A lot of us feel confident that we can take CBD oil daily without any real consequences, thanks to the nontoxic nature of the hemp plant.  But, if something is amiss with our bodies, we may second-guess that daily dose. 

If you’re someone who suffers from headaches, as many people do, you may be hesitant to take CBD oil in the event that it could somehow make things worse.

What Exactly is CBD Oil?

To understand whether or not we can use CBD oil when dealing with a headache, we first need to talk about what CBD oil is.  CBD oil is a type of hemp-based product that consists of two primary ingredients: hemp extract and a carrier oil.  Sometimes, this formula can contain flavoring ingredients as well.

CBD oil is usually taken in tincture form, meaning that it is held under the tongue so that the compounds of the hemp plant can absorb through the sublingual tissue.  It can also be added to food or even applied topically if necessary.

Can CBD Oil Make a Headache Worse?

So, if you’re dealing with a headache, will a dose of CBD oil actually make things even more painful?  In short, not likely.  CBD oil simply isn’t associated with this kind of side effect, nor is it known to aggravate existing pain.  CBD oil is gentle on the body, and is not a drug, and so it just isn’t known to cause these types of issues.  Therefore, generally speaking, you do not need to worry.

Now, if a CBD oil formula contains an ingredient that triggers headaches for you, such as a certain type of flavoring extract to which you’re allergic, you may want to avoid that product until the headache subsides. 

Similarly, it’s important to note that everyone is different.  While we have yet to hear a report that CBD oil caused or aggravated a headache, we all respond to specific compounds in a unique way, so it is not completely impossible.

Would CBD Oil Be Helpful if You Have a Headache?

As it turns out, CBD oil may actually be exactly what you want to reach for when you’re dealing with a headache.  Studies have tested the effects of cannabidiol on headache pain specifically, including individual types of headaches such as sinus headaches and migraines.  Many people reach for their CBD oil bottle when they feel a headache coming on for this reason. 

Furthermore, CBD is associated with feelings of calm, which may be great if your headache is due to stress.

Can CBD Oil Conflict with Headache Medications?

If you’re taking a medication for headaches, you may want to speak to your doctor before dosing yourself with hemp.  While there are no conclusive studies on the matter, research hints that there is a possibility that cannabidiol could essentially bind up the enzyme necessary to break down certain medications, thus potentially causing medications to exist in elevated levels in the body. 

Therefore, it is important to have a conversation with your doctor just to be on the safe side, as they of course, also have access to your medical history.

How Should a Person Take CBD Oil for a Headache?

If you do suffer from headaches and want to see if CBD oil can actually be helpful for you, follow the tips below.

Tip #1: Talk to Your Doctor or Physician

Again, we want to emphasize the importance of talking to your doctor or physician before taking CBD oil for a specific issue, especially if you’re on medications.  Only your doctor/physician is authorized to offer medical advice, and they may be able to customize a routine for you according to the unique nature of your situation.

Tip #2: Choose the Right Milligram Strength

CBD oil comes in a wide range of milligram strengths, determining how many milligrams are in the formula.  Therefore, higher milligram strengths mean more potency per dose.  Based on the severity you’re experience with your headache pain, you’ll want to be mindful of the milligram strength to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Tip #3: Opt for Terpenes

Terpenes are secondary compounds that sit alongside cannabinoids in the hemp plant, and offer unique properties of their own.  Some say that certain terpenes help them with headache pain.  Therefore, choose a full spectrum or broad spectrum CBD oil product, as these types of extracts contain the full array of terpenes found in the hemp plant.  The only difference is that full spectrum contains a trace amount of THC, while broad spectrum does not.

Tip #4: Take CBD Oil Daily Instead of as Needed

Instead of taking CBD oil only when a headache peaks, consider making it part of your daily routine.  This allows the cannabinoids in hemp to accumulate in the body over time, which can be more effective overall.

Tip #5: Try it as a Tincture and a Topical

Try using CBD oil not only sublingually, but topically as well, in an effort to combat the headache using two distinctive delivery methods.  Sublingual administration allows the compounds of hemp to distribute themselves throughout the body, while topical application allows them to absorb directly into the affected area.

At Last, a Potential Holistic Way to Deal with Headaches

CBD oil can be taken if you have a headache, as it is not associated with making this type of pain worse.  In fact, you may want to give CBD oil a try the next time you feel that pressure starting to develop.  If you want to use CBD oil for a headache, talk to your doctor for more personalized advice that can address your specific needs.