As the menstrual cycle ends, a lady will shed blood and mucosal tissues from the uterus wall through the vagina. About two days before the bleeding starts, there is an intense pain that appears.
Pain that is akin to labor pains though not quite as intense in most cases, 50% of ladies suffer menstrual cramps during their menses with 10% getting temporarily disabled by the pain. It is a leading cause of absenteeism among women, and the pain may last until the end of menstruation.
Menstrual cramps will be intensified by emotional stress and factors such as alcohol, sweets, salt and being overweight. The pain may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache and diarrhea.
Sure you may have tried treatment options like Midol before, but could the best treatment for menstrual cramps actually be cannabidiol (CBD)?
Let’s find out!
The Root of Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps are brought about by the occurrence of prostaglandins. This is a hormone like element, which appears on the site of injuries. It brings with it inflammation, pain and fever which are essential parts of the healing process. This compound lines the uterine wall causing muscle contraction and thus, severe period pain. The muscle contractions are necessary for expulsion of the lining.
Antiprostaglandins and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflamatory drugs can reduce the action of prostaglandin. Over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen are usually sufficient, or you can also use heat treatment for some comfort.
In some cases, doctors prescribe birth control medication and Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) to curtail period pain. However, in some cases they do very little to alleviate the pain.
One therefore needs a relief agent that will effectively block action of cyclooxygenase consequently reducing production of prostaglandin.
Enter The CBD Cannabinoid
Cannabis is a mother nature given relief for menstrual pain. Use of the plant for this purpose dates back to ancient Mesopotamia. Queen Victoria was known to use cannabis tinctures to make her time of the month tolerable. Today, use of the plant has evolved and popularity is growing.
While studies are yet to prove beyond reasonable doubt that cannabidiol is useful in the alleviation of period pain, studies have shown efficacy in the treatment of endometriosis. With positive results from these studies, it is almost a guarantee that studies into menstrual pain and CBD will be positive.
The endocannabinoid system is a system of regulation for the nervous, endocrine, digestive and immune system. The uterine tissues are known to be riddled with endocannabinoid receptors and modulators.
The CB1 and CB2 receptors are instrumental in modulation of pain and inflammation. They regulate release of neurotransmitters thus effectively relieving pain.
CBD also has great antiemetic properties. Vomiting and nausea are other annoying symptoms. CBD will also take care of the bloating and irritability. So you can kill many birds one stone.
It may seem like the biggest joke around but orgasms are great for period cramps, the pain should not be a reason for abstinence but a motivation.
An orgasm sends pain-relieving signals to the brain and increases blood flow in the uterus, consequently healing one of the pains.
Sex helps the lining shed faster therefore bringing the period to an end sooner and with it the pain. CBD is known for its libido enhancing abilities. One will not have trouble getting in the mood either.
Pick a CBD Product That’s Right For You
CBD has to go through an extraction process to become consumable, but the question is which CBD product is right for you? There is a variety of ways in which CBD can be consumed, that ranges from oral to sublingual to topical and others.
CBD Oil
Cannabidiol oil can be used in a few different ways. The first one is suppositories. There is a product on the market in which a CBD product is placed inside the vagina. It has been reported to be fast acting and the effects can last for hours.
The greatest thing is that one does not suffer any psychoactive effects. With this product, you can enjoy everyday activities whether or not it is your time of the month.
It is possible to make one’s own suppositories at home. Gelatin capsules are stored in pharmacies and supermarkets. One filled with CBD oil in the vagina will work just as fast as the ready bought one.
A simpler way to deliver CBD oil vaginally is by applying a little bit of it on the tampon. Since the effects are long lasting, one will only need to do this once or twice a day. This way it’s cheaper and less messy, in all, CBD oil for pms can be extremely effective!
CBD Capsules
Vaginal consumption of CBD products is meant for hardcore users, while new CBD users might need a milder approach. If you’re a new user you will want a more dip toes in the pool introduction to the use of cannabidiol. They are much less intimidating and more affordable.
