Our Serious Relief CBD tinctures and CBD topicals are meant for weekend warriors, active lifestyles, and all the aches and pains that come with continuing to move forward. Battling physical discomfort, whether from an injury, an intense training schedule, or a health concern, can consume even the strongest among us, so we’ve formulated our line of CBD for pain with a blend of natural and organic ingredients that promote recovery and relief from physical demands, discomfort, and life’s everyday battles.

 Receptra Serious Relief CBD tinctures are carefully formulated with added turmeric and a specific blend of carrier oils to promote bioavailability. CBD topicals for relief include the benefits of camphor for better delivery and arnica to assist in soothing irritated muscles, joints, and more.

 You are your own toughest competition, mentally and especially physically. But whether it’s from the treadmill, a physically demanding lifestyle, or general discomfort, always pushing yourself harder doesn’t have to be synonymous with “no pain, no gain.” Your relief needs to meet you at the bar you’ve raised. It’s hard to bring your A-game when everything hurts. So you need something that works.

At Receptra, we create our full spectrum CBD hemp extracts to give you the tools you need to live a better, healthier, and more active life. Relief you can rely on isn’t some luxury; it’s essential.

Not all pain is created equally. The sensation of pain involves communication between your nerves, spinal cord, and the brain. Depending on the cause of the pain, different areas of the body may be affected. For instance, stabbing pain is often caused by an injury or inflammation. This type of pain is usually localized, meaning that it is only felt in the area where the injury has occurred. Burning pain, on the other hand, is often caused by nerve damage. 

Pain is a normal bodily response that lets your brain know something is wrong. It is triggered by stimuli that activates pain receptors in the body, which then send signals to the brain. In the brain, these signals cause chemical changes that result in the perception of pain. Pain serves an important purpose by protecting us from further injury. Chronic pain, for instance, is a type of pain that lasts for months or even years, and can greatly reduce quality of life. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help to manage pain and improve quality of life.

Inflammation typically causes pain because the swelling and buildup of tissue starts pressing against nerve endings. This pressure sends pain signals to the brain, causing discomfort. Inflammation is a large component of most pain.

Once the body recognizes damaged cells, irritants, toxins, and pathogens, it initiates this defense system in response to these invaders. When normal levels of inflammation are present there is little threat to health. The problem arises when this response continues beyond the ordinary healing process. Research shows that prolonged inflammation is the foundation of countless health concerns both short and long-term from infections and injuries to signs of aging, neurological changes, mood, and cell damage.

The biochemical process of cytokine release is an important one that helps to protect the body after an injury. Cytokines are proteins that are released as emergency signals, and they help to alert the body's immune system to the injury. The immune system then responds by sending white blood cells and enzymes to the area to help protect it. This process helps to ensure that the body is able to heal quickly and effectively after an injury.

Redness: Capillaries in a specific area are filled with more blood than usual, which causes visual signs of redness.

Pain: The body becomes more sensitive as chemicals that stimulate nerve endings are released.

Swelling: The build-up of fluid underneath the injury causes swelling.

Immobility: There could be some loss of function in the affected area.

Redness: Increased blood flow to the specific area makes it feel warm to the touch.

If left untreated, these symptoms can progress to become more serious conditions. Any noticeable amount of inflammation is worth being addressed and monitored to ensure it is kept under control.

Inflammation on the inside of the body is less easily identifiable but very important. Toxins that are introduced into the body via diet or environment often cause this type of inflammation, which can present itself in a number of ways. Here are just a few:

• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Soreness
• Fever
• Rash
• Joint Pain
• Stiffness
• Discomfort
• Distress
• Coughing
• Mood Change

CBD for pain may be a function of multiple concepts: Retrograde communication of endocannabinoids receptors in the brain, natural antioxidants inhibiting free radicals, and an influx of mood boosting molecules.

Anandamide is an endocannabinoid receptor commonly referred to as the “bliss molecule” because of the way it makes you feel. It is notably found in chocolate, which may be one of the reasons chocolate is such a comfort food when we’re feeling down.

Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) is the enzyme that breaks down anandamide. However, the enzyme decomposes quickly in the body to prevent over-activity from high levels of anandamide. When you consume CBD, it inhibits the FAAH enzyme. As a result, the breakdown of anandamide occurs slowly. This increases the levels of endocannabinoids in the body, allowing the body to relax (feel more blissful) and less pain.

One quality that sets cannabinoid receptors apart from other receptors in the body is their ability to conduct retrograde neuron signaling. Typically, one neuron sends a signal to another with information, but no information is returned. Anandamide is a retrograde messenger, which means that it can invoke a two-way (retrograde) communication system. This effect explains the ability of the endocannabinoid system to promote homeostasis. The increased communication allows cells to react and respond according to signals received in the brain. This includes pain signals.

In 1999 the U.S. government applied for a patent on CBD as an antioxidant. The patent was awarded in 20035. The first claim of the patent asserts CBD use as “a method of treating diseases caused by oxidative stress, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a cannabinoid . . .”

The body naturally produces both antioxidants and free radicals. When free radicals outnumber antioxidants, they become a problem. In today’s world you have heightened exposure to free radical-producing toxins in the environment and in your diet. These toxins can also be self-induced by high levels of alcohol or deep-fried foods. The air you breathe, the water you drink, and the food you eat all carry toxins. This constant exposure requires a conscious effort to introduce more antioxidants into your system.

Free radicals are a natural response that promotes inflammation, which is helpful in moderation, but if left unchecked, it can have serious consequences in the body. Free radicals are responsible for a condition called oxidative stress. This concept can be compared to the browning of an apple or rusting of a car, only it is taking place inside the body. Oxidative stress can cause a number of issues including mental and physical signs of aging, and increased risk of several diseases and mental health conditions. CBD can help keep free radicals in check and reduce inflammation by serving as an antioxidant.

The term Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD) refers to the theory that all humans have an underlying endocannabinoid tone that is a reflection of levels of the endocannabinoids, anandamide, and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, their production, metabolism, and the relative abundance and state of cannabinoid receptors. The theory is that in certain conditions, whether genetic or acquired, endocannabinoid tone becomes deficient and causes health concerns. There are a number of studies6 correlating a lack of endocannabinoid receptors with pain.

Everyone’s endocannabinoid system is a little different. Just as one person may take one over the counter pain pill and find relief for their headache and another may need two, or how two people of the same size can have different alcohol tolerances. For moderate pain we recommend taking 33mg of CBD for pain, which is the amount present in one dropper of Receptra Serious Relief 33 + Turmeric tincture. For more intense pain, we recommend 66mg, which is the amount in Receptra Serious Relief 66 + Turmeric. These amounts are based on studies evaluated by our research and development team to determine the proper dosage for pain.

The skin is the largest organ in the body. Contained in this system are endocannabinoid receptors that are present just under the dermal layer. The skin produces its own endocannabinoid molecules such as anandamide (AEA) and 2-AG. These endocannabinoids are constantly released in specific amounts, depending on the “healthy need” of the organ, resulting in the skin’s cannabinoid tone. Endocannabinoid molecules are synthesized by several cell types in the epidermis, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands.

“I suffered a severe ankle and knee sprain and no broken bones or torn tendons, but the sprains were incredibly painful and the CBD 800 mg Targeted Topical has helped relieve the pain in my knees and ankle. I use it daily.”

- JERRY B. 

Transdermal topical CBD like Receptra ’ Targeted Topical is designed to reach these endocannabinoids and receptors. The addition of CBD helps to relieve muscle and joint soreness, which happens quickly, providing the pain relief you need when you need it.

As much like stress, pain incites the body’s fight or flight response, which is essentially an influx of the stress hormone, cortisol. This is useful to avoid damage to the body, but if cortisol levels remain elevated, it can cause unintended damage. The continual build-up of cortisol can lead to a number of health problems such as weight gain, hormone imbalances, digestive issues, bone density problems, heart disease, diabetes, and more. When cortisol builds up in the area of the brain called the amygdala, it stimulates anxiety. This is the brain’s “fear center,” which contributes to emotional processing. When stress builds up in this area it increases the activity level between neurotransmitters and increases anxiety.

