CBD for Motion Sickness [And Sea Sickness Too]
It seems like we're constantly discovering new uses for CBD.
The latest ailment to bow to CBD’s
healing power; motion sickness.
Motion sickness is a common problem that many people deal
with. Whether it’s during a long car ride, a day at an amusement park, or a
fishing boat ride out at sea, motion sickness can strike hard and fast.
Can CBD help fight off motion sickness? Let’s look at the
science.
What Causes Motion Sickness?
Motion sickness occurs due to confusion
in the brain.
As the name implies - and as sufferers know - motion
sickness happens when you are in motion.
Your eyes see movement, your inner ears detect motion, and
other sensations of your body will detect the experiences of motion. However,
other parts of your brain - like your muscles - will NOT detect motion.
This disconnect occurs when you are in a car or on a boat,
and your body has to absorb confusing sensations. The end result is that your
brain fires confusing and conflicting signals. This, in turn, gets you sick.
This is what we call motion sickness. When in a car we refer
to it as car sickness. When on a boat, sea sickness.
Whatever you want to call it, it's never fun.
To be clear, motion sickness is not a small problem: Roughly
1
in 3 people find themselves to be likely to become motion sick. This isn't merely
about being very sensitive to amusement park rides or having a hard time on
rough seas.
For many people, this disorder is much more than vaguely
annoying and crosses the line into potentially debilitating.
Individuals who frequently travel in any form may find
themselves in need of a solution to frequent motion sickness. Motion sickness
can prevent them from traveling or cause them great distress in doing so.
If you are required to drive long distances for work, you
will need something to stave off motion sickness. If you make your living by
fishing, CBD for sea sickness could allow you to keep your career.
How Does CBD Help With Motion Sickness?
Studies have found that CBD could have a direct impact on
the areas of the brain that deal with vomiting
and nausea. These are two of the most significant and common symptoms of
motion sickness. Taking CBD could reduce both of these symptoms and allow
someone to better manage motion sickness.
CBD can also reduce
levels of stress and anxiety, and both of these areas are often related to
the production of feelings that create nausea. As studies
on motion sickness have noted, motion sickness can cause anxiety. This
anxiety can then contribute to the negative symptoms of motion sickness.
What Does The Research Say?
CBD studies have found that CBD can help individuals who are
suffering from cancer or undergoing cancer treatment fight
off the negative symptoms of that treatment, including nausea.
The American Cancer Society has
noted that cannabinoid products are an effective treatment for nausea. That
includes nausea that is caused by chemotherapy, cancer, and other cancer
treatments.
Other studies have also found that CBD has the potential to
help people relieve
vomiting and nausea. The compound has a long history of repressing nausea
and vomiting. CBD seems to have anti nausea abilities.
Other studies in
animals have found that CBD can impact the levels of serotonin in the body.
This promotes the compound as a healthy way of reducing nausea and vomiting.
This also explains how CBD can help to promote an overall sense
of well-being. CBD reduces anxiety and improves mood. All of this could be
helpful to battle motion sickness.
Research on the topic has been limited and one study did
contradict other findings. A 2008 study found that CBD could not help reduce
motion sickness.
More research is unquestionably needed. A plethora of
studies do imply that CBD can be helpful for people who are suffering from
motion-sickness-related symptoms, including nausea.
How Can I Take CBD for Motion Sickness?
One of the best things about CBD is that it can be taken in
a variety
of ways, including as an edible, topical, vaping juice, or more.
How you take it is up to you and depends on your specific
set of circumstances.
Edibles are a great option, as they come in delicious gummies, but
you may not want to eat anything if you are worried about motion sickness and
nausea.
A good alternative is an oil tinctures, which
can work very quickly - particularly if taken under the tongue. CBD oil for
motion sickness is a fast acting and all-natural solution.
CBD topicals are more
appropriate for targeted pain relief or skin disorders but would not help with
nausea.
In terms of CBD dosage, your best bet is to take the lowest
dosage recommended by the product. From there you can gradually increase the
dosage until you feel the desired effect. This ensures that you minimize the
risk of feeling any of CBD's negative
side effects.
Final Thoughts
It goes without saying that you should talk to your doctor
before trying CBD. This is true if you were to take any other new medication or
supplement.
CBD, like many other supplements, may
interact with medications you are taking.
According to numerous reports, including from authorities like
the World Health Organization, CBD is safe, effective, non-habit forming,
and well-tolerated in most people.
As is the case for most things CBD related, additional
evidence is needed before more definitive statements can be made. However,
there is evidence, anecdotal stories, and solid theory behind the idea that CBD
can be beneficial for people who suffer from motion sickness.