CBD for Migraines

Tired of taking pharmaceutical meds every time you get a migraine? There might be a more natural solution.

Migraines are no small problem - they affect as many as 12% of the population of the United States and 1 in 4 households.

More than just a headache, migraines can lead to dizziness, nausea, loss of productivity, loss of employment, and a lower quality of life.

Ask anyone who suffers from migraines. They will tell you; they would do anything to get rid of the pain.

CBD - a supplement that has been tried by as many as 1 in 3 adults in America – might just be the answer.

How does CBD work?

CBD's effectiveness is tied to the way it interacts with your body's Endocannabinoid System.

Everyone has an Endocannabinoid System or ECS. Your ECS consists of a variety of parts. They includes cannabinoid receptors and your body's naturally-produced cannabinoids. These cannabinoids will bind with receptors, causing a variety of physical and emotional effects.

Unlike marijuana, CBD does not actually bind directly to your cannabinoid receptors. It alters the strength of the bond between your internally produced cannabinoids and receptors. This creates a longer and stronger reaction.

This is believed to be responsible for some of CBD's purported pain relief benefits - including the ability to reduce migraines.

How could CBD help with migraines?

Some evidence has shown that CBD has been helpful with reducing pain. A variety of studies, including this 2018 review, have found evidence that CBD works for pain relief.

CBD can be taken orally. It can also be used as a topical and applied directly to the area of pain. This can help provide more targeted relief. 

One of the more well-researched benefits of CBD is how it can help reduce inflammation. Many studies have found that CBD can help to reduce joint swelling, and increase mobility.

This is also thought to be responsible for why some studies have found CBD to be helpful in treating skin disorders.

There is some evidence to suggest that migraines are related to neurological inflammation. That includes inflammation that occurs at a cellular level. If migraines are related to inflammation, CBD may be able to assist in a reduction of migraines. This direct link has yet to be confirmed in research but the theory supports it.

Best CBD Product to Use for Migraines

Topical lotions and salves are great for skin conditions and muscular pain. Since they don't don't enter your bloodstream, topicals won't be as effective for migraines. 

That's where CBD oil and gummies come in. CBD oil taken sublingually, under the tongue, is the fastest path to your bloodstream. This is your best option for quick relief. 

CBD gummies are another great choice as they are digested, reaching the bloodstream more slowly and taking effect more gradually. Gummies can be taken throughout the day for sustained and steady relief. 

What does the research say?

There has been a lack of research on the effectiveness of CBD for the treatment of migraines. Despite this, newer studies have found promising results.

According to an article published by the American Migraine Foundation in 2018, more study was needed. However, the doctor interviewed for the article, who ran the Headache Center at Jefferson University Hospital, said that it was "perfectly reasonable" to use CBD to treat pain.

Many studies that tested medical marijuana found that it could help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches. This finding was replicated in numerous studies and a meta-analysis.

If medical marijuana helps the reduction of headaches and migraines, CBD may be similarly helpful.

A 2018 paper reviewed the theoretical basis for CBD's ability to help reduce headaches. The paper concluded that the theoretical basis for assuming CBD could help reduce headaches and migraines was sound.

New research is being done all the time. A completed study from February 2021 found evidence that CBD may be useful when it comes to migraines. That study - published by Axon Relief - used the Hit-6 scale and found that 86% of respondents reported a reduction of "headache impact" after using the company's CBD product.

Conclusion

No CBD product has yet been approved by the United States Food & Drug Administration for treating migraines. While CBD has been found to be extremely safe, you should always talk with your doctor before taking CBD. There are some concerns about prescription medication interactions with CBD. Side effects of CBD are mild and uncommon.

Initial research has been positive and promising. Numerous anecdotal stories have indicated that CBD may have the potential to help reduce migraines.

If you’re interested in using CBD oil for migraines, contact Eden’s Herbals to learn more!