with a qualified healthcare professional.
Its ingredients list is simple, with only coconut MCT oil and natural terpenes in the formula.
Use code “MNT20” for 20% off.
Pros
- simple ingredients list
- low dose is suitable for beginners
- may help improve pain and inflammation
Cons
- may contain trace amounts of THC
- unsuitable for those with a coconut allergy
- oral CBD can cause side effects
Best roll-on: RE Botanicals Menthol Muscle Rub With CBD
- Price: $34.99
- Potency: 600 mg per bottle
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- COA: available online
A person must apply this roll-on rub to a painful area for targeted relief. It may be easier and less messy to apply than creams or lotions.
As well as full-spectrum CBD, active ingredients in this muscle rub include 4% menthol, which provides a cooling sensation.
The manufacturer claims a person can apply this product as often as necessary.
Pros
- easy to apply
- mess free
- more affordable than other products
- easy to use on-the-go
Cons
- contains less CBD than other products
- difficult to dose
The table below compares the products in this article.
| Form | CBD type | Potency | Additional ingredients | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBDfx | cream | broad-spectrum | 1,000 or 3,000 mg per bottle | • caffeine • white willow bark • menthol | $79.99–129.99 |
| Aspen Green | balm | full-spectrum | 1,000 mg CBD and 33 mg THC per jar | • mango kernel butter • jojoba oil | $89.99 |
| +PlusCBD | cream | full-spectrum | 1,000 mg per bottle | • menthol • camphor • tea tree oil • eucalyptus oil | $39.99 |
| Charlotte’s Web | ointment | unspecified, THC-free (less than 0.01%) | 600 mg per tube | • menthol • camphor • clove • frankincense | $29.99 |
| PureKana | skin patch | full-spectrum | 60 mg CBD per patch | • aloe vera • shea • apricot kernel oil | $17.99 |
| CBDistillery | tincture | full-spectrum | 1,000 mg per bottle | • coconut MCT oil | $60 |
| RE Botanicals | roll-on | full-spectrum | 600 mg per bottle | • menthol | $34.99 |
There has been little scientific research exploring the effects and benefits of CBD to help treat nerve pain and damage.
A 2020 review concludes that CBD cream was useful in relieving nerve pain due to its ability to interact with cannabinoid receptors. These play a role in regulating pain signaling, among many other important body functions.
Additionally, another
While these initial results are promising, further research is necessary to fully understand the benefits of using CBD for nerve pain. There is no evidence suggesting it can repair nerve damage.
The minimal research in this area means there is not much information regarding the risks of using CBD creams. In addition, health experts do not fully know the long-term effects of CBD oil in particular.
The
- cause liver damage
- affect how medication work
- increase the risk of injury through sedation and drowsiness
- have a negative effect on male fertility
- cause side effects
These side effects may include drowsiness, diarrhea, decreased appetite, irritability, and agitation.
If a person experiences side effects from CBD, they should stop using the product and contact a doctor.
Some factors a person may wish to consider to help them choose a CBD product include:
- Form: Some people may prefer a cream or ointment for targeted pain relief. Others may prefer a tincture that they can ingest. This option may provide more widespread pain relief but can cause side effects.
- Quality: A person should avoid products that have not undergone third-party testing for safety, purity, and potency.
- Ingredients: Many CBD products are free from allergens such as gluten, wheat, and soy. However, some may contain carrier oils that some people are allergic to, such as coconut oil. People should check the ingredients list for potential allergens and avoid products that do not clearly list their ingredients.
- Potency: If someone is new to CBD products, they should start with a lower potency and gradually increase it if necessary.
According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), a person experiencing nerve damage and pain should speak with a doctor if they experience:
- tingling or a loss of sensation
- balance problems
- weakness
- cuts or ulcers that do not get better
Anyone who experiences side effects from CBD products should stop using them and contact a doctor.
Below, we answer some of the most common questions on this topic.
Does CBD cream help nerve damage?
There is no scientific evidence suggesting CBD can improve or repair nerve damage. However, there is a small amount of evidence supporting CBD for nerve pain, although much more research is necessary to confirm its benefits and safety for this purpose.
What cream is best for nerve pain?
The NHS suggests using capsaicin cream for nerve pain. Capsaicin is what makes chili peppers spicy and may
What CBD cream is best for neuropathy?
Full-spectrum CBD may have more potent effects than broad-spectrum or CBD isolate. However, there is limited evidence showing that CBD is effective for nerve pain. Additionally, CBD creams often have other active ingredients that may be responsible for reducing nerve pain.
People with nerve damage may experience pain, tingling, or numbness in certain parts of their body.
Although more research is necessary, some suggest that adding CBD in combination with other ingredients may help alleviate the pain that often accompanies nerve damage.
It is also worth noting that different CBD products, other than creams, may help reduce the symptoms of nerve pain or damage.