Depending on where you live, allergy season may be the most harrowing part of the entire year. Indeed, when you suffer from extreme seasonal allergies, it can make it hard to enjoy the otherwise-evident pleasures of spring and fall. All the mild weather in the world doesn’t matter so long as you’re stuffed up and sneezing all the time.
Of course, there are plenty of ways to deal with seasonal allergies, including pharmaceutical remedies. But what about alternative, holistic options? Could something like CBD be effective in the war against seasonal allergies? Here’s our take.
What are Seasonal Allergies?
First, some background may be in order. You probably have a pretty clear sense of what we mean when we talk about seasonal allergies; basically, if you have allergy symptoms that flare up during certain seasons of the year, then you’re likely a seasonal allergy sufferer.
But what causes these allergies in the first place? Allergies occur because your body’s immune system identifies potential allergens as foreign to the body, triggering the production of antibodies to fight those allergens.
Seasonal allergies happen because the most triggering allergens become more abundant; for example, the most common allergens are certain types of trees, which bloom during certain seasons and thus trigger more extreme allergic reactions.
What are the Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies?
While allergens are not dangerous to your body, your immune system may nevertheless trigger a response to kick them out. Activation of the immune system may result in a number of symptoms. The most common seasonal allergy symptoms include:
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Scratchy throat
- Itchy eyes
- Watery eyes
- Rashes and hives
While seasonal allergies are usually just an inconvenience, they can occasionally be quite severe. If you experience wheezing or shortness of breath, that’s a clear sign that you need to consult with an allergist.
Can CBD Help Control Seasonal Allergies?
Now we can return to the question at hand: Can CBD be an effective remedy for seasonal allergies? And if so, which CBD products make the most sense for treating allergic symptoms?
CBD and Allergies
It should be noted from the outset that the scientific research into CBD and allergies is in its nascent stage. There’s still a lot of additional research needed, and there’s much that we don’t know.
With that said, many CBD users have noted that taking CBD has helped them keep their seasonal allergy symptoms in check. This is widely assumed to be a result of CBD’s anti-inflammation properties.
Additionally, it is thought that, through interaction with the endocannabinoid system, CBD helps prevent the production of histamine, the chemical that your immune system produces in response to invading allergens. This can in turn diminish common allergy symptoms. (Keep in mind that many of the most common pharmaceuticals that are used in the treatment of allergies are antihistamines; CBD can work in much the same way, but naturally and holistically.)
The bottom line? There is reason to think CBD can help with both inflammation and with immune response, making it a potential treatment for seasonal allergies.
Choosing the Right CBD Product
One thing that your allergist will tell you about antihistamines and other anti-allergy medications is that different people respond to them in different ways; the antihistamine that’s most effective for you may not be the one that’s most effective for your neighbor. The same can be true with CBD oils and tinctures. It sometimes takes some trial and error to find the CBD product best suited for managing your allergy symptoms.
As you seek the right CBD oil to help with your allergies, keep a few things in mind:
- You’ll want to seek CBD that’s made in the USA and manufactured by a reputable company.
- It’s usually best to start with a smaller dose and work your way up to something bigger.
- Don’t hesitate to try a few different CBD oils as you seek the one that serves you best.
- Remember that, for serious allergy symptoms (like wheezing and shortness of breath), CBD is no substitute for qualified medical care from an allergist.
Ready to look for CBD oils that can help you manage seasonal allergies? We invite you to take a moment to explore the Asé Pure Naturals shop today.