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Overview Of CBD For Headaches
Although there are numerous FDA-approved treatments for headaches and migraines on today's market, many people are turning to cannabis products containing THC and/or CBD, an ingredient of cannabis that is not psychoactive, to treat their intense headaches.
But before you try CBD, it would be nice to know if CBD for headaches really does work.
Many patients who suffer from migraines have experienced them for many years. They are self-treating with various treatments, such as cannabis. Right now, if you're asking if cannabis and/or CBD works for migraines, there is no evidence-based data to answer that question.
However Medical experts currently consider the pain from a migraine headache the result of intense stimulation to sensory nerves—a response to inflammatory agents which are released when a migraine occurs.
This would explain why powerful analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents, such as cannabinoids found in CBD oil, may be effective in the treatment of migraines.
Additionally, a 2017 review of cannabis treatment for headaches outlined existing research, patient surveys, and case reports showing the efficacy of cannabis for migraine and other headache disorders.
An updated 2018 review described experimental evidence for the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of migraine as well as other headaches and chronic pain.
Why CBD For Headaches Might Help Ease Your Migraine or Cluster Headache?
CBD is one of more than 100 cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is one of the chemical compounds called 'cannabinoids' that are found in the cannabis sativa plant.
And unlike THC, which is found in cannabis, CBD is not psychoactive and therefore does not result in a high.
Cannabidiol may ease the pain because it affects specific receptors in the brain. These receptors are part of the wider endocannabinoid system, which plays a significant role in pain and inflammation throughout the body.
More reasons why CBD might help migraine suffering that research has linked medical cannabis with the following effects, which are pertinent to migraine treatment:
- pain relief
- easing nausea
- reducing inflammation
In a 2017 review of studies that have emerged demonstrate potential efficacy. In addition, numerous pre-clinical investigations have validated the role of endocannabinoids in preventing headache abnormal states.
Still, there is not enough evidence from well-designed clinical trials to support the use of CBD for headaches, migraine, and cluster headaches. Overall, more studies are necessary.
CBD For Tension Headaches
If you suffer from tension headaches, you’ll know how debilitating they can be. While they might not stop you from going to work or carrying out certain activities, they can cloud your thinking and make you feel miserable.
If stress and anxiety are triggers for your tension headaches, CBD products might stop them from occurring. Alternatively, if you have a headache already, there is a suggestion that CBD can allow some pain relief. This can help you happily get on with your day and stay productive.
First, it’s crucial to note you can use CBD in many different ways to treat your symptoms. Since tension headaches can cause sharp and rapid pain, many users desire a method of intake that offers fast-acting relief, making inhalation methods a preferred option.
CBD has been shown to be an effective anxiety treatment. This is because CBD may help balance out the brain's endocannabinoid system, producing naturally occurring chemicals, like anandamide.
CBD oil may also positively affect certain types of headaches, such as chronic migraine or cluster headaches.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
CBD oil has been shown, in a limited number of studies, to be effective in the treatment of many disorders, including chronic pain, limiting inflammation, diabetes, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and migraines.
Overall, updated studies show that the side effects of CBD and CBD oil are minimal. This is most likely why people are opting out of over-the-counter or addictive prescription pain medications with many side effects.
Still, fatigue, drowsiness, upset stomach, and changes in appetite and weight are possible, as well as interaction with other medications.
Nevertheless, the type of cannabis that CBD is created from is mostly well tolerated and safe in humans.
But, in one study, when cannabis, also known as marijuana was given to study subjects, they experienced an increased heart rate, anxiety, and psychotic symptoms.
However, participants who took CBD oil, lacking THC, did not experience side effects (including psychotic symptoms).
Should You Use CBD For Headache Relief?
Anyone considering the use of CBD oil for headaches, migraines, or cluster headaches should consult with their healthcare provider before taking it. It’s important to note that not all sources of CBD products are reputable.
Most CBD users with all kinds of headaches do find benefit from taking CBD oil, both orally and topically, for neck stiffness and soreness, which often accompanies migraine.