Physical pain and emotional pain exist on similar circuitry in the nervous system with common links to the brain. The presence of continual pain is often linked to emotional changes.

The fight or flight response derived from a cortisol influx is the same for both stress and pain. The problem with pain is the stressor is internal, physically attached, and difficult to escape. Even when chronic pain is relieved, pain sufferers may still experience anxiety about the potential return of the pain.

There is a strong link between pain and depression. The general consensus is that withdrawing from social interaction provides an environment needed to heal. Again, when the source of stress is pain, it is difficult to hide from it. This could evolve into a sense of loss of control and spiral into depression.

Sometimes when the brain is continually activated by a pain response this can cause an increased pain tolerance. Likewise, it can also result in decreased pain tolerance. When pain tolerance is low, the body becomes more aware of every discomfort being experienced. A lower pain tolerance can cause even minor discomfort to become debilitating.

Cognition is a complex function of the brain that involves learning and understanding through experience, thought, and sensory input. Several scientific studies note that continual pain can negatively impact cognitive function and cause changes in the brain.

There is more to pain than just discomfort. Here are some of the statistics about pain and how it affects our daily lives.

• 50% of adults claim to suffer from chronic headaches.
• Chronic pain and depression statictics reveal that 77% of people suffer from depression as a result of feeling constant high- impact pain.
• 78% of emergency room visits in the U.S. are related to pain complaints.
• The four most common types of pain include low back pain (19%), headache (16%), and neck pain (15%).
• 20% of Americans report that pain disrupts their sleep at least a few times a week.
• 66% of pain sufferers expect to live with some pain for the rest of their life, 38% expect to become pain-free from a cure or treatment.

The CDC estimates the total economic burden of pain prescription opioid misuse in the U.S. is $78.5 billion a year10, including the costs of health care, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement. Some of these prescriptions may be warranted, but proper care of your body, related inflammation, and injuries may reduce your chances of acute pain turning into chronic pain. Not every pain solution is going to work for every person. But if you’re looking for natural ways to be less stressed, here are some that do not involve CBD (though we certainly recommend that too).

Getting up and moving improves circulation and lymphatic flow which helps to reduce inflammation. Staying active has a number of overall benefits including weight loss. Obesity puts the body under metabolic stress which causes fat cells to become a factor in initiating an inflammatory response. Likewise, chronic inflammation can also trigger hunger signals and slow the metabolism. Eating more and burning fewer calories results in continued weight gain and can also increase insulin resistance.

The body essentially recognizes stress emotions as foreign invaders and sends in the inflammatory defense system to take care of the situation. Continually high levels of stress equate to high levels of inflammation. This vicious cycle leads to increased production of free radicals which can cause decreased production of serotonin. People who are less happy tend to have higher stress levels and lower motivation to do all of the other things that reduce inflammation. Identifying and addressing causes of stress could make a big difference in levels of inflammation and pain.

Antioxidants are crucial for inflammation reduction and thus overall health. The body naturally produces antioxidants to assist in the management of free radicals, but sometimes it is not enough. The body is exposed to many toxins on a daily basis.

Food choices can make a big difference. There are a number of foods high in natural antioxidants. Typically, the more vibrant the color, the more antioxidants the food contains. No, this is not the case in the bakery section. Sprinkles and frosting don't count. Check the produce section for bright berries such as blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and more. Spinach and other greens, pomegranates, walnuts, kidney beans, coffee, and even dark chocolate (take it easy on that one) all have high levels of antioxidants.

CBD oil made from pure hemp extract has been patented by the U.S. government as an antioxidant. Supplementation with CBD can provide benefits without side effects or repeated trips to the grocery store.

