It's no secret that doctors and labs have been looking for alternatives to opioids to treat chronic pain in the shadow of the opioid crisis. But what about alternatives for everyday pains such as menstrual cramps and period pains? A serious way to naturally cure these menstrual pains would be CBD, a legal derivative of cannabis without CBT.
CBD oil for menstrual pain
One of the biggest trends in pain relief today, whether chronic or daily, is CBD oil. CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the 113 cannabinoids identified in cannabis plants. It's not the same as THC and it can't get you high.
CBD accounts for 40% of the extract of a cannabis plant and has been included in preliminary studies on pain, cognition, anxiety and movement disorders. But is it really effective against menstrual cramps? And is it worth a try?
How does CBD oil affect menstrual pain?
The menstrual cycle is accompanied by many side effects and symptoms that are not pleasant (stomach aches, migraines …). One of them is estrogen dominance, which affects millions of people, and causes fatigue and bloating. Cramps, caused by contractions of the uterus, are another.
The best CBD oils can't stop your uterus from contracting during your period. But it can help reduce inflammation, decrease nausea, and improve digestive function, which can help fight cramps.
Here are some ways CBD oil can help you manage your symptoms:
- CBD reduces sensitivity. During your period, you may feel tenderness in your lower back, stomach, and chest. By massaging a few drops of CBD oil< on the affected area, you can relieve some of the irritation and discomfort. This is due to the fact that CBD regulates the body's vanilloid receptor, which moderates the perception of pain.
- CBD reduces inflammation. Some studies have shown that CBD oil can help reduce pain by reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters in the brain. One of these neurotransmitters, dopamine, is produced when one does puzzles or exercise. CBD oil reduces inflammation by impacting the activity of endocannabinoid receptors in the brain.
- CBD alleviates digestive problems. Lower back cramps, abdominal cramps and nausea are also commonly associated with the menstrual cycle. Fortunately, CBD can relieve cramping and bloating by clinging to cannabinoid receptors. As mentioned in the first point, it is enough to massage a few drops on the affected area.
Your period can cause very significant pain (in many areas), which can make it difficult to do the things you love to do every day. While CBD oil can't end your period or reduce uterine cramps, it can reduce abdominal and lumbar cramps. It can also reduce inflammation and reduce sensitivity, which can make managing your period less painful.
What CBD products to use to relieve your period pain?
1. Shea Brand: Menstrual Roller
Shea Brand is one of our team's personal favorites. This BRAND of CBD is committed to sustainable production and pure ingredients that target pain while helping to soothe the body. The menstrual roll contains a high dose of CBD, as well as ingredients like menthol and arnica oil that help deliver CBD into the system. This calms painful cramps and bloating.
Instructions for use | Apply topically to relieve cramps in the lower stomach. Shea Brand recommends applying it only up to three times a day.
Price | 55€
2. Phasey: Period Chocolate
This brand is dedicated to calming women's bodies through nourishing organic foods, like seed-based cycling kits and that ultimate menstrual soothing – CBD-infused chocolate! These menstrual chocolates are made with organic and pure ingredients, such as coconut oil and coconut sugar. The high dose of CBD helps relieve cramps, anxiety, headaches and relax the body.
Instructions for use | For four to six hours of relief, eat a few chocolates each day during phase 1 or phase 4 of your cycle.
Price | 7€
3. Dazey: Coconut and CBD bath
Whether you are experiencing physical or emotional discomfort, Dazey has a cure. This brand offers full-spectrum ingestible oils as well as CBD-infused skin care; Coconut bath + CBD is the ideal soothing treatment to relieve menstrual pain. It is composed of natural ingredients, including marshmallow root for inflammation and Pacific sea salt to remove impurities and increase blood circulation.
Instructions for use | Pour a bag into the bathtub. Let it dissolve, enter the tub and relax.
Price | 12€
4. Winged Women's Wellness: Balance Oil
We love this brand's passion for creating products specifically for women. Libra oil, composed of organically grown CBD and evening primrose (rich in essential fatty acids known to promote hormonal health), is formulated to relieve premenstrual syndrome and hormonal disorders.
Instructions for use | Start by ingesting a complete dropper. Increase the dosage gradually if necessary.
Price | 60€
5. The Good Patch for rules.
This brand creates CBD-infused patches targeting symptoms in different parts of the body. The menstrual patch is infused with black cohosh — an herb used to regulate hormones and help with the health of the uterus — as well as menthol, for natural refreshment and pain relief.
Instructions for use | Place the patch on the lower abdomen and wear it until 12 hours.
Price | 12€
6. Dr. Kerklaan: CBD Natural Cream for Premenstrual Syndrome
Formulated by doctors, this BRAND of CBD offers therapeutic and highly dosed CBD creams to treat pain; PMS cream soothes cramps and lower back pain. We also love lotion, which is infused with vanilla to help stimulate the body and relax the mind.
Instructions for use | For optimal results, massage a generous amount of this cream on the lower abdomen.
Price | from 39€