Neuropathy can be an overwhelming condition. It often shows up as burning, tingling, or stabbing pain in the hands, feet, or other parts of the body. Whether caused by diabetes, chemotherapy, or other factors, neuropathic pain can deeply affect quality of life. While many conventional treatments exist, more people are turning to natural options like CBD. But does it really help?

Let’s break down what neuropathy is, how it differs from general nerve pain, and what science says about using CBD oil and salves as potential relief tools.

What Is Neuropathy and What Causes It?

Neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction of the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It can result from various conditions, including:

• Diabetes (diabetic neuropathy)
• Chemotherapy (CIPN)
• Autoimmune diseases
• Trauma or injury
• Infections like shingles or HIV
• Nutritional deficiencies

These causes, as outlined by the New York Presbyterian, contribute to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or increased sensitivity to touch. These can be intermittent or constant and may worsen over time.

What’s the Difference Between Neuropathy and Nerve Pain?

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, neuropathy is a medical condition, while nerve pain is a symptom. Nerve pain can arise from neuropathy, but also result from acute injuries or inflammation. Understanding this distinction is key to selecting the right treatment.

How Can You Manage Neuropathy Naturally?

While conventional medications can help, many people turn to complementary lifestyle approaches. Here are some strategies based on the book “You Can Cope with Peripheral Neuropathy: 365 Tips for Living a Full Life” by Mims Cushing:

• Engage in low-impact exercises (e.g., walking, swimming)
• Eat a diet rich in vitamins B1, B6, B12, and D
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Try mindfulness, meditation, or gentle yoga
• Use warm baths and massage therapy to promote circulation

One increasingly popular remedy is CBD, especially for those looking to potentially avoid pharmaceutical side effects.

How Does CBD Help with Neuropathy Pain?

CBD (cannabidiol) interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, then activates CB1 and CB2 receptors, causing a potential decrease in pain signal transmission and anti-inflammatory effects, which might help regulate pain, mood, and immune responses.

According to the meta-analysis, “Efficacy of cannabis-based medications compared to placebo for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain”, based on 17 studies involving 861 patients who received THC/CBD medications, found that they were significantly more likely to experience a 30% reduction in pain intensity than those on placebo.

In “Topical Cannabinoids for Treating Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy: A Case Series”, researchers noted that CBD may help inhibit neuropathic pain through multiple mechanisms, acting on:

• Transient receptor potential (TRP)
• Calcium channels
• Serotonin and glycine receptors
• Reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines via immune system regulation

Why Is Full-Spectrum CBD Often Considered More Effective?

Full-spectrum CBD includes a range of cannabinoids and terpenes that might enhance effects through the “entourage effect”. Their specific cannabinoid composition significantly influences the potential therapeutic efficacy of cannabis preparations.

In a phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial titled “Efficacy and Safety of Transdermal Medical Cannabis to Treat Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy”, researchers enrolled diabetic patients aged 20 years or older who received cannabis derived oil. After the study was completed, they found:

• Improved dermal absorption
• Superior efficacy in neuropathic pain management

Which could demonstrate:

• THC serves as the potential cannabis primary analgesic component
• CBD and CBN may provide therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory properties, and they may even enhance the pain-relieving effects of THC

Which Works Better: CBD Oil or CBD Salves for Neuropathy?

Topical CBD products and oils serve different purposes. Here’s a quick comparison:

CBD Oil

• Can be taken orally or applied topically
• Offers systemic benefits, which can be helpful for widespread neuropathy
• May reduce inflammation throughout the body

CBD Salves/Creams

• Designed for localized relief
• Applied directly to affected areas (feet, hands, etc.)
• May act faster on targeted pain but effects can be shorter-lasting

What’s the Right CBD Dosage for Neuropathy?

Specifically, ingested CBD oil for neuropathy still requires more research before firm conclusions can be drawn. However, as mentioned earlier, it may have systemic effects throughout the body that help reduce pain.

In contrast, CBD topical use was evaluated in a four-week randomized, placebo-controlled trial titled “The Effectiveness of Topical Cannabidiol Oil in Symptomatic Relief of Peripheral Neuropathy of the Lower Extremities”, which found that participants using a 3-ounce oil containing 250 mg of CBD experienced statistically significant improvements in sharp, cold, and itchy pain symptoms—with no adverse effects reported.

In this case, what truly matters is the concentration of CBD. Whether you choose an oil or a salve depends on your personal preference and what works best for you.

Also, individual dosage may depend on symptom severity, method of delivery, and body weight. It’s best to start with a low dose and adjust gradually under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Is CBD Safe for People with Neuropathy?

Current research indicates that CBD is generally well tolerated. Across the studies we mentioned in this article, no serious adverse events were reported. Some mild side effects may include drowsiness or skin irritation (in the case of salves), but most users tolerate it well.

However, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider before taking CBD if you’re suffering from a medical condition. 

Final Thoughts: Can CBD Help with Neuropathy?

While CBD is not a cure, current research suggests it may support symptom management in neuropathic pain conditions. Whether through systemic use of CBD oils or targeted relief with salves, this plant-based option may offer meaningful potential benefits for people looking for a natural complement to traditional therapies.

As with any supplement, like we mentioned before, consult with your healthcare provider before use, especially if you’re taking other medications.

And, if you’re looking for high-quality, third-party tested CBD to help manage neuropathy symptoms, check out our Organic CBD Oil and/or CBD Salve for Chronic Pain. 

References

Sainsbury B, Bloxham J, Pour MH, Padilla M, Enciso R. Efficacy of cannabis-based medications compared to placebo for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis. J Dent Anesth Pain Med. 2021 Dec;21(6):479-506. doi: 10.17245/jdapm.2021.21.6.479. Epub 2021 Nov 26. PMID: 34909469; PMCID: PMC8637910.

 

D’Andre S, McAllister S, Nagi J, Giridhar KV, Ruiz-Macias E, Loprinzi C. Topical Cannabinoids for Treating Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy: A Case Series. Integrative Cancer Therapies. 2021;20. doi: 10.1177/15347354211061739

 

Dixon  H.  Xu, Benjamin  D.  Cullen, Meng  Tang, Yujiang  Fang, The Effectiveness of Topical Cannabidiol Oil in Symptomatic Relief of Peripheral Neuropathy of the Lower Extremities, Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology; Volume 21, Issue 5, Year 2020. doi: 10.2174/1389201020666191202111534

 

Khachornsak Seevathee, Pattapong Kessomboon, Nuttaset Manimmanakorn, Suyan Luangphimai, Tewan Thaneerat, Kulthanit Wanaratna, Sirichada Plengphanich, Thanamet Thaenkham, Wijitra Sena; Efficacy and Safety of Transdermal Medical Cannabis (THC:CBD:CBN formula) to Treat Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy of Lower Extremities. Med Cannabis Cannabinoids 1 January 2025; 8 (1): 1–14. doi: 10.1159/000542511