5 CBD Products that Promise Better Periods

While we’re all about viewing periods through a positive lens—your cycle can be a helpful barometer of your overall health, after all—there’s no sugarcoating the fact that for many menstruating people, periods can be painful, disruptive, and downright difficult to deal with. Here’s where hemp can help: Cannabidiol, or CBD, is an active compound from the hemp or cannabis plant and may help with menstrual cycle pain, according to some scientific research and (lots of) anecdotal evidence.

The Low-Down on CBD and Menstrual Cycle Symptoms:

CBD is different from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the constituent of cannabis that gets you high. In fact, CBD has no psychoactive properties, but it is a potent anti-inflammatory with pain-relieving effects. Studies have shown that CBD actually inhibits the enzymes producing those pain-causing prostaglandins responsible for cramps. (Your trusty Advil or Motrin also act on prostaglandins, but come with side effects that can lead to gastrointestinal issues like leaky gut.) Thankfully, when you use CBD for menstrual cramps, there’s little to no risk of GI problems.

An added benefit of CBD’s anti-inflammatory powers? Amazingly, with continued usage, your body will actually start to produce fewer prostaglandins in the first place, which means way fewer future cramps for you.

Consider CBD part of your menstrual cycle toolbox. When used in combination with other natural period-pain healers such as magnesium, fish oil, and that old standby, the hot water bottle, the benefits are compounded. From tinctures to truffles, read on for our fave CBD period products to try before/during your moon cycle and be on your way to a more pleasant period.

For Minor Cramps

The Good Patch Period Patch: Pick the patch. When you’ve got a dull ache that’s annoying but not all-encompassing, the patch makes it much easier to go about your day. This one is formulated with 15mg of CBD from hemp extract.  Also in the mix: menthol for cooling relief, and black cohosh, an herb used for hormonal support during PMS to help with pain and moodiness.

Thanks to endocannabinoid receptors (the innate system in our bodies that responds to cannabinoids like CBD) in your skin, the transdermal application of CBD does really work. Apply the patch to your lower abdomen and wait for the good vibes to roll in—and keep on going for up to 24 hours.

For Mega Cramps

Foria Basics Suppositories: Break out the big guns with a vaginal CBD suppository. Inserted like a tampon, the good stuff goes straight to the source to provide quick relief from muscular tension and inflammation. Foria’s organic cocoa butter and 100mg CBD suppositories are broad-spectrum, which means they contain other cannabinoids aside from CBD (which has been shown to be more effective than isolated CBD alone).

For PMS-Induced Anxiety

Irie CBD Feminine Support Therapeutic Blend: Try a tincture. If your anxiety creeps up around the start of your period, try dosing with a CBD tincture product. Take a dropperful underneath your tongue or in a small amount of water each day the week before your period and for the duration of your period for best results. Because tincture delivery must go through the digestive system, you’ll want a potent product. We love that Irie’s blend boasts 250mg of CBD and also features evening primrose, a well-known hormone balancer.

For Cravings

Calivolve CBD Cherry Truffle: Oh, hi, chocolate. When nothing else will hit the spot, try a CBD truffle. Each Calivolve full-spectrum chocolate has 20mg of CBD, adaptogenic ashwagandha and energizing maca, plus you know, that other good stuff, like sugar and cocoa. Eat one and bliss out.

For Headaches

Life Flower Headache Elixir CBD Roll-On Oil: Ease headaches naturally with the Life Flower Headache Elixir CBD Roll-On Oil! This roll-on oil blend is infused with therapeutic-grade lavender, peppermint, frankincense, and eucalyptus, plus soothing CBD. A cleansed and charged quartz crystal chip inside amplifies the good vibes! Apply to the palms, wrists, temples, and bottoms of the feet as needed.

Do you use CBD for your period? Share in the comments–and shop more CBD products below from our beauty and wellness essentials!

(Featured image via @samwormser)

Jessica Waller is a health and wellness writer and clinical nutritionist with a passion for science-backed self-care. She’s always on the lookout for healthy-ish comfort-food recipes, statement shoes, and new wellness trends to obsess over (earthing, anyone?). Find her most recent musings on nutrition and self-care at WELLTRIBE.