Is that kind of a specific mental image? Sure, but cramp-related pain is also pretty darn specific if you ask me. I have always been the kind of person to have a heating pad within reach of my bed in case that telltale day-before-period back pain hits.
And recently, I’ve added a new tool to my time-of-the-month arsenal. Last year, I was sent a sample of ENUF Period’s The Ritual Cycle Support CBD Balm ($77), and I was so surprised at how effective it is that it’s become a staple in my nightstand drawer. For a few months now, I’ve found myself reaching for this pain-relieving balm and sighing once I’ve rubbed it on. It mercifully quells that classic firebelly period pain that I get on my FDP (first day period).
Designed to help alleviate menstrual discomfort, this balm is infused with CBD, a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, which is believed to have pain-relieving properties. The soothing formula includes shea butter, kokum butter, and jojoba oil to nourish and moisturize the skin while relieving pain. Easy to apply and fast-acting, The Ritual offers targeted relief.
Why this CBD balm is so great for period pain
1. It smells pretty darn good
The first thing I noticed about this balm was the scent. It has a lovely, subtle aroma with notes of essential oils, like something you’d smell after a fancy massage. Many topical pain medicines have a clinical wintergreen, menthol, or even hand sanitizer-y smell that isn’t super relaxing. When I’m not feeling great, I don’t really want to smell such sharp and uninviting things. ENUF’s site explains that their signature scent contains notes of patchouli, cedarwood, lavender, and peppermint.
2. The temperature is always neutral
I can’t stand putting on a cold dollop of goo—be it sunscreen, Icy Hot, or even lube, thank you very much. There’s nothing more off-putting than glomming something chilly onto my skin.
ENUF’s balm delivers here. This is because many of their ingredients, like murumuru butter, kokum butter, jojoba oil, and shea butter, congeal into a neutral-temperature solid at room temperature. Water-based gels and lotions feel cooler because the water draws the heat from your skin and evaporates on contact. That evaporation is what gives you that cold feeling (and is how a lotion dries onto the body). When using an oil or a butter, the water content is much lower.
3. The texture doesn’t make me feel slimy
Despite being an oil- and butter-forward balm, I don’t feel like I’m ready for a greased watermelon race (fellow Hoosiers will know what I mean). Sometimes massage oils feel like they’re getting everywhere and not sinking into your skin. This isn’t the case with The Ritual balm.
4. My pain goes away
Most importantly, my abdominal cramping melts away when I apply this. It’s so reliable. It also doesn’t feel masked like its threatening to come back any moment. The small container is a bigger price point for me at $77, but a little goes a long way, and the jar has lasted me for quite some time.
Using a CBD-based product is definitely a personal decision. But for me, this balm is answers my pain needs around the time of my period. Remember to consult a trusted care provider if you’re experiencing abnormal period pain and are unsure about incorporating something new into your at-home routine.