There are endless health claims by people regarding the use of CBD or the cannabis plant. From treating anxiety disorders to helping a person’s overactive immune system. That fantastic, but how does CBD help people suffering from allergies
Can it lessen allergy symptoms or help prevent a severe allergic reaction for allergy sufferers?
In today’s article, we’re going to take a look at allergies, how CBD may may able to help, and what happens if you have an allergy to CBD itself.
CBD and Allergies
We’re all familiar with the various allergies facing people today. From the seasonal allergies of pollen and hay fever to pet dander, allergies come in many forms.
For example, people dealing with specific allergies, such as a food allergy, have an immune system that goes into high alert to defend itself from the threat of these allergies. In response to these allergies, the symptoms of nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, itchiness, and so on kick in.
These symptoms can usually be found when a person is suffering from allergic rhinitis. This condition is when there is an inflammation inside the nasal cavity. Typically this type of allergy is caused by pollen, mold, dust, or pet dander. It is relatively common and affects many people worldwide.
CBD may also affect the nasal system in this very same way.
Living day to day with these allergies can be a nightmare for some and can seriously affect their quality of life. Looking at any possible allergy treatment or visiting medical doctors is a necessary first step to help bring their lives back to normal.
Challenging Traditional Methods
While some lean towards more traditional allergy medications, others seek alternative treatments such as broad-spectrum CBD products as complementary and integrative health options. Regardless of your choice, it would be best to always get professional medical advice before starting any treatment.
People may find relief in taking CBD products with the wide range of CBD products available like CBD edibles, full-spectrum CBD oil, CBD topicals, and CBD vape oil. But can people have a sensitivity to CBD or even an allergic reaction to CBD?
Related: CBD Vape Pens for Anxiety
Can CBD Cause Allergic Reactions?
An allergic reaction can happen when a body comes into contact with a substance it sees as an allergen. Most of these reactions occur as food allergies, reactions to medications, insect bites, and pet dander allergies. But a person may also develop a cannabis allergy.
Since CBD comes from the cannabis Sativa plant, CBD will contain pollen and histamine, which are known allergens. Even though allergies to CBD are rare, some can have or develop allergic reactions to CBD and industrial hemp products.
However, CBD has also been found to help with allergy symptoms because of its antihistamine and anti-allergenic properties.
Some of the more commons allergy symptoms associated with CDB are an itchy nose or difficulty breathing. However, if you start to feel any strong adverse side effects of CBD, stop immediately and see a medical doctor.
Here are some of the key factors to consider if you want to understand the difference between having an allergic reaction to experiencing the side effects of CBD:
The Side Effects of CBD?
Can you have a bad reaction to CBD? Some people may experience a handful of side effects associated with taking CBD oil. These possible side effects should not be considered as allergic reactions to CBD.
Still, they might be the result of taking too much of a CBD product at once or if the person is sensitive to CBD affecting their immune system. Some of the more common side effects of taking CBD are:
- The CBD oil is interacting with other medications
- The person using CBD experiences dry mouth
- Parkinson’s patients may experience increased tremors
- CBD may give a person low blood pressure
- A person may experience a lightheaded feeling
- Taking CBD may make a person drowsy
What Happens if I’m Allergic to CBD Oil?
A person who exhibits symptoms after touching, smoking, inhaling, or consuming any products that contain CBD may have an allergic reaction to CBD. These allergic reactions happen when the person’s immune system reacts negatively to a substance the body experiences as a threat.
When the body needs protection from the threat of allergies, the immune system begins to produce antibodies. By making these antibodies, the body then experiences the symptoms of an allergic reaction such as sneezing and coughing.
These reactions will be different for each person, their immune system, and the number of antibodies their body will release. Many allergic reactions don’t always happen right away with an initial exposure.
Most of these allergies gradually appear and change over time, weakening the immune system’s ability to defend itself.
Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
Since CBD comes from cannabis plants, many could mistake the allergic reactions to CBD as a seasonal allergy to pollen, hay fever, or fungi. Most of the symptoms associated with an allergic reaction to CBD will disappear once the person stops using CBD products.
Some of the more common symptoms a person who is allergic to CBD may exhibit are:
- Congestion or a dry cough
- Sneezing and a runny nose
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Irritation and redness in the eyes
- Sore throat
Allergic Reaction of the Skin and CBD
Skin allergies may also be attributed to consuming CBD or using CBD topical ointments and creams. Specific skin reactions from CBD to look out for include:
- Dry skin
- Hives
- Blisters
- Inflammation
- Redness
- Irritation
Remember, these are common allergic reaction symptoms and may not be linked to CBD use. It is best to check with a medical professional if you’re in doubt.
Can You Have a Bad Reaction to CBD Oil?
In some very rare cases, anaphylactic shock can occur from having an allergic reaction to CBD oil. Anaphylactic shock is an allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. When this happens, a person’s body becomes flooded with chemicals that narrow the airways restricting breathing.
