It’s great that summer days are here, but unfortunately, there is one thing that we can’t escape: allergy season! Environmental allergies are a killer for many and symptoms can at times be severe. Antihistamine medications are everywhere you turn, but there is another antihistamine “pollinating,” and that is CBD. (CBD for allergies) has begun to prove very effective in managing symptoms. If your environmental allergies are not slowing down, read on to see if CBD should be your next form of treatment.
What are environmental allergies?
Picture this: Spring has sprung and you go for a walk around the block to enjoy the sunshine. When you’re home, you notice that you can’t stop sneezing and your eyes are itchy and watery. If you’ve experienced something similar than you probably suffer from environmental allergies along with 50 million other Americans each year. Environmental allergies differ from a peanut allergy or a Penicillin allergy. Food and medication allergies are from something being directly ingested into your body, while environmental allergies are caused by encounters in your daily life. Several environmental factors can cause allergies. The first is the pollen. Once pollen season hits, it’s hard to miss. The windshield on your car will be green, and you’ll begin to notice allergy symptoms. As the seasons change, many new flowers begin to bloom and pollen rises, resulting in this being one of the top environmental allergies. Allergy season typically rears its head in March and April, then grass pollen appears at the end of May, followed by weed pollens in July and August and ending with ragweed in the fall. Other environmental allergies include dust mites, mold, and pet dander.
What is CBD?
We’ve alluded that CBD can be beneficial for allergies, but let’s rewind and talk a bit more about CBD in general. Over the past few years, CBD has exploded in the market providing healthy and therapeutic solutions. CBD is short for cannabidiol and is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid from the cannabis plant. This does not provide the same “high” effect from marijuana and is often used to provide relief for a variety of diseases and conditions. As more and more research continues to be developed, more information is discovered on just how effective CBD can be for many individuals.
CBD + Environmental Allergies
When many experience allergic reactions, antihistamine medications are frequently used such as Benadryl and Sudafed, or daily solutions such as Claritin or Zyrtec. So, where does CBD fit in? CBD works alongside your Endocannabinoid System to make sure that your organs, immune systems, and other functions are running smoothly. By ensuring that your Endocannabinoid System isn’t thrown off balance, it will naturally help to fight against allergic triggers, therefore reducing symptoms.
Additionally, CBD is proven to be an anti-inflammatory. When you experience an allergic reaction, your immune system is protecting you as best as it can, but that protection is the frequent symptoms that you experience such as puffy eyes, inflammation, sneezing, and more. Since CBD reduces inflammation, it will help to reduce this swelling whether it’s inside or outside of the body.
Finally, just like medications like Zyrtec or Claritin, CBD is proven to be an antihistamine in common terms. Studies show that CBD can stop cells from releasing histamines. Histamines are these blockers that result in sneezing, coughing, inflammation, etc.
CBD is not an instant cure for allergies, but with consistency and daily use, it can work alongside your immune system to protect you from allergy symptoms all season long. If you or someone you know experiences severe allergies, it is important to consult with a doctor before making any drastic changes in medication. Additionally, if you have other existing conditions such as (asthma), CBD may be able to help even further.
Ways to Take CBD for Allergies
There are countless ways to ingest CBD from oils to edibles and more. Deciding what method is best for you can depend on your lifestyle and symptoms. For example, CBD oil for allergies is common because it is reactionary and can easily be ingested as needed or as part of a daily routine. Additionally, CBD topicals are used for those who frequently suffer from allergic reactions such as hives or rashes. Topicals can be applied directly to the area needed and will immediately be absorbed into the skin. If you are looking for a method that is more precautionary, than CBD edibles may be a good fit for you. One the newest products to try is a CBD Inhaler which gets into your bloodstream fast without inhaling heat or vapor.
As we approach the halfway mark of allergy season, it may be beneficial to assess your symptoms and treatment plan. Regardless of whether CBD is in the mix or not, there may be simple treatments that you can work into your routine to help reduce symptoms.
