As a team of physical therapists, you can’t imagine all the pain-relief creams we’ve tested in our daily practice. Every single one of them claims to ease symptoms fast, but most don’t do much (and smell terrible).
Then, a chronic pain patient mentioned this cream from Green Roads. I tried it one day after a workout, my quads were so sore I was walking funny. Suffice to say – two pumps of this cream and 10 minutes later, I was almost back to normal.
The rest of our team has tried it for other knee pain problems with similar results. So, here’s our Green Roads muscle & joint relief cream review. These are the topics we’ll discuss, tap on any of them to jump to its section:
- How it eases pain and inflammation
- Concerns about safety and side effects
- Breakdown of ingredients
- How to use it safely
- Cheapest place to buy Green Roads muscle & joint relief cream
- Should you take or avoid it?
- Alternatives to Green Roads muscle & joint relief cream
- FAQs about this product
What is Green Roads muscle & joint relief cream?
This Green Roads muscle & joint relief CBD cream has cannabidiol, menthol, and plant extracts that have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. This mixture makes it the strongest natural cream for symptom relief we’ve tested.
It also has vitamin E, avocado oil, cucumber extract, bentonite clay, and other moisturizing ingredients. These ensure your skin it’s taken care of, even if you’re prone to contact dermatitis.
Here is an overview of Green Roads muscle & joint relief cream:
- Name and Brand: Muscle and joint relief cream, from Green Roads CBD products.
- Who should be most interested in this supplement?: Those wanting a quick way to ease muscle aches and joint pain, or that can’t take oral CBD.
- Who should take this with caution?: People allergic to any of its ingredients.
- Does it offer great value for money?: Completely – it eases pain quickly and it’s extremely cheap for the amount of CBD it has.
- Where is the best place to buy it?: Directly on their website, GreenRoads.com.
Our rating: 9.7/10
Pros
- High dose of CBD isolate for pain relief.
- Added menthol for more benefits.
- Lavender oil for aromatherapy effects.
- Vitamin E, avocado oil, and other extracts for skin care.
- 3rd-party testing – you get what you’re paying for.
- No animal testing.
Cons
- Faint cannabis and menthol smell.
- Wish the bottle was bigger.
How does Green Roads muscle & joint relief cream work?
This cream provides targeted pain relief thanks to its CBD and menthol contents.
CBD is popular for its ability to provide quick relief. It’s used by athletes and chronic pain patients alike to help them safely ease pain and inflammation. (1, 2)
Menthol is practically a staple ingredient in pain-relieving creams. Its cooling effect can reduce symptoms fairly quickly as well. (3)
Now, Green Roads opted for pairing both elements to literally knock out the pain, while neutralizing their strong smells with lavender oil.
Also – it doesn’t leave residue, it absorbs quickly AND takes care of your skin.
It has a blend of different natural extracts to moisturize your skin and protect it, without leaving it sticky. It won’t stain your clothes either.
Plus, the bottle is designed to make sure nothing is wasted. Twist the top to reveal the nozzle, and pump the desired amount – no mess.
Is Green Roads muscle & joint relief cream safe? Are there any side effects?
This Green Roads cream is one of the safest ones out there, to be honest.
Apart from using natural ingredients, several of them protect the skin from damage and irritation, even if you’re prone to contact dermatitis. But of course, don’t use it if you’re allergic to any of its components. (4)
Yet, be careful if you’re already taking oral CBD oil.
Topical cannabidiol can increase the blood levels of this substance. Using different forms of CBD at the same time may accidentally cause more effects than the ones you desire. (5)
Green Roads muscle and joint relief cream’s natural ingredients
Cannabidiol (CBD)
CBD is a derivative compound of cannabis. It provides all the pain-relieving effects of the plant, but without the high. (6)
If you want to reduce muscle and/or knee joint pain quickly, topical CBD is your way to go. As it’s absorbed through the skin, the relief is targeted to the desired area. Unlike taking it orally, which takes much longer and the effect isn’t as specific. (6, 7)
Now, one gram of this Green Roads cream contains 25 mg of CBD. When used topically, this dosage is more than enough to help your symptoms effectively. (6, 7)
Learn more: CBD for knee pain – guide for beginners.
Menthol
Menthol is a compound derived from mint or peppermint plants. Apart from its characteristic cooling sensation, it can also produce a numbing effect on the area which ultimately reduces pain. (3)
In fact, a 2012 study suggested that topical menthol could be better than ice therapy for reducing muscle pain after working out. (8)
But for some, one downside is its overwhelming smell. You won’t have to worry about that with this Green Roads cream – the menthol scent is faint.
