How Cannabidiol (CBD) Helps My Endometriosis By Jessie M. Fletcher 27/4/18
I am currently experiencing an endometriosis
flare-up. My right ovary has decided to
remind me of its presence via throbbing,
stabbing pains, and my uterus feels like it’s
tearing apart. This is when my pain-relief
weapons come into action, and cannabinoids
take centre stage.
I took strong painkillers for years, mainly
high doses of ibuprofen.
I knew I was playing with fire, since this type
of anti-inflammatory can damage the lining of
our stomachs.
However, suffering chronically crippling
pains, the only way I could hold a job and pay
bills was through strong medication.
Years have passed, and now my gut is a war
zone.
I have made changes in my diet, but also had
to quit ibuprofen.
That’s when cannabidiol (CBD) came into
play. CBD is a cannabinoid (a cannabis
compound). “CBD oil” is an extract mixed
with a carrier oil. It also comes in pill form,
and some people even vape it.
It has the numbing effect one associates with
weed, but leaves out the THC element, which
means no psychoactive (“stoned”) effects.
It’s very good at reducing the intensity of
pain. If like me, you experience severe levels
of pain, CBD may not get rid of it completely,
but it can provide a lot of relief.
CBD is a superhero when it comes to
migraines and anxiety.
Taken orally as an oil, its taste is very strong
and not particularly pleasant, but it can be
mixed with anything you eat or drink.
Depending on its concentration and potency,
you may only require a single drop each time
— start small.
Cannabis is becoming an increasingly hot
topic in the world of endometriosis.
In the U.S., most states still don’t include
symptoms of endometriosis within their
qualifying conditions to obtain medical
marijuana.
But projects like Know Your Endo are
working to increase awareness on this subject,
and Oscar-winning actress Whoopi Goldberg
has launched a line of cannabis-based
products aimed at women suffering from
menstrual issues.
New Zealand plans to hold a referendum so
that its citizens can decide on legalising the
personal use of cannabis, which could enable
those with chronic conditions to obtain
medicinal cannabis.
I live in the U.K., where CBD is legal,
although the NHS (Britain’s public health
system) does not fund or prescribe it.
There have been some isolated cases of
doctors prescribing it to epilepsy patients, and
while it can be easily bought online or at some
health shops, it’s not cheap.
I am writing this from my bed, having taken
some CBD with my lunch, which is enabling
me to function.
I wish I had known about CBD before.
It would have probably saved me from
destroying my gut with strong, synthetic
medication.