CBD might have been highlighted by the mainstream media just recently, but it has been a topic of interest in the scientific community for decades. The first study that explored the usage of CBD for tension headaches was done in 1985.
In this experiment, the researchers discovered that CBD induces the release of serotonin, a hormone associated with general wellbeing. Since then, different studies have claimed the effectiveness of CBD oil for headaches.
Today, you can buy CBD oils in different concentrations, formulations, and flavors, depending on the intensity and kind of pain you’re experiencing.
What Are Tension Headaches?
Before we discuss how to use CBD oil for headaches, let’s dive into the reasons for a headache. Tension headaches, as the name makes it very clear, are caused due to stress or anxiety.
For some people, it might be something they experience now and then. But for others, it can be a reoccurring problem that can affect their quality of life.
Although they can occur in people of all ages, they are more common in adults. We have found many causes of tension headaches through different experiments and scientific studies. These include:
- Dental problems
- Alcohol usage
- Eyestrain
- Fatigue
- Too much caffeine or withdrawal
- Stress (physical or emotional)
- Overexertion
- Fine handiwork, such as typing or embroidery
For many people, tension headaches are a common occurrence. Dealing with tension headaches can only add to your stress, which is why a natural and gentle remedy is what you need. But most people tend to use over-the-counter medication when dealing with headaches.
The ultimate solution for tension headaches would be painkillers. However, they have plenty of side effects.
Moreover, NSAIDs can be habit-forming, and you may have to increase your dosage if you use them regularly since the body develops resistance with time.
On the other hand, using CBD for tension headaches is much safer and more comfortable. You can conveniently use CBD oil for headaches since it’s not addictive, nor does it cause concerning side effects.
CBD and Tension Headaches
Before using CBD for tension headaches, it would help you to have some insight into scientific research. According to the American Migraine Foundation, CBD oil for headaches may be a promising treatment method.
The foundation acknowledges the absence of substantial evidence for this claim, but they attribute it to the lack of research in the field rather than CBD’s ineffectiveness.
Moreover, a 2017 review explores how CBD can help in different pains, tension headaches being one of them.
On the whole, it’s easy to see why people are confident using CBD for tension headaches, although there’s no specific evidence for this condition. In past studies, we have seen that CBD can manage pains as severe as arthritis or cancer.
Keeping this in mind, people use CBD oil for headaches, expecting it to have similar relieving effects as it does in other kinds of pains.
CBD may also help lessen symptoms of stress and anxiety, which are known to cause headaches. A 2019 study conducted on males shows that CBD can reduce anxiety.
But since CBD works differently for everyone, it may not be adequate to some while working well for others.
How Does CBD Help Manage Tension Headaches?
As mentioned earlier, there’s no particular study to report the mechanism of CBD’s action against tension headaches. However, experts have some theories, and we’ll briefly explain them.
Firstly, CBD is known to be a natural pain-relief agent. Its analgesic properties have been seen in different pains. Therefore, we comfortably assume that it will show the same results against tension headaches too.
Secondly, CBD helps reduce anxiety and stress. Most people use CBD to deal with the stressful routine of their daily lives. By reducing anxiety, CBD may prevent a tension headache from starting in the first place.
A common by-product of a tension headache is lack of sleep. Fortunately, CBD is helpful in this case, too, as it may help manage insomnia.
Therefore, CBD doesn’t merely impact the source of pain, but it also helps alleviate the accompanying symptoms.
How to Use CBD For Tension Headaches?
Although you can use painkillers for occasional headaches, it’s better to opt for a safer substitute if they’re frequent.
Here’s how to use CBD for tension headaches.
Choose a Method
Firstly, you need to select a method for administering CBD. Do you want to use CBD oil for headaches, or would you instead opt for gummies? From CBD vape oil, edibles, and topicals to tinctures, there’s a comprehensive range of products to choose from.
If you want to see quick results, you should vape CBD oil. However, if you can bear the pain for some time, go for CBD capsules or gummies, as they usually take up to 30 minutes to show results.