Lavender oil
Lavender oil is commonly used in aromatherapy, a treatment consisting of smelling certain essential oils for health benefits – from well-being to pain relief.
Now, research on lavender oil shows it can indeed promote relaxation. And in topical applications, it can also help reduce pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis. (9)
Related: Can homeopathy work for knee pain?
Safflower oil
This oil is extracted from the seeds of the Carthamus tinctorius plant, long used for its anti-medicinal properties. When used topically, it can boost the creation of anti-inflammatory chemicals in the area. This indirectly helps reduce pain and swelling. (10)
And although more research is needed, this oil may have a protective effect on the cartilage, potentially delaying the progression of osteoarthritis. (11)
Matricaria extract
This plant is also known as German chamomile. Using it topically can reduce pain and improve joint function thanks to apigenin – a powerful healing compound in this herb. (12)
It’s also a safe alternative to try if you want to reduce your intake of analgesics. For example, a 2019 review mentioned that applying it thrice daily for 3 weeks significantly reduced the need for acetaminophen in patients with knee OA. (13)
Skincare ingredients
Apart from relieving pain, Green Roads included these ingredients to create a skin relief cream as well (4, 10, 14, 15, 16):
- Vitamin E. Also known as tocopherol, this vitamin has anti-inflammatory effects that minimize your risk of skin irritation.
- Avocado oil. Apart from sharing the benefits of vitamin E, it hydrates your skin and treats/prevents dry or damaged skin.
- Cucumber. A common ingredient in natural cosmetic products to soothe and hydrate skin.
- Bentonite clay. This ingredient can help treat/reduce your risk of allergic dermatitis.
- Glycerin and xanthan gum. Both are natural compounds that make this cream silky smooth and extremely hydrating.
Now, this Green Roads cream also contains phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin. These are preservatives commonly used in cosmetic formulas. They are deemed safe by the FDA for topical use – nothing to worry about on that front. (17, 18)
Dosage and instructions
Just take 1-2 pumps of this knee joint cream and rub it on the affected area. Repeat every 4-6 hours if you need it.
Now, if it’s your first time using this cream, do a quick allergy test. Apply it to a small area of the skin and check how it responds to the cream. If you don’t have any allergic reaction, continue using it.
Where can I buy Green Roads muscle & joint cream?
The best place is directly on their website, GreenRoads.com. They offer special deals for military personnel, first responders, and teachers. You can also accumulate points for each purchase, which can be exchanged for more discounts.
But their best deal by far is on their subscription modality. You’ll earn points with every purchase, save 20% on the first one, and get 50% off for every fifth order.
Plus, free shipping! Otherwise, you’ll save on shipping after buying at least 50$ worth of products.
Buying from them also ensures you can use their return policy. You can send your unopened products back within 30-days after purchase to get your money back.
Should you use or avoid Green Roads muscle & joint relief cream?
This Green Roads CBD cream is ideal for anyone wanting quick pain relief. We often recommend it to athletes and chronic knee pain sufferers. It’s also a great sleep aid if it’s hard for you to get some z’s due to muscle/joint pain.
Also, it’s a safe way to get the benefits of CBD if you don’t want (or can’t) ingest it. Like those who take certain medications and fear possible interactions.
However, don’t let its fast-acting results fool you. This cream reduces pain, but won’t treat its cause. It should be used in tandem with other treatment modalities that do target the root cause of your symptoms, like physical therapy.
Also, its effects may not be enough to ease post-operative pain. You might want to stick to the drugs your doctor recommends for that one. (19)
Learn more: Should you use CBD for knee replacement pain?
Alternatives to Green Roads muscle & joint relief cream
- Green Roads CBD oil (full spectrum). This CBD oil also contains minimal (and legal) amounts of THC, to get the much-desired entourage effect. Best for whole-body benefits instead of targeted ones.
- Diamond CBD oil biotech cream. This is a 6oz jar of CBD cream, with a wide range of dosages to choose from.
- Penetrex joint & muscle cream. If you don’t want to try CBD yet but want quick relief, this cream will be your best choice. It has arnica, glucosamine, and other ingredients to ease your symptoms.
FAQs
Does CBD cream work for pain?
Yes, CBD cream can work for pain, as it provides targeted relief.
What is Green Roads CBD cream used for?
Green Roads cream can be used to reduce pain from joint or muscle problems. Not only on the knee, but every other part of the body.
Is Green Roads CBD legit?
Green Roads CBD is legit. It’s the first CBD company founded by a licensed compounding pharmacist. Also, they use third-party laboratories to test each batch of products, which you can download to know exactly what you’re getting.