Others with headaches, chronic migraines, or even PMS, or use CBD in a preventative manner. CBD helps to mediate their overall stress level, which is helpful as migraine patients often become fearful of triggering an episode.
Physiologically, CBD has a relaxing effect on the body for most people, which makes it easier to adjust to stress.
Dr. Steven Zodkoy, a medical consultant at Monmouth Advanced Medicine, I have been using full-spectrum hemp products/CBD with my migraine patients for a few years with excellent results.
Which CBD Is Best For Headaches?
Below, I will recommend the top 3 CBD oil brands that may help you relieve headaches, migraine headaches, and tension headaches and perhaps even prevent them from happening.
1. NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum Multicannabinoid Oil
Headache and Migraine sufferers should pay attention to NuLeaf Naturals Multicannabinoid Oil for its effective results, high potency, organic ingredients, and product line of lab tests quality.
Learn more about the Nuleaf Naturals Brand.
NuLeaf Naturals Multicannabinoid™ is a comprehensive formula blend containing several key cannabinoids in a balanced profile to supercharge your endocannabinoid system.
This incredible new product takes everything we love about full spectrum CBD and increases it. It is a whole new definition of entourage effect.
NuLeaf Naturals is one quality CBD brand that sells a small, full-spectrum CBD product line made from Therapeutic hemp not industrial hemp grown for high levels of flower and resin production in Colorado.
On their website, Nuleaf Naturals says they use independent labs to confirm that their CBD products are free of pesticides, herbicides, mold, fungi, heavy metals, and mycotoxins.
And it's testing also guarantees all products contain the optimal amount of cannabinoids and terpenes creating a brand consumers trust. Try it now!
Reviewers, say that these help with pain and stiffness, also help them achieve better sleep, and this combination may be the answer to lots of problems.
Reviewers also make note of fast, free shipping and impressive packaging.
NuLeaf Naturals also offers a Full Spectrum Multicannabinoid in Capsule form for those who don't like the taste of CBD oil, or just looking for convenience.
NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Balm
NuLeafs' full-spectrum CBD balm, which remains its only topical product as of yet. It consists of two simple ingredients; full-spectrum hemp extract and organic shea butter.
You can buy it in the following CBD concentrations:
- 300mg (0.5 ounces)
- 600mg (1 ounce)
- 900mg (1.5 ounces)
Lab tested to ensure purity, it's unscented CBD balm absorbs quickly to relieve discomfort. Rub it into any affected area to relieve your aches and pains.
Use code "HempJubilation" for 20% off.
2. Medterra Ultra Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
Medterra’s ultra broad-spectrum drops are made from whole-plant hemp extracts that have undergone a proprietary extraction method to remove the THC. So in addition to CBD, they also include other beneficial cannabinoids including CBG, CBN, CBC, and CBDV.
Read our full Medterra CBD Review.
They are available in 3 flavors (unflavored, citrus, and strawberry mint) and 2 choices of potency that are 1000mg or 2000mg in a 30-milliliter bottle. All Medterra tinctures also come with a graduated dropper for easier dosing.
These CBD Drops are its premier-level Ultra Broad Spectrum hemp oil. With a 10:1 ratio of CBD to additional active cannabinoids (CBG, CBN, CBC, CBDV, plus terpenes and flavonoids), their Ultra Broad Spectrum extract delivers a high-potency combination of active cannabinoids in every drop.
Reviewers say that these have been a powerful pain reliever, also everything is top shelf and really works.
Reviewers also make note of a superb, knowledgeable customer service team. Try It Today!
Medterra Pain Relief Cream
Aches and pains can seriously ruin your quality of life. A CBD cream like Medterra’s award winner of the 2021 Product of the Year and Nexty Awards may offer up some relief.
The powerful amounts of Arnica and Menthol give a nice boost to the potent CBD product. The cream also contains skin-soothing extracts like aloe and jojoba oil.
