Spring is finally in full swing in the UK. But for many, this time of year is clouded by the onset of transmission, itchy eyes, and runny nose. The hay fever season has really arrived.
If the warmer temperatures let you run to protect yourself, you’re not alone. One in four people in the UK has hay fever. That’s about 16 million people, and a few million more tissues and antihistamines needed to rescue them from their sneezes.
With more and more people claiming that CBD can help with almost any disease, some people swear by its ability to relieve the symptoms of hay fever, but does science agree?
Hay fever: an overview
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to pollen. Symptoms usually appear in the warmer months, between March and September, when the pollen count is highest. When these tiny particles come in contact with your mouth, nose, eyes, and throat, it can cause a mild allergic reaction that causes symptoms such as:
- sneezing
- Cough
- One in which the lid sticks
- Itchy, red or watery eyes
- Itching in the throat, mouth, nose and ears
- Headache
- Ear ache
While there is no specific cure or treatment for hay fever, there are several over-the-counter medications that can relieve symptoms. Antihistamines, in particular, are a popular way to control hay allergies and fever, but their use is limited by unwanted side effects. These may include drowsiness, dry mouth, and blurred vision.
According to the NHSthe symptoms of hay fever can be reduced by wearing sunglasses, showering and vacuuming regularly, staying indoors whenever possible and putting Vaseline around the nostrils to catch pollen. .
Aside from these little tips and tricks, there is also some preliminary evidence to suggest that CBD could provide added therapeutic relief for those living with hay fever, without the side effects of antihistamines.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the major cannabinoids found in cannabidiol Cannabis sativa plant. CBD is not psychoactive, so unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the plant’s mind-altering molecule, it can’t increase you. In recent years, CBD has taken the health and wellness scene for its ability to provide some of the medicinal benefits of cannabis, without the intoxicating effects.
In the form of Epidiolex, CBD is now an accepted treatment rare forms of epilepsy. In recent years, scientists have begun to investigate CBD as a therapeutic tool in many other health conditions, including anxiety and several inflammatory disorders.
How it works?
CBD interacts with our endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of cellular signaling that is responsible for supporting and coordinating countless biological functions. By regulating our mood, appetite, sleep, pain levels, immune health and more, ECS strives to maintain the biological stability of our body.
Although the exact mechanisms of action of CBD are still being investigated, it has been shown that CBD indirectly modulates the activity of cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. By subsequently altering the signaling of endocannabinoids, our body’s natural cannabinoids, this helps support the wide variety of ECS-coordinated biological functions. This is why CBD seems to have such widespread benefits for our mental and physical health.
Does CBD relieve hay fever?
Research into the effects of CBD on allergy symptoms is considerably limited. Scientists have not explicitly studied CBD and hay fever in human trials, but several studies with animal models have yielded promising results.
CBD has a pronounced effect on the immune system; has proven to be both anti-inflammatory drugs i immunosuppressant. Because inflammation is the main underlying due to allergic reactionsCBD may relieve swelling, irritation, and other symptoms of hay fever a little.
In a to study published in 2013, researchers used several compounds to trigger the contraction of throat muscles in animals, a symptom that commonly occurs with hay fever. Although CBD was found to reduce airway obstruction in response to an antigen, these effects were not seen in response to histamine, one of the major drivers of the body’s allergic response.
That said, a 2019 animal study had a more promising result. Using a model of allergic asthma, the researchers noted that CBD “decreased the inflammatory and remodeling processes in the model of allergic asthma.” If similar effects are seen in humans, CBD could be an effective way to relieve congestion during the hay fever months.
There is also some evidence to suggest that cannabinoid receptors, specifically CB1, are involved in suppressing the activity of mast cells, which are the immune cells responsible for releasing histamine.
CBD could, therefore modulate mast cell activity and reduce histamine release. In theory, this could slow down the body’s allergic reaction to pollen, without the unwanted effects of current antihistamines. However, these effects have not yet been confirmed experimentally.
Any evidence in favor of the use of CBD to control the symptoms of hay fever is based on speculation and anecdotal reports, not clinical data. It can help people with allergies, but much more research is needed to verify this and establish the most effective dose of CBD for human benefit.
Is it safe?
Multiple studies they have established that CBD is a safe and well-tolerated substance, even at high doses. In some people, CBD can have mild side effects, such as changes in appetite, nausea, and fatigue. However, these effects are usually resolved with the correct dose, so the usual direction is to start lowering and increasing the dose.
One thing to keep in mind, though, is that it’s also possible for people to develop one cannabis plant allergy same. A cannabis allergy produces symptoms similar to hay fever, such as runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and skin irritation. Interestingly, people with pollen allergies are most likely develop a cannabis allergy, so keep this in mind if you want to try CBD to control the symptoms of hay fever.
CBD has also been shown to interact with some medications, so always consult a doctor or healthcare professional before adding CBD to your routine. Although not believed to be a combination of harmful drugs, taking CBD and antihistamines together could increase the risk of drowsiness. If you decide to take CBD with antihistamines, you can reduce the risk of drug interactions by spacing doses throughout the day.
How to use CBD
Each CBD product is usually divided into one of three categories: Isolated CBD, Broad Spectrum CBD, and Full Spectrum CBD. The main difference between them is whether they contain other cannabis compounds and, consequently, the presence (or lack of) the follow-up effect.
Broad-spectrum products are likely to contain terpenes, aromatic compounds that give the cannabis plant its characteristic odor and taste. One animal study has found that alpha-pinene terpene reduces allergy symptoms in rats, so it could be that these added compounds may offer an additional benefit to those with hay fever.
When it comes to deciding how to take your CBD, your options are far from limited. These are just some of our favorites:
CBD oil
Oils are one of the most popular ways to take CBD. By placing a few drops under the tongue, the CBD quickly enters the bloodstream and has a rapid onset of action. It’s an efficient way to introduce the dose, but keep in mind that CBD oil tastes pretty strong!
CBD rubbers
If the taste of CBD oil is not for you, CBD infused jelly beans are a good way to get your dose. They are usually less potent than oils, so you may need to increase the dose if necessary.
CBD capsules
Capsules are another way to experience the benefits of CBD oil without the taste. Because they need to go through the digestive system, the effects take a little longer to appear (between 30 minutes and 2 hours). They should also be taken with food so that CBD can be properly absorbed in the stomach.
CBD inhalers
CBD inhalers provide direct and immediate relief through the lungs, so they could be very beneficial for people with hay fever. Because it is a relatively new and innovative method of administration, there is very limited safety data for CBD inhalers. However, they are believed to be safer than CBD vaporizers.
CBD nasal spray
If you are looking for a product that specifically targets congestion, CBD nasal sprays can provide direct anti-inflammatory relief to your sinuses and airways. CBD has a rapid rate of absorption when administered through the nose, so nasal sprays could provide almost immediate relief from hay fever.
If you don’t know where to start, take a look at ours CBD Beginner’s Guide.
