Migraines are debilitating conditions that affect millions of people. According to estimates, as many as 39 million Americans suffer from migraines, and the number of sufferers continues to rise each year.
People with migraines can have trouble seeing, feel sick, get dizzy, feel tired, and have pain behind one eye or on one side of the head. They may also experience sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can last from four to 72 hours and can be so bad that you can't work or leave your house.
There are many kinds of migraine, like basilar, hemiplegic, ocular motor, and more, but they all have one thing in common: they're hard to diagnose and treat well. Cannabidiol (CBD), found in marijuana, has been shown to help with some of these problems by reducing inflammation all over the body.
This guide will show you how to safely and effectively use CBD for migraines to get rid of this painful condition for good.
What Is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant. CBD is one of many different cannabinoids that interact with receptors in the body and brain.
CBD has many therapeutic effects on the body, including reducing inflammation and pain. It can also help treat anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
Besides its therapeutic properties, CBD may also help treat migraine headaches.
But how exactly does CBD work? It's thought that CBD binds to receptors in your brain called CB1 and CB2 receptors. When engaged by cannabinoids such as CBD, these receptors exert therapeutic actions in cells throughout the body.
CBD is non-intoxicating and doesn't cause any psychoactive effects when ingested or inhaled through vaporization (a method of heating cannabis flowers without combusting them).
What Causes Migraines?
Before we dive into how CBD might help with migraines, let's first talk about what causes them in the first place. While some people experience them as a result of an injury or trauma (like getting hit in the head), other triggers can cause migraines on their own:
Hormones: Migraines happen more often during certain times in your menstrual cycle and perimenopause (the period before menopause). Hormonal fluctuations may be causing changes in your brain chemistry that cause migraines.
Stress: If you're feeling particularly stressed or anxious, your body releases extra serotonin—which can trigger a migraine.
Sleep deprivation: Missing out on sleep can throw off your hormones and make you more likely to have headaches.
Genetics: If your family has a history of migraines, you're more likely to experience them too.
Foods: Some foods can trigger migraines, including dairy products and chocolate. If you find that these foods trigger headaches more than others, it's worth avoiding them when possible.
Sensitivity To Light Or Sound: It's possible to become hypersensitive to light or sound after a traumatic incident, such as an accident or surgery, even if you've never had this problem before.
Medication side effects: Some medications trigger headaches and migraines, so it's important to check with your doctor before taking any new medications if this is something you struggle with!
What Are the Benefits of CBD for Migraines?
Migraine sufferers can find relief from their symptoms with CBD, but what are the benefits of this cannabis compound? Here's how it works.
Migraine headaches are painful, throbbing headaches that can last for hours or even days. While there are many triggers for migraines, including stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep, some people may experience a migraine without any trigger.
While there is no cure for migraines, you can use CBD to help treat your symptoms and prevent them from happening in the first place. There are many benefits of using CBD oil for migraines, including:
Reduces inflammation: CBD oil daily reduces inflammation in the body and brain, which helps reduce pain caused by inflammation.
Reduces anxiety: Many migraine sufferers also suffer from anxiety disorders, making them more prone to migraines. CBD has been shown to help reduce anxiety which can help prevent a migraine attack from occurring in the first place.
Suppresses nausea: Many migraine sufferers experience nausea along with their headaches, making it difficult to eat or drink anything without feeling sick afterward. One way CBD can help alleviate nausea is by calming the stomach, which is one of the ways it can help reduce the pain of a migraine.
How to Use CBD for Migraines
If you're interested in trying CBD for your migraines, it's important to know how to take it. CBD is available in various forms, including oils, tinctures, capsules, and topical products. The best delivery method will likely depend on your preferences and symptoms.
You can use CBD for migraines in a few ways: topically, orally, and sublingually.
If you're looking for fast relief from a migraine, you may want to try an oil or tincture. These products are designed to be absorbed quickly by the body. Place a few drops under your tongue and hold for 30-60 seconds before swallowing.
If you prefer a more gradual approach, capsules or edibles might be a better option. These products take longer to take effect but can provide longer-lasting relief. Start with a low dose and increase as needed.
Topical CBD can be applied directly to the temples or forehead to provide relief. Oral CBD can be taken in the form of tinctures, capsules, or gummies. Sublingual CBD is placed under the tongue and absorbed into the bloodstream.
Whichever method you choose, it's important to start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed. CBD can cause drowsiness in some people, so please be cautious when using it for the first time.
What Are the Side Effects of CBD for Migraines?
CBD is a natural remedy, which means that it doesn't have any harsh side effects like medication often does. However, that doesn't mean it's free from potential adverse effects.
CBD has a minimal list of potential side effects, which is why it's becoming a more popular choice for those seeking relief from migraines.
The most commonly reported side effects of CBD are fatigue and dizziness. Yet, these side effects are usually very mild and go away within a few days of using CBD.
Some people may also experience dry mouth or a decreased appetite, but these side effects are relatively mild and usually don't last long. Overall, the side effects of CBD are much more favorable than those of traditional migraine medications.
Conclusion
It has been proven that CBD in general can relieve people suffering from migraines. On the other hand, there is a need for additional research on CBD and headache alleviation. Talk to your primary care provider before trying CBD for headache relief if you're thinking about trying it.