Should You Use CBD Oil For Allergies?

Should You Use CBD Oil For Allergies?

According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 50+ million people in the United States have allergies and grapple with finding relief.

Allergens are inherently harmless, unlike germs and pathogens. But for people with specific allergies, their immune system deems them harmful and attacks these invaders, causing allergy symptoms. 

In extreme cases, reactions to allergies can be fatal.

Because CBD and other derived products like CBD oil get a lot of hype, would CBD oil for allergies make sense?

Here's what we know.

Allergies: Types, Causes And Symptoms

The immune system in certain human bodies creates antibodies called allergens to otherwise harmless substances by deeming them unsafe. This immune system overreaction is termed an allergic reaction or allergies we experience.

The following are the most common types of allergies:

1. Pollen Or Seasonal Allergy

Pollen or seasonal allergy is one of the most common allergies. As the name refers, pollen grains used to fertilize other plants cause this allergy.

Its symptoms include:

  • Sneezing
  • Runny And Itchy Nose
  • Nasal Congestion
  • Watery and Red Eyes
  • Swelling Around The Eyes
2. Food Allergy

When our body has a certain antibody to a particular food, a food allergy occurs. Food allergies typically affect infants, but they can also show up later in life. Common food allergies are caused by eggs, nuts, milk, and fish. 

Symptoms of food allergy typically appear within minutes and can be severe:

  • Nausea
  • Hives
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Swelling around the mouth
  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
3. Insect Venom Allergy

Almost everyone has gotten a bee sting or wasp sting in a lifetime, and it hurts but a person having an allergy to insect's venom shows other reactions as well.

Its symptoms include: 

  • Swelling
  • Itching
  • Hives
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
4. Mold Allergy

Tiny fungi with spores cause mold allergy. It is commonly found in damp places, usually in hot and humid weather. They are airborne widespread allergy triggers like pollen.

Mold allergy symptoms include:

  • Sneezing
  • Eye irritation
  • Runny nose
  • Itchy or sore throat
  • Coughing
  • Nasal congestion
  • Wheezing
5. Latex Allergy

An allergy caused by latex is a special type of allergy specific to healthcare workers or a person who has had multiple surgeries.

Its symptoms include:

  • Itching
  • Hives
  • Wheezing
  • Skin rash
  • Eye irritation
6. Animal Dander Allergy

Like urine and saliva, the dead flakes on the skin of animals, also known as dander, contain proteins. Exposure to dander can cause an allergic reaction in certain people.

Symptoms of an animal dander allergy include:

  • Itchiness in and around the eyes
  • Red, watery eyes
  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Nasal congestion
  • Coughing
  • Postnasal drip
  • Facial pain and pressure

Can CBD Help With Allergies?

It's vital to understand that CBD isn't a cure-all and should not be used to remedy moderate to severe allergic reactions.

CBD, a non-psychoactive compound derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, is known to restore the balance in our vital processes by activating CB1 and CB2 receptors in our nervous system. Allergies mostly deal with CB2 receptors that work to regulate our immune system and inflammatory responses.

Research has shown that CBD possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help manage allergies by reducing the antibodies that trigger inflammatory responses from our body. As a result, it helps relieve symptoms such as pain, stuffiness, nasal pressure, and breathing difficulty.

Another study has shown that CBD can help inhibit cells from releasing histamines which cause sneezing, coughing, and itching in people suffering from allergies.  

CBD Oil For Allergies

CBD oil has been around since the beginning of CBD and is one of the most popular CBD products. When applied under the tongue, it is used widely to help with various health and wellness issues for a better absorption rate

Regular use of CBD oil boosts the immune system and regulates the body's processes making CBD oil a reasonable solution for allergies.

Most studies are performed on animals where researchers used CBD oil, and allergies are treated well by reducing their symptoms.

1. CBD for Skin Allergies

A recent study has shown the therapeutic potential of CBD for skin health and disorders, including skin allergies, due to its exceptional anti-inflammatory properties. 

2. CBD for Allergic Rhinitis

The antimicrobial properties of CBD may help assuage the effects of allergic rhinitis. In addition, the use of high-strength CBD oil may release pressure in the nasal cavities, open up sinuses, and guard against nasal congestion.

3. CBD for Allergic Asthma

According to a study, CBD oil can also help in treating allergic asthma by reducing airway inflammation and fibrosis. 

4. CBD for Food Allergies

The role played by Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in other allergic conditions suggests that CBD could also modulate food allergies, but additional research is warranted.

CBD Oil Vs. Traditional Allergy Treatment

Antihistamines are typically used to help alleviate allergy symptoms. However, its main drawback is that it may cause drowsiness, nausea, confusion, and even blurred vision. 

Those who want to avoid feeling drowsy prefer taking CBD oil, and allergies are kept under check without any side effects.

Other traditional remedies for allergies include the use of nasal sprays, probiotics, vitamin C, and immunotherapy in case of severe symptoms. 

CBD Oil Dosage For Allergies 

Research on CBD oil dosages for allergies is limited. The consumption of CBD oil and allergies response varies from person to person.

One way to determine the optimal dose of CBD oil for your allergic reactions is to start with a low dose and gradually increase it every few days.

The following factors influence the ideal dose of CBD oil:

  • Your BMI
  • Your Metabolism 
  • Strength of CBD In Your CBD Oil 
  • Any Other Medication You Are Taking

Someone with a low BMI requires a lower dose of CBD than someone with a high BMI. There are a variety of CBD oils on the market having different strengths. The amount of cannabinoids in oil is often displayed as 100 mg, 500 mg, and 1,000 mg. 

Side Effects Of CBD Oil And Allergies 

Research on the safety and side effects of cannabidiol has shown that there are low risks associated with using CBD oil in general. 

High-quality, THC-free CBD oils that are manufactured in the United States and third-party lab tested should be safe to use. In addition, there are little to no side effects and no known dependency on THC-free CBD oils.

The World Health Organization (WHO) report also indicates that CBD oil has an excellent safety profile and is generally well tolerated.

Conclusion

Several studies indicate that cannabinoids contain great anti-inflammatory properties. Since inflammation is the primary reason for allergic conditions, CBD oil may help alleviate allergy symptoms and possibly help to prevent allergic reactions if used regularly.

So far, what we know about CBD oil and allergies is based on experimental lab models and animal studies. However, more human studies are required to provide a better insight into how using CBD and allergies relief are connected.

(This post is written by Zara A. Khan, a freelance writer specializing in the CBD niche)

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