Can CBD Help With Seasonal Allergies?
The Spring Season is in full-swing across North America. Though many of us - two and four-legged alike - are spending most our time inside with stay-at-home orders, allergies are likely still affecting many.
You have probably heard of anti-histamines, but what are histamines?
In short, histamines are chemicals your immune system makes.(1) When a foreign entity say such as pollen enters your body, histamines help your body get rid of the 'foreign intruders.'
When your body comes across your allergy trigger, your immune system identifies it and launches a chain reaction to defend you. It sends a chemical signal to the mast cells in your body to 'release histamines.' When the histamines leave the mast cells, they boost blood flow in the area of your body the allergen affected. This causes inflammation. This attack on foreign bodies causes symptoms like: coughing, a runny or stuffy nose, and itchy, watery eyes. These reactions are the body's way of pushing the allergen out. In cases of our beloved pets, contact irritants such as pollens, new growth grasses as well as bug bites can induce more-than-normal scratching as well as pots on their bodies denoted as 'hot spots' from excessive licking.
Most of us are used to taking some kind of over-the-counter antihistamine for seasonal allergies. Antihistamines reduce or block histamines, so they stop allergy symptoms. However, the list of side-effects(2) of antihistamines includes:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Restlessness or moodiness (in some children)
- Trouble peeing or not being able to pee
- Acute liver damage
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
What if the inflammation caused by the working histamines is treated instead? Could this help reduce some of the symptoms that arises with having seasonal allergies? Would having a better working endocannabinoid system boost the immune system?
How CBD May Help You Manage Your Wellness
Research on CBD has shown that:
- CBD Can Help Balance Your Immune System – Allergies do not happen instantly. They take months or even years after exposure for the immune system to develop an allergic response to an allergen. Allergies may also be genetically passed down. A healthier immune system may be likely to create an exaggerated threat response. Studies have shown that regular CBD use can increase white blood cell counts suggesting an immune-boosting effect.
- May Reduce Inflammation – Many consumers report on CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is what causes the puffiness and achey feelings with the on-set allergies. Inflammation is also the cause of pain during sinusitis (when your sinuses become infected during an allergy attack) leading to a “full” head feeling and headaches. Reducing inflammation may lessen your discomfort during allergy season.
- Promotes A Calmer Demeanor – While it may not be a cure-all for your allergies, having a better outlook and stress-free mental state may help you get through the distraction of the sniffles, sneezes, and stuffy head. And in your pet's case, reduced anxiety may ease back their need for constant licking or scratching.
Consumers have been reporting personal, seasonal relief. Unfortunately, there have not yet been any research studies on using CBD oil for allergies.
What are your experiences using CBD to cope with your Seasonal Allergies? How has CBD helped your pet during allergy season?
To read more about CBD and the endocannabinoid system go to:
https://www.fullyactivated.net/blogs/news/how-does-cbd-work-with-the-endocannabinoid-system
To view our pet-friendly CBD products visit:
https://www.fullyactivated.net/collections/dog-treats
Find an array of Colorado-grown, CBD products on our website:
https://www.fullyactivated.net/collections/all-products
1. https://www.webmd.com/allergies/what-are-histamines#1
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/antihistamine-brands#firstgeneration-brands
