Have you ever thought about taking CBD oil for migraines?

A migraine is a common and very unpleasant headache disorder. In Germany, about 14.8% of women and 6% of men are definitely affected by migraines (1). Why women suffer from migraines more often than men is not yet completely clear. In the following article, we would like to explain the symptoms of migraines and why CBD could possibly be an alternative to classic painkillers in the treatment of migraines in the future.

Migraine characteristics

Migraines are mainly characterised by the fact that they occur in the form of attacks that can last between 4 and 72 hours. The pain is usually pulsating or throbbing and in most cases only occurs on one side of the head. In addition to the pain, there are other symptoms, such as sensitivity to noise and/or light and nausea or even vomiting. In addition, many sufferers have other neurological symptoms such as visual disturbances (flashes before the eyes), seeing auras and numbness in the extremities or speech disorders.

Since migraines are not easy to diagnose and distinguish from other headache disorders, such as tension headaches or cluster headaches, the number of unreported migraine cases or the number of people with probable migraines is significantly higher than the officially confirmed figures. In addition to the definitely diagnosed migraine sufferers, 13.7% of women and 12% of men have probable migraines. In total, 28.5% of women and 18% of men experience migraines or migraine symptoms (2).

CBD for pain relief

The use and effect of CBD and other cannabinoids in pain therapy is an area in which a lot of research is currently being done. Cannabis has been used to treat pain for many thousands of years (3). Exactly how cannabinoids work in the human body has long been unclear and is still not fully understood. What is certain, however, is that our body’s endocannabinoid system has a great influence on our immune system, our psyche and our perception of pain.

Simply explained, the endocannabinoid system consists of receptors all over the body to which the cannabinoids and certain other substances dock according to the lock-and-key principle and can thus trigger various reactions in the body. The result can be, for example, a pain-relieving effect in the body, which can also help with headaches and migraines and which many sufferers already report (4).

We would like to explain some other effects that cannabinoids can have on the body and the endocannabinoid system, thus having a positive effect on headaches and migraines and partly also a prophylactic effect.

Migraines and CBD oil

Initial studies show promising results for the treatment of migraines with the help of CBD. Although a safe effect has not yet been proven, the current studies and the results are promising and further research is being conducted in this field. One study has already confirmed a 43.5% reduction in migraine pain intensity after taking a CBD preparation. A study on the prophylaxis of migraines also demonstrated a similar effect of a CBD preparation compared to a pharmaceutical preparation (5). However, research in this field is still relatively in its infancy. Nevertheless, many sufferers report from their own experience about symptom relief and the prevention of migraines attacks by taking CBD.

The triggers for migraines are not yet fully understood. However, both physical and psychological complaints as well as environmental influences are suspected to be at the root of migraines and to trigger migraine attacks. With the triggers that have been researched so far, CBD can possibly contribute to relief and improvement as well as to prevention.
If you suffer from migraines or regular headache symptoms, you should always see a doctor for a check-up and advice. If you are already taking medication to treat migraines, consult your doctor before taking CBD.

Sleep and migraines

Poor or insufficient sleep can also be a possible trigger of a migraine attack. For this reason, you should make sure you get enough sleep if you suffer from migraines. CBD can help improve sleep and counteract this trigger.
It also helps many sufferers to sleep as much as possible during a migraine attack. Again, CBD can help you sleep better during an attack (6).

Nausea and vomiting with migraines

Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of a migraine attack. Cannabinoids such as CBD can help relieve migraine-related nausea during an attack, helping to improve symptoms (7).

The psyche and migraines

Migraines can also be triggered by psychological stress or anxiety (8). If you suffer from migraines, you should try to keep your stress levels as low as possible. Anxiety can also be a migraine trigger. CBD can help you relax your body and counteract the stress response. Since CBD can also have an anxiety-relieving effect, it can help counteract anxiety as a trigger. If psychological stress is a trigger for your migraines, you can try CBD to reduce this stress (9).

Serotonin and migraines

One possible cause of migraines is thought to be low serotonin levels in the body at the time of the attack. Since CBD can help increase and regulate serotonin levels in the body, it may be able to help prevent and treat migraines if they are caused by low serotonin levels (10).

Since women suffer from migraines much more often than men, and many women also report recurring migraine attacks during different phases of their menstrual cycle, it is thought that the hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, as well as the cycle-related change in serotonin levels in the body, may lead to migraines in women.

Our Cycle Elixir with 5% CBD can help relieve discomfort throughout your cycle, provide you with essential nutrients and reduce headache symptoms and their triggers.
For regular and severe symptoms, consult a doctor. In case of minor complaints or after consulting your doctor, try our cycle elixir and let yourself be convinced by its relaxing and beneficial effect.