The body needs time to heal from the physical and emotional traumas of the day. This also includes healing muscles and joints from exercise or other exertion. Quality sleep provides this opportunity. Too little sleep is associated with an increase in cytokine inflammatory messengers, sending inflammation responses throughout the body. Getting a normal amount of sleep (typically between 7 and 8 hours) will help the body to achieve a state of balance, called homeostasis. When the body is fatigued, normal functions become compromised and the inflammatory pain cycle continues.

Many of the toxins absorbed by the body are self-induced. Alcohol and tobacco consumption are two major sources of toxins. Food allergies and sensitivities can create a similar toxin response. Breathing polluted air or consuming chemicals in food or water can also introduce toxins into the body. Therefore, being aware of your personal habits and surroundings may help reduce toxins and thus inflammation and pain.

Not all pain is bad. The feeling of soreness or achiness is usually the result of mild inflammation or micro tears in your muscles or tendons. That sounds bad, but essentially, this is how you get stronger. Extensive exercise can also cause a build-up of lactic acid in the muscles, which can cause discomfort.

The body repairs these tears when you’re resting, and this helps muscles grow in size and strength. This is one of the reasons rest is so crucial to workout recovery. This microtrauma to your body may sound harmful, but it is a natural response when your muscles experience hard work.

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is another common form of exercise-induced muscle soreness that can develop when you perform a new physical activity. This is most common when you jump right in without having baseline physical conditioning for the activity.

The best athletes in the world could never perform to their highest potential without a plan for post-workout recovery. Any activity designed to build strength does so by creating microtears in the muscle. Strength does not develop without allowing muscles to engage in proper recovery. Without recovery, those micro tears or bumps and bruises will turn into injuries.

Flexibility is an underrated part of athleticism, even for purely strength-based activities. Limited mobility in the lower limbs will prevent the body from being able to execute a proper squat or lunge. This means that muscles cannot build to their full potential. Stretching can also relieve muscle tension and assist in minimizing soreness later. It is important not to stretch cold muscles. If you choose to stretch before a workout, make sure your body is already warmed up a little with some light impact movements such as jogging or jumping rope.

Every health, vitamin or supplement store seems to carry shaker cups, and for good reason. Many in the fitness world have found having immediate access to protein can make a difference for their post-workout recovery. Protein promotes muscle growth and repair. Generally, 20 to 50 grams are recommended, depending on the size and goals of each individual. Keep in mind a ratio of 2 to 1 carbohydrates to protein will assist in the proper utilization of the protein.

Whether you are a professional athlete who spends much of each day training your body, a weekend warrior, or somewhere in between, prolonged inflammation can begin to cause problems. Antioxidants like those found in CBD oil are molecules that can safely interact with free radicals and break the chain reaction that causes them to damage vital cells. Both topical and internal CBD for workout recovery can help reduce free radicals from the outside in when worked into sore muscles and joints. Not only can CBD for workout help keep you in the gym, it can also keep you motivated and feeling your best so you can achieve the goals you have set for yourself.

"After my fight, I put the Receptra Targeted Topical on my hands and elbows. They were pretty swollen, especially my right elbow. It was hard to move my hands. The topical CBD helped to reduce the muscle irritation and swelling. Now I am back in the gym doing stretching and recovery so I am ready for the next one. The Targeted Topical and Active Oil is part of that recovery.”

- RICKY SIMON, PROFESSIONAL MMA FIGHTER

Energy consumption is reduced during sleep, which allows muscles, organs, and other parts of the body to have a break and to heal. Growth hormone is released under conditions of sleep. This is also when protein synthesis occurs, assuming a balanced diet containing protein has been consumed. Another important body part that also needs to chill out is the brain. Without proper sleep, mental alertness and focus will decline. Performing under sleep-deprived conditions will undoubtedly be sub-par.

