Can CBD balms provide effective relief for migraine sufferers?

CBD balm contains analgesic properties that help relieve migraine pain. This blog discussed whether CBD balms can provide effective relief for migraine sufferers. It defines CBD balm, dosage for migraine, and factors to consider before using CBD balm for migraine relief.

A migraine is a recurring headache resulting in severe pains and other symptoms such as light sensitivity and vomiting. Constant migraine can affect an individual’s daily life. There are various ways to address migraines, such as medication, acupuncture and supplements. However, CBD's potent properties have gotten attention as an alternative treatment for migraine pain. Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most prevalent chemical compounds in the cannabis plant. It is non-psychotropic, meaning it does not cause the ’high’ effect. It is infused into various products, including balms. Due to its analgesic properties, researchers are finding more information on it as an alternative option for various types of pain, including migraine.

What is CBD balm?

CBD balm is a regular balm infused with CBD oil as its major active ingredient. It boasts various properties such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, moisturising and antioxidant. This product offers multiple benefits, including soothing muscle pain, relieving inflammation, and hydrating the skin.

CBD balm and migraines

CBD balm has taken over the industry as a migraine treatment. Gibson et al. (2021) noted that CBD balm helps minimise and prevent migraines in the forehead, neck and shoulders. When massaged in, this topical product soothes inflamed nerves, one of the major causes of migraine pains.

Wang et al. (2020) noted that CBD balm possesses potent anti-inflammatory qualities that tackle nerve inflammation responsible for a migraine trigger. The two types of nerve inflammation that cause migraine are trigeminal and occipital nerve. The former is located in the face, while the latter is in the neck's base and head.

Johansen et al. (2022) suggested that CBD helps tackle migraines by interacting with CGRP, the peptide responsible for triggering migraines.CGRPis produced by the trigeminal nerve causing a migraine. To effectively minimise migraine, medication block this peptide. People experiencing migraine normally have low amounts of endocannabinoids and high amounts of CGRP.According to a certain study, CBD balm can minimise pain, CGRP, and inflammation in rats. This study confirmed that CBD balm is an effective alternative for migraine treatment.

The trigeminal nerve releases CGRP as a reaction to inflammation exposure because of oxidative stress. One of the major causes of migraine is oxidative stress. Therefore, minimising oxidative stress is one of the ways to tackle migraines. To tackle oxidative stress, the body requires antioxidants. Jastrzab et al. (2021) noted that CBD balm is a potent antioxidant agent. When applied to the affected area, it fights oxidative stress before CGRP peptide is released. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors all over the body hence tackling inflammation.

CBD balm dosage for migraines

It is best to apply CBD balm around three times a day for maximum results. Additionally, it is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and seek medical guidance. Regarding the ideal amount to use, it is vital to begin with, a small amount before working your way up.Additionally, it is important to perform a patch test to ensure that none of the ingredients is allergic to your skin.

Factors to consider before buying CBD balm for migraine relief

Type of balm

CBD balm is available in three formulations; full spectrum, broad spectrum and isolate. What sets them apart is their potencies and chemical composition. Full-spectrum CBD balm contains all the chemical compounds in the cannabis plant, including Cannabigerol, cannabinol, flavonoid and terpenes. It is important to note that its THC levels are less than 0.2 %. The entourage effect makes it to be considered the most effective in migraine relief. It is a process whereby all the other chemical compounds work with CBD to boost its therapeutic and medical benefits. Broad spectrum CBD balm has all the other compounds, excluding THC. CBD isolate balm contains CBD only.

The ingredient list

Reputable and transparent brands offer a complete list of the ingredient infused in the product. When choosing a CBD balm, it is vital to countercheck the ingredients used since they add up significantly to the product’s quality. Unscrupulous brands utilise low-quality ingredients resulting in to a low-quality product that is ineffective. Some companies use toxic ingredients which do more harm than good. Users should also be vigilant about companies that mislabel their ingredients. Authentic brands utilise high-quality ingredients when processing balms. As a result, satisfying the customer's desire. Such products address the concerned issue immediately since they are effective. Learn more about cbd for neuropathy

Lab reports

Before buying a CBD product, it is important to check its lab reports for a certificate of analysis and proof of third-party lab test reports. A certificate of analysis features the cannabinoid content level and the presence of any toxic substance, such as heavy metals and pesticides. These reports confirm the product's safety and quality.

CBD source

CBD is either derived from marijuana or the hemp plant. However, it is best to buy a product derived from hemp plants since it is rich in CBD and low in THC. Additionally, the plant should be cultivated locally, and organic practices should be utilised. The reason is the hemp plant absorbs everything in the soil, good or bad. Hence, organic techniques should be used to avoid absorbing toxic materials and pesticides.

Other factors to consider include the following:

• The brand’s reputation
• Other customers reviews. Learn more about how does cbd affect exercise?

Summary

Migraines are a form of headache that keeps on recurring and majorly caused by stress. There are various migraine treatments. However, most individuals do not find them effective since they cause long-term side effects. On the other hand, CBD balm has gained traction due to its natural nature. When massaged in the targeted area, it works immediately by interacting with the nearest receptors. CBD balm is advantageous since it does not reach the bloodstream; as a result, you do not have to worry about any mind-altering effects. CBD balm has potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that tackle migraine pain. The most effective CBD balm for migraine pain is full-spectrum since it has all the compounds in the cannabis plant. However, it is important to seek medical guidance before using CBD balm.

References

Gibson, L. P., Hitchcock, L. N., Bryan, A. D., & Bidwell, L. C. (2021). Experience of migraine, its severity, and perceived efficacy of treatments among cannabis users. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 56, 102619.

Jastrząb, A., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., Markowska, A., Wroński, A., Gęgotek, A., &Skrzydlewska, E. (2021). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of cannabidiol contributes to the decreased lipid peroxidation of keratinocytes of rat skin exposed to UV radiation. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2021.

Johansen, P., &Lucke-Wold, B. (2022). Commentary on “Calcitonin-gene related peptide and neurologic injury: An emerging target for headache management”. Journal of neurobiology and physiology, 4(1), 20-22.

Wang, B., Kovalchuk, A., Li, D., Ilnytskyy, Y., Kovalchuk, I., & Kovalchuk, O. (2020). In search of preventative strategies: novel anti-inflammatory high-CBD cannabis sativa extracts modulate ACE2 expression in COVID-19 gateway tissues.