Seasonal allergies got you hiding in your home for months?
You’re not alone. Over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year. From itchy eyes to brain fog, seasonal allergies can be a total drag.
You’ve tried all the remedies you could get your hands on, and now you’re looking to CBD to save you from the sneezing fits. Can CBD help alleviate some of those seasonal allergies? Here’s what the research says.
First — a rundown on what causes seasonal allergies. Every year, millions of people experience seasonal allergies. If you’re one of them, you know how debilitating it can feel.
When you have an allergy to something like tree pollen, the body has an inflammatory response. It produces something called cytokines — proteins that respond to foreign substances.
Basically, when allergens like pollen or grass get all up in your face, the body kicks into fighting mode. The body thinks of these allergens as a danger to your body.
Unfortunately, the body is now on high alert for something that’s typically harmless. And so you have to suffer from watery eyes and an itchy throat.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies you know how awful they can make you feel. Along with the itching, you may feel extra tired and a little fuzzy-headed.
Symptoms of seasonal/environmental allergies:
You may experience one or more of these symptoms during allergy season. And you know how impossible it feels to go about your normal day.
How does CBD fit into the equation?
A large and growing body of research suggests that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties — which might mean less tears during allergy season.
Let’s break down inflammation. In the short-term, inflammation is good because it's part of the body’s defense system. But over the long-term, chronic inflammation can lead to more harm. Long-term inflammation is linked to several chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and — you guessed it — allergies.
Allergies are associated with an overactive immune system. The research on CBD suggests that CBD may help with immune system regulation.
Through the endocannabinoid system, CBD engages with the receptors in your immune system, which can trigger a reduction in inflammation. This is why researchers are extra keen on looking into the many health conditions that CBD may help with.
The research on CBD seems to support the claim that CBD helps reduce inflammation. This reduction can have effects like pain relief and easing of allergy symptoms.
Along with cannabinoids, terpenes are another compound found in broad-spectrum CBD.
There’s a lot of research on the terpenes present in plants. These guys are also known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Animal studies have shown that terpenes can alleviate allergic symptoms in mice.
Terpenes — like pinene and humulene — are prevalent terpenes found in nature (including the cannabis plant). There’s some evidence to suggest that they can open airways and ease breathing. It’s possible that the terpenes in CBD may have these effects on users as well.
Research also suggests that terpenes work with cannabinoids to enhance the benefits of CBD. This process is called the entourage effect. Given the boost in wellness benefits, it’s possible that broad-spectrum CBD may be more effective for allergy sufferers than isolate CBD.
Ready to give CBD a try? Here’s what to look for when considering a CBD supplement.
When you start looking into CBD products, the first thing you may notice is the sheer number of products available!
You have your choice of:
Topicals may help soothe irritated skin. Or you might opt for CBD oil as a routine way to keep allergies at bay. Each type of product has its own unique properties and effects. It can be hard to take your pick. To find the right product for you, check out our guide here.
There are lots of products out there and, likewise, lots of differences in quality. When using a wellness product like CBD, you want to ensure there are no nasty ingredients lurking around! So read those product labels and look for a certificate of analysis when CBD hunting.
To buy CBD products with confidence, do your research on retailers to make sure they’re reputable. Opting for a high-quality brand means a safer and more effective CBD product.
CBD isn’t FDA approved as a cure for any condition, so it’s best practice to check in with your doctor before beginning a CBD supplement for your allergies. You’ll want to find out whether CBD can work well with your current medications and other health concerns.
While research shows CBD to be well tolerated by people, your doctor will be able to give you specific recommendations based on your medical profile.
Seasonal allergies can feel anywhere from mildly inconvenient to debilitating. As they come around each year, it’s no wonder people are looking for effective treatments.
There’s more to learn about this stellar compound, but scientists are increasingly finding more possible uses for CBD. We do know, however, that CBD offers a wide range of potential therapeutic benefits. This includes reducing inflammation, which can ease allergies and their symptoms.
If you’re looking for a natural way to tame those pesky seasonal allergies, consider giving broad-spectrum CBD a try.
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