What is the best way to take CBD for period pain?

We examine the best way to take CBD during your period to target the different symptoms such as cramps, muscle pain, sleeplessness and acne.

There is nothing worse than needing to get through a busy day while struggling with period pain.

There are many different ways to take CBD for period pain from oils to edibles. However, are some more effective than others?. While taking an oil or edible does work, there are plenty of alternative options out there. We examine what methods could work best for cramps, sleeplessness or even acne.

CBD hot chocolate: best for comfort

Chocolate is a very normal craving to have during your period. The sugar, fat and carbohydrate content increases our serotonin which is responsible for feelings of well-being.

Period cravings usually start within the seven to ten days before your period starts along with all the other PMS symptoms such as bloating or acne. While there is nothing wrong with having a big slab of chocolate if your body is craving it, why not try mixing it up with a hot drink?

It’s not all bad as dark chocolate can contain anti-oxidants and minerals that the body needs. Hot drinks can help to relax tense or sore muscles too. These drinks are usually infused with nanoparticles of CBD which are absorbed by the body. Although, there is very little research to suggest how much is absorbed this way.

It can be fun to experiment by adding a drop (or two) of your own oil into a drink. However, oil and water don’t mix so you may notice the CBD sitting on top of the drink. It can still be absorbed this way though or alternatively, water-soluble CBD is also sold.

CBD patches: best for cramps

CBD patches are great for targeting the exact area that is experiencing pain. They can be left on overnight too meaning they won’t wear off after a few hours as oil or tinctures might. A slow, steady release of CBD is absorbed into the system meaning you can go to work without worrying.

A case study and literature review from 2020 suggests that CBD patches may be helpful for decreasing inflammation and blocking pain for patients recovering from back or nerve pain.

CBD bath bombs: best for cramps and lower back pains

Muscle aches and tension can be a common symptoms of pre-menstrual tension (PMT) leading to pain. The uterus contacts when getting ready to expel its lining. It is triggered by hormones that give it the signal to start the contractions. While most people with periods experience cramps, some may experience them severely especially those with endometriosis or pelvic pain.

Some people may find a hot bath helps to relax and soothe cramps. It can also help if the pain is keeping you awake at night. CBD bath bombs work in a similar way to topical creams or lotions. The CBD is absorbed through the skin. They also release fragrant essential oils which help with relaxation.

Terpenes, which give plants their smell, can also boost the effects of CBD. Linalool, the terpene in lavender would be a great choice for a bath bomb to help with sleep or relaxation. While alpha-bisabolol and chamazulene are terpenes found in chamomile that have similar effects.

CBD tampons: best for direct application

Okay, hear us out on this one!

Vaginal absorption is one of the fastest ways to get a dose of CBD into the system. The walls of the vagina (the mucous membranes) absorb the CBD immediately into the bloodstream where it can get to work. So if you are feeling the effects and need a fast fix, then tampons may be a good option.

For those who may not want to or cannot insert a tampon, there are different topicals that can be applied in intimate areas. It may cause irritation to use your normal CBD oil or products that have not been designed for that area. Alternatively, CBD suppositories also work in both the vagina and anus.

The usual rules about changing tampons regularity still apply with the CBD versions. Toxic shock can still occur despite CBD’s antibacterial properties.

CBD skincare: best for acne

Our skin changes during our period and starts to become more oily. Sebum is natural oil produced by our bodies that increases during our cycle. Excess sebum, dirt and bacteria can build up to block pores creating acne or breakouts.

A study on women with oily skin showed that there was an increase in sebum during the week leading up to menstruation and the first week of their period. This then decreased to its lowest level during the second week of their menstrual cycle.