It’s finally the weekend, and time to kick back, relax and generally have a good time. For many of us that will, undoubtedly, involve enjoying a nice, refreshing alcoholic beverage (or five). However, most of us will pay for the indulgence with headaches, nausea and unbearable anxiety. But can CBD help us to cope with these common hangover symptoms?
In an already under-researched area, potential as a hangover cure is not a main priority for CBD research – let’s be reasonable. However, there is a growing catalogue of anecdotal evidence that Cannabidiol could be the answer to restoring you to yourself, whatever that may be, more quickly.
Through the great self-experiment encyclopedia that is the world wide web, we found that a number of willing guinea pigs have taken the initiative to test the CBD Vs hangover theory, and our office is no exception. As CBD has been declared as a safe substance with minimal side effects, we can confirm that no guinea pigs were harmed in these analyses.
Generally, the effects have been positive, and leave the possibility that some will start to take up this new hangover remedy. But how does it work? Well, despite there being no studies on CBD Vs hangovers, there are plenty on it’s effects on anxiety, nausea and headaches. A helpful coincidence.
CBD and Anxiety
Possibly one of the most explored areas of Cannabidiol research is it’s use as an anti-anxiety treatment. Studies in this area support the theory that CBD has anxiolytic effects on the human brain. This is down to it’s ability to boost serotonin levels (one of the chemicals responsible for producing feelings of happiness).
We’ve all been there, waking up after a big night with an overbearing feeling of anxiety and dread. If CBD works for you when tackling anxiety, this could make it invaluable as a hangover remedy.
CBD and Nausea
The science behind how CBD works is often exceedingly complicated and even scientists don’t always fully understand it. However, to put it simply, it is believed that it can activate serotonin receptors in the dorsal raphe nucleus. This leads to a reduction of serotonin being released in terminal forebrain regions. What is important in this context though, is that CBD is widely accepted to have anti-nausea and vomiting effects. It is even quoted to be a possible treatment for chemotherapy-induced nausea.
CBD and Headaches
Most studies focus on medical Cannabis (THC and all) when assessing its effects on headaches or migraines. However, it is believed that CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may be useful in tackling any kind of pain. This includes head pain, such as those associated with hangover headaches.
To conclude, we are not suggesting you rely solely on your CBD products for hangover relief, but they may offer some added benefits. So, continue to drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food, but maybe consider how CBD could also help.
