Headaches and migraines are common and can inhibit our lives.
For those who like to adopt a healthy lifestyle, it isn’t always a great option to merely take painkillers and hope for the best.
Alternative medicine is constantly evolving. Now, we can find natural products that can help us, such as CBD oil.
How do I define between a migraine and a headache?
A migraine is a sharp pain that usually appears in one half of the head. Compared to a normal headache, migraines are more intense and can greatly limit your activity. In some cases the migraine even causes complete dysfunction. Migraine is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to noise and light.
People who suffer from migraines may even feel weakness or paralysis in half the body. A migraine attack can last from two to three days in extreme cases. The causes of migraine development are loud noise and lights, certain smells, mental stress, sleep problems and menstruation.
As a teenager I suffered greatly with migraines. I knew one was coming as I’d get numbness in my fingers and tongue!
In addition, it has been found that eating certain foods, such as chocolate and cheese, may increase the frequency of migraine attacks.
A headache may ease quicker after hydration and rest; and is usually not associated with feeling unwell or dizzy – but it can of course happen in some people.
You should consider seeing your doctor if the migraines become unbearable or more common. Ruling out major issues is good although nine times out of ten, the cause will be benign.
Can CBD oil help migraines?
Using CBD for migraines can be of huge benefit. Not only is it non-addictive but it is natural and doesn’t cause any known long term side effects.
CBD oil has been used for many years and it provides people with a medication-free way to combat their issues. CBD can be more effective for migraines than prescription drugs and also safer.
“Cannabidiol (CBD) oil may relieve pain and reduce inflammation — and some research suggests that CBD may help treat migraine. A growing body of research suggests that CBD may help relieve pain, particularly neurological pain, linked with various conditions.” – Medical News Today
Forbes also reports “An overwhelming majority of migraine sufferers found relief with the use of CBD oil, according to the results of a recent study. Data from a clinically validated survey showed that 86% of respondents reported a decrease in headache impact after using a cannabidiol (CBD) formulation for a 30-day trial period.
The survey was taken by customers using a CBD oil product designed by Axon Relief, a company that creates supplements specifically for migraine sufferers. Known as the Headache Impact Test (Hit-6), the clinically validated survey measures the impact that headaches have on a respondent’s daily life and ability to function.”
There are many options of medications and prescriptions to treat and prevent migraines, but all of them have many side effects and are not a long-term option. For example, the first instinct of many people is to take NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and the like) mixed with caffeine, but it can damage the liver over time. It isn’t a healthy option and requires detoxing. CBD is used for numerous conditions, including other types of muscle pain, anxiety, depression and chronic illness.
A study conducted in 2017 found that participants who suffered from migraines reported a 55% decrease in pain after consuming cannabis. Beyond that, they did not suffer from side effects that are common after taking conventional migraine medications. Researchers speculate that the cannabidiol component in cannabis is the one that contributes to the reduction of migraine attacks. It is hypothesized that when there is a problem with the activity of the endocannabinoid system in the body, migraine occurs. CBD helps to create a balance in the body, and whilst many people are still discovering the benefits, it is good to be educated on how it can help you.
Very interesting, thank you. CBD seems very promising.