CBD for Nausea: Does It Really Help?

Combating nausea and vomiting is one of the best-known applications of CBD products - whether to reduce motion sickness, nausea as a symptom of migraines/other illnesses, or nausea as a side effect of chemotherapy. Especially when people already have to take many medications (e.g., for certain illnesses) or don't want to (e.g., during pregnancy), they often look for alternative treatment options. Studies show that CBD has great potential to become your everyday weapon against nausea.

In this article, we explain what makes taking CBD oil for nausea so effective, in which situations cannabidiol has shown particularly good efficacy, and when you should avoid taking CBD.

The endogenous cannabinoid system (endocannabinoid system or ECS) is an intrinsic regulatory system that controls many central functions of the nervous system and supports communication between cells.

In addition, the ECS is responsible for regulating nausea and vomiting. Various studies indicate that CBD, via the ECS, can have a calming effect on digestion and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, but also fullness, bloating, or diarrhea.

Crucial to the nausea-regulating effect is the fact that CBD acts on the 5-HT receptor - it belongs to the serotonin family of neurotransmitters. An increased serotonin level is suspected of causing or aggravating nausea. Reduced serotonin activity, on the other hand, can alleviate the feeling of nausea. ¹ ²

Motion sickness often manifests itself through a whole range of symptoms such as dizziness, cold sweats, and nausea. Conventional medications such as tablets or patches are often quite strong in their effects and usually cause drowsiness. Studies suggest that CBD could work in a similar way to conventional antiemetic (anti-nausea) agents, but without the sedative side effects of many common medications.³ ⁴

Beyond research, many users report that taking a few drops of CBD oil before starting a journey significantly alleviates symptoms. CBD oil in the form of drops, which are placed directly under the tongue, or as a handy CBD spray for on the go, is particularly practical. The effect usually sets in within 20 to 30 minutes and can therefore be used specifically before starting a journey.

Nausea during pregnancy, especially morning sickness in the first trimester, affects many women and can be very distressing. Conventional medications are usually not approved for pregnant women and are associated with possible risks, so many consider CBD as a possible alternative.

However, caution is advised here: the scientific data on CBD during pregnancy is insufficient to safely recommend its use. CBD is placenta-permeable, meaning it affects the embryo. Accordingly, you should avoid taking CBD for nausea during pregnancy.⁵

Home remedies like ginger (chewed fresh or as part of lozenges) are better suited to alleviate morning sickness. Small rituals, e.g., with CBD cosmetics, can also help you relax and do something good for yourself.

An area in which CBD is increasingly being researched is the relief of nausea and vomiting as a side effect of serious illnesses or therapies such as chemotherapy. Nausea and vomiting are among the most common and distressing side effects here and severely impair patients' quality of life. Studies therefore consider CBD as a possible support to promote the general well-being of patients and achieve better therapy tolerance.

For example, a 2020 study showed that CBD in combination with THC can effectively relieve nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients.⁶ However, even without THC, pure CBD in higher doses can have a calming effect on the gastrointestinal system.

Experiences of our customers

The correct CBD dosage is individual and depends on several factors, including the severity of nausea and personal tolerance. Generally, we recommend starting with a low dose (e.g., with a Full-spectrum CBD oil 5%) and gradually increasing it until the desired effect is achieved.

In addition to taking it approximately 20-30 minutes before the desired effect (e.g., before traveling), taking a few drops of CBD oil has proven effective in alleviating acute nausea attacks. Keep the oil in your mouth for a short time so that it can start to work through the mucous membranes before you swallow the rest.

If you don't like the typical CBD taste, we offer a CBD oil with curcumin and lemon. Turmeric is a well-known home remedy for nausea and gives the drops a very special taste.

If you frequently suffer from nausea, regular CBD intake, e.g., via our monthly subscription, is a good option. However, in this case, you should definitely consult a doctor to clarify possible causes for the frequent nausea.

In general: CBD is a particularly gentle aid against nausea, with hardly any side effects. This makes it particularly attractive for people who do not want to take strong medications or cannot tolerate their effects. Since CBD is neither intoxicating nor addictive, it is also suitable for long-term use and can thus be used against nausea in a variety of life situations.

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