CBD Oil Uses and Recipes:

For Pain Relief and Overall Wellness

Daryl C. Rich, D.C., C.S.C.S.

[Core] Roanoke and Wellness Center

CoreRoanoke.com

What is CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is the non-psychoactive compound found in the hemp plant. Unlike THC, it does not produce a “high.” Many people use CBD oil as part of a broader wellness approach for everyday comfort, calm, sleep support, and skin care. We recommend CBD in our office every day for patients looking to improve their health without the use of pharmaceuticals. We put together this newsletter with the hopes of sharing some of the best uses and recipes with CBD to help you improve your health.

Six Common Reasons People Use CBD Oil

  1. Everyday Pain & Muscle Comfort

Many people use CBD topically for sore muscles, joint discomfort, or occasional tension in the specific areas of concern. Sublingual use is often preferred when looking for more widespread support or to reduce inflammation.

  1. Occasional Anxiety & Calm

CBD is frequently chosen to support a sense of calm. Some research suggests it may influence serotonin-related pathways. People often take a small dose during stressful periods of the day or in the evening after a long day.

  1. Sleep Support

A calming effect can make it easier for some people to wind down. Typical evening doses start low and are adjusted based on individual response. I recommend starting around 10–15 mg and working up to 20-30mg as needed. Make sure to pair CBD with good sleep habits amplifies results.

  1. Mental Clarity & Focus

By helping quiet an overactive mind, a modest daytime dose may support clearer thinking for some users. Lower amounts are usually preferred during the day to ensure adequate focus.

  1. Skin Care

CBD’s potential soothing properties make it popular in lotions, serums, and balms for general skin comfort and appearance. Both oral and topical routes are used to reduce inflammation, aging signs, and more.

  1. Digestive Comfort

Some people include CBD as part of a gut-supportive routine that also emphasizes whole foods and fermented options such as kefir, sauerkraut, or kombucha. CBD has been a major part of many “heal the gut” programs that we have designed for patients.

How to Use CBD Oil – Practical Instructions

Delivery Methods

  • Sublingual (under the tongue): Place drops under the tongue and hold 30–60 seconds before swallowing. This is generally the fastest route for systemic effects.
  • Topical: Apply creams, balms, or oils directly to the skin over muscles or joints. Ideal for localized comfort.
  • Oral / Edible: Mix into food or drinks. Effects take longer (30–90 minutes) because CBD must pass through digestion. Pairing with a little fat improves absorption.

Quality Checklist

Make sure the CBD oil that you are using is a high quality oil with a few simple guidelines. Check to see if your oil is:

  • Third-party lab testing for every batch (potency + contaminants)
  • Has clear labeling of CBD content per serving
  • Uses a clean extraction method (avoid products that use harsh solvents without proper removal)
  • Made by a transparent company that shares certificates of analysis upon request

Homemade CBD Recipes

These recipes use CBD oil mixed with many natural products for fun and easy do-it-yourself home projects. Always calculate the milligrams of CBD you are adding so you know the approximate dose per serving or application. Store finished products in clean, airtight containers away from heat and light.

Soothing Pain-Relief Balm

A firm, easy-to-apply balm designed for muscles, joints, and everyday aches. Makes approximately 4 ounces.

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons (about 2 oz) beeswax pellets or grated beeswax
  • 6 tablespoons (about 3 oz) fractionated coconut oil or sweet almond oil
  • 2 tablespoons shea butter or cocoa butter
  • 200–400 mg CBD oil (adjust to preferred strength; start lower if new to topical CBD)
  • Optional: 15–20 drops total essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, or frankincense
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil (helps preserve and nourish skin)

Instructions

  1. Create a double boiler: place a heat-safe glass or metal bowl over a pot of gently simmering water.
  2. Add beeswax, coconut (or almond) oil, and shea/cocoa butter to the bowl. Stir occasionally until fully melted and combined.
  3. Remove from heat. Let cool for 2–3 minutes (the mixture should still be liquid but not scalding).
  4. Stir in the CBD oil, optional essential oils, and vitamin E until evenly distributed.
  5. Pour carefully into clean tins, small jars, or lip-balm-style tubes.
  6. Allow to cool completely at room temperature (or refrigerate briefly to firm faster). Label with date and approximate CBD content.

