Does CBD Help in Relieving Migraines and Headaches?

Migraine and headaches are common health conditions that people sometimes experience in their lives. CBD is an organic compound that effectively alleviates migraines. Read on to learn more about how CBD relieves migraines and other benefits of CBD.

Both men and women suffer from migraines, but research shows that it is experienced mostly by women because of the hormonal changes that trigger them. Migraine is the primary symptom of headaches, which is felt on one side of the head with throbbing and sharp pain. On the other hand, headaches involve pain in the whole head and even the neck. When encountering the problem, many take painkillers and other over-the-counter medicines to relieve the pain. Some are reliable but have different side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, and addiction to the level the drug does not work. CBD is a famous cannabinoid from marijuana and hemp plants, and some people use it as a natural remedy for headaches and migraines.

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the many cannabinoids derived from marijuana and hemp. The compound is actively used for medical purposes, although its research is still in the infancy stage. CBD has proven to offer different therapeutic effects to the body, such as pain relief, alleviating mental disorders, treating insomnia, improving sleep, and treating epilepsy.

According to Gray & Whalley (2020), CBD can treat two rare kinds of epilepsy: childhood-onset in patients aged two. The CBD drug used is Epidiolex, the only drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for medicinal use.

Hemp-derived CBD is legal in most states since the plant has a higher amount of CBD compared to marijuana in the dominating compound is THC. Moreover, THC has a hallucinogenic property; it alters the user's mental state.

CBD For Migraines and Headaches

Research shows that CBD can be used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. These are symptoms associated with headaches and migraines, depending on the severity of the condition. According to Überall (2020), CBD can relieve pain, such as muscle pains and joint aches, due to its analgesic properties.

CBD binds with the endocannabinoid receptors in the body to provide relief from various health conditions. Endocannabinoids are found in the brain, nerves, and the skin. They are key in different body functions, including immune response, appetite, pain control, emotional response, and motor control.

Health Benefits of CBD

Alleviates Anxiety, Stress, and Depression

According to García-Gutiérrez et al. (2020), CBD can be used to alleviate some mental disorders such as anxiety, stress, and depression. These are the most commonly experienced mental problems. CBD has a soothing effect and thus can relax and soothe the nerves and the brain, easing mental disorders that might lead to poor sleep.

Treat Skin Conditions

CBD is infused in different skin care products since it has a therapeutic effect on the skin. According to Maghfour et al. (2021), CBD can treat acne, eczema, and psoriasis, mainly characterized by inflammation on the skin surface. This is because CBD is believed to have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, and the scan reduces internal and external swellings. Therefore, it can relieve these skin conditions and prevent bacterial, viral, and fungal infections from attacking the skin. Research suggests that CBD is effective on the skin since it has antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Reduces Inflammation

Research shows that CBD can reduce skin inflammations due to its anti-inflammatory effect on the body. According to Pellati et al. (2018), CBD has an anti-inflammatory effect that reduces internal and external swelling. Therefore, CBD treats health conditions with inflammatory symptoms such as inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

Relieves Various forms of pain

CBD is believed to relieve body pain, which has massively increased its popularity. Pain adversely affects your daily life and productivity. Pain can also be the cause of poor sleep and insomnia. Although pain can be categorized as mild or severe, it still hurts. CBD can relieve any form of pain, including nerve pain. Other jurisdictions, such as the UK and Canada, use Sativex to treat arthritis and multiple sclerosis, whose main symptoms are pain and inflammation. Research shows that patients administered the Sativex showed improvement compared to those with a placebo.

Improve Sleep and Prevent Insomnia

According to Teitelbaum (2019), CBD can improve sleep and prevent insomnia. Poor sleep is caused by different factors, including pain, mental disturbances, noise, excessive caffeine consumption, and using blue light-producing gadgets before heading to bed. Scientists suggest avoiding using the mobile phone almost four hours before bed is good. Blue light adversely affects melatonin production. Melatonin hormone is responsible for alerting the brain to fall asleep at night. Low light levels facilitate higher melatonin levels since the circadian rhythm regulates it. Furthermore, higher melatonin levels induce deep sleep, which helps rejuvenate the mind and body and improves cardiovascular health.

