Period cramps are a monthly cause of suffering for many women all over the world. For years doctors and researchers have been looking for a solution to this problem. Pain medications were used extensively for years, but these medicines can have dangerous side effects like damage to internal organs and cause addiction. So in the USA, an innovative alternative is being suggested – CBD oil.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD is cannabidiol, an extract from cannabis plants. But it cannot be used like cannabis in the traditional sense to get high. CBD oil is becoming popular for its properties to relieve pain and anxiety. CBD’s popularity is attributed to its being a natural product that does not yet any recorded side effects.
How does CBD oil help with menstrual cramping?
Menstruation brings with it many symptoms. The first and foremost complaints of most women are period cramps which are caused by the contractions of the uterus. The menstrual cycle also leads to a surge of hormones in the body, primarily estrogen, which can cause other symptoms like fatigue, nausea, digestive problems, and many more.
CBD oil cannot prevent uterine contractions and stop cramping. But it can relieve other symptoms related to menstrual cycles and make the period cramps more manageable.
- Studies show that participants using CBD oil report a reduction in their pain. CBD oil cannot treat the underlying symptoms of pain, but it reduces inflammation of the painful parts of the body. CBD oil also interacts with the neurotransmitters in our body and temporarily reduces the sensitivity of the brain to feel pain. This is the reason why many women feel using CBD oil during their periods is reducing the intensity of their menstrual cramps.
- CBD oil is also useful when applied externally to inflamed or painful areas of the body. CBD oil interacts with the pain receptors of the body and helps reduce pain perception. During periods women experience soreness in their lower backs and chest area. Massaging a few drops of CBD oil on these areas can work wonders to ease the discomfort.
- CBD oil is very useful for dealing with another common discomfort associated with the menstrual cycle- digestive problems. Women on their menstrual cycle often experience bloating, nausea, and stomach cramps. CBD oil can help alleviate these symptoms to a certain extent by interacting with the cannabinoid receptors of the brain.
- Menstruation also causes mood swings and anxiety in women due to hormonal activity within the body. CBD oil helps relieve these symptoms too. CBD is also used by those suffering from anxiety and mood disorders.
CBD-based menstrual products
CBD is now available in different forms for menstruating women. There are CBD rollers to apply over cramping stomachs and lower backs. There are CBD-infused chocolates to give women overall relief. CBD infused patches and CBD infused bath salts are some more among the vast variety of CBD-centric period products available at present.
Why choose CBD?
Pain killers are stronger and more effective most times than CBD oil. So why should women shift to CBD? There is a myriad of reasons. Prolonged use of painkillers can have extremely damaging effects on the body. It can cause liver damage, kidney failure, stomach ulcers and many more issues.
But the more significant toll of prolonged pain killer use is often on mental health. Pain killers have very addictive properties. Many people all over the world suffer from this addiction which can be physically and socially debilitating. So for women already suffering from opioid addiction or to prevent others from falling into the same trap, it is very important to reduce the usage of painkillers.
Some women are fortunate to experience very few adverse symptoms during their menstrual cycle. But most women are not so lucky. For them, a natural remedy like CBD oil is the solution to give them relief without long-term effects.
There is still a social stigma associated with the use of CBD oil because of the existing misconception that can be used as a drug to get high. But CBD oil actually lacks the compound THC which is essential to give the feeling of a high. CBD oil is just a natural product with many healing properties that can be used to make menstruation an easier experience.
Lacey Arlo is a wellness expert and a nutritionist who aims to help members with health and diet queries. Lacey Arlo has worked with junior, national, and Olympic-level athletes by providing them with customizing programmers, supplement strategies, and support during their travel and competition. From weight management, PCOD, thyroid-related weight loss, and nutrition for children to diets for pregnant and diets for senior citizens, She offers nutrition-aided solutions for different age groups with consideration for each person’s unique health demands.