You can massage away pain and discomfort with good safety in mind as Medterra Pain Cream is free of plasticizers, artificial preservatives, and synthetics.
Use code "OFFER15" for 15% off.
3. Green Roads Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
When shopping for CBD, you can never go wrong with Green Roads having over 30,000 five-star reviews from across the country. As well as the company creates all of its products with the help of a licensed compounding pharmacist, including its broad-spectrum CBD oils.
Your options are mild (10 milligrams of CBD), moderate (25 milligrams), and mighty (50 milligrams of CBD per milliliter) strengths. Green Roads also offers three flavor options—original, apple kiwi, and mint breeze.
Green Roads uses the most advanced extraction technologies, including CO2 extraction. These methods yield clean, full-spectrum CBD, and broad-spectrum CBD oils as well as pure isolates that are used to create its award-winning product line.
We love that Green Roads is FDA Registered Manufacturing Facilities.
Reviewers say that the quality of the product is unmatched, which also made such a noticeable difference in my quality of life.
Reviewers also make note of quick shipping, impressive packaging, and world-class support. Try it and see for yourself!
Green Roads Pain Relief Cream
This is Green Roads first-ever OTC (over-the-counter strength) strength Pain Relief cream. Whether you are dealing with neck pain, backaches, arthritis, muscle aches and pain, strains, or sprains, this cream delivers the heavy-duty relief you deserve exactly where you need it most.
Formulated with added skin support like avocado oil, vitamin E, and eucalyptus oil. Together with Methyl Salicylate and Menthol for a cooling, soothing effect. This THC-free CBD cream for pain is available in 150mg, 350mg, and 750-milligram strengths.
How to Use CBD to Ease the Pain of Headaches
If you decide to take CBD for headaches, you must know exactly how to use CBD for headaches. It comes in so many different formats.
Figuring out what to take, when to take it, and how much of it to take can be downright puzzling. With that said, understanding how to take CBD properly for your specific condition, in this case, headaches or migraines, can help ensure that you get the most from each serving.
Take the Right Product — While CBD alone is a powerful way to combat pain and discomfort, you need to decide on Topical or Oral CBD or both.
If your migraine pain or discomfort is localized to the temples or the base of your neck, a topical CBD product could be very effective, but if you have whole-body pain, nausea, or the affected pain area is covered by your head hair, an oral CBD product may be a better option.
Don’t be afraid to try both, though, and decide for yourself which one works best for your headache pain.
Get the Serving Right — Serving sizes can have a huge impact on whether or not you’re successful in using CBD to address certain ailments.
The key here is finding that sweet spot where you enjoy the desired effects. But here’s the thing: Every person is different, and variables such as weight, tolerance, and genetics can impact how your body handles CBD.
It’s best to start small and gradually increase your dose up to a level that gives you the desired effect.
There are three types of CBD available:
A full-spectrum CBD product contains multiple cannabis plant extracts, including essential oils, terpenes, and other cannabinoids, such as cannabinol (CBD).
Full-spectrum CBD products may also contain up to 0.3% of THC, the cannabinoid in the cannabis plant that produces the ‘high’ feeling in people. However, such a low amount is not strong enough to have significant psychoactive effects.
Broad-spectrum CBD products also contain additional compounds from the cannabis plant, including essential oils, terpenes, and other cannabinoids, such as cannabinol (CBD). Without THC. However, some may have trace amounts.
CBD isolate is a pure form of CBD. All the active compounds from the cannabis plant are removed. Meaning that it contains only CBD.
Final Thoughts On CBD For Headaches
Anyone with headaches or migraines should speak with a doctor before using CBD.
Taking CBD may help prevent migraines, while topical CBD oil may ease the pain that accompanies these headaches.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD may be a potential treatment for headaches and migraines. But, we certainly need randomized, controlled trials to determine CBD's efficacies.
We recommend not using any CBD product during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs, please consult your physician before use. And just as importantly keep it out of reach from children and pets.