When I came across a curious cannabis balm across my desk, I literally thought it had something to do with hanukkah.
Yes, the Jewish holiday. But it was the middle of summer, far from the holiday season, and so I was a bit really confused. Upon closer reading, I realize that the name is more clever than I’d deemed it. The brand’s name is Cannuka, and is a merge between the words “cannabis” and “manuka honey,” which is perfect for one that blends the two ingredients.
SEE ALSO: I visited a bee colony to see where all my honey comes from.
Even after figuring out what the name stood for, I was skeptical of what Cannuka could do. After all it seemed to be yet another cannabis brand, capitalizing on our current “hemp revolution.” What interested me though, is that this was the only product on the market that uses manuka honey, which is only found in the New Zealand or Australian where the native manuka bush lives.
We’ve already written extensively on honey and why it’s so great for the skin. But manuka honey is super potent, one that not only nourishes your skin with hydration (it is a humectant!), but is a natural antibacterial ingredient that also zaps away acne. Put that together with CBD or a cannabinoid – best for its anti-inflammatory properties – and seems like you get a seriously strong product. As it turns out, the two together really does make for a dynamic combination.
The balm comes in a container where it’s a complete solid, but with head from your hands, instantly turns into an oil. Cannuka’s label says that it has a “natural fragrance,” and I couldn’t agree more. If your nose is pretty sensitive, this product is probably not for you. It smells like what I described to a friend the other day as “the sticky fingers of a toddler.” Yes, you heard that correctly. It has a sweet, slightly dirty fragrance, one that’s a mixture between grapeseed oil, natural hemp musk, and dirt. If you’re not okay with the smell, you can stop reading here.
For all others, I’m going to tell you how magical the product is.
After testing the product for two weeks, I can definitively write that Cannuka’s CBD Healing Skin Balm is the most effective I’ve tried on the market.
Seriously.
I suffer from seasonal dyshidrotic eczema, a certain skin disorder that comes with the change of seasons, allergies, the cold, and more. It’s when my fingers to itch and leave open wounds. Not to be TMI, but it’s not only painful, but sometimes bloody. Dermatologists prescribed steroid ointments, which no longer work, and I’ve succumbed to the notion that I can’t do a thing about it and suffer in silence. Thinking that Cannuka’s Healing Skin Balm not only hydrates but nourishes skin, I decided to test the balm on my affected thumb for all of two days. After the first day, I noticed the skin had healed over. The second night when I slathered balm on the area, I saw my skin almost completely heal the next day. I was in awe, feeling as if I was Wolverine in some ways. Jokes aside, it was really amazing to see that my skin felt and looked much better after using he Healing Skin Balm.
Turns out, there’s a reason for all of this. The balm in question was created specifically for these types of occurrences. Speaking to its founder, Michael Bumbarner, I realized that the balm is jam-packed with ingredients to fight angry skin altogether.
“Ninety-nine percent of skin issues come from inflammation at some level,” he told me over the phone from Ohio, where he resides. “It works because CBD and manuka honey are the most potent natural ingredients for calming skin.” Makes total sense, and left me wondering why no one else thought of that – um, genius alert.
Other key ingredients: Shea Butter, Grapeseed Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Rose Hip Oil, Vitamin E, Orange Peel Butter, Coconut Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Grapefruit Extract.
And it seems like I’m not the only one. For the past four years, Michael has grown the brand from bootstrapping the business to eventually selling in stores like Ulta Beauty – at all U.S. locations. The product line now comes with a face cream, eye balm, body cream, lip balm, and cleansing body bar. Michael says there will be a lot more coming down the pipeline.
If they’re anything like the Cannuka Healing Skin Balm, I’d say, take all my money. Seriously, guys, this Cannuka feels like the miracle of the holiday season came early. And to that I will wish you all a very happy (and early!) Hanukkah season!
