Since the dawn of time, women everywhere have been trying to find ways for periods to be less painful. They’ve tried almost anything to ease their monthly pain, from acupuncture to heating pads, without much success. Let’s face it, painkillers and hot water bottles don’t always cut it. They barely take the edge off, especially if you experience debilitating period symptoms. However, thanks to some forward-thinking individuals, there is a new contender in town: CBD tampons.
Table of Contents
What are CBD tampons, and how do they work?
CBD tampons resemble and feel like normal tampons, except for one important factor. Unlike regular tampons, CBD tampons contain – you guessed it – CBD. The key difference is that CBD tampons may provide pain relief by allowing a small amount of cannabidiol to be absorbed by the vaginal mucosa. The CBD then enters the bloodstream and gets to work fast.
CBD interacts with our endocannabinoid system after it enters the bloodstream, triggering the natural cannabinoid receptors found in our body, which help reduce inflammation and pain, two of the most overwhelming symptoms of menstruation.
So not only do CBD tampons do the job of absorbing blood during menstruation, but they may also provide some respite from intense symptoms.
The benefits of CBD tampons
Regrettably, there is no scientific research on the effects CBD has on period pain, which means there is a lack of sufficient evidence to determine whether CBD tampons are a successful treatment for it. However, what we do know is that there are countless studies highlighting the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of CBD, and there is a myriad of scientific evidence from this research that suggests CBD has the potential to help ease pain caused by a variety of conditions, such as arthritis and MS.
Furthermore, the sheer amount of anecdotal accounts claiming that CBD tampons help make periods less painful is astounding. A simple Google search for CBD tampon reviews shows how popular these nifty little products have become. It could be a game changer for people with extreme period symptoms.
Are CBD tampons safe?
CBD tampons are generally considered to be safe, although there are a few things you need to be cautious about. You should not use any CBD product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. There is simply not enough research to suggest how it will affect mother and baby, and it’s just not worth the risk without more research. Furthermore, speak to your doctor before using CBD tampons if you have a medical condition or are on any medication, as CBD may interact with it.
Do CBD tampons have any side effects?
The potential side effects of CBD tampons are largely similar to those of regular tampons. The vagina is extremely sensitive, which means anything inserted into it has the potential to irritate it and even cause infection. Any symptoms that appear after placing a product into your vagina need to be taken seriously, especially if you feel like you have the flu, which can be an indicator of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Although rare, tampon use can result in TSS, a potentially life-threatening complication caused by bacteria entering the body and releasing harmful toxins. The best way to avoid toxic shock syndrome is by changing your tampon often (at least once every 8 hours) and using products with lower absorbency. If you have good hygiene habits, you should be safe from TSS.
Although rare, the CBD found in cannabidiol tampons can cause a few minor side effects, such as:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhoea
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Light-headedness
However, many users believe the pros far outweigh the typically minor cons.
Can CBD tampons get you high?
CBD is the non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis, which means it cannot get you high. However, its cousin, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is intoxicating and can cause a high if used in large quantities. Fortunately, CBD tampons are usually THC-free, and even if they do contain THC, these are in trace amounts and not strong enough to get you high.
So the answer is no, CBD tampons can't get you high.
Are CBD tampons legal?
With all the rules and regulations surrounding cannabis products, it’s only natural if you’re wondering whether these nifty tampons are legal in the UK. Fortunately, CBD tampons are legal, as long as they don’t contain more than 1 mg of THC, the maximum amount legally allowed to be in a product.
How to use CBD tampons
Cannabidiol tampons are used the same way as regular tampons, so simply insert them as you usually would.
Just keep in mind that you should begin with a low dose when you start using CBD tampons. The majority of brands offer various dosages, so pick a product with the lowest amount of CBD. By doing so, you allow your body to get used to CBD and have the opportunity to monitor how your body reacts to the cannabinoid. You can then gradually increase your dosage to find what works for you.
Remember, CBD affects everyone differently, so you can have a very different experience from someone else, depending on your dosage and the way you use it. Don’t give up if you are dissatisfied with the results after your first try. Simply experiment by increasing or reducing your dosage until you find the sweet spot.
Are CBD tampons right for you?
Without concrete scientific evidence, it can be challenging to say who CBD tampons will work for or whether they are right for you. The truth is, you’ll have to try it for yourself to know, but with the many positive accounts that claim CBD tampons make experiencing periods much easier, and no side effects reported so far, you can confidently try these CBD products to see results for yourself.
However, it is vital that you consider the following when buying CBD tampons:
- Ingredients: Read the list of ingredients to ensure the product doesn’t contain any ingredients that may be irritating or to which you are allergic.
- Lab testing: Only use CBD tampons that have been third-party lab tested. This is when an independent lab verifies the ingredients of a product and is how you know a brand is trustworthy and transparent. You can find these test results on the brand’s website.
- Reviews: Read a few reviews on Trustpilot or elsewhere to see what other people are saying about a product. You’ll be able to decide whether it is good enough to try or a waste of time.
- Strength: Which strength of CBD should you be using? Well, as we mentioned above, if you are new to CBD, starting low and increasing dosage slowly is best. However, if you are a regular CBD user, you can start with a slightly higher dose.
Ultimately, it is up to you whether you use CBD tampons. However, if you suffer each month from debilitating symptoms, these innovative cannabidiol products could be the answer to your prayers.
How to choose the right CBD tampons
There are a number of CBD tampons on the market right now, and as they rise in popularity, there is bound to be an influx soon. But being spoilt for choice is not always a good thing. With so many options, how do you know which ones you can trust?
To ensure you buy premium quality CBD tampons from reputable companies, here are the two most important steps you should take:
- Get to know the brand: Do your research on the brand you want to buy from. Look at whether they are providing enough information to be considered a trustworthy company. Also, read reviews on the company to see what other customers have to say about them.
- Only buy from a company that provides a certificate of analysis (COA): A COA provides proof that an independent lab tested the product and found it to be a safe, high-quality product that contains everything it claims on the label.
We highly recommend Daye and OHNE, which provide super absorbent organic CBD tampons for easier periods.
Key takeaways
While we still have much to learn about CBD tampons, stellar reviews have made them a must-have product for anyone that struggles with period symptoms. Try these cannabidiol tampons and see if they work. You may just find a way to have a happier period.
