Can CBD Help With Headaches?
CBD is emerging as a natural alternative to over-the-counter medications as a way to treat pain and inflammation. CBD, or cannabidiol, comes from the Cannabis sativa plant, which is the same family of plants that marijuana comes from (via Healthline). However, CBD contains very little THC, which is the compound in marijuana that gets you high. Many companies that make CBD products remove any remaining THC through an extraction process.
Laws regarding the use of CBD products vary in the United States. CBD products are fully legal in 33 states, partially legal in 14 states, and illegal in three states (via World Population Review). Because this compound is not completely legal throughout the U.S., there have not been many studies conducted on the efficacy of CBD when treating certain health issues. However, the research that has been done is promising when it comes to treating headaches and migraines. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Headache and Pain suggested that CBD was helpful to some people using it for their headaches and migraines (via The Healthy).
CBD may target inflammation
One of the reasons CBD shows promise in treating headaches is because it has anti-inflammatory properties (via Medical News Today). Some headaches and migraines may be caused by inflammation, so CBD could help with those issues. It has also been linked with pain relief and easing nausea, which sometimes accompanies bad headaches. CBD may help with these issues because it targets certain receptors in the brain linked to things like pain and inflammation. Ultimately, experts agree that more research is needed.
If you want to try using CBD for headaches, it is important that you purchase the products from reputable companies. Most CBD oils are not approved by the FDA, so you may need to rely on third-party testing to find a product that contains high-quality ingredients. If possible, speak with your doctor before using CBD for headaches. They may be able to recommend specific brands and products that can safely help you treat your headaches.