If you’ve been dealing with migraines, then you’re well aware of the lack of options to help you. While there are multiple preventative measures, allopathic medication, and more, they are either ineffective or have severe side effects.
CBD is emerging as a new, safe, and natural alternative to regular allopathic medication to manage the symptoms of migraines. It’s shown promise with reducing pain quickly and with fewer side effects.
But, there’s more to CBD for migraines than meets the eye. Read on to find out more!
Does CBD for Migraines Work?
Full-spectrum medical cannabis oil containing high amounts of cannabidiol relieves pain and reduces inflammation. CBD effectively reduces neurological pain associated with migraine.
The potency of the oil can range from 5 - 15% depending on the frequency and intensity of the headache. With minimal side effects, CBD is relatively safe to use. It is advised that you speak to your doctor about your medications before starting your dose of CBD oil.
Along with the intake of CBD, some positive diet and lifestyle changes such as practicing yoga and pranayama are to be incorporated. For those having migraines occasionally, CBD can be consumed on an SOS basis at the onset of an attack.
3-5 drops of full-spectrum medical cannabis oil can be taken sublingually which gives an entourage effect and soothes the neurological pain due to migraine.
What Does The Research Say?
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 acannabidiol (CBD) formulation for a 30-day trial period.
Of the 105 people who participated in the trial, 15 reported that they were experiencing daily headaches at the beginning of the study. By the end of the 30-day trial period, the number had dropped to 10, a reduction of 33%.
Short Guide To Migraines
What is a Migraine?
A migraine is a headache of varying intensity 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.
Migraine headaches can affect one’s quality of life making it difficult for the patient to carry out regular daily activities. Some patients with migraines cannot even sleep or take rest due to excruciating pain. Clinically, the frequency of attack can range from once or twice a month to even daily and each episode lasts from hours to days.
Symptoms of a Migraine
There are some signs and symptoms that one classically feels before the onset of a migraine headache.
- Intolerance of bright light
- Blurry vision
- Mild pain or heaviness in the head
- Irritability
- Intolerance of strong scents and heavy noises
- Nausea
Something to note, at the onset of the migraine headache, the above symptoms intensify and the person might even vomit.
Why Do You Get Migraine Headaches?
There are several possible causes of migraine headaches
The exact cause of migraines is unknown, but they're thought to be the result of abnormal brain activity temporarily affecting nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels in the brain.
However, there are some triggers that you can identify to prevent the onset of a migraine:
- Dehydration
- Hunger / Not eating at regular intervals
- Stress
- Inhaling strong scents like perfume, agarbatti, essential oils, strong smelling cleaning products, smoke, etc.
- Lack of sleep
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stiffness of the neck
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Sensitivity to light, sound, smell, and temperature
Another point to note, women also may get migraine attacks around the menstrual cycle due to hormonal fluctuations
Dos and Don'ts for Migraines
Apart from remedies like CBD, there are small changes you can make to reduce the onset of your migraines.
Dos
- Identify and avoid all triggers
- Stay hydrated
- Stop smoking or exposure to passive smoking
- Take warm food with a tsp of ghee daily. This will help in balancing Vata Dosha
- Practise pranayama and yoga to destress
- Dim the lights
Donts:
- Avoid fasting
- Do not eat if you are not hungry.
- Dim the lights
Ayurvedic Remedies for Migraines
Migraine is known as Sooryavartha in Ayurveda. The word Surya means “sun” and Avartha means “discomfort”, indicating the infliction of pain due to heat and light. Some references say that the pain aggravates in accordance with the movement of the sun. The pain reaches its peak in the mid-day and slowly reduces by evening. Or sometimes the pain starts at mid-day and increases towards the evening.
The involvement of Tridoshas Vata, Pitta, and Kapha plays an important role in migraine attacks. However, it is usually dominated by Vata.
That being said, here are some herbal remedies for your migraines:
- A herbal tea made by boiling pieces of ginger and turmeric relieves migraine headaches
- Use a diffuser with some pleasant essential oils like menthol or peppermint essential oils
- Get a massage to relieve muscle stiffness and also cure migraine attacks.
Conclusion
CBD for migraines is an emerging solution that shows great promise as a long-term symptom management tool. It’s got the right pain-relieving and inflammation-reducing properties that alleviate pain without the side effects.
However, you get the best results from CBD for migraines when you combine it with lifestyle changes and other natural remedies. It’s also better when you purchase good quality Cannabis leaf extract such as ourCannaBliss Pain Relief oil.
Don’t forget to consult a doctor before you start consuming CBD oil in any form for the best results.
