Serious hill walkers know that it’s about more than just getting outside and enjoying some fresh air. Trekking is an endurance sport that tests your ability to keep putting one foot in front of the other, much like a marathon will test a runner.
Whether you like to head out for a hike on the weekend or you’re a seasoned trekker who likes to string these days together into a trekking adventure, you’re probably always on the lookout for effective methods to help you to improve endurance and speed up recovery.
Long-distance walking puts pressure on your knees and hips, while also testing your ankle strength on tough terrain. The most common methods for recovery include NSAIDs, ice baths, elevating the affected area and padding sore feet with extra socks to make the next day more comfortable.
There is a growing body of anecdotal evidence that CBD could be an effective method of pain relief that can be administered during a long-distance trek, and during the recovery period.
CBD for endurance sports is a hot topic at the moment. So it makes sense that those engaging in physically demanding activities like trekking could also benefit from CBD. At the heart of our CBD relief collection, you’ll find two CBD-based products that might just transform your hiking experience.
What Does The Science Say About CBD For Trekking?
Much of what we know about CBD is linked to studies into THC. CBD was first discovered by scientists trying to dig deep into the negative side effects of THC. In trying to understand how THC produced a psychoactive effect, scientists stumbled upon the endocannabinoid system, or the ECS.
The ECS is a cell messaging system that is involved with maintaining many biological processes. Inflammation and pain response are two such processes controlled by the ECS.
Pain can be a good thing, particularly when the body is injured and needs treatment and rest. But pain can also be unhelpful, particularly that linked to endurance activities. Provided there is no physical injury, the pain isn’t productive.
This is why we commonly look for ways to reduce inflammation following long periods of exercise, as the inflammation caused by endurance activities isn’t helpful but is instead a hindrance.
One theory about how CBD helps to support the ECS is that it blocks the release of an enzyme that breaks down anandamide. This is a compound produced in the body and utilised by the ECS as a messenger molecule to regulate things like pain, anxiety and hunger.
With more anandamide to work with, the body can better regulate these processes. Oral CBD enters the bloodstream and is able to support the ECS in this way. Topical CBD does not enter the bloodstream, but it is able to activate ECS receptors locally.
Since the CBD from topical products doesn’t enter the bloodstream, there are fewer concerns about serving sizes and keeping track of milligrams ingested per day. When combined with other natural topical compounds, CBD products can work to tackle inflammation at the source, without the need for NSAIDs.
Introducing HEMPE Hot Gel and Ice Gel
If you want to upgrade your hiking kit, you need the HEMPE Hot Gel and Ice Gel on your team. These versatile and multi-tasking products will quickly become your secret weapon in tackling joint pain, muscle pain and inflammation.
First things first, they’re compact. These will fit neatly into your backpack without significantly adding to the weight. The same cannot be said for ice packs and heat packs. You don’t need to wrap the muscle or joint while using these products, you can simply apply them, massage the affected area and get on with your day.
As for leftover residue on your hand, you’re not going to need to worry about this bothering you. While some warming balms contain petroleum jelly that is thick, viscous and coats your hand, these products are both gel-based and absorb quickly. Although, you might want to be cautious about touching your eyes after using the Hot Gel until you’ve washed your hands!
Spotlight on the Hot Gel
The Hot Gel contains CBD alongside natural botanicals including clove oil, methanol and eucalyptus. The anti-inflammatory CBD gel also contains Vitamin E to care for your skin. When combined, these ingredients help to provide targeted relief from the adverse effects of inflammation triggered by endurance sports, including long distance hiking.
Spotlight on the Ice Gel
The Ice Gel contains CBD and a soothing mix of menthol, pine and laurel extracts. These active cold receptors in the skin which helps to reduce blood flow to the area and this contributes to reducing inflammation. The gel product also contains Vitamin E to protect your skin.
Introducing CBD Products To Your Trekking Kit
Hot and cold therapy are common treatments for inflammatory joint pain. HEMPE Hot Gel and Ice Gel simply replicate these treatments in an easy-to-carry package. Heat packs and ice packs would be impractical to carry on a trek, but these compact products are lightweight and convenient enough to use on-the-go.
For known issues such as painful knees or difficult ankles, you can apply the desired product ahead of a long hike for preventative benefits. The Hot Gel will help to boost blood flow to the area and increase flexibility, perfect when used alongside warm-up movements and stretches to wake up your muscles and get your body ready for the day ahead.
Throughout the trek, you can troubleshoot painful areas using the Ice Gel. This provides a cooling sensation that will reduce blood flow to the area and help to manage the inflammation response. As the day goes on, muscles and joints will start to feel the cumulative impact of every step.
Using CBD for sports recovery couldn’t be easier. At the end of the day, as your body rests, you can alternate between Hot Gel and Ice Gel along with stretching and massage to facilitate a pain-free recovery. Do nothing, and you could be left feeling the effects of DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) for days.
With timely intervention, you can limit the inflammatory response and ensure you’re ready for another day of long-distance hiking.
Comparing Other Natural Pain Relief Options
Popular advice will tell you to use heat packs and ice packs for sore and aching joints and muscles while hiking. This might be helpful advice for home-based solutions, but these methods aren’t going to be effective while on the move.
Other natural methods for pain relief that tackle the inflammation include things like turmeric and collagen supplements. However, these are intended for long-term use and won’t provide on-the-spot relief from your symptoms.
Arnica is another popular natural remedy for pain relief, but despite its prevalence, there is limited evidence to support its effectiveness as an anti-inflammatory. A 2014 study found that arnica was effective in reducing muscle and joint soreness 72 hours after exercise.
Final Thoughts on CBD for Trekking
Nothing will make the hike feel easier, but there are steps you can take to avoid injury and speed up recovery while you enjoy the great outdoors.
CBD shows promise as a topical anti-inflammatory, and since the CBD compound isn’t absorbed into the bloodstream, you can reapply as often as needed without worrying about how many mg per day you are using. The same cannot be said for NSAIDs, both oral and topical.
If you’re on the fence about the HEMPE Hot Gel and Ice Gel, you can now try a sample-size sachet to help you decide if this treatment works for you.