If these symptoms occur, even if they seem like common allergic reaction symptoms, you must seek medical attention immediately:
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
If you experience any symptoms out of the ordinary it is vital to seek help immediately.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of a CBD Oil Allergy
A doctor can diagnose a Hemp or CBD allergy through a simple blood test, patch test, or skin prick test. The skin prick test is a straightforward process that involves placing a percentage of the allergen extract on a needle and slightly piercing the skin.
It works by determining mast cells, or cells responsible for instant allergic reactions to the extract.
Although this test is typically performed to identify pollen, pet dander, mold, or allergies from certain foods, it can also be done to see if the person has CBD allergies. If a positive result happens from the skin prick test, redness or itchiness will occur in the insertion area of the needle.
CBD Oil for Seasonal Allergies
CBD oil vape products such as pens may give your system the most CBD, but can they help people who suffer from season allergies? Some companies offer CBD vaping products that contain cannabidiol but may contain other compounds as well, such as thinners (propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin).
The main problem with propylene glycol when heated is that it breaks down into aldehydes.
These aldehydes are dangerous and can irritate the lungs. Some of the most commonly experienced allergic reactions to vaping are wheezing, coughing, and asthma attacks.
A Side Note
However, some studies show that inhaling cannabis plants may help improve lung function and increase the lung capacity of those with asthma. These studies tested the health benefits of cannabidiol and how it interacted with the cannabinoid receptors of the human body as a possible CBD treatment to lessen the symptoms of asthma.
New Phase Blends uses third-party lab tests for all of its CBD products. We take absolute pride in every product we make and special care in only using high-quality ingredients of our CBD oils, gummies, topicals, and vapes.
Whether you are using our CBD products to help with allergies or inflammation, we are here to help you with your CBD journey!
Terpenes and Allergies
While CBD is not bad for you, certain CBD products contain terpenes which may cause bad reactions – if you are allergic to those specific terpenes. While rare, it is possible. If you know you’re allergic to certain terpenes, ask the company you purchase CBD from what terpenes are in their products. Each batch of hemp extract is different, and some products may bother some people.
CBD Oil and Inflammation
Besides dealing with allergic symptoms such as coughing and sneezing, a person might be struggling with inflammatory diseases. This typically happens when the body’s immune system overreacts. CBD may be the way to deal with inflammation and the chronic pain that comes with it.
Discover: CBD and Parkinson’s
Clinical evidence from a 2011 study indicated that CBD has anti-inflammatory effects. Tests carried out with rats showed the CBD helped reduce inflammatory pain. Other studies that used experimental allergic contact dermatitis showed that CBD has the potential to lower inflammation.
The link between inflammation and many human diseases, if not all conditions, has been extensively researched and studied. Using CBD may assist a person’s body in fighting off several diseases by keeping inflammation lowered.
The way CBD works with the body’s cannabinoid system (endocannabinoid) is the way CBD binds with the receptors.
Related read: Is CBD an Anti-Inflammatory?
The Endocannabinoid System
These receptors are situated throughout the human body. The endocannabinoids bind to these receptors. The goal is to signal the endocannabinoid system, telling it to get ready for action.
There are two primary endocannabinoid receptors:
- CB1 receptors – which are primarily located in a person’s central nervous system
- CB2 receptors – which are mostly found in a person’s peripheral nervous system, mainly located in the immune cells
Endocannabinoids may bind to either of these receptors. It all depends on where the receptor is located and the endocannabinoid it will bind to.
For example, endocannabinoids might target CB1 receptors in a spinal nerve to relieve pain. Others might bind to a CB2 receptor in your immune cells to signal that your body’s experiencing inflammation, a common sign of autoimmune disorders.
Instead of pharmaceutical drug administration, CBD is an excellent natural choice in treating and preventing headaches induced by sinusitis.
Every person experiences allergic reactions differently, but CBD is a natural and effective way to reduce this in everyone.Â
CBD for Allergies: Some Final Thoughts
Although much research is still needed to fully understand CBD oils’ connection to allergies, cannabinoids may contain exceptional anti-inflammatory properties. Since inflammation is at the root of allergic conditions, CBD may play a big part in helping alleviate symptoms of allergies and possibly helping to prevent allergic reactions.
However, the key to all of this is that if the person consuming CBD isn’t allergic to CBD oil, CBD isolate, the cannabis plant, or has any plant allergies, it may be related to the manufacturing process of some CBD companies.
Some manufacturers may also add ingredients involved in making CBD oil, such as harsh chemicals or synthetic additives.
Some companies market CBD products without letting the consumer know the full ingredients list, making it hard to determine if the product will relieve allergy symptoms or create more.
The New Phase Blends Promise
New Phase Blends, ensure we use only pure CBD with no additives or harsh chemicals in all our CBD products, including CBD oils, CBD gummies, topicals, hemp seeds, and more.
Visit the New Phase Blends website to learn more about CBD, read our ingredients list, and find the best CBD product for your need today!