CBD pills are usually very pure, and feature 100% CBD with no THC contained therein. These are best if you use IUDs.
IUDs are birth control methods used to control the bleeding every month. Often, these do not take away the monthly pain. But CBD pills go in and do exactly that.
The pill is taken orally with a glass of water on a full stomach, ensuring full absorption in your body. While this product has its own advantages, it takes a bit more time to take effect.
This is because the CBD filled pill will go through the digestive system. For quicker action, one can use other products like oral sprays.
Topical Creams
In the ancient days, ladies used cannabis cream mixed in with lamb fat. It would be applied on the pelvic area to relieve menstrual pain.
It might be hard to believe that applying anything on the skin will affect the insides, but body balms are effective in relaxing the pelvic muscles. Some have reported creating suppositories from these balms.
There are anti-inflammatory properties in the body balms. They are fast acting and effects will last for a significant amount of time.
CBD is beneficial to the skin as it has antioxidants. Using creams and body balms infused with this element makes for great looking skin, while providing you with relief from pain.
These types of products are best suited if you would like to surpass the digestive system and have the CBD absorbed through your skin.
They are ideal if you have trouble swallowing or do not like the taste of tinctures and oils.
Topical CBD products are usually infused with other relief agents like chamomile and lavender, helping to further enhances the effectiveness.
Bath Soaks
Epsom salts are essential in relieving pain, as the heat when your soak in a bath for some time relaxes the muscles. It also increases your blood circulation in the pelvic area, effectively reducing your pain but only for a while.
To solve the time issues, a cannabidiol infused bath soak has been developed. This delivers the benefits of CBD into the system while relieving period pain.
The effects are immediate and long lasting, and is best done in the evening before bed for a relaxing night of good sleep.
Bath soaks work a lot like the topical creams, as absorption is done through your skin. These can also be used alongside aromatherapy oils to intensify the experience.
Tinctures
Cannabidiol CBD tinctures can be store bought or made at home. A DIY tincture will only require a jar and some alcohol.
Tinctures have a long shelf life, which means your can make a lot to last a long time. They can be taken sublingually or infused in your favorite food and drink.
Sublingual consumption takes effect within fifteen minutes. You simply put your desired dose under your tongue and let it sit there for a 30 to 60 seconds. The glands under your tongue (sublingual glands) absorb it into your system, to provide quick relief from menstrual pain.
You can put your desired dose of the tincture in a cup of coffee or tea. This method of consumption will however take longer because it will have to pass through the liver first. There is also the chance that the liver will reduce the potency but only negligibly.
Edibles
During menstruation, one is hit by the urge to eat a lot of things due to intense cravings. How great would it be if your eating served a higher purpose? One can make a tincture or pour in a bit of CBD isolate powder during prep and your are good to go.
CBD edibles are snacks and other food items that have been cooked or baked with CBD. They do not act quickly due to the digestive process but stuffing one’s mouth sure is fun.
The best thing about this method of consumption is the range it provides. You can ingest a cookie or muffin or even a roast chicken while enjoying the health benefits of cannabidiol. The point is to get CBD into your system through food.
Vaping CBD E-Liquid
The new age of smoking makes use of an electric cigarette that vaporizes a vape liquid. Using an e-cigarette to deliver CBD into your system is quick and effective.
Vaping CBD e-liquid delivers effects faster than edibles and the sublingual delivery, not to mention the vast array of flavors provide a tasty method of consumption! Also if you prefer the DIY method, you can also make your own CBD infused vape juice at home!
CBD is a Gift from Nature
Ibuprofen and Naproxen do a good job to alleviate pain during menstruation, but they are pharmaceuticals nonetheless and come with risks.
It is best to opt for a more natural way, and CBD is a nature given therapy for the relief of menstrual cramps. With the use of this, your life will not be interrupted once every month so that you can suffer through.
A CBD product entrepreneur reiterated that this has been a pandemic for eons. The NSAIDs while great, do not work for everyone. It is time a different idea was applied to the problem for a conclusive solution.
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