Migraines are the 3rd most prevalent ailment in the world. They affect over a billion people worldwide, yet, we still know so little about what causes a migraine and how to treat it. Some of the most promising new treatments are CBD oils. Even so, choosing the best CBD oil for migraines isn’t easy. Here’s everything you should know before you try CBD oils for migraine treatment.
What are Migraines?
Migraines are a type of headache that can cause moderate to debilitating pain. The pain mainly feels like pulsing or throbbing on one side of the brain. Additionally, people with migraines often experience other symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound.
Some of the less common symptoms that accompany migraines are aura, prodrome, and postdrome. Aura occurs before or during migraines, causing people to see flickering lights, have a weird taste in their mouths, or experience muscle weakness. Prodrome and postdrome syndromes occur before and after a migraine, respectively. The symptoms include food cravings, shifts in mood, tiredness, and confusion.
Common Treatment Options for Migraines
If migraine symptoms are moderate, stress management and head massages may do the trick. However, if the symptoms become severe, people opt for over-the-counter painkillers, anti-migraine prescription drugs, and even botox treatments.
Even so, many people don’t see an improvement while using these treatments or don’t want to take prescription drugs. A more natural option that’s become popular over the last few years is CBD oils.
Does CBD Oil Help with Migraines?
There are not enough studies on the effects of CBD on migraines. However, a recent study review [1] shows promising results. Cannabidiol is proven to lessen pain and inflammation, so it should work on migraines as well.
According to a study [2] published in the Journal of Experimental Neurology, there’s a significant link between migraines and the endocannabinoid (ECD) system. This system releases neurotransmitters responsible for perceiving pain. Thus, the authors of the study suggest that the ECD system may be the main culprit of migraine symptoms.
To mitigate these symptoms, CBD binds with ECD receptors in the brain. Once it has done so, it can inhibit the release of neurotransmitters that cause pain and migraines.
Best CBD Oil for Migraines: Top 5 Choices
It can be challenging to find a CBD oil that works for you. A few things to think about when choosing the best CBD oil for migraines are taste, potency, and ingredients.
1. Royal CBD
Royal CBD makes its oils from GMO-free hemp, and they offer full-spectrum products. It’s the best CBD oil for migraines for those who are looking for a high-quality oil without any harmful additives. We suggest a 1000 mg potency for those with severe migraine symptoms. However, they offer lower potencies as well, for those that are new to CBD use.
Related article: CBD Oil for Anxiety: Best Brands
2. Penguin CBD
Penguin is an up-and-coming CBD oil company. Their products are third-party lab tested for quality, and they offer five flavors of CBD oil. The most delicious flavor to try is Cookies & Cream. You can choose a potency ranging from 250 mg to 2500 mg. However, they don’t ship outside of the US.
3. Gold Bee
Gold Bee is the best CBD oil for migraines if you’re new to CBD use. It does not contain THC, and it’s less concentrated than some of the oils on this list. If you have moderate migraines and want to give CBD oils a try, Gold Bee is a great choice. Additionally, it tastes like delicious honey.
Related article: CBD for PTSD: Is It Effective?
4. Hemp Bombs
Hemp Bombs make their products from 99.9% pure CBD isolate. Thus, they are a great choice for those who need to take drug screening tests regularly. However, that also means you need a higher dosage of CBD to feel the effects. But since they offer CBD oil concentration up to 5000 mg, you can always opt for a higher dosage.
5. CBDistillery
If you’re looking for the best CBD oil for migraines and you’re on a budget, CBDistillery offers a great price. You can choose from five strength options. Additionally, they offer a pure CBD oil that does not contain any THC, along with a full-spectrum option that does. However, they only have two flavors — natural and flavorless.
To conclude
Although CBD research is still in its infancy, CBD oils show a lot of promise for migraine treatment. However, there are some things to keep in mind if you want to give CBD oils a try.
When choosing the best CBD oil for migraines, pay attention to potency, ingredients, and the amount of THC in the oil. Try a lower potency first, especially if it’s your first time using CBD oils. Additionally, consult with your doctor before you start CBD oil use, especially if you’re already on migraine medication.