Is CBD Good For Allergy Relief

Allergy season is upon us once again, and with it comes the usual symptoms of sneezing, sniffling, itchy, and watery eyes. Seasonal allergies can be incredibly frustrating, and many people are searching for effective remedies without the unpleasant side effects of traditional medications.

One option that is gaining popularity is CBD, a natural remedy that is believed to help manage allergy symptoms. But does it really work, or is it just another fad?

Let’s take a better look at whether CBD is good for allergy relief or not.

What are Seasonal Allergies?

A person’s immune system sees an allergen as an external intruder. While this intruder is in the body, the immune system secretes multiple different chemicals to fight it off, such as histamines, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins. As a result of this chemical being released, a variety of allergy symptoms are triggered, usually anything from runny nose and watery eyes to sneezing and coughing.

The gravity of one’s allergic reaction is reliant on the extent to which their body perceives the allergen as a threat. For instance, while pollen is usually benign to most people, some individuals’ immune systems perceive it as perilous and foreign, deeming it akin to a pathogen or infection. When allergic persons inhale pollen, the particles of pollen become ensnared in their nasal passages, causing inflammation and irritation in the nose and eyes. In more severe allergic cases, their breathing may be impeded, ultimately leading to the development of asthma.

Available Allergy Treatments

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for allergies. Instead, managing allergies mainly involves avoiding triggers and finding ways to relieve symptoms. For example, people can steer clear of cigarette smoke and pollen by using HEPA filters in their air conditioning instead of fans during the spring and summer seasons. Additionally, individuals can stay indoors when pollen counts are high and close their windows to minimize exposure.

There are also various medical options available, including antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Zyrtec or other prescription medications. In extreme cases, allergy shots may be prescribed. However, many allergy medications have unpleasant side effects, such as dizziness and confusion. As a result, more people are turning to alternative options, such as CBD oil, which has shown promise in managing allergy symptoms without any notable side effects.

CBD For Allergy Relief

CBD, an active compound extracted from the hemp plant, is gaining attention due to its potential medicinal benefits, one of them being the treatment of allergic reactions.

Research conducted in 2014 found that A-Pinene, a terpene, commonly found in cannabis plants characterized by a pine and sage aroma, demonstrated promising anti-allergic properties. It reduced some symptoms of allergic rhinitis in mice, suggesting its potential in the clinical management of seasonal allergies. A-Pinenes’ anti-inflammatory properties could help with other symptoms of allergies as well.

A 2009 study found that CBD may control the growth and activity of white blood cells that react when the body is exposed to allergens. This finding suggests that CBD might be a useful therapy for seasonal allergies.

A study conducted in 2005 found that CBD had anti-inflammatory properties. When combined with CBD’s immunosuppressive effects could potentially help in the treatment of allergies. Together with other anti-inflammatory medications, CBD may help manage severe allergic responses, reduce throat, mouth, and nose inflammation, and relieve related symptoms. CBD comes in different forms like oils, tinctures, vaping, capsules, and edibles to prevent any form of irritation.

Is Taking CBD for Allergies Safe?

Although CBD is typically safe, severe allergic responses shouldn’t be treated with it. However, you should avoid taking it if you have an allergy to terpenes or other substances found in CBD products.

Additionally, CBD might have negative side effects that include diarrhea, exhaustion, changes in appetite, and acid reflux.  The FDA doesn’t regulate CBD in the same way as supplements or medications therefore it’s important to obtain your CBD from a reputable source that implements third-party lab testing. As CBD may interact with certain medications and supplements, so it’s essential to speak to a healthcare professional before use.

What’s the Best CBD for Allergies?

To treat allergies and inflammation with CBD, the most common consumption methods are topical treatments, herbal extracts, and edibles. The choice of method depends on the type of allergy symptom being treated. Topical creams or ointments are suitable for rashes and skin inflammation, while tinctures, extracts, or nasal sprays might work better for hay fever and other full-body symptoms. A nasal CBD spray can be particularly effective as CBD can pass directly into the bloodstream through the thin lining of the nose, producing faster effects.

There are three different types of CBD products available:

• Full-spectrum – It includes all extracts of the cannabis plant, such as CBD, terpenes, flavonoids, essential oils, and other cannabinoids, with a THC concentration of 0.3% or less.

• Broad-spectrum – Contains CBD and other cannabinoids but has no THC.

• Isolate – CBD isolate is pure CBD without any other parts of the cannabis plant.

The Dose Of CBD Used For Allergies

The appropriate dosage of CBD varies depending on the delivery method and the specific symptom being addressed.

According to studies, the best CBD dosages for treating anxiety vary from 300 mg to 600 mg. On the other hand, much lower doses are needed to improve sleep quality, just little as 25mg can do the trick. Currently, there are studies indicating what dosage of CBD should be used in the treatment of allergies.

While CBD is a natural remedy it’s hard to determine the precise dosage that will work for everyone. The best practice is to start low, observe how your body reacts and increase if necessary.

The Bottom Line

CBD has been gaining popularity as a natural remedy for allergy relief due to its potential medicinal benefits. Although research is limited, some studies suggest that CBD may improve respiratory function.

On its own, it’s highly unlikely that it can take the place of conventional anti-allergy medications. If you are new to CBD, always keep in mind to start with lower dosages and get your product from a trustworthy, well-established source.