CBD oil is everywhere today. The Hemp Farming Act of 2018 finally lifted the ban on commercial hemp farming and this has given Americans access to hemp products, including CBD oil, in so many forms.
The availability of CBD oil and CBD products has grown faster than public education about how to use these products for different health and wellness needs.
For example, is CBD oil effect for migraine pain? It is no wonder this is a common question today. Consider this: the Migraine Research Foundation (MRF) estimates that one out of every four homes include at least one person who may be suffering from migraine headaches!
The MRF also tells us that migraine is the third most common disease on the planet. Migraine is thought to be hereditary in 90 percent of cases. 12 percent of migraine sufferers are children.
So if you or someone you love suffers from debilitating migraines and CBD might be able to help, of course you want to know right away. Let’s find out!
CBD Oil: An Overview
As Learning CBD explains, CBD stands for “cannabidiol.”
Cannabidiol is one of hundreds of active, naturally-occurring chemical compounds called cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids are found in the Cannabis plant family. The most famous plant in this family is marijuana. The most famous cannabinoid is THC, with its well-known “high” and psychoactive properties.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a different cannabinoid that is found in a different plant in the cannabis family. This plant is called hemp. It is famous for its usefulness to make textiles, furniture, food alternatives (such as hemp milk), clothing and other handy products.
More recently, CBD has become popular in the health and wellness industry.
The hemp plant is useful in all its parts – roots, leaves, flowers, branches and seeds. The hemp seeds contain no CBD but do contain beneficial hemp oil. The other parts of the plant contain CBD. This is important to know when you are choosing your CBD product.
CBD for Migraines: Yes or No?
Let’s take a closer look at what the research to date says about whether CBD can be used to ease migraine symptoms.
The first thing to know is that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to approve any CBD products specifically for use to treat migraine symptoms.
However, considering that the ban on hemp farming was lifted just two years ago and it is a lengthy process to gain FDA approval, this is not surprising.
A number of research studies show a positive correlation between use of CBD oil and migraine symptom reduction, which is the first step towards FDA approval for any new treatment.
The Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency Study
The CED study, published by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), shows a link between reduction in pain and inflammation across a range of difficult-to-treat health issues, including migraine.
The link is thought to exist in how CBD can ease systemic inflammation which in turn can reduce pain symptoms.
Frontiers in Pharmacology Study
The Frontiers in Pharmacology study took a look at how CBD and other cannabinoids are tolerated when used for reduction of pain.
Early study results showed promise for use of CBD as an analgesic. Examples of other commonly used analgesics include NSAIDs, acetaminophen and opioids.
With the ongoing opioid abuse epidemic in the world today, CBD presents as a particularly beneficial potential alternative for use with chronic pain symptoms.
The European Academy of Neurology Study
Outside of the United States, researchers have found it easier to pursue research studies relating to use of cannabinoids for health and wellness.
The European Academy of Neurology study delivered its findings at the 3rd Congress of the EAN in 2017.
These findings were impossible to misinterpret: the study stated that use of CBD is suitable to prevent migraines. The findings also stated that use of cannabinoids as a prophylaxis (pain reliever) is just as valid as use of any other commonly recommended pain management medications for migraine.
However, the researchers did point out that cannabinoids work best for acute attacks when the patient has had migraines since childhood.
How to Use CBD Oil for Migraine
Many more studies are in progress to help researchers better understand the link between CBD oil and migraine, how to properly dose for different needs and what if any side effects may arise.
Dosing
As Healthline points out, cannabinoids have been in use for more than 3,000 years as medicinal and health aids.
However, at this time, there is no single consensus on the best way to dose CBD oil to treat migraine symptoms.
There are also many different types of CBD oil products, which makes establishing a consensus more challenging.
The best way to start is to follow the manufacturer’s own use instructions. Always start with the lowest recommended dose and wait to see how you react before increasing it.
Types of CBD products
CBD oil can be taken orally in these forms: gummy, tincture, capsule, vape. It can be applied topically as a bath oil, cream, lotion, lip balm or roll-on.
Always talk with your health practitioner if you have any questions about using CBD oil for migraines. It is especially important to talk with your doctor first if you are taking any other regular medications for migraine.
