Can CBD Help With Allergies?

Allergies are among the most common health conditions in people around the world. When a person is exposed to allergic substances such as pollen, mold, or dust, their immune system can overproduce antibodies.

Cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive substance found in Cannabis sativa, is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that could help treat allergies. An example of how CBD can help with allergies is by reducing the amount of antibodies that trigger inflammatory responses in the body.

Several studies to CBD suggest that the phytocannabinoid has the potential to be an effective treatment for allergies.

Although the evidence about CBD is very positive, medical experts warn that many of the therapeutic properties of CBD products are still hypothetical. People interested in including cannabidiol in their program should consult a doctor to avoid complications.

Why people use CBD for allergies

An allergic reaction is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. If a person comes into contact with substances they are allergic to, such as: The immune system can overreact by producing excessive amounts of antibodies, such as pollen, mold or dust.

Cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive compound from the Cannabis sativa plant, has reportedly contains anti-inflammatory properties that could be useful in treating allergies. One way that CBD can help with allergies is by reducing the levels of antibodies that trigger histamine - the main cause of inflammatory responses in the body. 

How CBD oil helps with allergies

In einer Study from 2009 It was found that cannabinoids are able to inhibit the activation of a certain type of white blood cells (T cells) in mice. By interfering with the release of these cells, CBD can potentially weaken antibody responses and reduce allergic symptoms.

Terpenes found in full-range CBD oil can also help lower antibody levels, like a Study from 2014 shows. Researchers found that alpha pinene, a common terpene in cannabis sativa, reduced clinical symptoms of allergies in mice.

The researchers observed that the rodents rubbed their nose, eyes, and ears less frequently, suggesting an improvement in allergic reactions. The mice were also found to have lower levels of immunoglobulin E, an important component that releases histamine. Histamine is responsible for symptoms such as a runny nose, itching, and swelling in the nasal cavities.

Another Study from 2005 suggests that cannabinoids can prevent an increased histamine response. Research shows that certain cannabinoids might suppress the activation of mast cells that trigger the release of histamine.

Inflammation is a critical part of causing allergies, and one way cannabis can help relieve allergy symptoms is by reducing or preventing inflammation. Dr. Sue Sisley, a medical marijuana researcher, notes that the cannabis sativa plant can inhibit the pathway of inflammation.

“And that certainly relates to allergies, because if you can interrupt the path of inflammation, then that could certainly help with untreated allergies, with all the classic symptoms, the itchy, runny nose, the itching, the hives and all these things,” she said Dr. Sisley.

In addition to relieving symptoms of itchy skin, watery eyes, sneezing, and runny nose, cannabidiol can also relieve allergy symptoms such as shortness of breath in asthma. One Study published in 2019 shows that CBD treatment reduces airway inflammation, wheezing, and scarring of lung tissue in allergic asthma.

Another research study suggests that cannabinoids can affect mast cells in a manner similar to antihistamines.

Despite these preliminary results, Dr. Sisley to keep in mind that the therapeutic properties of the CBD tincture are still theoretical. Although its effectiveness has not yet been proven, initial studies show that CBD has the potential to be a potential treatment for allergies.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

The above studies show that the anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties of CBD Oil can help in the treatment of allergies.

Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol neither changes consciousness nor does it induce a “high” in people who consume its products.

According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), CBD oil is generally well tolerated and has an excellent safety profile.

Although most of the research has been done on animals, the above results indicate that CBD can be an effective treatment for relieving allergy symptoms.

Disadvantages

The studies on the effectiveness of CBD in humans are minimal and do not clarify whether the active ingredient can reliably treat allergies or not.

According to Dr. Peter Grinspoon, a general practitioner who advocates the use of cannabis, fatigue, irritability, and nausea are common side effects of CBD.

Most of the research into the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD has been done in clinical trials on rodents rather than humans.

The accuracy of labeling cannabidiol products sold online leaves a lot to be desired. Dr. Grinspoon and several researchers in a 2017 study by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) agree.

It is highly recommended that you consult a doctor who is knowledgeable about the use of CBD. This at least ensures that the extract does not have any negative interactions with other allergy medications that are currently being taken.