Soreness that occurs after an intense workout may be associated with the connective tissue throughout the body (fascia) becoming knotted with muscles. This creates uncomfortable and potentially damaging adhesions. There are several ways to break up this scar tissue and reduce stiffness associated with muscle repair. Foam rollers and other trigger point therapy tools can be used in conjunction with topical CBD to target areas that have issues. This is referred to as self-myofascial release and can be an easy addition to your fitness schedule

Our muscles are over 70 percent water. When they become depleted everything gets more difficult. This includes athletic performance and post-workout recovery. Protein synthesis happens in the muscle, which essentially means it happens underwater. Less water means slower synthesis and thus, slower recovery. Dehydration also increases fatigue and blood volume. This means the heart must work harder to pump this thicker blood to support the body. Increase in heart rate has also been associated with dehydration. For best results, it is a good idea to keep water with you while training or exercising.

Here are some of the different types of pain and how they impact performance in daily life. There are four common types of pain, but some pain can fit into more than one category. The four most common types of pain are:

• Acute pain
• Chronic pain
• Neuropathic pain
• Nociceptive pain

Acute pain means the pain is relatively short in duration. It can last from minutes to months. Acute pain is often related to a soft-tissue injury or a temporary illness. This pain typically subsides after the injury heals or the illness subsides. Acute pain from an injury may evolve into chronic pain if the injury doesn’t heal correctly or if the pain signals malfunction.

Chronic pain is longer in duration and can be constant or intermittent. For example, headaches can be considered chronic pain when they continue over many months or years. This is true even if the pain isn’t always present. Chronic pain is often due to a health condition, like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or a spine condition, but can also exist because of an injury.

There are countless issues which could be contributing to your pain. Pain, as a whole, is not a medical condition, but if left unaddressed can lead to a number of medical conditions.

CBD provides a natural option that can supplement virtually any pain relief routine or schedule to help you get on track and stay there.

There are no reported significant side effects in normal doses, and CBD is not addictive. CBD can also help quiet your mind at night, which can lead to less stressful days.

Relief of physical discomfort may also be an added bonus of CBD when trying to reduce stress. The same receptors that restore balance in the mind can also help deal with inflammation in the body.

If you have a chronic pain-related condition or any other medical concern, please see your doctor to determine the best way to achieve meaningful pain relief

When discussing the CBD experience, it is more about what you don’t feel rather than what you do feel. We tend to recognize things that are present but not when they are absent.

Does your big toe hurt right now? Probably not, but if it did you would surely be aware of it. Similarly, you may or may not notice you are not feeling as stressed or perhaps you do not feel physical and mental irritation you did previously. Though you may be hyper-aware of restlessness when it occurs, a lack of restlessness may be what you feel when taking CBD. With stress, many people gauge success by positive changes in mood and focus.

Just as each body responds differently to foods, supplements, and medications, so is the case for CBD. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports no side-effects with the use of CBD. We always recommend checking with your doctor before starting any new supplement, which includes anything from a new multivitamin to CBD oil. This is especially important if you are taking prescription medications.

The World Health Organization reported several CBD facts in both their 2017 and 2018 reports,12 including the statement “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential,” although the FDA has yet to make a similar statement about CBD. 

“I have back pain from a car crash. I’ve been using the product for more than 2 weeks. Of all the things I have tried, the Serious Relief + Turmeric Tincture has been the most effective.”

-ADRIANA Z.

Passage of the 2018 Farm Bill marked a huge stride in the process of legal clarification, beginning with federal legalization of hemp as a crop for products.13 Hemp-derived CBD products like those produced by Receptra Naturals must be licensed and in compliance with state or federal agricultural standards. As an industry pioneer, Colorado has high standards for hemp cultivation which are maintained through oversight and enforcement by the state Department of Agriculture. These regulations specify hemp farming requirements, THC percentages, testing, and more. Twenty years ago, a group of scientists at the National Institute of Health filed patent 6,630,507 stating CBD has effective neuroprotectant and antioxidant properties that can "limit neurological damage" and health complications related to oxidation. They made this discovery while trying to answer the question "what is CBD"? The patent was approved in 2003. This means the U.S. government has been recognizing and researching the benefits of CBD for decades.