CBD for Allergies: Can t Help?

Do you know that seasonal allergies affect 50 million Americans every year? The symptoms of these allergies range from runny noses and fever to exhaustion. There are a lot of prescription medications you can try to get relief. But, if nothing has helped, giving CBD a try may not be such a bad idea. 

You can consume CBD in many different ways. There are CBD vape juices you can intake as a beverage and topical products and tinctures and a whole host of other products. One thing’s for sure: You will not find yourself not short on options. The CBD industry is exploding, experiencing exponential growth in the recent decade. 

Here’s what you need to know about CBD for seasonal allergies before you make your purchase:

Traditional Allergy Treatments

Most physicians recommend antihistamines to combat allergic reactions. But, they cause unpleasant symptoms, such as:

• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Blurred vision

CBD – A Safe Seasonal Allergy Treatment

As cannabis products have garnered massive attention in the past couple of years, you must’ve heard of two closely related cannabinoids — CBD, or cannabidiol, and THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. These compounds maintain the homeostasis of the body. For instance, if your body experiences excessive or hyper-inflammation, endocannabinoids help bring normality to inflammatory responses. 

Both THC and CBD have been found effective against seasonal allergies and their underlying symptoms. Among these, CBD is the preferred option because it is safer than THC. This is because CBD is non-intoxicating, whereas THC induces a high and has also been linked with negative psychological symptoms, such as hallucinations and delirium. There’s also a question of legality. 

CBD is legal, whereas any product that contains more than .3% of THC is illegal. Another problem with THC is it acts as an immunosuppressant. Meaning, in the presence of an active allergen, it weakens immune responses, which protract allergic reactions and make sensitization longer to achieve. Meanwhile, CBD can interact with the body’s white cells to provide a prompt and effective response to ward off allergic attacks. The compound has also been shown to treat symptoms of some allergic reactions, such as coughing and wheezing. 

 So, if you’re looking for low-risk allergy treatment, CBD is your best bet. 

Seasonal Allergies and The Endocannabinoid System

CBD has antimicrobial effects that may help combat seasonal allergies. Anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD dense oil may help to open clogged sinuses and reduce the load in nasal channels and shield against nasal congestion. Seasonal allergies trigger inflammation in the throat and sinuses, making it very hard to eat, converse, or enjoy a beverage.

Inflammation

In the human body, the endocannabinoid system is largely responsible for keeping inflammation in check. The ECS has two receptors:

• Cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1) 
• Cannabinoid receptors 2 (CB2)

CB1 receptors are predominantly abundant in the nervous system, whereas CB2 receptors populate the immune system. Excessive stimulation of these receptors can trigger unnatural inflammatory responses. CBD can influence their activity by regulating neurotransmitters and bring the body back to its physiological equilibrium.

Furthermore, Full Spectrum CBD oil can help endow the body with phytocannabinoids. Phytocannabinoids power the endocannabinoid system when it fails to produce an adequate amount of natural cannabinoids, or endocannabinoids. This ensures that whenever the homeostasis of ECS is compromised, endocannabinoids can swoop in and provide auxiliary support.  

Sinus inflammation is one of the most common indicators of seasonal allergies. The condition shares strong ties with asthma, in which the affected individual’s air pathways get clogged and swollen due to inflammation and restrict the passage of air. Studies have shown that CBD can help treat both these conditions because of its ability to tap into the ECS’s vast cell-signalling network.

Besides CB1 and CB 2 receptors, the ECS also has TRPV1 receptors. CBD also influences the activity of these third receptors to normalize inflammatory responses. It also opens up vessels and promotes air passage to the lung via TRPV1. Meaning, it effectively counters the underlying causes of asthma by dilating air passageways and making them less vulnerable to inflammation.

Chronic Pain

A common symptom of allergic reactions is chronic pain. So far, the research we have suggests that CBD is an effective analgesic. It has more pain-relieving power than conventional opioids and doesn’t pose any substance abuse threat. Even when administered at high doses, the compound is well-tolerated. This is also the reason why researchers are thinking of introducing CBD for palliative care. 

A combo of THC and CBD has also been used to treat different kinds of pain. In the end, it depends on your preference. If you’re worried about failing a drug test, it’s better to go with a CBD-dense blend, with little to no THC. If that is not your concern, you can choose a full-spectrum CBD oil.

What Is The Correct CBD Dosage For Allergies?

You can use CBD oil as a supplement to conventional allergic drugs. However, it’s best advised to consult your doctor first. This is because CBD is known to interact with certain drugs. In fact, according to some studies, CBD may interact with 60% of the drugs available on the market. If you’re on a medication that comes with a grapefruit warning, you should especially be careful. 

That said, CBD doesn’t have any negative effect on immunotherapy. If you’re on OTC drugs, that’s fine, too. However, it would help if you still had your medication administered in the presence of a clinician. A healthcare professional can monitor your condition and better advise you on how to gauge the dosage. 

Final Thoughts On CBD for Seasonal Allergies

You can take CBD oil as often as you like. There’s also a lot of flexibility when it comes to delivery systems. If you don’t like pills, you can choose tinctures. If you don’t like creams, you can choose CBD roll-ons. In the end, it depends upon your needs, preferences, and conditions. CBD is also very easy to consume. You can add it to your beverage or make a CBD avocado toast — the options are endless. The compound promises to make you more agile and active during allergy seasons.