Can CBD Treat Migraines?

If you suffer from migraines you know how debilitating they can be: throbbing head pain, nausea, light and noise become unbearable, and your day is ruined.  I’ve been curled up in a fetal position wishing I didn’t have to feed my child, get her to school, and then make that early morning business meeting because of a pounding migraine. CBD is one more tool in your arsenal to not only lessen the pain but reduce their frequency. CBD takes a 2-fold approach to fighting migraines. It reduces inflammation and it slows the transmission of neurons that signal a pain response.

Here’s what’s known. Migraines are a dysfunction of the neurovascular system. There’s a cascade effect when the meninges, the outer  layer of your brain that protects the central nervous system, send out pain signals. These pain signals then trigger the release of peptides that, in turn, cause inflammation (1). The pain signals spread to the central nervous system. A feedback loop forms where the meningeal nerves are sensitized to react and send out more pain signals.

Your Endocannabinoid System (ECS) helps regulate the body’s immune and nervous systems to bring them back into homeostasis. Your body produces natural cannabinoids on an as need basis to combat an over production of inflammatory agents sych as histamines and cytokines. Endocannabinoid receptors on nerve cells regulate neurotransmitter signals to keep pain in check. When inflammation and pain run unabated, CBD from plants can help your natural cannabinoids bring the neural and immune systems back into homeostasis instead of running amuck (2).

What’s the most effective way to take CBD? We recommend a 2-step approach.

During an acute migraine attack, your body may reject any oral treatment, causing even more nausea. Here’s when a  transdermal cream or roll-on is most effective. Simply apply the CBD concentrated roll-on serum or cream to your forehead, temples and back of neck. Reapply every few hours until the migraine has subsided. Our CBD Rescue Migraine Remedy is specially formulated with peppermint essential oil to avert nausea. Added lavender oil helps calm you. The small size makes the roll-on ideal for travel. Carry it in your pocket or purse.

As a preventive measure, take a dropper of our CBD tincture daily to reduce stress and keep your immune and neurological systems in balance.

Take control of your migraines instead of having them control you.

1. Peters, Golden, Migraine Overview and Summary of Current and Emerging Treatment Options, Am J Manag Care. 2019;25:S23-S34.

2. Leimuranta, P. et al., Emerging Role of (Endo) Cannabinoids in Migraine, Front. Pharmacol. 9:420. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00420.