Modern cannabis enthusiasts have more ways than ever to enjoy the various therapeutic compounds found in the plant. There’s a cannabis product for every situation, from high-tech vaporizers to exquisite edible creations—even bath time can be improved with calming CBD.
Few things in this world are as relaxing as soaking in a warm bath after a long day, but you can take your tub game to the next level with the addition of CBD. CBD-infused bath bombs are all the rage, which makes sense.
Who wouldn’t want to take something as tranquil as a bubble bath and make it even more relaxing? But do CBD bath Bombs really work? What are the benefits of using CBD bath bombs? Keep reading to learn more.
What Are CBD Bath Bombs?
Bath bombs and bath salts have been around for a while now. Essentially, they’re combinations of minerals and fragrances designed for use in a bath. Bath bombs typically contain sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), which causes a fizzing/foaming effect when it comes in contact with the bathwater, releasing calming aromas and healing minerals like Epsom salt.
Recently, bath bomb manufacturers have started including the non-intoxicating CBD in their bath bomb formulations. The idea is that the naturally relaxing cannabinoid will help to amplify the overall effects of the bath.
Do CBD Bath Bombs Work?
While there haven’t been clinical trials that specifically research the efficacy of a CBD bath bomb, we can use general knowledge of cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to determine how likely it is that CBD bath bombs work in general.
When CBD is consumed in something conventional like an edible or inhaled from a vaporizer, the cannabinoid first enters the bloodstream, where it can spread throughout the body, activating cannabinoid receptors in the brain and nervous system. However, with a bath bomb, the CBD will never reach the bloodstream.
That doesn’t necessarily mean the bath bomb won’t have any effect, though. We also have cannabinoid receptors located in the skin. Both CBD topicals and CBD-infused skincare products take advantage of the skin-deep cannabinoid receptors, as these products aren’t designed to enter the bloodstream either. While these are far from the most efficient way to deliver cannabinoids, they can be effective tools for treating specific areas of the body.
Effects of CBD Bath Bombs
CBD bath salts and bath bombs will provide benefits in much of the same way as topicals and skincare products, as any cannabinoid receptor activation will take place on the outer layers of the skin.
Preliminary research suggests when CBD activates these receptors in the epidermis, it can help keep skin clear by reducing sebum production and providing anti-inflammatory effects.
In addition to the superficial skincare benefits, the activation of these receptors may also help reduce pain and soreness caused by inflammation. Couple this with the Epsom salt typically present in bath bombs, and you’ve got a relaxing way to help deal with aches and pains.
CBD bath bombs, while calming and restorative, will never leave users feeling high or stoned. Firstly, CBD is known as a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, meaning it doesn’t get you high in the first place. But, even if there was an intoxicating cannabinoid like THC present in your bath bomb, it wouldn’t permeate the skin enough to reach the bloodstream to create the feeling of being high.
How To Make CBD Bath Bombs At Home
Instead of searching for, “best CBD bath bombs Amazon,” and hoping you find a good product, you can make your own CBD bath bomb at home. Not only is this a fun DIY project, but CBD bath bombs can quickly get expensive, so making them yourself can be a great way to save money. While you will likely already have many of these ingredients at home, you may need to pick up the citric acid either online or at your local pharmacy.
Step 1: Combine 1 cup of baking soda, ½ cup citric acid, ½ cup Epsom salt, ½ cup cornstarch
Step 2: In a mason jar or other jar with a tight seal, add ¾ tsp water, 2 tsp of essential oils (pick whichever aromas you enjoy, lavender works particularly well), 20 - 80 mg of CBD oil, a few drops of food coloring of your choice. Shake vigorously to combine
Step 3: Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and combine. Some fizzing is to be expected.
Step 4: Add the mixture to a bath bomb mold to create the shape. If you don’t have a mold, a muffin tin can work as a substitute.
Step 5: Let the mixture dry for two days. Do not let it dry in the mold itself, or you may have trouble removing it.
Now you can enjoy all the benefits of using CBD bath bombs whenever you want!