 How to Choose CBD for Headaches and Migraines

The Source of CBD

CBD can be derived from the marijuana and hemp plant. However, hemp-derived CBD is legalized by the FDA since it is considered safer for human consumption. Before purchasing CBD products, consider the place of origin. For example, US-grown CBD is emphasized since it is grown under strict agricultural regulations prohibiting inorganic farming techniques. Cannabis plants are believed to absorb everything from the soil, and thus when grown with many chemicals, they can be traced in the end product and thus affect the quality of the product.

Method of Extraction

CBD can be extracted from the plant by the use of chemicals and the use of CO2. CO2 is considered the best method of extraction since the product is not exposed to harmful substances which can contaminate the end product, lowering the quality.

Certificate of Analysis

This is also an essential factor to consider while purchasing CBD products. It helps you get all the information on the quality of the product, the available ingredients, and the brand's reputation.

Conclusion

CBD is widely appreciated by many due to the health effects it has on the human body. It relieves migraines and headaches, which are common health issues faced by many. It is also reliable for alleviating stress, anxiety, and depression, improving sleep, preventing insomnia, and treating different skin problems. CBD is the new specimen in many labs, and little information is known about its side effects on the body. However, CBD is not medically approved by the FDA, except for treating epilepsy. While purchasing CBD products, remember to read customer reviews. Furthermore, confirm the hemp source, the extraction method, and whether the product has undergone intensive independent third-party testing. Learn more about cbd for migraines

 References

García-Gutiérrez, M. S., Navarrete, F., Gasparyan, A., Austrich-Olivares, A., Sala, F., & Manzanares, J. (2020). Cannabidiol: a potential new alternative for treating anxiety, depression, and psychotic disorders. Biomolecules, 10(11), 1575

Gray, R. A., & Whalley, B. J. (2020). The proposed mechanisms of action of CBD in epilepsy. Epileptic Disorders, 22, S10-S15.

Maghfour, J., Rundle, C. W., Rietcheck, H. R., Dercon, S., Lio, P., Mamo, A., ... & Yardley, H. (2021). Assessing the effects of topical cannabidiol in patients with atopic dermatitis. Dermatology online journal, 27(2).

Pellati, F., Borgonetti, V., Brighenti, V., Biagi, M., Benvenuti, S., & Corsi, L. (2018). Cannabis sativa L. and nonpsychoactive cannabinoids: their chemistry and role against oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer. BioMed research international, 2018.

Teitelbaum, J. (2019). A hemp oil, CBD, and marijuana primer: powerful pain, insomnia, and anxiety-relieving tools. Altern. Ther. Health Med, 25, 21-23.

Überall, M. A. (2020). A review of scientific evidence for THC: CBD oromucosal spray (nabiximols) in chronic pain management. Journal of pain research, 13, 399.

Does CBD help in relieving migraines and headaches?

CBD has shown potential in relieving migraines and headaches by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system, which regulates pain perception.

How does CBD work to relieve migraines and headaches?

CBD interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which may help reduce inflammation and pain associated with migraines and headaches.

Is there scientific evidence supporting CBD's effectiveness for migraines?

Some studies suggest that CBD's anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties may help alleviate migraine symptoms, but more research is needed for conclusive evidence.

Can CBD be used as a preventive treatment for migraines?

Preliminary studies indicate that CBD may help prevent migraines by reducing inflammation and modulating pain pathways, but individual responses may vary.

How should CBD be consumed for migraine relief?

CBD can be taken orally as oils, capsules, or edibles, or applied topically as creams or balms. The dosage and method of consumption may vary based on individual preferences and needs.

Are there any side effects of using CBD for migraines?

Common side effects of CBD include fatigue, changes in appetite, and diarrhoea. It's important to start with a low dose and monitor your body's response.

Can CBD interact with other medications used for migraines?

CBD may interact with certain medications, especially those metabolised by the liver. Consult with a healthcare provider before using CBD if you are on other medications.

How quickly can CBD provide relief from migraines?

CBD's onset of action varies depending on the method of consumption and individual factors. Some users report relief within minutes to hours after consumption.

Is CBD legal for treating migraines in the UK?

CBD products containing less than 0.2% THC are legal in the UK. It's essential to purchase CBD products from reputable sources to ensure legality and quality.

Should I consult a doctor before using CBD for migraines?

Yes, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using CBD for migraines, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding.