Nausea and cannabis

There's no denying that nausea is one of the worst sensations in the world. Nausea is usually accompanied by the urge to vomit, although this varies from person to person. Although nausea can result from a number of events, it is often associated with common circumstances. These include food poisoning, pregnancy, motion sickness and excessive alcohol consumption. Visit migraines or intense pain can also cause nausea.

The actual physiology of nausea continues to intrigue health professionals. While medications can help, it can be difficult to find a nausea remedy that doesn't produce side effects. What's more, anti-nausea medications are generally only effective in treating specific cases of nausea. A good example is the drug dimenhydrinate, which is used to treat motion sickness. While dimenhydrinate is effective for treating motion sickness specifically, it is unlikely to be effective for other causes of nausea.

For these reasons, more and more people are looking to treat the causes of nausea without the use of medication. Cannabidiol, or (CBD), is an alternative treatment option that may be worth investigating.

The purpose of this article is to explore the impact of CBD oil on nausea. We'll discuss its potential benefits and how it compares to traditional medicinal options. We'll also explore some of the best cannabis strains for treating nausea. While there's no guarantee that cannabis will work for all individuals, it just might help combat the awful symptoms of nausea in a more natural way.

First, let's talk about what CBD oil is, and how it works in the human body.

CBD: What is it?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound, known as a «phytocannabinoid», found in cannabis. This compound has significant medical benefits, but no psychoactive effects. This means it doesn't get users high.

The fact that CBD is non-psychoactive makes it attractive to many people. People seeking relief from inflammation, anxiety, pain and, of course, nausea are using it more and more. Although cannabis in its various forms is still the subject of controversy, the health benefits of CBD oil are becoming increasingly well known.

Awareness of the health benefits of CBD oil continues to grow.

CBD is available on the market today in a number of different forms. Capsules, oils, salves, creams, sprays and cakes (such as CBD gum) are all common. Users can even inhale CBD oil using high-tech vape devices, which operate in a similar way to e-cigarettes. In short, there are a wide variety of ways to consume CBD.

As for side effects, while CBD isn't known to produce many, it's important to note that adverse reactions are always possible. CBD side effects can include things like dizziness, fatigue and interaction with other medications. It's important to consult a doctor before taking CBD with other medications.

Differentiating CBD hemp oil from hemp seed oil

Many people make the mistake of assuming that CBD oil and hemp oil are the same thing. This is far from the case. While CBD may come from hemp, CBD oil and hemp oil come from different parts of the plant and can refer to entirely different products, with different purposes.

CBD is a compound found in hemp flowers. Extractors use a variety of methods (CO2 extraction being one of them) to «extract» as much CBD as possible from the plant. In general, extractors choose hemp cultivars with higher CBD levels to maximize the cannabidiol content of the final product.

If extracted and produced to high standards, a good CBD hemp oil will be one rich in CBD and low in THC. These are excellent products for those seeking the benefits of marijuana without the psychoactive effects.

But what is hemp oil or hemp seed oil?

Products labelled «hemp oil» are generally derived from the plant's seeds. Hemp seeds contain up to 50 % of their weight in oil, but very little CBD. Or at least not enough to take advantage of this compound's medicinal properties. That said, hemp seed oil has a high nutritional value due to its abundance of elements such as omega acids and essential vitamins.

For this reason, and because hemp seed oils are lower in saturated fats than other oils, hemp oil is becoming increasingly popular in the kitchen. In addition, because of its high vitamin E content, hemp is present in many hygiene products such as soaps, shampoos and moisturizing lotions.

Overall, there is an important underlying difference between hemp seed oil and hemp CBD oil. Many people use CBD oil for therapeutic purposes, while most use hemp seeds and hemp seed oil for their nutritional value.

The benefits of CBD oil for nausea

As we said above, nausea is a symptom rather than a disease in itself. With regard to the use of CBD for nausea, it is likely that the endocannabinoid system (SEC) plays a key role.

The SEC is a unique network of neurotransmitters and receptors that exists throughout the brain and body. Functionally, it appears to regulate a variety of internal homeostatic functions.

A 2011 study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, for example, suggests that manipulating the endocannabinoid system can help regulate nausea and vomiting. The study also suggests that CBD may function as an antiemetic for humans, as it attenuates the effects of nausea and may even prevent it from occurring altogether.

CBD], the main non-psychoactive compound in cannabis, suppresses nausea and vomiting in a limited dose range.
British Journal of Pharmacology, 2011

Variable responses to drugs

There is little reliable comparative data to examine the difference between conventional medication and CBD oil for nausea. Of course, it's clear that many people don't respond well to pharmaceutical drugs. This is mainly due to their immense side effects.

Side effects of conventional anti-nausea drugs can include constipation, headaches, dizziness, insomnia and mood swings - to name but a few. One of the perceived benefits of CBD oil is that, comparatively speaking, it generally has fewer side effects than prescription drugs.

Of course, another major benefit for patients who want natural nausea relief is the fact that CBD oil doesn't produce a high. Unlike THC, CBD does not bind directly to receptors in the central nervous system. This means it doesn't cause any kind of mind alteration.

The best way to take CBD for nausea

Now that we've covered the ins and outs of CBD and how it can help treat nausea, let's look at the different ways people can consume it. Please note, however, that the following information is descriptive only. Nothing in this article should be taken as medical advice.

1. Drops under the tongue

This is probably the most common way to consume CBD oil. The idea is to hold it under the tongue so that the capillary blood vessels in the mouth can effectively absorb the compound without it having to pass through the digestive system. CBD oil drops vary in strength and potency, so always check the product label before use.

2. CBD capsules

Capsules are another method that offers convenience and ease of use. However, capsules generally take longer to work than oral CBD drops. So they're not the most common option for those who need immediate relief from nausea. Capsules are, however, a good choice for those who want a tasteless CBD experience.

3. CBD Vape

Vaping is an excellent option for nausea, as it is generally potent and acts very quickly. Inhaling vapor allows CBD to reach lung tissue almost immediately, which is a very efficient site of gas exchange in the blood.

4. Taking CBD with food or drink

This is another common - and very easy - way to consume CBD oil. Add it to food or a hot drink (coffee and tea are good options) and the CBD will pass through the digestive system and eventually reach the bloodstream. The major drawback of this method, however, is that much of the CBD is lost during digestion and the metabolic process.

5. CBD candies

CBD candies (like gum) are another good option to combat nausea, but again, they can take a while to work. The major advantage, however, is that edibles can have a very long shelf life.

Overall, there are many options for fully integrating the anti-nausea benefits of CBD into everyday life. Fatty acids in products such as coconut oil, MCT oil and olive oil are good carriers for CBD.

In addition, always look for laboratory testing and quality manufacturing standards when looking for a good CBD oil product. How the oils are extracted and where the plants are grown can have a huge influence on overall quality.

Final thoughts on CBD for nausea

Clearly, using CBD oil for nausea has its benefits. Considering the many side effects of conventional nausea medications, CBD could very well work as a superior alternative option. Of course, one should always do thorough research and, if necessary, consult a doctor before incorporating CBD into one's daily routine.