CBD FOR HEADACHES & MIGRAINES (WHAT DOSE HELPS?)

CBD FOR HEADACHES & MIGRAINES (WHAT DOSE HELPS?) - NanoCraft

CBD FOR HEADACHE: A GUIDE

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the many active compounds found in the cannabis plant. CBD may help migraine relief at an appropriate dosage. CBD oil for migraines has been explained to have a reduction in migraines and neurological pain by targeting specific receptors within the endocannabinoid system. The medical literature regarding the treatment of migraines is showing support and evidence for cannabinoids in the treatment of acute and chronic migraines. CBD for headaches and migraines has great potential as a natural and therapeutic option for chronic migraine sufferers.

CAN CBD HELP WITH MIGRAINE HEADACHES?

Taking CBD oil has been suggested to help with migraine treatment and decreasing the migraine attack frequency. A large 2015 systematic review, published in Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache, investigated the effectiveness of cannabinoids in the management of chronic pain

Researchers concluded that cannabinoids may provide reductions in chronic pain compared to other traditional medications used to treat pain.  

Italian researchers presented a prospective study in 2017 where cannabinoids (THC and CBD) were used to treat acute headaches and migraines. In the treatment of acute headache pain, cannabis was shown to reduce patients’ pain intensity by 43.5%

Researchers determined that cannabinoids can be as effective as current pharmaceutical therapies for headache pain although more research is needed about the medicinal benefits of CBD oils to treat headaches.

Another study published in the journal Pharmacotherapy in 2016 shows that people using medical marijuana for chronic migraine headache and pain experienced fewer migraine attacks. In addition, medicinal cannabis use was found effective in reducing the migraine headache frequency.

CBD oil and other CBD products have been described as a viable treatment option for those with chronic pain and headache disorders due to its potential efficacy, safety profile, and non-addictive, non-toxic medicinal properties of cannabinoids

WHAT ARE COMMON MIGRAINE MEDICATIONS?

Common over the counter and prescription medications for pain relief of migraine symptoms include:

  • Aspirin
  • Naproxen
  • Ibuprofen
  • Tylenol
  • Frova
  • Amerge
  • Axert

Migraines headaches can be debilitating that are usually accompanied by intense pulsing or throbbing. Luckily, many of these medications listed above are available over the counter without a physician’s prescription. However, there are potential adverse side effects to strongly consider prior to taking these medications to treat migraines. 

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

A major drawback to taking some traditional headache medications for pain relief is that they may make your migraines worse, due to an overuse of medication (also known as medication overuse headache). There are potential adverse effects of these pain-reducing pharmaceuticals for migraine patients, including:

  • Rash
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Blurred vision
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Liver damage
  • Gastrointestinal issues

CBD for migraines has been described to present a promising treatment of migraine pain, due to their anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing effects. It has become an alternative option especially for people who prefer natural ways to treat acute pain caused by chronic headaches and migraines. Cannabinoids can inhibit platelet serotonin release which is considered one of the underlying causes of migraine disease as well as nausea and vomiting that are also common symptoms associated with migraine headaches.

HOW MUCH CBD TO TAKE FOR MIGRAINES?

The average CBD for headache dosage is 5 - 10 mg milligrams per day.  Currently, there are no formal guidelines for a proper CBD dosage for headaches and migraines, as it is not yet an FDA approved cannabinoid. 

However, according to the Mayo Clinic’s CBD Safety and Adverse Effects section, 2 studies have shown that doses up to 300 milligrams daily are generally safe for up to 6 months. 

If you are new to CBD, we recommend starting a on low and slow dose. You can always increase your dosage as you go, depending on what feels right for you. Please consult with your primary physician prior to starting any cannabidiol regime, including medical cannabis administration and dosing, as it may interact with your current medications and or health concerns or conditions. 

WHICH CBD PRODUCTS HELP HEADACHES?

CBD for migraine headaches can cover a wide range of CBD products, including topicals and rubs, pills, and tinctures. Whether you’re wanting to rub CBD oil directly onto your forehead or temples to help alleviate the pain or you’re wanting to take a CBD oil tincture to absorb into your bloodstream for a full-body relaxation, CBD  is a therapeutic, natural option to assist with your neurological pain. 

CBD TINCTURE FOR MIGRAINES: Our Pure CBD Drops, extracted from organically grown hemp plant, are designed to be used and applied sublingually. This method allows for the CBD oil to be absorbed via the blood vessels underneath the tongue. It also means that the cannabinoids will pass the digestive system, hence, more cannabinoids may make it into the bloodstream. We recommend using a full dropper (1.0 mL) of CBD oil, applying it under the tongue, and waiting 30 - 60 seconds before swallowing.

CBD PILLS FOR MIGRAINES: CBD capsules may provide numerous therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties, neuroprotective qualities, and pain-relieving attributes. 

CBD RUBS FOR MIGRAINES: CBD topicals are designed for direct application to the skin, allowing for cannabinoids to slowly be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. CBD lotion is great for those who are wanting to target specific areas or regions on the body.

We incorporate our cannabidiol-rich formula into each of our selected CBD topical products, setting us apart from our competitors. Taking the time to ensure our CBD creams are consistent and of the highest quality, allows our customers to take full advantage of the CBD benefits in migraine prevention, treatment of cluster headaches, as well as periodic pain breakthroughs. 

* DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is for educational purposes only. It does not exploit or provide medical advice of any kind. Therefore, any reliance you place on the information below is strictly at your own risk. Please check with your medical provider before starting or changing a CBD routine.

 

Kirsten Thornhill, MS
Nanocraft Sciences
Content Writer x Physiologist x Researcher
Kirsten Thornhill was born and raised in a small farm town in Stanislaus County, California. Kirsten graduated with a Master of Science degree in exercise physiology from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA. She is very passionate about human physiology and the metabolic and nutritional adaptations that occur during exercise in active individuals and athletes. Kirsten has specialized in maximal oxygen consumption testing in athletes and teaching laboratory, clinical, practical, and research applications of exercise testing to college students. She enjoys educating and informing people about the importance of lifetime movement, plant-based eating, and health research and development. Her passion for natural, lifestyle medicine enables her to strive when promoting health and education.

 

Sources: 

Boychuk DG, Goddard G, Mauro G, Orellana MF. The effectiveness of cannabinoids in the management of chronic nonmalignant neuropathic pain: A systematic review. J Oral Facial Pain Headache. 2015. 

Leimuranta P, Khiroug L, Giniatullin R. Emerging role of (endo)cannabinoids in migraine. Front Pharmacol. 2018. 

Nicolodi M, et al. Therapeutic use of cannabinoids - Dose finding, effects, and pilot data of effects in chronic migraine and cluster headache. 3rd EAN Congress. 2017. 

VanDolah HJ, Bauer BA, Mauck KF. Clinicians’ guide to cannabidiol and hemp oils. PlumX Metrics. 2019. 


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