There’s nothing that can put your productivity to an absolute halt like a headache. The throbbing, aching, incessant pain can make you just want to lay in bed until it’s all over. But because life doesn’t stop even when you’re struggling with a migraine, staying in bed until the discomfort washes over is a luxury that many of us can’t afford. Fortunately, there are other ways you can clear away that pain.

Although most people would reach for an aspirin to get rid of the heady aches, CBD has elbowed its way into the market with relatively positive reception. After all, most people these days are more inclined to patronize plant-based products that aren’t only good for the body, but good for the environment to boot. But the question is - does CBD really help with headaches?

How Does CBD Relieve Headaches?

All throughout your body is a network of receptors that bind with hormones and chemicals in order to enact a variety of physiological functions. Every receptor is different, and will interact only with a specific hormone or chemical to limit the effects that other substances have on it. The endocannabinoid system is a group of receptors in your body that interacts mainly with cannabinoids. These CB1 and CB2 receptors require frequent, regular stimulation in order to properly function.

While it isn’t entirely clear how it works, studies have found that when cannabinoids - especially CBD - are introduced into the system, these receptors trigger processes within the endocannabinoid system that in turn, may affect the entire body. One such result of CBD interactions with their designated receptors have shown a systemic reduction of inflammation.

Why is this necessary information? Well, where there’s pain, there’s inflammation. This is particularly true with migraines, when there’s a significant increase in the inflammation of blood vessels just outside of the surface of the brain. When this happens, it becomes easier to ‘feel’ the throbbing rhythm of your pulse gushing through your arteries, which is also why you might describe a migraine to feel like a pulsing pain in your head.

Because CBD is a powerful systemic anti-inflammatory substance, it can help relieve the pain that causes migraines and headaches alike. And while the studies to support this claim are still infantile at best, there is strong anecdotal evidence to give the suggestion enough credibility to stand on its own two feet.

How Much CBD Do I Need to Take for a Headache?

Unfortunately, there is no magic number that works for every person who wants to relieve a headache with CBD. That’s because we all have different tolerance levels, on top of the fact that our unique body chemistry also plays a role in how much or how little our bodies will react to a certain dosage. The only thing that is recommended is to choose the best qualified CBD oil that is lab tested. Then of course, there’s the issue of weight, height, and age. And then finally, the variable of how intense or painful your headaches are.

Although there is no specific number that’s etched in stone, there are other ways to calculate how much you might need. If you’re caught in a pickle on the right dose for your needs, consider these dosing guidelines:

• The recommended mild dosage for an adult is 1mg per 10lbs of body weight
• For a moderate dosage, crank up the amount to 3mg per 10lbs of body weight
• For strong dosage, a maximum of 5mg per 10lbs of body weight is the designated limit

So, if let’s say you ranked your migraine at seven on the pain scale, then you might need somewhere between a moderate and a strong dose. If you weigh 150lbs, then you would have to take between 45mg to 75mg. As a general rule however, experts recommend starting at the lower dosage before moving on to more potent amounts. This helps you establish a baseline so you know how much you need to take in the future.

Do All CBD Products Work for Headaches?

Any CBD product that’s introduced into your system should work to relieve a headache, but there are limits. For instance, you shouldn’t expect a CBD-infused granola bar to give you substantial migraine relief, especially because it passes through the digestive system. In the gut, CBD is further broken down and metabolized before being infused into the blood stream, so its overall potency may be dampened by the process.

If you want strong, lasting, and almost immediate effects, then it would be best to use raw flower, oils, or tinctures. In the case of the latter two, it might be best to choose a product that uses full spectrum or at least broad spectrum cannabinoids. When taken together, the various cannabinoids -not just CBD - found in the cannabis plant work to amplify their effects. Because an Industrial hemp farm CBD isolate incorporates just CBD, it might not be as strong as full spectrum when it comes to alleviating a headache.

Doesn’t CBD Cause Headaches?

To be perfectly honest, it could. But that really depends on how well you know yourself. If you’re new to CBD, then you should be open to the idea that the substance may exacerbate your headache especially as your body adjusts to the experience. In some cases, taking more than you can handle might also heighten your migraine pain.

Measure your doses and start from the bottom up to see how your body will react to CBD if you’re taking it for the first time. If you’ve had bad experiences with CBD before, make sure you check the product you’re using. Sometimes, poor formulations with substandard quality can result to a plethora of side effects that might sway you from taking another shot.

Migraine, Go Away

Headaches and migraines can be a total bummer and mood changer, but you don’t always need to grab the aspirin. Instead of pumping your body with synthetic medication, CBD might be able to offer you whole, all-natural, plant-based goodness that can clear those headaches away. Just make sure you’re using the right product at the right dosage, and know your own unique tolerance and need to calm your head and ease away the throbbing pain.

[The information in this document should not be seen as medical advice, if you have a medical problem please consult a dcotor] 

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