You’ve probably heard about CBD by now. Cannabidiol (CBD) is the compound inside hemp that is associated with the calming properties of marijuana use. In recent years, some people have explored a variety of CBD products for potential health benefits. These products have ranged from everything from oils and capsules to edibles and beverages. While there is a variety of health uses that some have turned to CBD for, but can this compound help allergies?
CBD and Inflammation
It’s important to know before you use even the best CBD capsules or products on the market that you should consult with your primary care physician to make sure CBD use is right for your situation. One of the common uses of CBD products is to reduce inflammation for those dealing with arthritis or other medical conditions. Inflammation of the nasal passages and of the skin is often associated with allergic asthma or other triggers. Early research is promising regarding CBD treatment for allergies, but it is important to make sure that you understand the formula of the capsules or CBD pills taken for these conditions.
While some users have found success with CBD oil for allergens to get through ragweed season, CBD nasal spray has also gained popularity. It works its way into the nasal mucose membrane. This is a thin membrane lined with many blood vessels that allow for CBD to be easily absorbed directly into the bloodstream. This leads to faster effects for some CBD users. With pollen levels being a year-round issue in some parts of the United States, the body can react to the smallest amounts of these irritants.
CBD and Sleep
CBD has also been commonly used as a way of relieving stress and, let’s face it, sometimes our allergies can be stressful. In fact, stress relief can result in allergy relief. Allergic reactions are the result of an overactive immune system, triggered by tree and plant pollen. If you have allergies when you breathe in tiny pollen particles or other allergens, cells in the nose release chemicals that trigger allergy symptoms and recruit more immune system cells to fight.
In also relieving stress, CBD users have found a popular way to get themselves some rest and relaxation. CBD, for some, takes their mind off what is triggering an adverse reaction. It’s the same way a person would take over-the-counter medication or prescription medication to treat severe allergies. Some decongestants come in a nighttime version that allows a user to lull into a comfortable night’s sleep. These benefits of CBD can offer better sleep, without sniffling and wheezing their way through the evening.
Things To Know Before Using CBD
Before using any CBD products, it’s important to read labels to understand the proper dosage and what exactly that product contains. If oil or another hemp product is labeled full-spectrum, that means it contains all elements of the hemp plant, including THC, the compound behind the psychoactive high from marijuana use. Broad-spectrum CBD products eliminate THC but contain most other terpenes found in the cannabis plant. If you’re looking purely for CBD, you’ll want CBD isolate. Those products are made solely of that compound.
New CBD users should start low and slow, working with their medical care team to figure out the best CBD dosage to start with. Over time, you can build up a tolerance, and make want to explore other options across the CBD industry. Be sure to check labels to make sure that what you are using is high-quality CBD. While certain flavors of edibles may mask the health benefits, it’s important to be sure that your gummies are more than gelatin, and that your isolate capsules are true of the purest of the compound.
