Migraines are a common and very unpleasant headache disorder. In Germany, around 14.8% of women and 6% of men are definitely affected by migraines.1 Why women suffer from migraines more often than men is not yet fully understood. In the following article, we would like to explain the symptoms of migraines and why CBD could potentially be an alternative to traditional painkillers in the treatment of migraines in the future.
Characteristics of migraine
Migraines are mainly characterized by the fact that they occur in the form of attacks that can last between 4 and 72 hours. The pain is usually pulsating or throbbing and in most cases only occurs on one side of the head. In addition to the pain, there are other symptoms such as sensitivity to sounds and/or light as well as nausea and even vomiting. Many sufferers also have other neurological symptoms such as visual disturbances (flashes in front of the eyes), seeing auras and numbness in the extremities or speech disorders.
As migraines are not so easy to diagnose and distinguish from other headache disorders, such as tension headaches or cluster headaches, the number of unreported cases of migraine sufferers and the number of people with probable migraines is significantly higher than the officially confirmed figures. In addition to those diagnosed with migraine, 13.7% of women and 12% of men have probable migraines. Therefore, in total, 28.5% of women and 18% of men struggle with migraines or migraine symptoms.2
CBD for pain relief
The use and effect of CBD and other cannabinoids in pain therapy is an area that is currently the subject of much research. Cannabis has been used to treat pain for many thousands of years.3 Exactly how cannabinoids work in the human body has long been unclear and has not yet been fully researched. What is certain, however, is that our body’s own endocannabinoid system has a major influence on our immune system, our psyche and our perception of pain.
In simple terms, the endocannabinoid system consists of receptors throughout the body to which cannabinoids and certain other substances dock according to the lock-and-key principle and can thus trigger various reactions in the body. The result can be, for example, a pain-relieving effect in the body, which can also help with headaches and migraines and which many sufferers have already reported.4
We would like to explain some other effects that cannabinoids can have on the body and the endocannabinoid system, which can have a positive effect on headaches and migraines and can also have a prophylactic effect in some cases.
Migraines and CBD oil
Initial studies show promising results for the treatment of migraines with the help of CBD. Although a safe effect has not yet been proven, the current study situation and the results are promising and further research is being carried out in this area. One study has already confirmed a 43.5% reduction in the intensity of migraine pain after taking a CBD preparation. A study on the prophylaxis of migraines also demonstrated a comparable effect of a CBD preparation compared to a pharmaceutical preparation.5 Research in this area is still in its infancy. However, many sufferers report symptom relief and the prevention of migraine attacks by taking CBD from their own experience.
The triggers for migraines are not yet fully understood. Both physical and psychological complaints as well as environmental influences are suspected to be the cause of migraines and can trigger migraine attacks. With the triggers that have been researched so far, CBD may be able to contribute to relief and improvement as well as prevention.
If you suffer from migraines or regular headache symptoms, you should always consult a doctor for an examination and advice. If you are already taking medication to treat migraines, be sure to consult your doctor before taking CBD.
Sleep and migraine
Poor or too little sleep can also be a possible trigger for a migraine attack. For this reason, you should make sure you get enough sleep if you suffer from migraines. CBD can help to improve sleep and counteract this trigger.
It also helps many sufferers to sleep as much as possible during a migraine attack. Here too, CBD can help you to sleep better during an attack.6
Nausea and vomiting with migraine
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of a migraine attack. Cannabinoids such as CBD can help to alleviate migraine-related nausea during an attack and thus contribute to an improvement in symptoms.7
Psyche and migraine
Migraines can also be triggered by psychological stress, such as stress or anxiety.8 If you suffer from migraines, you should make sure to keep your stress levels as low as possible. Anxiety can also be a migraine trigger. CBD can help you to relax your body and counteract stress reactions. As CBD can also have an anxiolytic effect, it can help to counteract anxiety as a trigger. If mental stress is a trigger for your migraines, you can try CBD to reduce this stress.9
Serotonin and migraine
One possible cause of migraines is thought to be low serotonin levels in the body at the time of the attack. As CBD can help to increase and regulate serotonin levels in the body, it may be able to help prevent and treat migraines if they are triggered by low serotonin levels.10
As women suffer from migraines much more frequently than men and many women also report recurring migraine attacks in different phases of their menstrual cycle, it is assumed that the hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle and the cycle-related change in serotonin levels in the body can lead to migraines in women.
Discover relief throughout your cycle with The Evergreen, enriched with 5% CBD to alleviate discomfort, supply essential nutrients, and diminish headache symptoms and triggers. Always consult a doctor for regular and severe symptoms. However, for minor complaints, consider trying The Evergreen and let its relaxing and beneficial effects speak for themselves; embracing a soothing solution for your well-being.
Sources
- Robert Koch Institute (2020): Journal of Health Monitoring, Migraine and tension headache in Germany. P.2, via:
- Robert Koch Institute (2020): Journal of Health Monitoring, Migraine and tension headache in Germany. P.6, via:
- https://www.aerzteblatt.de/archiv/127598/Das-therapeutische-Potenzial-von-Cannabis-und-Cannabinoiden
- Dr Tanja Bagar (2019): Die Hanfmedizin: Wie Hemp bei Schmerzen, Rheuma, Krabs und Stress hilft, Kneipp Verlag: Vienna, pp.127-128.
- Dr Franjo Grotenhermen (2020): The healing power of CBD and cannabis. How we can improve our health with hemp products, Rohwolt Verlag: Hamburg, S.162-163.
- https://www.forschung-und-wissen.de/nachrichten/medizin/schlafstoerungen-mit-cbd-oel-behandeln-13374081
- Dr Med Franjo Grotenhermen (2020): The healing power of CBD and cannabis. How we can improve our health with hemp products, Rohwolt Verlag: Hamburg, p.30.
- https://www.oberbergkliniken.de/krankheitsbilder/migraene-1
- Dr Tanja Bagar (2019): Die Hanfmedizin: Wie Hemp bei Schmerzen, Rheuma, Krabs und Stress hilft, Kneipp Verlag: Vienna, pp.91-92.
- E Hamel, Headache Currents (2007): Serotonin and Migraine: Biology and Clinical Implications via: