CBD For Allergies

Can CBD Fight Allergies

Green Wellness · Can CBD Help With Allergies?

David Kranker HeadshotBy David Kranker, Op-ed blogger

Does CBD Help With Allergies & Seasonal Allergies?

As the weather gets warmer and days grow longer, there’s much to be excited about. Spring brings about the blooming of flowers, the return of chirping birds, and the glow of the sun. However, the return of spring also means the return of seasonal allergies for many individuals.

Spring allergies affect quite a large portion of the global population. It’s estimated that 10-30% of the world population suffers from seasonal allergies. The severity of seasonal allergies can range from a slight annoyance to a life threatening condition. Experiences differ from person to person, but there is almost unanimous agreement that current over the counter medications for seasonal allergies aren’t ideal.

There is a lot CBD can do and new discoveries are frequently made as researchers continue to learn more about the cannabis compound. What does research say about using CBD for spring allergies? Can CBD help with allergy symptoms? Before diving into what science has to say, it’s important to first understand how allergies work.

What Causes Allergies?

The body possesses an immune system to protect us from health threats such as bacteria and viruses. While the immune system is mostly effective at performing its role, it isn’t perfect. The immune system can sometimes overreact when exposed to seemingly harmless food or environmental particles.

Particles of pollen, mold, dander, and dust can be carried through the air to coat surroundings. These particles can exist in greater quantities in the spring when plants start to grow and bloom again and air conditioners kick on to circulate dust that has accumulated over the winter. For reasons unknown, the immune system can render harmless particles like pollen or dust as a threat. In order to combat the threat, the immune system kicks into overdrive in an attempt to purge and eliminate the threat.

The misfire of the immune system when allergens pick up in the Spring is what is responsible for symptoms that are referred to as spring allergies.

Symptoms of Environmental Spring Allergies

The immune system’s aggressive response to allergens can manifest in many different symptoms (none of them too pleasant). Spring allergies can last two months or more, depending on the weather and environment. Symptoms of spring allergies include:

For most individuals, Spring allergies amount to little more than an annoyance. However, those with severe allergies can experience more frightening symptoms such as throat swelling and difficulty breathing. Individuals with asthma may have increased difficulty breathing as a result of allergies, which can be serious and life threatening.

Conventional Treatment for Seasonal Spring Allergies

Traditionally, allergies have been treated with over the counter antihistamines and decongestants. Common medications for seasonal allergies include:

While over the counter medications can be effective at treating symptoms related to seasonal allergies, they can also come with very nasty and undesirable side effects. Side effects of various antihistamines and decongestants include:

The long list of potential side effects related to over the counter medications combined with undesirable results in certain cases have led many individuals to seek alternatives to over the counter medications for spring allergies.

Can CBD Help Fight Allergies?

Research surrounding CBD is still in its infancy, but studies have found many different benefits from CBD use ranging from stress relief to chronic pain management. Can CBD do anything for allergies? Many people have started experimenting with CBD for allergy relief with positive results. One particular consumer on Reddit had the following to report:

“What I didn’t expect was for it to completely neutralize my seasonal allergies — which are pretty severe — and, relatedly, my asthma. For once, I can breathe through BOTH my lungs and nostrils during the spring without having to drown myself in cetirizine”

Unfortunately, there isn’t yet enough research to confidently proclaim that CBD is an appropriate solution for spring allergies. Nevertheless, there is research to support that CBD can assist with allergies in several different ways.

CBD & The Immune System

As previously mentioned, allergies are caused by an overactive immune system. CBD has been shown to play a role in helping to regulate the immune system. Histamines are chemicals the immune system produces to help the body get rid of allergens. By reducing histamines, you in turn can potentially reduce allergy symptoms.

One particular study conducted in 2005 found that CBD may help prevent your cells from releasing histamines. This could mean less sneezing, wheezing, and other related allergy symptoms.

Yet another study conducted in 2005 found that cannabinoids can impair the activation of T-cells. T-cells are a type of white blood cells that increase antibody activation and response. Activated T-cells can lead to an increase in histamines. Thus, impairing T-cells also assists in reducing allergy symptoms.

In studying CBD and the immune system, scientists have also started to study the terpenes present in cannabis. A 2014 study concluded that a specific terpene found in cannabis (alpha-pinene) helped to reduce antibody levels in mice.

While more research is certainly needed, there is mounting evidence that CBD’s interaction with the immune system could help to reduce allergy symptoms.

CBD As An Anti-Inflammatory

In addition to playing a role in balancing the immune system, studies have also found CBD to be a powerful anti-inflammatory.

Inflammation is a significant factor in allergic reactions. Allergic inflammation can lead to joint pain or discomfort. For spring allergies, swelling of the lining of the nose or protective tissue surrounding the eye is common. As a compound with anti-inflammatory properties, CBD may be able to help with inflammation caused by allergic reactions.

Therefore, while CBD may not necessarily be a treatment for allergies, there is scientific evidence that it could help with allergy symptoms.

CBD Is Not A Cure For Allergies

It’s important to understand that there is a clear distinction between curing allergies and easing allergy symptoms. CBD will not cure or eliminate your allergies entirely. CBD may help alleviate some of your allergy symptoms. If you’re thinking about trying CBD for your allergy symptoms, it’s best to first consult your doctor. Replacing allergy medication with CBD is not advised without medical supervision as severe allergic reactions can be life-threatening.

Interested In Trying CBD For Your Spring Allergies?

Green Wellness Life is exclusively dedicated to selling CBD products that are independently lab tested, safe, affordable, and designed to promote optimal human health. You can browse our CBD shop to find the products that may be right for you.

We are not medical professionals and we cannot diagnose or treat any medical conditions. We can point you to products we feel may be the best fit for you or answer any questions you may have about CBD or individual products. We take great care to provide as much information as possible on the latest studies and reviews so that you can make informed decisions. Contact us by submitting a contact form or calling 866-244-4223 to speak with one of our CBD product experts.

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