Buying and Using CBD for Nausea

Is nausea a big and irritating part of your life that you would try anything to get rid of? It could be time to give CBD a go. People are skeptical about the benefits of CBD for nausea. However, research suggests that CBD can bring plenty of benefits and potential ail treatment without the “high” effect. Let me show you how to find the best CBD for nausea. 

Bottom Line Upfront

The NuLeaf Full Spectrum CBD Oil is one of my top recs because it’s a trusted brand with great products. I haven’t used them personally, but my husband has to treat nausea that comes with his chronic illness. I highly recommend it!

Top Picks 

What Causes Nausea?

Nausea is stomach discomfort combined with the desire to vomit. When people feel nauseous, it’s usually a sign that they will vomit.  The illness has a variety of origins and is frequently preventable.

There is a multitude of reasons why people might feel nauseous, including but not limited to:

Food poisoning
Pregnancy
Eating disorders
Migraines
Phobias
Motion sickness
GERD
Certain medication
Anxiety and stress
Thyroid disorders
Certain viruses. 

Nausea originates in the brainstem, specifically in the medulla oblongata region. It’s in charge of several of our autonomic (involuntary) activities, including sneezing, breathing, and throwing up.

In the event of nausea, the brain triggers the desire to vomit in an attempt to cleanse the digestive tract of poisonous chemicals, infectious agents, or by accident as a result of aberrant neurological activity associated with brain tumors or migraines. 

Is CBD Good for Nausea?

Much of the study on CBD and nausea focuses on its potential advantages for cancer patients. Vomiting and nausea are frequently reported as side effects of chemotherapy.

CBD has been shown in animal tests to help alleviate nausea through its interaction with serotonin receptors. This hormone affects how you feel, specifically your mood and overall sense of well-being.

While CBD may reduce nausea, researchers believe that THC, the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, is more effective at alleviating nausea and vomiting.

Additionally, human studies indicate that a combination of CBD and THC may provide nausea alleviation in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy can also affect appetite, which cannabis might aid with. The FDA has approved two synthetic cannabis-derived medications for chemotherapy-induced vomiting and nausea: Dronabinol and Nabilone.

The Pros and Cons of CBD for Nausea

As with every other product on the market, using CBD for nausea has advantages and drawbacks that potential users need to be made aware of:

Pro: Compared to other prescription medication types, CBD has very few side effects. 
Con: Oral CBD products are usually difficult to ingest by people who already feel nauseous. 
Pro: Studies on CBD suggest that it can have multiple other benefits, including chronic pain alleviation. 
Con: One of the side effects of CBD consumption is limited appetite, which could be detrimental to people that suffer from nausea. 

Is CBD or THC Best for Nausea?

Cannabis is an effective anti-nausea and anti-vomiting medication. It operates via various processes that affect the brain’s nausea center, as well as indirect mechanisms that help manage a number of the underlying causes of nausea.

The most important effect of cannabis on nausea is THC, the primary psychoactive ingredient found in the cannabis plant. THC activates the CB1 receptors in the medulla oblongata, the region of the brain responsible for nausea. 

We can decrease nausea by activating these receptors. CBD has also been demonstrated to alleviate nausea, albeit it is not as efficient as THC.

Most CBD’s effects are likely due to its capacity to boost anandamide levels. So activating the CB1 receptors in the medulla indirectly via anandamide. Anandamide and THC are structurally similar, and both bind to the same receptors in the body.

Types of CBD for Nausea

Before taking any type of CBS for nausea, it’s really important to consult with a doctor. Whatever is causing your nausea, you need medical assistance to identify the problem and solve it, as it can be a severe health issue.

Oil

CBD oil can be ingested by putting a few drops beneath your tongue. This is one of the most popular and usual ways to consume CBD oil. Simply place a few drops of CBD oil under your tongue to utilize it.

The capillary blood vessels located within the mouth can efficiently absorb the CBD without passing through the digestive system while you are nauseated. CBD oil drops’ potency and intensity may vary, so always read the package before using.

Vaping

Vaping is another alternative for nausea sufferers, as the potency is extremely high and the effects are quite rapid. The CBD reaches the lungs nearly immediately by inhaling the vapor, providing immediate relief from nausea.

Note: Vaping poses some health concerns, so it’s generally recommended that you avoid vaping CBD or other product types. 

Edibles

CBD edibles are another excellent method of administering CBD for nausea. However, because the CBD is embedded within the gummy, it may take some time for it to travel into the bloodstream. The effects of CBD gummies tend to last longer. 

Food & Drinks

If you’re simply not a fan of the flavor of CBD oil and aren’t a fan of vaping or pills, another option is to include it in your meals or beverages. This may be a slower absorption method because the CBD must enter the bloodstream alongside the drink or food.

Keep in mind, though, that a significant amount of nutritious content is lost during digestion. This results in a loss of some of CBD’s nutritional benefits.

Capsules

Certain individuals dislike the taste of CBD oil when it is applied to the tongue. You can swallow a CBD capsule as an alternative. 

It is considered the most typical method of obtaining quick relief from nausea. Because the capsule is flavorless, you will receive all of the advantages of CBD without tasting anything.