How to use: Apply a small amount to clean skin over sore muscles or joints and massage gently. Reapply as needed. Perform a patch test on a small area first if you have sensitive skin.

 

Nourishing CBD Body Lotion

A lighter, whip-able cream good for larger areas or daily moisturizing.

Ingredients

  • 7 oz shea butter
  • ¼ cup fractionated coconut oil
  • 2 tablespoons olive, almond, or avocado oil
  • 100 mg CBD oil (approximately 20 drops of many standard tinctures—check your product’s strength)
  • 20 drops lavender essential oil, 20 drops eucalyptus, 10 drops peppermint (optional but pleasant)

Instructions

  1. Melt shea butter and oils together in a double boiler, stirring occasionally.
  2. Remove from heat and cool for about 15 minutes.
  3. Add CBD oil and essential oils. Stir well.
  4. As the mixture begins to solidify, whip with a hand mixer or blender for a smoother texture. Place the bowl in an ice bath if you want a firmer cream more quickly. Store in a clean jar.

Quick Everyday Ideas

  • CBD Evening Tea: Stir 10–20 mg CBD oil into warm (not boiling) herbal tea. The CBD enhances the relaxing feeling and gut healing that the tea provides.
  • Smoothie Boost: Add 10–15 mg CBD oil to a morning smoothie that already contains yogurt, nut butter, or avocado.
  • Simple Massage Oil: Mix 1–2 teaspoons carrier oil with 20–50 mg CBD oil and a few drops of lavender or peppermint. Use for self-massage.
  • Bath Soak: Combine 15–30 mg CBD oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil or Epsom salts, then add to a warm bath.
  • Face Serum: Combine 1 oz jojoba or rosehip oil with 25–50 mg CBD oil. Apply a few drops to clean skin in the evening.

No-Bake CBD Energy Bites

A convenient way to take CBD with healthy fats. Makes about 12–14 bites. Approximate CBD per bite depends on how much you add.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • ½ cup natural nut butter (almond or peanut)
  • ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
  • 2–3 tablespoons ground flaxseed or chia seeds
  • ¼ cup mini dark chocolate chips or dried fruit (optional)
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 150–300 mg CBD oil (stirred into the nut butter for even distribution)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix nut butter, honey/maple syrup, and CBD oil until smooth.
  2. Add oats, flax/chia, salt, and optional mix-ins. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Roll into 1-inch balls. Place on a parchment-lined plate.
  4. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes to firm. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Try CBD For Your Pets

  • Dogs: Joint comfort and mobility (osteoarthritis is the area with the strongest supporting studies), anxiety or stress (e.g., separation, noise, travel), and as an adjunct for some seizure cases.
  • Cats: Far less research exists but many owners testify to CBD’s effectiveness. Some owners try it for anxiety, stress-related behaviors, or joint comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to feel effects?

Sublingual use often begins within 15–45 minutes. Topicals act locally and may be felt within minutes to an hour. Edibles and capsules can take 30–90 minutes or longer.

Can I take CBD every day?

Many people use CBD daily as part of a routine. Consistency often produces more noticeable results with lower doses than occasional high doses. Listen to your body and adjust with professional guidance.

Will CBD show up on a drug test?

Pure CBD isolate should not, but full-spectrum products contain trace THC. If drug testing is a concern, choose broad-spectrum or isolate products and verify with lab reports. The CBD products that we use in our office are broad-spectrum but not full-spectrum. While no product is completely THC free, our products do meet Virginia state guidelines of less than 3% THC and therefore should not show up on a drug test.

Is more always better?

Not necessarily. Some people find their ideal dose is modest. Higher amounts can sometimes produce different effects. Start low and increase only as needed.

We’re Here to Help

At Core Chiropractic & Wellness we focus on education and practical tools that support long-term health. If you have questions about CBD, mobility, recovery, or creating a personalized plan, we welcome the conversation.