Seasonal allergies are no fun for sufferers; itchy eyes, sneezing fits and a constant runny nose can make the springtime miserable. Pharmaceutical medications with antihistamine and anti-inflammatory agents are often effective but can have undesirable side effects. Perhaps those of use suffering should consider CBD. Research and experience show that CBD has both antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties and can be used as a natural alternative to alleviate allergic symptoms.

A recent study looking at CBD’s immune suppressing action concluded CBD acts as an antihistamine when ingested, controlling immune responses when the body comes into contact with potential allergens. The working theory is that CBD may prevent some allergic reactions before they occur by suppressing responses from the immune system. This indicates that CBD acts as an immunoregulatory agent and may deter allergic response.

CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties are well documented. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (an important series of receptors located throughout the body). When interacting with these receptors, CBD triggers an anti-inflammatory response. This could make CBD a valuable tool for those suffering from inflammation of the nose, throat, face, eyes, and skin.

The science suggests daily CBD may also work as a preventative treatment in seasonal allergies, preventing or rolling back the onset of unpleasant symptoms. Dosage will vary from person to person and, as always, it is important to record your dose, track efficacy and titrate up/down accordingly.

Using broad spectrum CBD products for allergies is best. The terpenes present contain other potential helpers. A 2009 study discovered that pinene (a terpene found in cannabis and hemp) reduced allergic symptoms in mice. The study suggests that pinene is an extremely promising anti-allergenic agent. Another important terpene found in our full spectrum products is beta caryophyllene, which research has found to be very anti-inflammatory. Our philosophy is to let the wisdom of nature guide us. We do not remove terpenes or any of the minor cannabinoids from our products, we extract and enhance all of what is present in the plant knowing it will make for the most effective remedies.

If you are curious about trying CBD for seasonal allergies we suggest trying a high CBD tincture. Valentine X and Ringo’s Gift are both recommended for daytime use, with no drowsiness. To establish an effective dose, start with 10 drops in the morning and see if symptoms abate. If symptoms persist try adding incrementally to the dose, it may take a week or two to find your dose.

Dr Moscowitz recommends using a CBD rich vaporizer, if you are sensitive to a particular environment or feel the onset of an allergic reaction. Vaporizing is the quickest method of getting CBD into the bloodstream via the lungs.

There is no guarantee that CBD will alleviate seasonal allergies, but following the current research and anecdotal reports, it certainly has potential as a natural remedy for exaggerated immune response, inflamed membranes and the dreaded sniffles and sneezes.

Synergy Wellness recommended products:

Ringo’s Gift CBD-rich tincture available three ways: #141 in sesame oil, #142 in organic alcohol, #143 in olive oil.

Valentine X CBD-rich tincture : #110 in organic alcohol, #111 in olive Oil, #112 in sesame oil

AC/DC CBD-rich vaporizer cartridge #351

Small-Howard, A. L., Shimoda, L. M., Adra, C. N., & Turner, H. (2005). Anti-inflammatory potential of CB1-mediated cAMP elevation in mast cells. Biochemical Journal, 388(2), 465-473.

Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2020). Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol. Antioxidants, 9(1), 21.

Nam, S. Y., Chung, C. K., Seo, J. H., Rah, S. Y., Kim, H. M., & Jeong, H. J. (2014). The therapeutic efficacy of α-pinene in an experimental mouse model of allergic rhinitis. International immunopharmacology, 23(1), 273-282.

In the 1990’s ethnobotanist Terence McKenna proposed a theory of human development that he called the Uptake of Novelty theory. The premise was that human culture developed through the uptake of novelty; if some new idea or technique was useful it was adopted. Incredible results from new research on CBD’s potential as an antiviral treatment shows us how the cannabinoid combats RNA virus’. An exciting novel discovery that could change modern medicine’s response in protecting against viral infections.

Early in the pandemic, research from Toronto and Oregon universities looked at treating Covid (SARS-CoV2) with CBD and saw that it could help prevent infection and also fight the virus at a cellular level. Now new research conducted on the Wuhan strain and three other VOCs (Variants of Concern) gave positive results which were consistent across virus strains. Also, it appears that CBD’s antiviral action is capable of fighting other RNA viruses: influenza, Hepatitis C, common cold, measles, mumps and even ebola! (View Source)

The new peer-reviewed research (1) used pure CBD and conducted the study using CBD from four separate suppliers, all of which tested 97% to 100% pure. Human lung cells with ACE2 receptors were treated with CBD two hours before being infected with Covid. The CBD dosage was scaled for safety in humans, it entirely prevented infection.

The same study was conducted on mice, and had the same result, 100% protection result. In a related experiment, mice infected with Covid were given CBD twice daily and showed 40% less viral particles in their lungs than the untreated control group.

This breakthrough study has detailed the actions that CBD takes to protect cells from RNA viruses, here in brief summary:

CBD is a regulator of “host stress” helping the cell respond to infection by activating anti-viral inflammatory response.

Inhibits the release of cytokines which cause the “cytokine storm” of full-blown Covid infection.

CBD and its metabolite (its molecular descendant), 7-hydroxy-cannabidiol is also antiviral and continues to work for a longer period than the initial CBD dose.

CBD acts quickly on viral infection, aiding all the host cell processes: inhibiting viral RNA expression and reversing viral-induced changes in the cell.

The evidence is clear and we hope that more clinical trials will follow and CBD medication will become accepted as protection against, and treatment for, RNA virus infections.

Synergy Wellness acted on the early research and formulated Super Immune Capsules with Dr Moskowitz, using raw CBDa and CBGa, the latter also known to have immune boosting properties. The raw acid forms of the cannabinoids were used as they are more bioavailable than their processed versions.

As the pandemic eases into its endemic status there are plenty of new Covid cases and variants circulating in the world populations.

There is also the future of CBD in regard to the treatment of other RNA viruses, we believe these discoveries will revolutionize treatment for all of these infectious diseases.

Here in California our legislation means we don’t have to wait to use the natural medicine that science has shown to be incredibly effective.

Recommended products:

#241 Synergy Wellness Super Immune Capsules, 25 mg, 30 count.

#657, #658, #359 Synergy Wellness AC/DC CBD capsules 25mg, available in 30, 60, 90 counts.

Resources:

National Library of Medicine - cbda/cbga

Science Advances - new cbd