How CBD oil compares to alternative treatments for allergies

At the time of this writing, there is no evidence that CBD is a suitable antihistamine. Based on evidence, scientists have hypothesized that CBD can affect mast cells enough to reduce allergic symptoms.

Many people with seasonal allergies find that traditional antihistamines are only effective if used early. Over time, they become less effective and may no longer be useful for treating an allergic reaction.

As mentioned earlier, CBD has anti-inflammatory potential that can be useful in treating allergies. Several studies suggest therapeutic properties of cannabidiol.

A frequently quoted one Study was conducted in 2009 published in the journal Future Medicinal Chemistry. The researchers in the study analyzed the importance of the CB1 and CB2 receptors and how cannabinoids could play a crucial role in regulating the immune system.

The main point of said research is that cannabinoids can be potentially active anti-inflammatory agents. The authors found that CBD was just as effective as many of the popular anti-inflammatory drugs on the market.

Nagarkatti and his colleagues studied the interaction of cannabidiol with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and how it appears to inhibit inflammation. The ECS is a system that regulates much of the immune system in both humans and animals.

A newer one Study from 2018 studied how chronic pain and inflammation can be treated by various cannabinoid delivery systems. 

The researchers mentioned that the studies support the potential anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids. These data make cannabinoids suitable candidates for nano-sized drug delivery systems.

Most of the evidence about CBD's effects on inflammation ultimately points to its effects on the endocannabinoid system.

Scientists came in one Study from 2014 to the same conclusion when they analyzed that the ECS plays an essential role in managing inflammation. Their results suggest that activating the ECS in a certain way may help regulate inflammation that has been linked to various diseases.

In theory, using CBD oil to treat allergies could encourage the increased production of healthy cannabinoids in the ECS. While CBD doesn't act directly on the receptors present in the system, it could be enough to produce anti-inflammatory effects.

How to choose the right CBD for allergies

A CBD nasal spray that contains a concentration of anti-inflammatory cannabinoids and terpenes can, according to marijuana plant advocate Dr. Treating Grinspoon Allergies. Full-spectrum CBD oil is an example of a CBD product that has all of the phytonutrients from industrial hemp as it contains THC, terpenes, flavonoids, and essential oils.

There are also broad spectrum CBD products or CBD without THC content for consumers who have a cannabis allergy to THC.

There are also CBD isolates available, i.e. extracts made from pure cannabidiol. This type of CBD is usually obtained from hemp plants by farmers because the THC content is low or nonexistent.

Regardless of the type of CBD product you choose, it is always in your best interest to consult a doctor first before deciding to use CBD oil for allergies.

The following factors are important to ensure the safety and reliability of the CBD products you purchase:

Find out the exact legal requirements that apply to CBD in the area in which it is to be purchased and used.

Only buy high quality CBD products from reputable and reliable brands. Most of the companies that make the best CBD oil products either grow their own hemp or buy it from licensed hemp producers.

Research product reviews before buying from an online store. If you are buying from a store or pharmacy, check to see if the store is government approved to sell CBD.

An important point to look out for with CBD products is the certification codes. Several certification bodies only approve certain products after thorough testing.

Compare the companies' claims about the potency of their products to third party lab reports.

Before buying your first bottle of CBD, seek advice from a trusted doctor who is knowledgeable about the use of CBD.

Summary

Allergies are one of the most common medical conditions that people around the world struggle with, especially in the United States. Common allergens such as mold, pollen, dander, or dust, which seem harmless to most people, can cause an overreaction (as in anaphylaxis) in the immune system of people who are allergic to them.

CBD is said to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help allergy sufferers, especially those with a runny nose or hay fever. An example of how CBD can fight allergic symptoms is by blocking antibodies that trigger histamine, the main compound responsible for inflammatory responses.

Many other studies suggest that cannabinoids can potentially work against allergies. Much research ultimately suggests how CBD can affect the endocannabinoid system.

Despite the preliminary results, medical experts warn that the therapeutic properties of CBD oil are still theoretical. It is always advisable to consult a doctor first before deciding to add a CBD product to your program.