CBD Helps with IBS Pain & Stomach Aches - Learn How

Everyone has stomach aches and digestive issues on occasion, some of us more than others. During such times of discomfort, it's natural to reach for various wellness solutions. Considering the many benefits of CBD, you may be wondering if this superstar plant derivative can relieve a particularly strong tummy ache. The short answer to this question is that, yes, CBD can help with the symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and similar stomach pains.

To understand how, first you must understand that the digestive system is a pretty complex system that doesn’t just include the stomach, but also the esophagus, intestines, colon, and even the liver. Many stomach aches involve inflammation or the overproduction of digestive acids. These complaints are often closely related to the level of stress and anxiety a person may feel. 

CBD oil is a powerful antioxidant that helps with the regulation of bodily systems, and the reduction of stress, anxiety, and pain. When CBD enters the body, it utilizes the endocannabinoid system that is spread throughout to bond with receptors that interact with every other system, as well as the organs, and even neurotransmitters that “speak” to the brain.

CBD should not be a substitute for the medical advice your doctor provides about IBS and similar issues. Speak openly to your health provider about your thoughts on using CBD to address stomach pain, and be sure you know if any allergies or contraindications may be of concern. 

The Science Behind CBD & Stomach Pains

There are a lot of factors that contribute to IBS, other chronic digestive problems, or even one-off episodes of stomach aches. However, the two underlying issues are physical pain and inflammation. 

CBD for stomach pain reduction: CBD interacts with CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors that are part of the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system is spread throughout the body, including the digestive system. When CBD makes these connections, it can either inhibit or antagonize certain responses. CBD can work simultaneously with the digestive system as well as the immune and nervous systems that regulate pain. The result is the reduction of physical anguish, including any stomach aches. 

CBD for inflammation: Study after study crown CBD as a top anti-inflammatory ingredient. Acting similarly to NSAIDs (without the side-effects), it curbs the body’s signals to specific enzymes and receptors that spur inflammatory responses in your stomach and beyond. To dive deeper, we suggest reading How CBD Interacts With Your Body & Its Effects.

Bonus, CBD can alleviate the stress that can contribute to stomach aches and IBS: Studies suggest that CBD can mitigate stress and anxiety, both of which can contribute to the frequency and severity of IBS and similar stomach issues. 

The research on CBD’s full effectiveness for IBS is still in the early stages. However, there is no disputing that CBD can help with pain and inflammation. Moreover, CBD is non-intoxicating, non-addictive, and you cannot overdose on CBD, all of which are important points when it comes to considering a new protocol for helping with stomach pain and chronic digestive issues.

Finding the Right CBD Oil for Your Stomach Pains & Digestive Issues

We suggest finding a CBD oil or CBD-based elixir that can be administered sublingually (under the tongue). This method enables the CBD to swiftly access the endocannabinoid system through receptors that are under the tongue and in the mouth. As a result, it bypasses being metabolized by the liver, meaning that the full potency of the oil is absorbed into the receptors. Skipping metabolization, the sublingual application will have faster results than gummies or pills. Plus, a simple CBD oil elixir won’t have unnecessary ingredients that could cause more stomach aches.

When seeking a CBD oil elixir for IBS and related stomach pains, seek out: 

• Full spectrum CBD oil - unlike CBD isolate, full-spectrum CBD includes extremely beneficial terpenes from the leaves and flowers of the plant. Because the terpenes are present, the CBD will have the “entourage effect”, that boosts the efficacy and potency when helping with stomach pains.

• Simple formulas - your choice of elixirs should have minimal ingredients, ideally just two: the CBD oil and a quality carrier oil like hemp seed. This lessens the likelhood of unnecessary additives exacerbating your stomach aches and diluting the potency of the CBD-based elixir.

• Third-party lab testing - this is the best way for you, as a consumer, to verify the claims that a company makes about their products. These lab tests should be easily available before you buy so you can make comparisons and informed choices about CBD oil for your IBS and stomach pains. Make sure to check whether the elixirs’ formulas feature pesticides or chemical extractions that may leave behind toxic residue. Lab testing also verifies the potency and efficacy of the oil per the dosing instructions. 

• CBD from a reputable company - You want CBD grown in pesticide-free conditions (ideally within the USA), prepared by a company that is proud to promote the individuals behind the brand, provides means of contact for customer support, and provides overall transparency into their ingredients and lab testing. Such measures lessen the likelihood of you receiving an expired or overall subpar CBD for your stomach pain. 

For additional tips, read Understanding What Makes a CBD Oil High Quality to ensure you’re only using the best CBD for your IBS and stomach pains. 

Your Stomach Is In Good Hands With Botanika Life

All of Botanika Life’s CBD-based products for wellness, beauty, and skincare are plant-based and vegan, non-GMO, and sulfate-free. We stand by our all-natural solutions and proudly share third-party lab test results, which you can view here.

If you're seeking CBD for IBS or similar stomach pains, start with the Elite Elixir. This elixir is just 1500mg of full spectrum CBD oil with hemp seed as a carrier oil. This simple formula is safe to be taken sublingually (under the tongue) or infused with your favorite drink. Whether this is your first time trying out a CBD product, or you’re already a pro, the Elite Elixir is a perfect addition to your morning, noon, or night routine. 

If you are confronting chronic stomach aches, we recommend talking with your doctor to help diagnse the root cause. What's more, ask your physician if using CBD for IBS issues could cause interactions with any other medications you take.

FAQ About Using CBD for Stomach Pains

Will CBD get rid of my stomach ache, entirely? 

CBD helps dull pain receptors and addresses inflammation. However, you should not expect all stomach pain to fully disappear, particularly if you confront diagnosed issues like IBS. 

Can CBD be used by minors for stomach pain?

Yes! CBD is both legal and safe for teens and children to use, though we always recommend consulting with a medical professional and administering it with adult supervision. 

Is CBD legal to use outside of the United States? 

Traveling can make many of us more susceptible to stomach pains, whether it’s due to change of routine or new foods. For this and many other reasons, you may want to keep CBD close at hand during your next vacation. While CBD is legal in many countries, this is not universal. Examples that have yet to embrace CBD as of 2023 include Iceland, Ecuador, Slovakia, and Denmark.

However, there are many popular travel destinations that have legalized CBD, such as Italy, Spain, France, Greece, and Switzerland. It’s always smart to research the individual country’s policies before bringing CBD for your stomach pain, as there may be nuances. For example, Portugal requires that your CBD be prescribed.

How long will it take for CBD to deliver relief from stomach pain? 

The length of time it takes for CBD to provide relief from stomach aches varies based on the severity of the underlying issue, as well as the dosage and consumption. When taken under the tongue with an appropriate dosage, relief should take 30-45 minutes. The end results should last several hours. 

Can you take CBD alongside Pepto-Bismol? 

There are no reported interactions between CBD and Pepto-Bismol, a popular medication for stomach pain and related issues.

Can CBD actually worsen Diarrhea?

ISB and stomach aches can manifest in many ways, including runny stools. When in the throws of such issues, the last thing you'd want is to make the situation worse rather than better. 

Diarrhea is sometimes reported as a potential but infrequent side-effect of CBD. Take note, this is quite rare and is often attributed to one of three factors: the individual used way too much CBD, ingested an oil with a subpar carrier oil or was in gummy-form, or they used CBD that had gone bad. 

Our point? The overwhelming number of individuals who use CBD for stomach aches and IBS pain find that related digestive issues improve rather than worsen.