CBD Oil for Menstrual Cramps
Menstruation is a fact of life that unfortunately often comes with some uncomfortable, undesirable symptoms. In addition to things like mood changes, bloating and fatigue, periods can also be accompanied by painful cramps. For those who haven’t found relief through typical methods, CBD oil presents a powerful natural alternative.
Using CBD for Pain Relief
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike the psychoactive ingredient THC, CBD is not intoxicating and does not produce an actual high. Instead, CBD interacts with a person’s endocannabinoid system to help regulate the body and relieve uncomfortable symptoms.
The endocannabinoid system is a network of receptors throughout the human body that help to regulate things like pain, memory, mood and appetite. It also produces its own cannabinoid substances, which can work side-by-side with an added CBD supplement. Through an action called the “entourage effect,” a group of cannabinoids can create additional benefits that they could not necessarily provide alone.
CBD users regularly report that the supplement helps ease pain and inflammation related to all kinds of issues, from mild sunburns to severe arthritis. There are many scientific studies that support these claims, and ongoing research into CBD oil continues to be promising.
How Menstrual Cramps Work
Cramps—or “dysmenorrhea,” in medical terms—are one of the most common symptoms that occur during a person’s period. At the start of menstruation, the body releases hormones called prostaglandins that trigger the muscles of the uterus to start contracting. This allows the uterus to shed the built-up lining and fluid, but the repeated tightening and relaxing can lead to cramps. If too many prostaglandins are released, the cramping can be especially severe.
Not everyone experiences cramps with their period, and those who do can have different underlying causes for them. Whatever the case, the pain can be extremely disruptive, radiating to other areas and making it difficult to focus on daily tasks.
Benefits of CBD for Period Pain
For some, the discomfort of menstrual cramps is mild and temporary. For others, these cramps can bring intense, even debilitating pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help, but these can also pose long-term risks of liver damage. eriod pain is becoming a popular natural alternative to these options.
Here are just some of the ways CBD can be beneficial for menstrual cramps:
- It can help reduce pelvic inflammation.¹ Inflammation is the starting point for pain, so combating the inflammatory response in the pelvic area will help to minimize discomfort.
- It helps inhibit pain signals.² In addition to relieving existing pain, CBD can help stop the signals from being sent in the first place, stopping cramps before they can even be felt.
- CBD can improve mood.³ Not only does this help bolster you mentally and emotionally during your period, but an improved mood can potentially reduce your perception of pain.
- It’s a great alternative to typical over-the-counter pain relievers. Common household pain medications can pose a risk of liver damage if taken too often or in too high a dose for your body. CBD is not linked to these risks.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not evaluated CBD as a medical treatment, and our products are not intended to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease. They are, however, a natural supplement meant to provide soothing symptom relief.
Why Reclaim Labs Is the Best Source for CBD Oil
Like with anything else you put into your body, it’s important to make sure you buy your CBD oil from a reliable retailer. When you buy from a reputable company like Reclaim Labs, you ensure that you get a product that is safe to ingest and really works.
Here are just a few of the many reasons why we’re the best place to buy your CBD oil:
- For us, the product is personal. Reclaim Labs founder Ron Lev was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in his youth and spent years trying typical medical treatments and harsh drugs. Today, he is able to completely manage his symptoms with our natural products. We don’t just make the products; we know and believe in them.
- Our formulas are backed by research and testing. In addition to being well-versed in the workings of the endocannabinoid system, we’ve put our products through careful rounds of development to make sure they really work.
- All of our products are third-party tested for safety, purity and potency. Regular analysis ensures that our formula is consistent, effective and does not contain any contaminants.
- We offer transparency that other companies don’t. Certificates of analysis are freely available by request, allowing anyone to see the results of our testing and confirm our products’ ingredients.
- We use ingredients that help the CBD absorb and take action faster. The highly bioavailable form of coconut oil we use as a carrier makes it easier and quicker for the body to take up the product and break it down for use.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using CBD for Menstrual Cramps
If you’re considering trying CBD oil to help with painful menstrual cramps, you may have some further questions. The following answers to frequently asked questions may help clarify things. If you still have concerns or curiosities about using our products, feel free to contact us directly.
Is CBD oil legal?
Yes! CBD products are legal to sell and use throughout the U.S. so long as the compounds have been extracted from hemp plants containing less than 0.3% THC. There are some states that have additional rules for legal CBD use, however, so make sure that you’re aware of what the laws are in your area.
Will CBD hemp oil make me high?
No. CBD extract from hemp cannot make you high because it simply doesn’t have the ingredients to do so. Even full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products contain only legal trace amounts of THC, which aren’t enough to cause any psychoactive effects. CBD can give you a general sense of physical and mental relaxation, but this is not a high.
How much CBD oil do I need for period cramps?
Everyone’s response to cannabinoids is unique, and the amount of CBD oil needed to relieve period cramps will vary depending on individual factors (weight, metabolism, severity of cramps, etc.). Follow the dosage instructions on the products and start with the lowest appropriate amount. You can then slowly increase the dosage over time until you achieve relief.
Like with any supplement, you should discuss taking CBD oil with your doctor before you add it to your daily routine. During this discussion, you can also ask them for their opinion on dosage.
How do I use CBD for period pain relief?
Reclaim Labs CBD oil can be easily taken as a daily dietary supplement. Based on the correct dosage instructions for you, place the appropriate number of drops into the food or beverage of your choice. Enjoy your drink or meal as usual and give the CBD some time to do its work.
You can also use our topical CBD pain freeze gel for more localized pain. For lower back pain, for example, you can apply the product directly to the skin in the affected area. The ingredients will absorb into the skin to provide soothing relief.
When should I take CBD for period pain?
You can start using CBD oil as soon as you start feeling cramps. The effects should last for a few hours, and you can take another dose as those begin to wear off. After taking CBD for a while, you should be able to determine a good dosing schedule for staving off cramps throughout your period.
If you only tend to have cramps for a few days, you can stop using the CBD oil as soon as you feel comfortable. However, you can also continue taking it throughout your period if you so choose.
Will using CBD for cramps affect my menstrual cycle?
No! Although the endocannabinoid system does play a role in balancing systems throughout the body, using CBD oil daily or occasionally will not disrupt your natural hormones or menstrual cycle. For those who have experienced unwanted cycle changes after taking medications like birth control, this can be very reassuring.
Can CBD oil help with other period symptoms?
Yes. In addition to cramp relief, CBD oil may help with other common period and PMS symptoms. The effects of CBD can provide full body relief from various discomfort, as well as help improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Will CBD oil show up on a drug test?
Because all CBD products are required to be made from legal hemp containing less than 0.3% THC, the amount of THC is not enough to flag on a drug test. If you’re still concerned about employer drug testing or just want to avoid THC for other reasons, we do offer a completely THC-free version that does not contain even trace amounts.
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