“We are already in spring, longer and sunnier days, it is synonymous with allergies and associated flare-ups for many of us.”
What is an allergy?
When the immune system reacts to a foreign substance (such as pollen, grass or pet dander).
At that point your immune system produces substances known as “antibodies” that identify a particular allergen as harmful, even if it is not.
When you come into contact with the allergen, your immune system’s reaction can cause your skin, sinuses, airways or digestive tract to become inflamed.
Many substances (allergens) that cause allergic reactions, some of the most prominent are:
- Pollen
- Medicines
- Dust mites
- Animal epithelia (dandruff)
- For food
- Insect bites
The main symptoms associated with an allergic reaction are usually of varying severity (usually mild) but can trigger a life-threatening reaction known as “anaphylaxis”.
Hay fever, also called “allergic rhinitis”, can cause:
- Sneezing
- Itchy nose, eyes or roof of mouth
- Runny, stuffy nose
- Watery, irritated or swollen eyes (conjunctivitis)
A food allergy may cause:
- Tingling in the mouth
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat
- Hives
- Anaphylaxis
An allergy from an insect sting can cause:
- An area of large swelling (oedema) at the sting site
- Itching or hives all over the body
- Coughing, chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath
- Anaphylaxis
An allergy to a medicine may cause:
- Hives
- Itchy skin
- Skin rash
- Swelling in the face
- Wheezing
- Anaphylaxis
Atopic dermatitis, an allergic skin disorder also called “eczema”, can cause:
- Itching
- Redness
- Flakes
Some types of allergies, such as food allergies and insect stings, can lead to “anaphylaxis”. and create a life-threatening medical emergency. Some of the signs and symptoms are as follows:
- Loss of consciousness
- Drop in blood pressure
- Severe breathing difficulties
- Skin rash
- Daze
- Fast and weak pulse
- Nausea and vomiting
So, can CBD help us fight symptoms caused by histamine release?
CBD has antimicrobial properties that help block histamines. that cause annoying allergic reactions. CBD’s interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been shown to reduce most common side effects, helping in the following ways:
- Opens the airways
- Avoids congestion sensation
- Facilitates breathing
- Pain relief
- Relieves nasal pressure
CBD helps to combat rashes, eczema and other skin conditions that appear during allergy season. When the sun finally decides to come out, we all want to take vitamin D! But this can be difficult when skin conditions and reactions frustrate you. CBD helps soothe the skin, reduces inflammation and helps with itching.
CBD is also anti-inflammatory, which is helpful during allergy season. If you are allergic to pollen, for example, this can cause swelling and inflammation of the lining of the nose and around the eyes. CBD helps many people get through the spring season.
But are there studies that prove it?
A 2005 study showed that CBD has immunomodulatory effects. in all cells of the respiratory system and acts as an antihistamine. The same study highlights the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis.
“In general terms, cannabinoids are considered to be immunosuppressive…. In the context of the proinflammatory function of mast cells, cannabinoids act as potential anti-inflammatory agents…”
When allergies are at their worst, it is not uncommon for the tissue in and around the nose, throat and mouth to become inflamed. Anti-inflammatories such as CBD can serve to reduce this extreme response and alleviate symptoms.
Another 2009 study demonstrated a reduction of allergic symptoms in mice when they were administered pinene, an essential oil or “terpene” commonly found in cannabis.. Several other studies have observed that terpenes have bronchodilator, inflammation-regulating and muscle-relaxing effects, all of which may contribute to the relief of seasonal allergies.
“We recommend the terpene ‘Pinene’, it is a promising anti-allergic agent and may be useful in the clinical treatment of allergic rhinitis…it is one of the many natural terpenes found in CBD”
In order to help you better cope with the season of increased allergies, we offer our 5% Full Spectrum CBD oil at a 10% discount throughout the spring.
