CBD oil could be the answer to your period pains – News24

Although CBD cant cure anything, it can treat medical conditions.

That unbearable pain that makes you feel like you're going into labour every month?

That's dysmenorrhoea (also known as cramps or period pains). It's something many women experience from the moment they start their periods well into adulthood. Taking painkillers does the job but some people prefer a more naturally derived approach, and thats where CBD oil comes in.

CBD (cannabidiol) is derived from cannabis but wont make you high because it doesnt enough THC, which is what gives marijuana its "high" effect.

In South Africa, only CBD products containing less than 0,001% THC concentration are legally allowed to be sold, Dr Alison Richardson, neurologist and spokesperson for Oil Science, a company that specialises in the supply of premium CBD products, told The Mercury.

READ MORE |Everything you need to know about CBD, the new wellness wonder

CBD has anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties, which is why it may help with period pain.

There are no published research studies on using CBD for period pain relief, however, it does have well established, well studied anti inflammatory and pain relieving effect across a wide range of chronic pain conditions, according toDr Dani Gordon, who recommends CBD oil to patients in her private practice.

CBD comes in many forms, including tablets, capsules and oil. The best way to take it is in oil form because its extracted as an oil, according to Professor Norman Nyazema, a pharmacology lecturer at the University of Limpopo who also works in the medicines regulatory area with South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra).

The best way to administer it is to put it under your tongue and keep it there for 60 seconds to improve the absorption, he told YOU. But it all depends on what youre trying to treat and manage.

CBD isnt a medicine though its seen as a supplement and doesnt cure any illnesses or diseases.

READ MORE |Cannabis for hair growth: 5 products containing CBD to try for a healthier scalp and longer locs

Sahpra is pretty strict about the claims CBD products can and cant make. Under the guidelines, CBD products may advertise broadly about general health enhancement or promise to relieve minor symptoms such as pain and inflammation, restlessness, sleeplessness and anxiousness that arent related to a disease or disorder.

If any CBD product claims to cure any ailments, its not a legitimate product and you can report the manufacturer to Sahpra.

Although CBD cant cure anything, it can treat medical conditions, Nyazema said. Its a painkiller and an anti-inflammatory and contains some vitamins. It can treat things such as nausea and anxiety.

Dr Gordon recommends full spectrum CBD for inflammatory conditions such as period pain, saying full spectrum cannabinoids, terpenes and essential oils extracted from the plant work together to amplify the healing effects of each individual ingredient. "This is also known as the entourage effect."

For more info on the benefits of CBD, get a copy of The ABC of CBD in stores now. The magazine is also available online at youstore.co.za. Or contact Johan Terblanche at 021-406-4962 or email johan.terblanche@media24.com to order your copy.

Additional reporting by Nasifa Sulaiman / Sources: refinery29.com; iol.co.za; you.co.za

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CBD oil could be the answer to your period pains - News24