Can CBD Relieve Headaches?
Headaches can really ruin your mood and your daily productivity. There are all sorts of medications you can take for your basic headaches, including acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium. Each of these does come with some risks, especially if you use them on a regular basis. If you have an occasional migraine, that can be harder to shake off. There are over-the-counter remedies like Excedrin, and prescription drugs as well. However, what if there was a more natural way to shake off headaches using CBD? We have talked before about how CBD could be used for chronic pain, so why not headaches and especially migraines? Let’s take a closer look.
Understanding Headaches and CBD's Potential
For those who are new to the subject of CBD, CBD is one of the most well-known compounds in hemp and cannabis sativa plants. While delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) causes an intoxicatingly psychoactive high, CBD alone does not. Instead, it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a vital role in regulating various physiological processes, including pain perception.
Headaches are a common health issue that can be caused by various factors such as stress, tension, hormonal changes, or certain triggers in our environment. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to headache relief, CBD has gained attention for its potential therapeutic properties. We are going to look at two forms of headaches in particular, migraines and stress/tension headaches.
Migraines
Mayo Clinic defines a migraine as “A migraine is a headache that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. It’s often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.” CBD does offer some promising relief. CBD may be effective in easing migraine symptoms through CBD’s interaction with the body’s endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS). Forbes reported “One survey conducted by Axon Relief—a company developing products for migraine relief—found CBD may lead to a reduction in migraine days and help decrease the impact of migraines. While further research is needed, the American Migraine Foundation reports that CBD oil may be a viable topical solution for neck and joint pain often associated with migraines.”
Stress/Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are not to be mistaken for migraines. A tension headache or a stress headache is when you experience a dull pain or pressure on the back of your head or forehead. It is very common for adults with busy lifestyles and difficult careers to suffer from tension headaches. They are often described as a squeezing pain or like something is tightening around your head. There are two types of tension headaches to be aware of. The episodic tension headache is one that you experience fewer than 15 days every month and they often build throughout the day and are worse at night. Chronic tension headaches are headaches that you experience more than 15 times in a month.
Both tension and migraine headaches can be attributed to some kind of inflammation. CBD works with the CB1 and CB2 receptors that are present within the ECS we mentioned above. One of the ways they work is by inhibiting inflammation, easing your pain.
Also, one of the more known effects of CBD products is the ability to help you feel calmer and more relaxed. This is especially important if anxiety is part of your triggers for your headaches.
CBD Products that Can Help Your Headaches
CBD Tinctures for Headache Relief
CBD Tinctures, also known as CBD oils, are one of the most popular ways to consume CBD. They offer a convenient and fast-acting method of consumption. When taken sublingually, a few drops of CBD oil are placed under the tongue, allowing for quick absorption into the bloodstream.
When it comes to headaches, some users have reported that CBD tinctures can help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with different types of headaches. By interacting with the ECS, CBD may help reduce inflammation and act as a relaxant, potentially easing headache symptoms.
CBD Bath Bombs for Relaxation
A warm bath can be incredibly soothing when dealing with a headache. Adding a CBD Bath Bomb to your bath may take relaxation to the next level. These bath bombs are infused with CBD and essential oils, creating a spa-like experience at home.
The combination of warm water, essential oils, and CBD may help ease muscle tension and promote relaxation, making it an ideal option for tension headaches or those caused by stress.
CBD Muscle Balms for Targeted Relief
For headaches that are accompanied by muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, a CBD Muscle Balm can be beneficial. These balms are topically applied and designed to provide targeted relief to specific areas.
The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD combined with soothing natural ingredients in our Muscle Balms may help relax tense muscles and reduce headache discomfort.
CBD Gummies for a Tasty Option
If you prefer a tasty and discreet way to consume CBD, CBD Gummies are the way to go. These delicious treats are infused with CBD and come in various flavors.
While CBD Gummies are not specifically designed for headache relief, some users find that they can help promote relaxation and a sense of calm, which may indirectly contribute to headache relief, especially in stress-induced cases.
Conclusion
As with any natural remedy, the effectiveness of CBD for relieving headaches may vary from person to person. While some users find significant relief using CBD products like Tinctures, Bath Bombs, Muscle Balms, and Gummies, others may experience different results.
At Susan’s Own, we strive to provide the highest quality CBD products to help our customers explore natural alternatives for their well-being. If you’re considering using CBD for headache relief, we recommend starting with a low dosage and gradually increasing as needed. We hope this helps some of you, and until next time, take care and be well!