When that time of the month comes around, more woman are asking “is CBD a pms treatment,” followed by “I have PMS cramps,… what do I do?” You’re not the first person to ask those questions, and you certainly won’t be the last!
When we talk about periods, most of us tend to shy away from the topic but there’s no reason to. Opening the conversation and knowing all there is to know about your period will help you make informed decisions about managing it better and also keeping it under control.
Many women around the world experience menstrual cramps, or PMS on a monthly basis. It’s not fun. The symptoms are all too familiar: bloating, headaches, mood swings, and even pain in certain areas of your body (like your back). This is one reason why prescriptions for pain relievers have increased from 90 million in 1991 to over 200 million today.
Many women try to self-medicate with prescription drugs instead of trying all-natural solutions such as CBD for PMS; treatment that may help relieve symptoms they experience during their menstrual cycle. If you hate this time of the month as much as we do, then you’ll be happy to know that there are a handful of holistic solutions that can help make your time of the month more tolerable.
What are common symptoms of PMS?
PMS symptoms are usually a blend of emotional and physical. According to the Mayo Clinic, common symptoms of PMS are:
- Anxiety
- Depressed mood
- Mood swings and irritability or anger
- Trouble falling asleep (insomnia)
- Social withdrawal
- Poor concentration
- Joint or muscle pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Abdominal bloating
- PMS Cramps
Apply Heat to Pain Points
Before we get into talking about CBD as a PMS treatment, let’s talk about HEAT ????! Heat is one of the best ways to reduce PMS cramps. There are a few different methods on how you can apply heat depending on what you have available. First, if you have a hot water bottle or heating pad, place it directly onto your abdomen and lower back for at least 20 minutes each day during your period. This will help with muscle relaxation and pain management. Don’t have a heating pad? You can find some on Amazon for a good price, or you can simply take a bath! Start the water and fill your bathtub with warm water and soak for a half-hour. Bath soaks, such as our Nighttime CBD Bath Soak, are a great addition for the perfect self-care ritual.
Try an Essential Oil Massage for PMS Cramps
PMS cramps can be a crippling pain that no one wants to experience. As you become older, this kind of cramping becomes more common as women are approaching menopause. When we talk about muscle spasms and cramping, the first thing everyone thinks of is heating pads or hot water bottles but have you ever thought about massaging with essential oils? Aromatherapy massage has been used by people for centuries to treat many ailments like acne, PMS symptoms, and depression just to name a few. Simply choose a pure essential oil, (we love combining Chamomile and Lavender!) and add it to a carrier oil such as castor oil, coconut oil, or almond oil. This will allow the herbs and essential oils to be easily absorbed into your skin as you massage the areas that are experiencing cramps.
Eat Well and Stay Hydrated to Relieve PMS Symptoms
The best time to begin eating healthier is now! Some women experience stronger PMS cramps than others and this is usually due to a number of factors including diet, exercise routine, stress levels, hormone levels (estrogen), hydration level, and more. Fatty foods, alcohol, carbonated beverages, and caffeine are all enemies to a good period. These can make you nauseous and give your body aches that will definitely ruin your day. Be sure to avoid these bad triggers of cramps and pains during menstruation. Overload your diet with plenty of fiber-rich whole grains fruits vegetables and lean proteins.
Drinking water is an important part of living a healthy life, but it can also help make your cramps more bearable. When you have PMS cramps and feel like you want to lay in bed for the day, drinking enough water will keep your body from retaining sodium and fluid. This means that when you do get up, you won’t be as bloated or swollen because your body didn’t retain excess fluids.
Keep It Movin’ Even On Your Period
Exercise releases endorphins and reduces cramps in addition to boosting self-confidence. According to a study published by Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, researchers found that women who exercised moderately for 40 minutes or more twice a week had significantly fewer menstrual pain symptoms than those who did not exercise during their period. It is usually recommended to start with walking for a few minutes every day and gradually increasing with time.
Want to exercise at home but have no gym equipment? Try a low-impact workout such as yoga! Yoga helps to reduce stress and anxiety, giving you a head start on feeling better from the moment you hit the mat.
