Evidence supporting the use of: Cannabidiol
For the health condition: Headache (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, has garnered interest for its potential to support or treat headaches, including migraines and general headache disorders. While CBD has a long history of use in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments, its direct application specifically for headaches is primarily supported by emerging scientific evidence rather than a deep-rooted traditional use for this indication.
Preclinical studies suggest that CBD may exert analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, modulating serotonin receptors, and reducing neuroinflammation. These mechanisms could theoretically contribute to headache relief. However, robust clinical trials directly assessing the efficacy of CBD for headache management are limited. Some small studies and case reports have described potential benefits, particularly for migraine sufferers, but results are inconsistent and often confounded by the use of preparations containing both CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
Current systematic reviews and consensus statements from headache specialists generally conclude that evidence supporting CBD's use for headaches is insufficient and more high-quality, placebo-controlled studies are needed. Thus, while there is a plausible scientific rationale and preliminary data suggesting possible benefit, the strength of the evidence is low (rated 2 out of 5), and CBD cannot be considered a first-line or well-established treatment for headache disorders at this time.
Other ingredients used for Headache (general)
alpha-pinenegreen chiretta
apple
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
bamboo
basil
betel
black cumin
black tea
Indian frankincense
burdock
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
cucumber
turmeric
fennel
feverfew
ginger
ginseng
gooseberry
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
guayusa
jujube
kudzu
lavender
lemon
licorice root
lovage
magnesium
mint
moringa
mustard seed
peppermint oil
phellodendron amurense
purple butterbur root
quail egg
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rose oil
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
spearmint leaf
triphala
watermelon
white willow
zhejiang fritillary
cardamom
capsicum
Indian bael
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
anise
punarnava
commiphora
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
fumaria parviflora
rubia cordifolia
peony
lingusticum wallichii
morus
myrrh
root tuber
silk tree
chrysanthemum
amber
flowering quince
fern
ganoderma
sweetgums
morinda
birch
wintergreen
camphor oil
menthol oil
aster root
yerba mate
wood betony
paw paw
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
soursop
geranium
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Ambergris
Ardisia
Angelica
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
Asarum heterotropoides
Albizia
Aconite
Asafoetida
Ajuga
Aerva lanata
Agarwood
American Liverleaf
Anemone
Asam gelugor
Alsonia scholaris
Agrimonia pilosa
Acetylsalicylic acid
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Blue Flag
Bryonia
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Blepharis
Balsam
Bayleaf
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bael
Boswellia
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Banyan
Black willow
black salt
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Buddha's Hand
Borassus aethiopum
Black root
Bassia scoparia
Black Hellebore
Balloon Flower
Bergenia
Bottle gourd
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Cinnamomum
Clary sage
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Coriander
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cactus
Cinquefoil
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Cymbopogon Martini
Coca
Campylandra fimbriata
Centipeda
Corktree
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Cannabidiol
Calamus
Chinatree
Corydalis
Cynodon dactylon
Costus
Carthamus
Colocynth
cola nut
Celosia
Clerodendrum indicum
DIVI-DIVI
Dragonhead
Dichrostachys glomerata
European Elder
Erythropalum scandens
Erodium cicutarium
English Horsemint
Elephant's Head
Embelia
Eugenol
Goldthread
Galangal
Lotus
Little ironweed
Mustard
Mallow
Orchid
Potato
Prickly Pear Cactus
Poppy
Rose
Spikenard
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Sandalwood
Sumac
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
Vinegar
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Cannabidiol
AnxietyAnxiety Disorders
Arthritis
Autism
Backache
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Convulsions
Crohn's Disease
Depression
Dermatitis
Epilepsy
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Headache (general)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Insomnia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Migraine
Multiple Sclerosis
Nausea and Vomiting
Nerve Damage
Nervousness
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Pain (general remedies for)
Parkinson's Disease
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis