Loading...Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabigerol (CBG) are both plant-based compounds derived from the Cannabis Sativa L. plant. They have many therapeutic properties that may be beneficial for various conditions. Both act as pain relievers and help reduce inflammation therefore may help to decrease severe menstrual cramps and ultimately ease period pain.
This article will discuss the benefits of CBD and CBG for premenstrual pain management. Along with how they work and their usage.
How do CBD and CBG work?
The cannabis plant contains over 100 biologically active substances called cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG). CBD and CBG are both non-intoxicating substances.
CBD and CBG are both increasing in popularity within the health and wellness sector due to their potential therapeutic effects. This is because these substances both interact with our very own endocannabinoid system (ECS) – the ECS plays a major role in managing things like pain perception, appetite and mood to name a few.
“As the master regulator, the ECS controls a broad array of physiological processes like wound healing, blood pressure, pain perception, brain cell production, glucose metabolism, and immune function to control inflammation.” – (projectcbd: 2022)
When taken orally, both CBD and CBG work by binding to and modulating the cannabinoid receptors located in the ECS (CB1 and CB2). Because the ECS is practically located in all major organs within the body like our nervous system, reproductive areas, brain etc. CBD and CBG can be involved in regulating processes including appetite, pain response, and memory [1].
This is why CBD and CBG may produce anti-inflammatory effects, ultimately helping reduce period cramps[2]. Additionally, when CBD and CBG are combined, they may even further enhance the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. This is particularly true for mood disorders (Ferber et. Al 2020)
What are the benefits of CBG?
CBG is must less popular than its cousin CBD so not much is known on this compound. However, what is available seems promising. According to one recent study, CBG seems to have a positive impact on neurological disorders, including Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis [3].
In addition, it helps relieve pain associated with other health conditions like glaucoma, colon and several different types of cancer.
It also has anti-inflammatory properties that effectively help with inflammatory bowel diseases and pelvic inflammatory disease. Because of this, CBG can also help relieve severe cramps and menstrual pain. Cannabigerol (CBG) is another cannabinoid that has medicinal value as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, bone stimulant, and cancer-fighting molecule (ProjectCBD: 2021).
PMS and period pains
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is an emotional and physical state that involves various negative symptoms that affect 4 in 5 females of menstrual age. They tend to experience symptoms before their period begins. It occurs due to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle.
Some will experience PMS symptoms like period cramps, bloating, mood swings, irritability, headaches, sleeplessness and more on a monthly basis before their periods hit [4].
Most of the time, women are simply told to endure the pain as “it’s part of being a woman”. But naturally, for many, the symptoms are too severe to just “endure”. Because of this, most women result in taking painkillers or other similar drugs. However, it is becoming more common now that natural remedies like cannabinoids (CBD and CBG) can also act to help tackle these conditions (projectcbd: 2020).
How can CBD and CBG help relieve menstrual cramps or period pain?
The good news is that many preliminary findings suggest that regular use of CBG and CBD may help alleviate most PMS symptoms, including period cramps, chronic pain and headaches.
According to one study, CBD used during PMS helped reduce chronic and acute lower abdominal pain [5].
According to survey completed by 452 women, it was reported that CBD had them feeling “much better” during their hormonal conditions. With headaches, cramps, pelvic and abdominal pain being the top 4 most positively affected symptoms by CBD. This survey concluded that “…people taking CBD for hormonal conditions also reported using CBD for pain (76%), and sleep problems (69%).” (projectcbd: survey)
Doctors often prescribe different drugs for menstrual cramps which may cause unwanted side-effects. That’s why, at times it may be preferable to use plant-based remedies that may have much lower risks attached to them.
How to use CBD and CBG?
CBD and CBG can be used in different ways. There are few supplements available that are known for helping manage pain symptoms, however, illumis – PMS formula was specifically designed to help manage menstrual-related symptoms such as pain, mood and sleeplessness.
The most common an effective way if ingesting sub-lingually. That is taking it under the tongue and holding it for maximum absorption before swallowing.
It can also be taken in capsule form, or its gummies are available in the market in different flavors. It is also available in patch form that can be directly applied to the skin at a specific area of pain.
Final Thoughts
PMS affects at least 3 out of every 4 women. Self-care measures such as exercising regularly, getting quality sleep, and maintaining a healthy diet may offer relief. Additionally, CBD and CBG products are increasingly becoming a popular choice for alleviating PMS symptoms. Research on the effectiveness of CBD and CBG for pain in PMS is still limited. However, preliminary studies have found that the two cannabinoids may relieve acute and chronic pain without causing any adverse side effects.
References
1. CGB vs. CBD: Differences and therapeutic benefits [Internet]. www.medicalnewstoday.com. 2022 [cited 2022 Nov 8]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cgb-vs-cbd
2. Navarro G, Varani K, Reyes-Resina I, Sánchez de Medina V, Rivas-Santisteban R, Sánchez-Carnerero Callado C, et al. Cannabigerol Action at Cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 Receptors and at CB1–CB2 Heteroreceptor Complexes. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2018 Jun 21;9.
3. Nachnani R, Raup-Konsavage WM, Vrana KE. The Pharmacological Case for Cannabigerol. The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics [Internet]. 2021 Feb 1 [cited 2022 Nov 8];376(2):204–12. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33168643/
4. PMS Symptoms | How to Relieve Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms [Internet]. www.plannedparenthood.org. [cited 2022 Nov 8]. Available from: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/menstruation/what-can-i-do-about-cramps-and-pms
5. Cavner JP, Smith F, Gray B. Is CBD A Viable Option for Menstrual Symptoms? Online Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine [Internet]. 2019 Nov 19 [cited 2022 Nov 8];2(5):1–3. Available from: https://irispublishers.com/ojcam/fulltext/is-cbd-a-viable-option-for-menstrual-symptoms.ID.000548.php
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