Migraines are a beast. One minute you’re reading an emotional novel or finally finishing up that last project, and the next you have a debilitating pain in your head that drags you to bed for the rest of the day.
So what do you do? If you’re like most people, you pop an ibuprofen and wait for the symptoms to subside. However, this isn’t always effective. While pain medication such as ibuprofen may be able to relieve the symptoms of a migraine for a time, the potential side-effects of such medications are no joke. We’re talking nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, and an irritable bowel—just to name a few.
Thankfully, CBD is here to help. With its minimal side effects and natural ability to boost your body’s response to pain, CBD is the perfect remedy for most migraines. While common pain relievers simply mask the pain, CBD works with your body’s natural systems to effectively remove the symptoms so commonly associated with migraines.
But first, let’s answer the most basic question: what are migraines?
What are migraines?
According to the Mayo Clinic, a migraine is a “severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. It’s often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.”
In one sense, migraines are an intense headache. In another, and more realistically, they are so much more than a headache. They directly affect your nervous system, resulting in a thrall of symptoms that put a complete stop on your day.
There are often four phases of migraines:
- Prodome - This is usually the warning sign that a migraine is arriving. Typically beginning up to 24 hours before the actual migraine, symptoms of prodrome include increased urination, vacillating mood swings, and lethargy.
- Aura - This phase is often experienced visually and can be accompanied by muscle weakness or visual hallucinations. The Mayo Clinic describes it as “an electrical or chemical wave that moves across the visual cortex of your brain. As the wave spreads, you might have visual hallucinations.”
- Headache - This is the real deal, when the throbbing pain arrives and endlessly punches the side of your head. Characterized by intense pain and nausea, the headache phase of a migraine can last for up to 72 hours when left untreated.
- Postdrome - Once the headache has subsided, you may feel lethargic and weak, both physically and mentally.
While migraines can be frustrating and seemingly endless, they don’t have to rule your life. That’s where CBD comes in.
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a naturally-occurring compound extracted from hemp plants that aids individuals with anxiety, cognition, movement disorders, and pain—all while avoiding the hypnotic and psychoactive properties of medical marijuana. Basically, it provides the calming and pain-relieving benefits of other cannabis products while avoiding the “high.”
CBD is also completely legal and non-addictive, so you can remain stress-free as you fight off the pain and anxiety that come hand-in-hand with most migraines.
If you want to learn more about CBD and how it interacts with the body, check out our previous post entitled “Let’s Talk CBD.”
How can CBD help?
Taking CBD regularly boosts your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS)—an inherent cell-signaling system that helps maintain homeostasis by regulating your mood, appetite, memory, ability to sleep, and response to pain. By strengthening the ECS, your body is better equipped to fend off unwanted ailments like migraines.
So, in a sense, introducing CBD to your migraine-relief regimen is beneficial because it doesn’t just mask the pain, it helps your body eliminate it completely.
But don’t just take my word for it! In a 2017 review of studies published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, it was noted that CBD was beneficial when used to combat headache disorders, including migraines.
Which products are the most beneficial?
Tinctures
First, let’s talk tincture. Steady Going is our phytocannabinoid-rich tincture that is designed to help relieve chronic pain and anxiety symptoms that often accompany migraines. With the ability to adjust your dosage, the Steady Going tincture gives you the freedom to seek relief in a way that works for you.
Steady Going can be used topically or orally. For localized migraine relief, rub a small about of the tincture directly onto your temples. For more general pain relief, drop the recommended dosage directly under your tongue and let it sit for about thirty seconds. The receptors beneath your tongue grab onto the CBD, which is then absorbed into the rest of your body in no time.
There are three variations of Steady Going, each with a different flavor. The first is our Natural tincture, which features 1000mg of CBD and tastes like a freshly picked herb. If you need something a little stronger, or else want to mask the inherent herbal flavor of CBD oil, both Orange You Happy and Minty Me contain 1500mg of CBD.
Furthermore, Orange You Happy and Minty Me also feature 0.3% THC, purely to aid in absorption and effectiveness. Pairing CBD with this minimal amount of THC helps cannabinoids bind to your body more effectively, increasing the amount of relief you feel. Don’t worry, it’s not nearly enough to produce any unwanted high.
Soft-Gel Capsules
While CBD oil is a great option, it can be a lot of hassle to measure out each dose. On top of these, the tinctures have a distinct taste that may not agree with everyone’s taste buds. Thankfully, Farmer & Chemist has you covered.
Farmer & Chemist All is Gel capsules are an effective and portable way to make migraines a thing of the past, while avoiding the hassle of CBD oil. Based on the same formula as our premium tinctures, these soft-gel capsules stand out for their convenience. Simply take one capsule each day, at a consistent time, and wait for the relief.
To combat migraines and other chronic pain, I recommend the All is Gel + Curcumin. These soft-gels feature 25mg of CBD and a splash of curcumin—a natural pain-reliever that has been proven to help reduce the frequency of migraines. When allied with Farmer & Chemist CBD, the natural pain-relief is unrivaled.
All is Gel + Curcumin comes in two quantities. You can get a pack of 10 for $47.99, or 30 for $95.99. Speaking from personal experience, I recommend the pack of 30. Not only do you get three times the amount of capsules for half the price, but the container can easily be repurposed into a spice jar or tiny succulent pot. Get creative!
Make migraines a thing of the past
Life is stressful enough, and unexpected pain like migraines only makes it more stressful. Thankfully, Farmer & Chemist CBD is here to help.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to stop by our storefront at 7719 S. Main St. in Midvale! One of our knowledgable pharmacists or pharmacy techs will be all to happy to help you out.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to give us a follow on Facebook and Instagram (@farmer_and_chemist) to keep up to date on all things CBD!