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The Science of Cannabis to Help Uncomfortable Periods

Cannabis has a long history of medicinal use, grown by our nomadic ancestors as long as 12,000 years ago. Research has shown us that these traditional uses have a firm scientific basis. Today, we’ll talk about how you can harness the power of cannabis to make your periods a little bit more comfortable. 

 

Common Period Symptoms Cannabis May Help Ease

If you’ve ever had a period, you know firsthand that it can be uncomfortable for many reasons. Most menstruating people experience some symptoms related to their period, ranging from mildly annoying to severe enough that they can interfere with daily life. 

 

No two people are the same, but some of the most common symptoms associated with menstruation are cramps and general soreness, gastrointestinal (GI) issues, sleep disruptions, and moodiness. 

 

Periods are a fact of life, but they don’t have to be uncomfortable; you can help yourself have a better period in several ways. Most of our favorite tips harness the connection between cannabis and menstruation. That being said, if your periods consistently interfere with your life, it’s best to consult a doctor.

 

Cannabis for Period Pain

Though periods are usually just associated with abdominal cramping, many people experience other types of pain during their time of the month, too. Headaches, back pain, joint discomfort, and breast tenderness are all common. 

 

Though we need more studies to figure out potential links between pain relief and cannabis, countless women swear by cannabis to help ease some of the discomforts that come with their period. It’s unclear why cannabis seems to help so many people with the discomfort their periods cause. Cannabis’s euphoric effects could make discomfort easier to deal with, or cannabis could interact with the endocannabinoid system in ways we don’t yet totally understand. 

 

If you want to try cannabis for period pain, rub a cannabis topical on your lower belly when feeling crampy or apply it anywhere else you’re experiencing menstrual discomfort. 

 

Cannabis, Stress and Your Menstrual Cycle

Difficult periods can be stressful, and consistently elevated stress levels can make your period even more difficult. Stress is associated with more painful, heavier, and irregular periods, so it’s essential to proactively regulate your stress levels to ensure a more comfortable period. 

 

When used mindfully, cannabis can be a great tool to help you de-stress. Try incorporating some cannabis-infused treats and some me-time into your routine to give yourself a chance to unwind at the end of the day. 

 

Cannabis and Sleep During Your Period

Getting enough restful sleep is another thing many struggle with, especially during that “time of the month.” Changes in hormone levels can lead to trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, especially before and during menstruation. Other period symptoms can make it hard to sleep, too — aches, a higher body temperature, and worries about bleeding on your sheets don’t make for a restful night of sleep. 

 

Practicing healthy sleep hygiene can help, but sometimes we need something more. Cannabis is purported to encourage restful sleep and help patients feel more well-rested. Getting a good night of sleep can help you decrease stress levels and make it easier to cope with any other period symptoms you’re experiencing. 

 

If you have trouble sleeping while on your period, try incorporating cannabis into a relaxing bedtime routine. Turn off your phone and computer, soak in a cannabis-infused and lavender-scented bath, and keep your bedroom cool, comfortable, and free from distractions. 

 

Cannabis for GI Upsets During Menstruation

Many people also experience upset stomachs at some point in their menstrual cycle. Fluctuating hormones can lead to bloating, irregularity, and nausea. These symptoms usually hit at the beginning of menstruation, but no two peoples’ cycles are the same. 

 

Cannabis has shown promise in helping with gastrointestinal discomfort. Many people find that cannabis helps them find some relief from common GI symptoms, especially those associated with menstruation, but more research is needed on the topic. 

 

If you want to see if cannabis can help occasional upset stomachs during your period, try a cannabis tincture. Mix it into peppermint or ginger tea for even more soothing plant power. 

 

Cannabis for a More Comfortable Period

Periods can be incredibly uncomfortable, but they don’t have to be. You can help make your period more bearable in many ways, including incorporating cannabis into your routine. 

Whoopi & Maya was specifically founded to help people have more comfortable periods with the power of cannabis. We offer a wide variety of different products so that you can find something that works for you and your body, and we’re honored to be a part of your menstrual wellness routine.

 

The statements made regarding these compounds and products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product.

The History of Cannabis for Menstruation and Period Cramping

That “time of the month,” “Aunt Flo,” “shark week” — no matter what you call it, periods can range from mildly annoying to severely painful. Over-the-counter medications and pharmaceutical painkillers can help, but more and more women are turning to natural remedies like herbal blends, superfoods, and cannabis. It might sound like a new development, but cannabis for period pain is not a recent phenomenon. Read on for stories of how cannabis has been used to support women’s health for generations. 

 

Cannabis as Women’s Medicine

The earliest recorded mention of cannabis dates back to 2800 BCE. Emperor Shen Nung, known as the “father of traditional Chinese medicine,” recorded various uses for cannabis in his pharmacopeia. 

Globally, cannabis was used as medicine through the early 20th century. Cannabis is in the traditional pharmacopeias of many civilizations and even appeared in The Pharmacopeia of the United States from 1850 through 1942. After decades of prohibition, medical cannabis use is resurging — especially among women. 

 

Women and Weed in History

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that women are increasingly turning to cannabis to ease period pains since our ancestors have been using the plant in this way for centuries. Here’s a brief overview of cannabis for menstruation throughout history. 

 

India, 3000 BCE: Ancient Ayurvedic traditions endorse the responsible use of cannabis to help with painful periods. 

Egypt, 1500 BCE: Cannabis is recommended to aid painful childbirth in the Ebers Papyrus. In the modern world, cannabis is not recommended for pregnant women. However, as period cramps are also mild uterine contractions, it makes sense that cannabis could help with painful periods. 

Persia, 800 BCE: Ancient Persian texts cite the use of cannabis to help “calm uterine pains.”

Siberia, 500 BCE: A mummified young woman, dubbed the Siberian “Ice Princess,” was found buried with cannabis. Recent scientific discoveries suggest that the woman had breast cancer, a bone infection, and injuries from a fall. With this posthumous diagnosis, she likely used cannabis to cope with severe pain. 

China, 1596: A book detailing traditional remedies, titled “Pen Ts’ao,” recommends cannabis as a potential treatment for menstrual disorders and discomfort. 

Great Britain, 1847: The Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal published a case study endorsing the use of cannabis for dysmenorrhœa or painful period cramps. The Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal later became the British Medical Journal, which is still in publication today. 

The United Kingdom, Late 18th Century: Queen Victoria was reportedly prescribed cannabis. The monarch suffered from painful periods for much of her adult life, and her personal physician is said to have administered her monthly doses of cannabis to help her manage the pain. 

 

Cannabis for Menstruation Today

As medical cannabis experiences a legal resurgence and natural remedies become more popular, more women gravitate towards cannabis, herbs, and plant medicines to help manage their painful periods. Many cannabis products are even made by and marketed toward women. 

There is little research on the connection between cannabis and period pain, but that’s hardly a surprise; Both cannabis and menstruation are still often seen as taboo. Despite the lack of clinical trials, countless women report that cannabis has helped them to manage painful periods. According to a 2015 study, 90% of women who use cannabis to ease their periods say it is effective at reducing pain.

There is substantial research to suggest that cannabis can effectively help manage pain. There’s no reason this can’t apply to menstrual pain as well. Whether Mother Nature gifts you with cramps, headaches, or general aches and pains, cannabis could be a promising option to help you get through that time of the month a little bit easier.