What Are the Risks and Possible Side Effects?

You probably won’t experience any CBD effects when you stick to the recommended dose. The most common ones include changes in appetite and weight, fatigue, and diarrhea.

Talk with a doc before taking CBD for nausea. Because CBD may interfere with some drugs, it’s important to be candid and open with your physician.

Also, it’s important to have a chat with your doctor if you’re interested in using CBD to soothe nausea and vomiting that often comes hand in hand with chemotherapy. You may choose to explore alternative drugs or tactics first. 

How to Shop for CBD for Nausea 

With the multitude of different CBD products available on the market, shopping for the right one can be tricky. When looking for CBD products to help with nausea, consider this: 

Potency 

If you suffer from extreme nausea, tiny doses of CBD may not suffice. Seek out products that contain a minimum of a few milligrams of CBD per serving.

CBD Source

CBD isolation is a fantastic alternative if you wish to avoid THC. However, removing terpenes and other cannabinoids may limit a CBD product’s anti-nausea properties. 

Select broad-spectrum products over isolating agents. If you’re determined to avoid THC, choose a broad-spectrum CBD oil, which contains the majority of cannabis plant cannabinoids but not THC.

Third-Party Testing

Look for goods with a certificate of analysis (COA) to ensure that the CBD is free of impurities (such as heavy metals, molds, and pesticides) and is as strong as the manufacturer promises.

Ingredients

Whenever feasible, use CBD products derived from organic, American-grown hemp. When purchasing CBD for nausea, you may prefer a product that includes ginger or peppermint flavorings to assist alleviate nausea and enhance the flavor.

Best CBD for Nausea

USDA Organic 500mg CBD Oil Drops

Best organic oil

This 500mg Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture is the ideal introduction to CBD or for individuals who prefer a modest dose of CBD.  It is potent and designed to improve your general well-being at an affordable price. 

Price Range: $50 – $60
Type: CBD oil
CBD/THC Level: 19mg of total cannabinoids per 1 ml

The product contains nothing but whole-plant full-spectrum CBD oil and MCT oil for optimum absorption. Each ML serving contains 17mg of CBD and about 3mg of additional useful cannabinoids. These oil tinctures are created with Colorado-grown organic non-GMO hemp.

Pros

Natural product.
USA-made.
USDA organic label. 

Cons

Too mild for heavy users. 

NuLeaf Full Spectrum CBD Oil

Editor’s choice

If you want a good CBD oil then try this one by NuLeaf. It’s made with a proprietary formula that delivers a highly concentrated oil. The extracts are safe to use and regulated to make sure that you get a quality product. 

Price Range: $20 – $30
Type: oil
CBD/THC Level: 60mg/mL

It doesn’t have a strong aftertaste like other CBD oils. Aside from being useful for nausea treatment, it also helps with pain and anxiety relief. 

Pros

Multiple size options.
Great value when purchasing more bottles.
Made with natural ingredients. 

Cons

Works better toward anxiety than nausea. 

Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil Liquid Capsules

Best capsules

This brand’s products are known for containing two ingredients: a carrier oil and patented Charlotte’s Web hemp genetics. 

Price Range: $70 – $80
Type: oil capsules
CBD/THC Level: 25 mg of CBD per serving

This straightforward, clean label formulation of full-spectrum whole-plant extract and organic extra virgin olive oil provides an easy-to-use CBD supplement that travels with you. The liquid capsules are made using USA-grown hemp and have about 25 mg of CBD per serving. 

Pros

Possibility to subscribe.
Multiple bottle size options.
Easy to swallow. 

Cons

Complaints about poor/long delivery times. 

Bubblegum Diesel

Best energizing strain

If you were looking for a strain with this sweet aroma that leaves you with the munchies, you have to give Bubblegum Diesel a chance. 

Price Range: N/A
Type: CBD strain
CBD/THC Level: N/A

Since nausea often leads to loss of appetite, strains that can increase said appetite are always worth a shot. It has a rather energizing effect, so if you were looking for CBD to help with sleep, this is definitely not it. 

Pros

Sweet flavor profile.
Brings back appetite. 
Relieves stress and anxiety. 

Cons

Frosted Flakes 

Best for heavy users

Frosted Flakes is an Indica-dominant marijuana hybrid strain created by crossing Miracle Alien Cookies with NH3. It’s got a high THC content, making it ideal for experienced cannabis users. 

Price Range: N/A
Type: strain
CBD/THC Level: 24% THC

This strain’s high will leave you feeling tingly, euphoric, and slightly energized. Frosted Flakes has earthy flavors and a floral and earthy aroma that is rumored to smell similar to the popular breakfast cereal.

Pros

Highly calming effect.
Good against pain, nausea, depression. 
Very unique flavor. 

Cons

Too strong for beginners.

Durban Poison 

Best for smoking

This landrace strain from South Africa is known as Durban Poison, but it is completely non-toxic. In fact, it has the opposite effect, assisting in uplift, energizing, and providing a spacey type of relaxation. It also has a delicious flavor, with vanilla, cream, spices, and orange hints. 

Price Range: N/A
Type: strain
CBD/THC Level: 1% CBD. 21.5% THC

This Sativa strain has a 21.5 percent THC content and one percent CBD, being too strong for beginners, but suitable for people who have been using CBD for a while now. 

Pros

Rich vanilla and citrus flavor.
Boosts energy levels.
Helps with lack of appetite, depression, and pain. 

Cons

Too strong for beginners. 

Blue Dream Strain

Best sweet strain

Blue Dream is a strain with a sweet taste and aroma reminiscent of fresh blueberries. It is a highly effective medical strain with various effects, including anxiety and pain relief. It is a highly popular strain that is widely used in the medicinal community.

Price Range: N/A
Type: strain
CBD/THC Level: 0.1% CBD, 17% THC

While it does help with nausea, it’s also good for people who are feeling fatigued or are experiencing chronic pain. It helps you relax, feel more energetic, and be more creative. 

Pros

Interesting blueberry and citrus flavors. 
Helps with nausea, pain, anxiety.
Pretty potent. 

Cons

Tastes nothing like weed. 

Spruce CBD Oil

Best for beginners

Peppermint is often regarded as an alternative to CBD for nausea, but imagine if you could have them both together. With this particular oil, you can. It has a peppermint flavor and offers the benefits you would expect to get from a quality CBD oil. 

Price Range: $80 – $90
Type: oil
CBD/THC Level: 0.3% THC

It’s a natural product that has been tested by a third party, doesn’t contain pesticides, and doesn’t make you feel high. 

Pros

Organic and vegan formula. 
Contains natural flavors.
Has a nice peppermint aftertaste. 

Cons

Too weak for heavy users. 

Alternatives to CBD for Nausea 

Peppermint

Considered another great nausea remedy, peppermint has a numbing effect that could help you relax. Peppermint has been around for many years and was used to treat indigestion. 

Thanks to its numbing effect, peppermint can relax your stomach muscles, can help you break down fat, and allows food to be digested faster.

You can consume peppermint in the shape of tea. If you’re not really a tea fan, you can also take oral capsules. People enjoy peppermint aromatherapy, as it is quite a common essential oil. Don’t use peppermint oils if you have GERD (because of the mint content).

Pros

Helps with indigestion. 
Can relax your stomach muscles.
Multiple ways to take it.

Cons

Not suitable for those with GERD

Ginger

Ginger has been used to treat diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea for centuries. It’s unclear how ginger works to alleviate nausea, but active ingredients like gingerol are thought to directly affect the central nervous and digestive systems.

Accordion to a 2012 study, women that suffered from advanced breast cancer, were feeling less nauseous after chemo sessions when consuming ginger. 

There are numerous ways to obtain ginger. You can cook with raw ginger, drink ginger tea, and even eat candied ginger. 

Pros

Different ways to consume it.
Also works for digestive issues.
Can alleviate pregnancy nausea. 

Cons

Research on ginger effects is limited. 

Gravol

Gravol is an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic medication that is prescribed to treat different allergic and inflammatory conditions. It decreases your immune system’s response to these conditions and prevents the body from producing inflammatory substances. 

This medication also treats motion sickness, vertigo, nausea, and vomiting. 

Gravol may impair your concentration and movement which will be felt more strongly by younger children than by adults. The elderly are more susceptible to these effects, particularly those suffering from delirium or dementia.

Use Gravol cautiously if you are driving or performing other tasks that require alertness. If you have chronic lung diseases or glaucoma, you should not take this medication.

Pros

Very good for allergies.
Effective against nausea, vertigo, motion sickness.

Cons

Large doses can make you feel high. 

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the practice of stimulating pressure points to alleviate pain. This approach involved puncturing the skin with long and thin needles. 

Acupuncture is less painful than it sounds. Research has shown that acupuncture might stimulate certain nerves in the body, telling your brain to release certain hormones. 

Research has shown that acupuncture effectively treats nausea in cancer patients at least as efficient as medication. Acupuncture is usually performed by a massage therapist. It can also be efficient in treating nausea caused by acid reflux. 

Pros

Helps ease nausea.
Can be efficient in those who can’t take medication.
Can reduce feelings of pain. 

Cons

More research is needed. 

FAQ

Question: Is CBD Good for Nausea?

Answer: Some research shows that cannabinoids, such as CBD, may be clinically effective for treating nausea and vomiting caused by different therapeutic treatments. 

Question: Does CBD Help With Nausea and Appetite?

Answer: If CBD helps with nausea, which is often an appetite inhibitor, it can indirectly help increase appetite. However, loss of appetite is still a side effect of CBD consumption. 

Question: What Gets Rid of Nausea?

Answer: You can try CBD, peppermint or ginger tea, or even acupuncture if you have nausea. 

The Bottom Line

Cannabis is a powerful anti-nausea herb, equivalent to chamomile and ginger. It has even been demonstrated to have comparable benefits to pharmaceutical anti-nausea drugs, but with fewer adverse effects. Remember to never take CBD for nausea without consulting a medical specialist first.