Migraines are common among U.S. adults, and some experience them on a chronic basis. A migraine is a severe headache that’s often accompanied by blurred or spotted vision, nausea or vomiting, sensitivity to light, dizziness, and other debilitating symptoms. It’s almost impossible to function when the migraine hits hard, and the 39 million sufferers in the United States will stop at nothing to find a cure to their ailments.

Much of migraine treatments today are Band-Aids for the symptoms. An individual might take NSAIDs or even opioid painkillers to get through the day. They might try cool compresses, chiropractic treatments, essential oils, caffeine, and lifestyle changes (such as dietary adjustments) to try to improve their condition, but most of the time, there’s no cure for those experiencing regular migraines.

That being said, there are many individuals who have found significant relief in using CBD to treat their migraines.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol is the long-form name of the popular health and wellness aid, CBD. It comes from the hemp plant, which contains lots of cannabidiol and only a little tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). After a CO2 extraction process, the THC is completely removed from the CBD so that no or less than 0.3 percent of THC remains. Since THC is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis products that makes a person high, the lack of THC in CBD makes it impossible to get high.

You can order CBD oil online as long as the THC content is less than 0.3 percent. If you’re looking for CBD with a higher THC content, it must be purchased and consumed in states where cannabis products are sold legally.

CBD has been linked with many improvements to ailments that commonly plague patients today. There has been evidence to support its use for treating anxiety, pain, inflammation, sleep, acne, and more.

It comes in many different forms including pure CBD oil, isolate crystals, gummies, creams, bath bombs, vape juice, coffee, candy, food items, and more. Each of these forms is useful in its own right, and you can determine the right dosage and form for you.

CBD and Your Endocannabinoid System

The research is still growing on CBD, but it’s believed that it works by impacting your body’s endocannabinoid system. Your body produces cannabinoids naturally, which are used to send and receive messages to the brain regarding hormonal regulation and immune responses. Pain and inflammation are common immune responses.

CBD binds to your body’s CB1 and CB2 receptors, encouraging your body to produce more endocannabinoids. When taken regularly, this boost of cannabinoids and endocannabinoids can inhibit signals, such as those regarding pain and inflammation.

It’s best if CBD is taken regularly to get the full effect of CBD. Taking the right dosage is also important, as there are side effects associated with an overproduction of cannabinoids in the body, like nausea, dry mouth, and light headedness.

CBD and Pain Relief

According to one CBD guide, the boost of endocannabinoids in the body is associated with reducing pain, and many suffering from migraines have experienced significant pain relief when taking CBD.

A 2017 study on CBD and migraines showed that it could be highly effective at treating migraines. This particular study used a combination of THC and CBD, and it was discovered that the intensity of pain was reduced by 43.5 percent. It also reduced the frequency of migraine attacks by 40.4 percent.

There’s significantly less research to show how CBD fairs alone in treating migraine headaches, but there are plenty of story accounts from those who have tried it. Broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD, which contains all the terpenes, flavonoids, cannabinoids, and other goodies from the hemp plant is likely the most effective at treating the pain.

CBD and Reduced Inflammation

An article published in the journal Neurology Advisor talks about how inflammation plays a significant role in the cause of migraines, especially for young women. Studies on this subject suggest that treating with anti-inflammatory medications can be incredible beneficial for those suffering from regular migraines.

CBD has been connected in many studies and stories to reduce inflammation. Since swelling is an immune response regulated by the endocannabinoid system, it follows that an increase in cannabinoids and endocannabinoids in the body could help to bring down inflammation and remove the issue.

CBD and Better Sleep

Patients often use sleep as a treatment for migraines. Additionally, lack of sleep is a major trigger for migraines. Therefore, the relationship between migraines and sleep is strong and important for both understanding the cause and the treatment for these severe headaches.

CBD is a common sleep aid that makes the taker feel drowsy enough to fall asleep and helps them stay asleep throughout the night. Research indicates that the more disturbances a person experiences to their sleep, the more likely they are to experience a migraine. CBD has helped many individuals sleep through the toughest migraines without disturbances, effectively improving the state of the headache.

CBD and Less Anxiety and Stress

There’s also a strong correlation between migraines and anxiety or stress. There’s some evidence to indicate that those who suffer from depression are also more likely to experience migraines.

In any case, CBD can help treat any of these mental health issues. It minimizes cortisol production (the stress hormone) in the brain while boosting serotonin and dopamine (the happy hormones). With this new balance of hormones, many CBD users are able to beat stress, anxiety, and depression, which may help their migraines as well.

CBD for Overall Health and Wellness

In some cases, migraines are simply caused by general problems with health and wellness. It could have to do with weight, habits, chronic illnesses, or other health problems. Although there’s little research to support this statement, many people claim that CBD creates an overall feeling of health and wellness.

It’s known as the entourage effect, and those who take CBD feel that way regularly. They’re able to let go of worries and cares and feel better inside and out, which could be a great treatment for chronic migraines.