BENEFITS OF CBD OIL FOR MIGRAINE AND HEADACHES
According to the Migraine Research Foundation, migraine is one of the many neurological conditions affecting billions worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that about half of the world’s population may have experienced headaches last year, further proving that the condition is common.
Many pharmaceutical drugs have been used to treat the problem, and individuals respond to it variedly. However, the hype around CBD has increased, with many claiming that it can cure headaches and migraine. So, what is CBD? Does it treat migraine and headaches? This article unearths the potential benefits of CBD oil for migraine and headaches.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD is one of the many active compounds found in the hemp plant. Cannabidiol, otherwise shortened as CBD, does not have the ‘high’ effect that causes psychoactive behavior, which is why the hype around this cannabinoid has substantially grown. Can CBD oil help with migraine and headaches? Read on to find out.
How CBD Oil Works in the Human Body
CBD oil may positively affect the body because of its unique interaction with the endocannabinoid system, which comprises hormones, glands, and receptors found all over the body.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) controls many processes in the body, including the immune system, satiety, sleep, anxiety, brain function, and appetite. When a person takes CBD oil products, the Phyto cannabinoids in the oil interact with the system, possibly pushing for the expression of CBD benefits. As such, CBD oil directly connects with the human system.
CBD Oil May Reduce the Frequency of Headaches
Many studies show CBD as a great remedy for headaches and migraines. For instance, a 2020 study established that CBD oil-infused pharmaceutical drugs may promote sleep, relieve chronic pain, and fight inflammation. Inflammation is among the main causes of many health conditions, including headaches.
The same study suggests that adding the oil to drugs that relieve headaches and migraines may bear some pain-relieving effects.
CBD Oil May Relieve Chronic pains, including Headaches and Migraines
According to a National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) study, the cannabinoids in CBD oil, including terpenes, have minor pain-relieving effects. Nonetheless, this study acknowledges the information gap about CBD application and use. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct research on the cannabinoid before recommending its infusion on pharmaceutical drugs.
CBD Oil May Fight Inflammation Causing Headaches & Migraines
According to one study, CBD may be helpful for migraine and headaches since the oil fights inflammation and inflammatory agents, which may be causing the two neurological problems. CBD oil fights the activated trigeminal sensory and neurologic inflammation in the meninges that aggravates headaches and migraines.
CBD May Ease Nausea and Exert Anticonvulsive Effects
Most CBD studies are at the infancy stage, partly due to the restrictions around the cannabinoid in the years leading to passing the Farm Bill in 2018. However, some studies are near completion and suggest that using CBD-infused drugs for headaches and migraines may have far-reaching effects.
For instance, a study by NCBI suggests that the interaction of CBD oil and the endocannabinoid system may reduce headaches and migraines.
The natural cannabinoid system interacting with other cannabinoids, including CBD, creates a perfect platform for CBD to express its effects. Besides, according to the study, CBD fights inflammation, reduces nausea, manages convulsions, and relieves pain.
CBD Oil May Have Neuroprotective and Antioxidant Effects
According to a certain study, CBD oil may help with various neurological conditions, including headaches and migraines. Such conditions affect the peripheral system, making the nerves unable to function properly. This study also admits that CBD oil possesses some neuroprotective and antioxidant effects, offering relief against headaches and migraines. Antioxidant effects are properties of a plant or a substance to fight free radicals.
As discussed, these compounds are dangerous should they accumulate in the cells. You can follow the link to the source to determine the CBD oil products that might help with headaches, migraines, and other neurological disorders.
Factors Affecting the Impacts of CBD Oil on Headaches and Migraines
While CBD oil may reduce headaches and migraines, many factors determine its effectiveness. The main factor is the oil concentration in the pharmaceutical drugs used for headaches and migraines. Extremely low concentrations may not allow the effects to be felt, while excessively high amounts may be harmful. However, the FDA does not control CBD use; thus, there is no recommended dosage for the potential benefits to be expressed.
There is a need for more research to determine what dosages would push for the results to be felt. Other factors affecting the effects of CBD oil on headaches and migraines include genetics, a person’s makeup, pre-exposure to CBD products, and other underlying conditions.
The Legality of CBD Oil
Until 2018, CBD oil in its various forms was not federally legal. However, the Farm Bill of 2018 was passed, legalizing CBD oil use as long as the total TCH concentration is less than 0.3%. However, federal laws have only made CBD legal at the national level. CBD oil and its usage are still illegal in some states.
Therefore, one has to research to establish the legality of this cannabinoid before using it. Also, when traveling to other states, establish the legality of CBD in those states to avoid being at fault with state authorities.
Tips to Remember While Using CBD Oil for Migraine and Headaches
If you opt for CBD oil for migraines and headaches, here are important tips to consider.
While CBD use is federally legalized, it is illegal in some states. As such, you need to establish whether your state allows CBD use.
Studies on the benefits of CBD oil for headaches and migraines are not inconclusive. While some seem promising and offer leads pointing to CBD as a good remedy for such neurological conditions, others find no connection at all
Using marijuana leaves a person feeling dizzy and confused, and you may even hallucinate. While you may not experience the same effects with CBD, you must remember that any substance that gets into your system will likely affect your health.
While CBD use in topical products is assumed to be generally safe in low amounts, it might not be the same for ingestible deliveries, including pharma-grade CBD-infused drugs
Studies on CBD oil are at their infancy stages, and researchers are yet to establish the most effective dosages for headache and migraine-relieving drugs, especially with FDA approval
The FDA does not regulate cannabis products, including hemp-derived items like CBD. This means that the items might bear incorrect information about CBD on the labels, particularly about dosages. Also, CBD oil products may contain the psychoactive THC.
Conclusion
Migraines and headaches affect many people, with about half of the global population suffering from these neurological conditions every year. Because of this, researchers are trying to find a remedy for these problems, including using pharmaceutical drugs.
The hype about CBD is on the rise, with people claiming this CBD oil can treat headaches and migraines.
This article highlights how CBD oil might help with headaches and migraines by fighting chronic pains brought about by these conditions, fighting the neurological conditions’ convulsant, displaying antioxidant and neuroprotective effects on headaches and migraines, and reducing headache-related inflammation. However, there are knowledge gaps since CBD research is in its infancy, and there is a need for more in-depth studies. The article has also discussed the factors affecting the effects of CBD oil in the body, its legality, and the risks associated with it.
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