Five Cannabis Strains For Treating Menstrual Symptoms
For the modern woman, menstruation is no reason to slow down. Cannabis has specific mechanisms that help treat the causes of menstrual symptoms. These five cannabis strains are specifically chosen to help relieve period cramps and PMS, helping you remain active, happy, and pain-free during that time of the month.
As female potheads know, cannabis can be a useful tool in reducing period-related symptoms.
Period cramps can be incredibly painful. In 2016, one doctor[1] compared the magnitude of period pain to that of a heart attack. Period pain varies from woman to woman—some are debilitated by their period cramps, while others don’t experience any pain at all. For others, PMS is the greater evil: the lethargy, depression, and fogginess that precede a period make many women long for their time of the month to begin.
Weed is effective at treating both forms of menstrual malady. Before we explore our five symptom-treating strains, let’s get into some background on the mechanisms of menstrual issues, and their connection to cannabis.
WHAT CAUSES MENSTRUAL CRAMPS?
During menstruation, the body releases prostaglandins, which cause the uterine muscles to contract and expel the uterine lining. Higher levels of prostaglandins can be associated with pain and inflammation, leading to the dreaded cramps. Some doctors theorise that period pain is caused by violent uterine contractions that press against nearby blood vessels and cut off oxygen flow to the uterus and nearby organs. Recent research[2] suggests that period pain may be linked to inflammation. Period cramps are characterised by pain in the lower belly, and can also be associated with nausea, pain in the thighs, back pain, and constipation. Period pain is most common in women under 30.
Period cramps can also be caused by medical conditions like endometriosis, unequal leg length, and ovarian cysts. If you experience severe, debilitating period cramps and suspect you may have one of these conditions, please seek medical attention. In this article, we’ll be primarily focused on period cramps unrelated to these issues.
Cannabis may play a direct role in addressing the mechanisms causing period cramps. Cannabis has anti-inflammatory effects, and may act on the prostaglandin system itself[3]. Research shows that THC can also act as a muscle relaxant[4], thereby helping to treat cramps indirectly. The uterus also happens to be rich in endocannabinoid receptors, and it’s likely that phytocannabinoids (from the cannabis plant) can help regulate and restore healthy uterine functioning.
WHAT CAUSES PMS?
PMS is caused by low hormone levels leading up to menstruation. Symptoms of PMS can include cramps, bloating, headaches, constipation, low sex drive, depression, mental fog, and mood swings. PMS can occur any time between ovulation and menstruation, though it’s most common in the few days leading up to menstruation. As we’ll see, certain cannabis strains can address symptoms directly.
FIVE STRAINS FOR TREATING MENSTRUAL SYMPTOMS
1. SOLOMATIC CBD
If you don't want a traditional cannabis high, Solomatic CBD is the way to go. This strain boasts 22% CBD and under 1% THC, giving you a massive CBD content, without the THC buzz. A combination of a Diesel CBD strain and an Asia CBD Auto, Solomatic CBD hits with a nice clean and crisp effect accompanied by a smooth and citrusy-sweet flavour. Ideal for when you are on the go and don't want to be bogged down with a high!
Solomatic CBD
2. WHITE WIDOW
White Widow is a balanced sativa-indica hybrid, famous for its uplifting and relaxing effects. If you’re suffering from PMS-related mood swings and depression, White Widow could be exactly the mood boost you need. The high of White Widow can be a cerebral, creative, and sometimes almost psychedelic experience; if you’re looking to tap into the mystic power of menstruation, this strain could be the way to go.
Buy White Widow
3. SOUR DIESEL
This famous sativa is the strain to select if you want to treat your menstrual symptoms and still go about your day. Sour Diesel combines an energising, uplifting, and cerebral high with powerful pain-relieving effects. Sour Diesel might even give you the boost you need to get some exercise, which has been shown to reduce cramps and mood-related symptoms. So long as you have Sour Diesel on your side, there’s no need to slow down during your period.
Buy Sour Diesel
4. ROYAL CHEESE
If you’re looking for a strain to knock you out—along with your symptoms!—Royal Cheese is the way to go. Royal Cheese carries a powerful, THC-fuelled high, granting this indica-dominant hybrid powerful pain-fighting properties. If you want to curl up with a movie and wait out the worst part of your period, consider bringing Royal Cheese along for the ride.
Buy Royal Cheese (Fast Flowering)
5. SHINING SILVER HAZE
Shining Silver Haze is a contemplative, uplifting strain—perfect for a calm day at home carrying out gentle tasks. The serene, positive energy of Shining Silver Haze is great for addressing any mood-related issues, and will put the damper on your monthly aches and pains. Check out Shining Silver Haze for a strain that combines the energy of a sativa with the relaxation of an indica.
Period pain and monthly moodiness can suck, but you no longer have to suffer in silence. These cannabis strains can be your allies in the effort to stay comfortable, productive, and happy, even during that fateful time of the month.
Buy Shining Silver Haze
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.
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