If you are looking for natural relief from certain symptoms, such as anxiety and pain, CBD is one of the products that can work wonders.
Among several of its benefits, CBD is also known for relieving allergic reactions. Because of this reason, CBD has become quite popular among consumers.
However, some people have also reported experiencing allergic symptoms after administering CBD.
Today, we will be exploring the connection between CBD’s ability to alleviate allergic reactions and its potential to cause them.
Understanding Allergies
Around 50% of the people living in the US have allergies to something or the other. Allergies occur when the immune system of the body senses a foreign substance to be harmful.
Common allergens would include mites, dust, pollen, etc. when the body is exposed to allergens, the body’s immune system gets activated to prepare proteins named antibodies.
Antibodies are meant to attack the allergen or “foreign invader” for destroying and eliminating it from the body.
When this process takes place, a chemical is also released in the body, named histamine. This chemical is responsible for causing the signs and symptoms that result from allergies.
When the body encounters the same allergen, the body’s immune system will remember it as dangerous.
The allergy symptoms commonly experienced by people include –
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Flushing of face
- Dry skin
- Coughing
- Itchiness
- Sneezing
- Red, dry, or watery eyes
- Nasal stuffiness
Sometimes, allergic reactions could be severe and life-threatening. The condition is called anaphylaxis. Some of the symptoms include –
- Swelling of the tongue or lips
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Urticaria (skin hives)
Also Read: 6 Questions You Might Be Asking About Allergies – Causes, Diagnosis, and More
6 Questions You Might Be Asking About Allergies – Causes, Diagnosis, and More
Does CBD Oil Cause Allergic Reactions?
Is it possible to be allergic to CBD oil? Yes, some people can develop allergic reactions to CBD or cannabis. People who are sensitive to molds, dust mites, pollen, or cat dander are more vulnerable to developing cannabis allergy, according to a 2018 study.
With molecular similarities between hemp and cannabis plants, an allergic reaction might also be experienced when CBD is administered. Therefore, people can develop allergies towards certain compounds present in the cannabis plant, including CBD or THC.
In short, hypersensitive people might experience allergic symptoms. However, it is essential to know the difference between allergic symptoms and side effects of CBD. Both aren’t the same.
Side Effects of CBD
The side effects resulting from CBD use are usually mild and short-lived. Some of the common side effects include –
- Dry mouth and eyes
- Lethargy
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
CBD’s Effect on Allergies
CBD is popular for its potential therapeutic effects on the human body. These benefits extend to treating allergic symptoms. CBD won’t be able to get rid of allergies altogether, but it can surely alleviate the irritating symptoms. Let’s take a look at them.
Countering Inflammation – A 2019 study was able to find that CBD can help in treating inflammatory skin conditions. It helps in blocking the release of histamine from the inflammatory cells and keeps symptoms like pain, swelling, and redness at bay. CBD can trigger actions similar to antihistamine drugs that help in treating allergy symptoms.
Because of these effects, many hypersensitive individuals prefer keeping CBD oil handy to treat inflammation instantly. If you wish to buy high-quality CBD oil at a competitive price, we would recommend you browse through the options at Industrialhempfarms.
Reducing Airway Secretions – As mentioned earlier, CBD’s anti-inflammatory action reduced airway secretions. It keeps the airways clear, which is meant to improve breathing. It also helps in preventing wheezing and coughing that is associated with allergies. Therefore, CBD is useful in clearing up nasal sinuses and passages.
Relieving Skin Rashes and Eczema – A 2018 study suggested that cannabinoid products can treat several skin conditions, including acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis. Users have reported that topical CBD preparations can also treat skin manifestations of allergies. Eczema is often associated with allergies, particularly seasonal allergic asthma. CBD can also be useful in alleviating flakiness, itching, and skin redness that are associated with eczema.
Improving Immune Homeostasis – Allergies can also create an imbalance in the body, especially when the reaction is prolonged. CBD can be useful in stabilizing the internal body environment. It is known for interacting with CB2 receptors that are present immune cells, which helps in improving immune system homeostasis for restoring balance and warding off allergies.
Using CBD for Allergies
CBD can be found in different preparations in the market, especially for treating allergies. Let’s take a look at them –
- CBD Oil (widespread allergic reactions)
- Topical CBD Products, like rubs and ointments (skin rashes, redness, itchiness, and irritation)
- CBD Oral and Nasal Sprays (respiratory allergy symptoms, such as nasal congestion, cough, and breathing difficulty)
If you are experiencing anaphylactic allergic reactions, you shouldn’t try to treat it using CBD oil. If you experience symptoms like swollen gums or lips, shortness of breath, or skin hives, you need to rush to an emergency department because the condition can easily be life-threatening.
What to Do If You Are Allergic to CBD?
If you notice skin eruptions or redness, you are most likely allergic to the ingredients present in the product. If you are allergic to any CBD product, you need to –
- Stop using the product immediately.
- Don’t use CBD oil to alleviate the symptoms.
- Seek immediate medical help if the reactions look severe.
- Book an appointment with a skin specialist to run tests for determining the allergen.
Closing Thoughts
CBD is useful in alleviating symptoms of allergy but can sometimes cause allergies as well. Therefore, it is essential to test a CBD product before using it.
Hi, I’m the Founder and Developer of Paramedics World, a blog truly devoted to Paramedics. I am a Medical Lab Tech, a Web Developer and Bibliophiliac. My greatest hobby is to teach and motivate other peoples to do whatever they wanna do in life.