Nausea is regulated by the Endocannabinoid System (ECS); the largest receptor network in humans and animals, responsible for the regulation of various important functions such as sleep, mood, appetite, and hormone production. In addition to supporting anandamide (AEA – a neurotransmitter produced in the brain), Cannabidiol (CBD) activates serotonin, and in doing so helps relieves nausea. Serotonin is found in the human central nervous system, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and in the bloodstream.
By interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the GI tract, CBD relaxes the tissue, alleviating the discomfort and nausea caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and has shown to considerably reduce nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
Nausea occurs when the brain detects a harmful agent in the body, prompting vomiting. This is the body’s way of attempting to get rid of the toxin. Although, that doesn’t always mean the body is correct – car sickness and low blood pressure, for example, don’t involve any toxic agents. Vomiting serves as a protective defense mechanism, and although miserable and extremely unpleasant, it can be therapeutic however, nausea and vomiting are not always short-term and can range from slightly uncomfortable to incapacitating and are often unavoidable side effects of various other treatments or medications.
Studies have shown that by activating neurotransmitters in the brain, CBD helps reduce the sensation of nausea. This has proven to be helpful to people undergoing chemotherapy, as many people believe it to be more effective than some traditional medicines in helping you manage the angst of chronic nausea and vomiting. Additionally, when used to relieve nausea, CBD prevents the natural cannabinoid, Anandamide (AEA) from breaking down the body’s essential fatty acids. This combined with boosting serotonin helps relieve nausea, completely naturally without any harmful or intoxicating effects.
If there is no clear reason for your nausea and it lasts for more than a day or two, it could be more serious and you should chat with your doctor to check if there is an underlying problem.
