CBD oil for allergies: can it help?

Regardless of the causes and symptoms of allergies, it is important to start treating them as soon as they start. If you are looking for natural preparations for allergies, you should consider hemp and its component CBD. 

What are allergies? What causes them?

Allergic reactions occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance, such as pollen, bee venom, hair or food, that most people do not react to. If your allergy symptoms occur at certain times of the year, you may have seasonal allergies. They are also known as allergic rhinitis and hay fever. During the spring, the most common allergens are trees and grasses. These pollen particles are released into the air and inhaled by humans, activating the immune system mechanisms. Some of the trees that cause allergies in our country are willow, cedar, alder and poplar.

The immune system produces substances known as antibodies. When you have allergies, the immune system creates antibodies that identify a particular allergen as harmful, although this is not the case. When you come into contact with an allergen, the immune system's reaction can inflame your skin, sinuses, respiratory tract or digestive system.

The severity of allergies varies from person to person and can range from minor irritation to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Although most allergies cannot be cured, treatment can help relieve symptoms. Allergy symptoms, which depend on the specific allergen, can adversely affect the respiratory tract, oral and nasal cavities, skin and digestive system. Allergic reactions can be mild to severe.

Traditional allergy treatments

Antihistamines are the most popular treatments for allergies. However, they are often associated with side effects such as

• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Blurred vision

CBD & Allergies - can it bring relief?

Seasonal allergies can cause inflammation in the throat and sinuses, making it difficult to eat, drink and even speak without discomfort. Consumption of CBD oil has been shown to reduce these symptoms and make seasonal allergies more tolerable.

CBD has a number of beneficial properties that can make it very useful for people with seasonal allergies. In particular, it can help relieve symptoms as well as nasal sinus pain and ease allergic reactions. 

• Antimicrobial properties 

CBD oil is believed to open the sinuses and relieve pressure in the nasal passages and protect against nasal congestion. Seasonal allergies can cause inflammation in the throat and sinuses, making it difficult to eat, drink and even speak without discomfort. Cannabinoids can also help your body to fight off the real germs and infections that are trying to develop during an allergy attack.

• Antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties

CBD has strong antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effects. A 2005 study showed that CBD against allergies has an immunomodulatory effect on cells in the respiratory system and acts as an antihistamine. The same study highlighted the anti-inflammatory properties of hemp.

In severe allergies, tissues in the nose, throat and mouth are often inflamed. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can help reduce this extreme reaction and alleviate symptoms. 

A 2015 review found that CBD can be an effective treatment for specific diseases characterised by inflammation, which plays an important role in the development of allergies. The most common side effects of allergies are reduced by CBD's interaction with our body's endocannabinoid system:

- relief of nasal pressure

- pain management

- opening of nasal passages

- relief of mucus and nasal congestion

- inducing tranquillity and sleep

- relief of breathing

• Immune system booster

Allergies are also closely linked to the immune system. It takes months or even years after exposure to an allergen before your immune system develops an allergic response to the allergen. A healthy immune system is less likely to overreact to a threat. By taking CBD to treat allergies, you are encouraging your endocannabinoid system to build a strengthened immune system, thereby helping it to fight allergic reactions. By strengthening your immune system, your body gets extra energy to repair damaged tissues and resist reactive allergy attacks. 

Choosing the right CBD product 

The best remedy is often prevention. Strengthen the immune system before an attack occurs. CBD, whether in the form of CBD oil, CBD capsules or CBD vaping to treat allergies, is best taken daily as part of a self-care regime. If you are unsure about which product to choose, we are always happy to help you.

Important! Remember that you should consult your doctor before including CBD in your diet. 



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Resources:

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2828614/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425755/

https://www.noveltreemedical.com/new-blog/2021/4/15/can-cbd-help-ease-seasonal-allergies

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7173676/