My verdict: Green Roads muscle & joint relief is a cream that delivers what it promises (and more)
I was extremely surprised by how well this product worked. My pain was significantly reduced after 5-10 minutes of application. Plus it absorbed really well and didn’t leave any residue. The only thing I’d change is having a bigger bottle.
My nerd brain can’t overlook how well this pain relief cream is made, either – there’s careful thought behind each ingredient. Green Roads created a natural product that can kick the pain’s butt while taking care of your skin.
However, please make sure it’s safe for you to use. Consult with your doctor if you’re under any kind of prescription medication.
Resources
- Deckey, David G et al. “Prevalence of Cannabinoid (CBD) Use in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Patients.” Orthopaedic journal of sports medicine vol. 10, 4 23259671221087629. 5 Apr. 2022, DOI: 10.1177/23259671221087629
- Deckey, David G et al. “Prevalence of Cannabinoid Use in Patients With Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis.” Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Global research & reviews vol. 5,2 e20.00172. 2 Feb. 2021, DOI: 10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-20-00172
- Pergolizzi, J V Jr et al. “The role and mechanism of action of menthol in topical analgesic products.” Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics vol. 43,3 (2018): 313-319. DOI: 10.1111/jcpt.12679
- Moosavi, Maryam. “Bentonite Clay as a Natural Remedy: A Brief Review.” Iranian journal of public health vol. 46, 9 (2017): 1176-1183.
- Lodzki, M et al. “Cannabidiol-transdermal delivery and anti-inflammatory effect in a murine model.” Journal of controlled release: official journal of the Controlled Release Society vol. 93, 3 (2003): 377-87. DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2003.09.001
- Gusho, Charles A, and Tannor Court. “Cannabidiol: A Brief Review of Its Therapeutic and Pharmacologic Efficacy in the Management of Joint Disease.” Cureus vol. 12,3 e7375. 23 Mar. 2020, DOI: 10.7759/cureus.7375
- Scholfield, C N et al. “Systematic Review on Transdermal/Topical Cannabidiol Trials: A Reconsidered Way Forward.” Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 10.1089/can.2021.0154. 23 May. 2022, DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0154
- Johar, Pramod et al. “A comparison of topical menthol to ice on pain, evoked tetanic and voluntary force during delayed onset muscle soreness.” International journal of sports physical therapy vol. 7,3 (2012): 314-22.
- Nasiri, Ahmad et al. “Effect of aromatherapy massage with lavender essential oil on pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized controlled clinical trial.” Complementary therapies in clinical practice vol. 25 (2016): 75-80. DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2016.08.002
- Lin, Tzu-Kai et al. “Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 19,1 70. 27 Dec. 2017, DOI: 10.3390/ijms19010070
- Han, Seong Jae et al. “Safflower Seed Extract Attenuates the Development of Osteoarthritis by Blocking NF-κB Signaling.” Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 14,3 258. 12 Mar. 2021, DOI: 10.3390/ph14030258
- Miraj, Sepide, and Samira Alesaeidi. “A systematic review study of therapeutic effects of Matricaria recutitta chamomile (chamomile).” Electronic physician vol. 8,9 3024-3031. 20 Sep. 2016, DOI: 10.19082/3024
- Salehi, Bahare et al. “The Therapeutic Potential of Apigenin.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 20,6 1305. 15 Mar. 2019, DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061305
- Keen, Mohammad Abid, and Iffat Hassan. “Vitamin E in dermatology.” Indian dermatology online journal vol. 7,4 (2016): 311-5. DOI: 10.4103/2229-5178.185494
- Fiume, Monice M et al. “Safety Assessment of Cucumis sativus (Cucumber)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics.” International journal of toxicology vol. 33,2 suppl (2014): 47S-64S. DOI: 10.1177/1091581814526892
- Becker, Lillian C et al. “Safety Assessment of Glycerin as Used in Cosmetics.” International journal of toxicology vol. 38, 3 (2019): 6S-22S. DOI: 10.1177/1091581819883820
- Dréno, B et al. “Safety review of phenoxyethanol when used as a preservative in cosmetics.” Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV vol. 33 Suppl 7 (2019): 15-24. DOI: 10.1111/jdv.15944
- Johnson, Wilbur Jr et al. “Safety assessment of alkyl glyceryl ethers as used in cosmetics.” International journal of toxicology vol. 32,5 Suppl (2013): 5S-21S. DOI: 10.1177/1091581813497766
- Haffar, Amer et al. “Topical Cannabidiol (CBD) After Total Knee Arthroplasty Does Not Decrease Pain or Opioid Use: A Prospective Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Trial.” The Journal of arthroplasty, S0883-5403 (22) 00383-7. 4 Apr. 2022, DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2022.03.081