Does CBD Oil reduce your allergy symptoms?
What are allergies and why do we get them?
Allergies occur when the body's immune system reacts to a particular substance as though it's harmful. It's not entirely clear why this happens, but most people affected have a family history of allergies or have closely related conditions, such as asthma or eczema. The number of people with allergies is increasing every year.
Seasonal allergies, such as hay fever, affecting a large portion of the world population. According to statistics, 10-30% of the human population experience allergies. Allergy symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and itchy watery eyes caused by environmental "allergens" from pollen and trees make it difficult to enjoy nature when it hits.
While allergy medications help manage symptoms, they may cause side effects in some cases, such as drowsiness, nausea, confusion, and blurred vision. Experience varies from person to person, but it's almost evident that most current over-the-counter remedies aren't fitting. It's no wonder that people seek a better, more reliable treatment when it comes to allergies. CBD Oil for allergies is one alternative way that is being explored today for its potential relief in managing allergy symptoms. While there aren't many studies on CBD oil for allergies, early results from a few studies are promising.
CBD & Allergies – what is the relationship?
Despite the lack of human trials into the potential of CBD oil for allergies, there are some promising animal studies. The first was a 2005 into CBD oil for allergies sought to understand the link between the mediation of CB1 receptors and mast cells. Mast cells are responsible for releasing the histamines that cause the symptoms of hay fever. Although the results were far from conclusive, they do suggest that CB1 receptors could mediate the hypersensitivity of the immune system. The researchers found that activation of CB1 receptors was found to reduce the express rate of mast cells, which in turn could be used to lower histamine levels.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1138953/
Later, in 2013, another study into the impact of cannabidiol on antigen-induced guinea pigs. Several guinea pigs were given an antigen to stimulate a contraction in their throat muscles, a common symptom of hay fever. Researchers found that “cannabidiol reduced ovalbumin-induced airway obstruction”, going on to add that CBD “may have beneficial effects in the treatment of obstructive airway disorders”.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23428645/
Furthermore, a 2018 study showed that CBD was beneficial as an anti-inflammatory when it came to allergic contact dermatitis.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29632236/
Is CBD oil the future of allergy-related treatments?
While CBD oil for allergies and the role of CB receptors in hay fever certainly look promising, there is still a lot of research needed to fully understand how to utilise the compound. Not only do we need to pinpoint the exact mechanism of action between CB receptors and histamine production, but without human trials it is difficult to say how effective CBD oil for allergies can be. Cannabidiol does not take direct action on the endocannabinoid system, but instead influences several elements that feed into the system and its receptors.
However, given the prevalence of allergies like hay fever, there is a definite need for larger, more comprehensive studies to be taken. If you also consider that persistent cases of hay fever can lead to asthma, sinusitis, ear infections, and worst of all, reduced quality of life, the need and demand for alternative treatments, such as CBD oil online, is significant. Antihistamines do a relatively good job of managing the symptoms of hay fever, but they are not without their side effects. As the studies above have demonstrated, there may be more natural alternatives that work with the body’s innate systems.
Final thoughts on CBD oil for allergies
Although the findings on the use of CBD oil for allergies are in its early stages, some people report that it does help alleviate their allergy symptoms. Before trying CBD products, it's always best to consult your doctor to make informed decisions. Also, note that it's not meant to replace your usual medication without proper medical supervision.