Herbal Supplements for PMS Treatment
Period pain is a natural part of being a woman. However, it can take its toll on your well-being and activities. It is important to schedule a time for yourself to help manage the symptoms associated with period pain and cramps. In addition to lifestyle changes such as drinking lots of water, exercising often, getting enough sleep, and eating healthy food choices – you may find that adding some herbal supplements works wonders!
CURCUMIN
Curcumin comes from Turmeric, which has long been used as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. Turmeric is a spice used in curry dishes that boasts so many health benefits, it’s no wonder we see it in everything from supplements to face masks. It has been known for centuries as an anti-inflammatory agent, but only recently have scientists discovered why this nutrient is so powerfully good for your body. Turmeric contains high levels of curcumin, which is the main active component of turmeric. Curcumin is a natural, plant-based compound that has been used for thousands of years in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Curcumin was shown by scientists to be effective at preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease by reducing the formation of amyloid plaques (toxic protein fragments) found.
GINGER
Ginger is a commonly used spice in Asia and other parts of the world. Its ability to soothe pain, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion has made it popular with people who suffer from digestive problems. It’s also been used effectively as an anti-inflammatory treatment for arthritis patients. Ginger is widely available in herb shops and supermarkets around the world, but what you need to know about this common “root” may surprise you!
Ginger has many natural health benefits but for period cramps some of the most useful is its potential to reduce inflammation and pain. If you suffer from menstrual cramps it can help ease the pain by activating TRPV1 receptors in your body. Ginger also helps stimulate blood flow which reduces swelling and bloating during women’s monthly cycle.
PRIMROSE OIL
Another all-natural but less-known remedy for period pain is Primrose Oil! Primrose oil is an essential fatty acid supplement derived from the seeds of evening primrose plants. This type of oil has been used for centuries as a means to ease many ailments. It can help in reducing your menstrual cycles and PMS symptoms, like leg cramping and mood swings. You can use it on its own or add it to your favorite smoothie recipe.
CBD OIL
Is CBD a PMS treatment? While many forms of CBD are a good choice, let’s talk about CBD oil for PMS. CBD oil (also know as a CBD Tincture) has been used by people all over the world for thousands of years to treat a variety of different ailments. However, in recent years it’s become increasingly popular as a natural way to relieve pain and cramps associated with menstruation. Most women find ingesting CBD to be one of the go-to forms to relieve their PMS symptoms, whether it be in the form of gummies, capsules, or tinctures.
Hempzilla made a tincture specifically designed with PMS relief in mind.
What’s in the Hempzilla Citrus Vanilla Flow CBD Tincture?
The Hempzilla Flow Tincture is a powerful combination of period-pain natural solutions such as Primrose Oil, Ginger, Clary Sage, Lavender, and broad-spectrum CBD. Refer to the table below for more info:
| Ingredient | Genus, species and processing info | Does it help PMS symptoms? |
|---|---|---|
| CBD (organic and non-GMO, made in the USA) | Broad-Spectrum Hemp Extract Cannabidiol | Anxiety, mood swings, inflammation, muscle pain |
| Organic Evening Primrose Seed Oil | Oenothera Biennis | Bloating, cramps |
| Organic Ginger Essential Oil | Zingiber Officinale | Reduces cramps, swelling, bloating. Improved blood flow in the body. Calms upset stomaches. |
| Lemon Balm Essential Oil | Melissa Officinalis | Anxiety, stress, insomnia, indigestion |
| Organic Lavender Essential Oil | Lavandula Angustifolia | Promotes calmness and wellness |
| Clary Sage Essential Oil | Salvia Sclarea | A study revealed that women who inhaled clary sage essential oil experienced feelings of relaxation and it helped to reduce their blood pressure during a stressful scenario |
| Stevia Leaf Extract | Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni | Extract from the Stevia plant is used in for a light sweet taste that’s low in calories |
| Non-GMO and organic Hemp | Broad-Spectrum | Studies have shown that organic consumables like produce, food products, and medicinal tinctures have greater health benefits than those that were conventionally grown and processed. |
All of Hempzilla’s non-toxic ingredients are designed to ease your cramps and bloating while also reducing the pain associated with periods. The result is a soothing experience that will make your time of the month a better experience, especially when combined with the tips and tricks above! Try CBD for PMS and don’t look back!
Have your own tips and tricks for a better time of the month? Follow us on social at @hempzillacbd and share your tips!