CBD Oil and Migraines: An Information Breakdown
CBD is one of the active agents in the hemp plant, and studies show that it helps to lessen migraine pain. Unlike THC, cannabidiol does not cause a high but brings about many health benefits, including pain reduction. So, let’s analyze cbd oil and migraines as they relate to your well-being.
Overview
Some common migraine symptoms include distorted vision, vomiting, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light, loss of appetite, etc. Most adults experience migraines at some point in life. Currently, about 33 million Americans suffer from chronic pain caused by migraines.
Migraine-related pain is quite unbearable and can disrupt one’s health. It can lower your productivity and ability to focus. Some researchers link migraines to stress; hence, people often want a faster and more natural way to get relief.
That said, studies into CBD oil and migraines shows cannabidiol could help lower the pain. In comparison, a prescribed drug may limit the pain but with side effects. So, CBD hemp oils a safer alternative.
What Causes Migraines
Scientists believe that certain diets like chocolate, wine, and cheese trigger migraines. Again, people that often experience stress, fatigue, and anxiety are at risk of developing a migraine. Hormonal imbalance caused by injury or trauma could also trigger this chronic pain. For example, some women would experience a headache during menstruation because of hormonal changes.
Exposure to high altitude and pressure changes could result in a migraine. High-intensity light conditions and antidepressant drugs can also fuel migraines. Meanwhile, many studies support the use of CBD oil for migraines.
Beneficial Properties of CBD Oil
The brain secretes signaling molecules like histamine, dopamine, serotonin, and melatonin. The body needs these hormones to function well. For example, histamine controls allergic reactions, serotonin lifts mood, and melatonin causes sleep.
Meanwhile, plant cannabinoids like CBD are signaling molecules. Studies show CBD is a neurotransmitter and could influence the activities of the human endocannabinoid receptors. The cannabinoid receptor function is to keep the cell balanced despite changes in external conditions.
Humans have two special receptors, named CB1 and CB2. The brain has the highest CB1 receptors, which interact with THC, causing people to get high. However, CB2 receptors exist in the immune system and nerves and alert the brain for any cell conditions change.
So far, there are conclusions that CBD hemp oil is highly active around CB1 and CB2 receptors. Again, cannabidiol can alter the behavior of these receptors. That’s to say, CBD can promote or prevent the binding of body cannabinoids. It can also delay signal transmission between neurotransmitters, producing a certain physiological effect.
Besides, CBD may prevent the body from absorbing anandamide, which regulates pain. Of course, high concentrations of anandamide in your blood result in pain reduction. What’s more, CBD limits body inflammation, and, in turn, lowers pain and immune dysfunction.
Many people already use CBD oil for pain, making it a viable option for combating severe headaches. Since hemp-derived CBD doesn’t contain THC, you don’t feel high when using CBD oil for migraines.
Research and Studies into using CBD Oil for Migraine
The first research into using CBD oil for migraines took place in 1985. Luckily, the study revealed that CBD and THC’s combination delayed the release of serotonin, which causes migraines.
Recently, scientists stated in the European Journal of Neurology that CBD hemp oil is more effective for treating migraines than regular medications. And the best part is that cannabidiol doesn’t cause severe side effects in most people.
In 2016, 127 migraine patients received CBD and THC combinations; after that, the pain reduced by 55%. In comparison with a group that took the usual antidepressant drug, those with CBD responded positively.
A 2017 study into cannabis and cannabinoids also showed the positive effects of CBD. Here, 26 people who were addicted to pain killers got Ibuprofen and Nabilone for their symptoms. Meanwhile, Nabilone is a regular medicine mixed with artificial cannabinoids, while ibuprofen is a common pain reliever. The researchers administered each medicine for eight weeks and stopped for the next eight weeks.
In the end, the patients that got the cannabinoid medicine experienced more health improvements than the other group.
However, we still need more studies on the use of CBD isolates on migraines. That’s because existing studies is greatly on CBD and THC combinations.
How to Use CBD Oil for Migraine?
The various forms of using CBD oil for pain include tinctures, vaping, topicals, and edibles.
Some beginners may start with CBD tinctures since they don’t come with the risks of vaping. You can place a few drops under your tongue (sublingual) and hold for a few minutes before swallowing. In this method, you will experience its effect in about fifteen to forty minutes.
Vaping CBD oil might be a faster way to get relief if you’re experiencing migraines at home. That’s because you won’t put others at risk if you smoke outside.
Luckily, smoking is the quickest way to get the chemicals to your bloodstream. This delivery speed makes it the best option for those under excruciating pain.
Most people using CBD hemp oil for migraines prefer edibles because they taste great and are easy to use. Again, edibles have higher cannabidiol concentrations, making it easier for you to take higher doses. Though edibles have lower bioavailability, manufacturers store it in fat to enhance its potency.
As expected, CBD topicals are pretty effective for migraines. They come in creams, balms, and gels for you to apply to the affected skin areas. As mentioned above, when you use CBD oil for pain, it interacts with your skin’s cannabinoid receptors for fast-acting.
Currently, there are some confusion regarding regulations for using CBD oil for migraines. Before you buy CBD oil, speak with a physician to know the right dosage. You should also check with specific state laws as well.
Meanwhile, beginner cannabidiol users can start with the smallest dose and gradually increase their intake over time. Of course, this will allow your body to adapt to the supplement and reduce any possible side effects.
Are there any side effects?
Luckily, studies show that CBD hemp oil consumption is almost free of health risks. Of course, this is one reason many see it as a better alternative to prescription pain killers.
Some people might still experience fatigue, stomach upset, appetite changes after using CBD oil for anxiety or pain. Meanwhile, how you take cannabidiol determines the side effect you might experience. For example, smoking is harmful to your lungs and could cause chronic cough, breathing issues, and wheezing. Besides, people with asthma should avoid vaping.
What’s more, the cannabidiol may interact with medications and dietary supplements like antibiotics and blood thinners. Be mindful that CBD interacts with cytochromes P450, an enzyme that controls drug absorption. Here, the simple rule is to avoid drugs that can interact with grapefruit.
The Legality of CBD oil
The only cannabidiol formula approved by FDA is Epidiolex, created for epilepsy treatment. While this drug is quite effective against epilepsy, it still has a few side effects.
A few of these issues, like fatigue, decreased appetite, and diarrhea, are dose-dependent. It means the problem increases if the dose is high.
Despite being approved by some states in the US, cannabis extracts are illegal at the center. Again, CBD is only legal if it’s hemp-derived and with less than 0.3%THC. It’s worth mentioning that stores are not allowed to make claims of what CBD can cure.
However, in 2018, the Legislatures defined hemp and marijuana, creating room for CBD products to thrive. Still, the FDA is against the use of off-counter CBD products. That’s because you may buy products with high THC levels and impurities, which are is unsafe for use.
Here are some tips to help you buy the best CBD oil for migraines.
- Make sure that CBD content in the bottle is accurately stated.
- Check whether the product is hemp-derived.
- Always ensure the hemp is grown in the US, which is regulated by the Agriculture Ministry.
- Know the extraction method used, preferably, CO2.
- Check the company’s website for third party laboratory results.
Final Words
Cannabidiol is a natural supplement derived from the hemp plant. The CBD benefits list seems inexhaustible; it’s non-psychoactive and has no side effects if taken properly.
About CBD oil and migraines, several studies have opened our understanding of the painkilling cannabidiol properties. Meanwhile, migraines can cause severe pain, but using CBD oil for migraines may be the perfect alternative to conventional drugs.
However, the cannabidiol industry is still not fully regulated, meaning you should guard yourself against buying the wrong product.