You may also apply CBD topicals on your skin at night to get a peaceful shuteye along with pain relief from the headache. Using creams that contain CBD can be used to massage your temples as well.
Figure Out the Dosage
Once you’ve chosen the product, determine the CBD oil dosage for pain. You can do this by keeping your pain intensity, weight, and product concentration into account. The easiest way to find the correct dosage is by using a CBD dose calculator.
Alternatively, you may start with a lower dosage. For instance, begin with 10 to 15mg and then increase it if you feel the current amount isn’t doing you any good.
Make sure not to use too much CBD oil if you’re trying it out for the first time. Although results differ from person to person, taking a large dosage may cause side effects such as nausea or diarrhea.
Use it Consistently
Don’t be quick to give up on a product. CBD takes some time to work, as compared to painkillers. Thus, you should wait for your body to react to the product before coming to conclusions.
CBD Oils for Tension Headaches
When choosing a CBD oil for headaches, pick one from the list below for the best results.
cbdMD Tincture
CBD Type: Broad SpectrumCBD Potency: 750mgAmount: 30 ml
Price: $$
The tincture is filled with hemp extract containing CBD, cannabinol, and cannabigerol. Plus, it’s available in four flavors and two potencies: 30 ml and 60ml.
It helps manage daily stress and anxiety. Moreover, it enhances your exercise recovery and makes you calm.
Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil
CBD Type: Full SpectrumCBD Potency: 17 mg per mlAmount: 30 ml
Price: $$
The Charlotte’s Web CBD oil for headaches is available in four flavors: mint chocolate, olive oil, orange blossom, and lemon twist. You can buy it in a 100ml or 30ml bottle, depending on how often you get migraines.
Joy Organics CBD Oil
CBD Type: Broad SpectrumCBD Potency: 30 mg per servingAmount: 30 ml
Price: $$
The Joy Organics CBD oil is available in four flavors: summer lemon, natural, tranquil mint, and orange bliss. While the whole bottle has 900mg of CBD, each serving contains 30mg.
Besides being cruelty-free, all products from the company are free of THC and lab-tested for quality.
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CBD Topicals For Tension Headaches
If you want to use CBD for pain but don’t want to consume it orally, you can use topicals. Here are our top picks!
Joy Organics CBD Salve
Applying a tiny bit of this thick salve onto your temples and massaging them will help relieve your headache. Available in 500mg and 1000mg, you can choose according to your preference. Besides containing broad-spectrum CBD, this salve also has calming eucalyptus and lavender essential oils, which will help you relax.
The best way to apply this salve is by tapping it onto the sides of your head using your index and middle finger. Then you can massage your temples in small circles and feel the soothing effects of this salve.
GoGreen Hemp CBD Relief Stick
This is a product that you can carry around in your bag if you get a headache on the go. The gogreen hemp relief stick is a roll-on that contains 1000mg of broad-spectrum CBD. It also contains natural ingredients such as beeswax, making this a safe product to use.
For tension headaches, use the stick to rub circles on your temples, letting the CBD give you pain relief.
Uncle Bud’s Roll-On
Another great roll-on product that will help relieve your tension headache. This coconut-scented roll-on stick contains 120mg of CBD. It’s a simple way of using CBD oil without any mess, and it absorbs quickly!
This roll-on stick also contains vitamins D and A and will leave your skin feeling silky soft.
What to Keep in Mind
It’s always best to consult your doctor before using CBD for pain. Keep in mind that CBD works differently for everyone, so there is a chance that it may not work for you. Using CBD can also have side effects.
The most common side effects of using CBD are nausea, drowsiness, and fatigue. CBD can also interact with certain medications, which is why you should ask your doctor before you use products containing cannabidiol.
Start with a small dosage when using CBD oil, and then work your way up if you feel like you need a more potent dose.
Conclusion
Tension headaches can be painful and frustrating to deal with. Luckily there are natural alternatives to painkillers which you can use to deal with them.
By now, you should know enough about using CBD oil for headaches to understand what you have to do the next time you feel a tension headache approaching.
