CBD and Allergies: Does It Really Have an Antihistamine Effect?

With the arrival of nice weather, allergies are back—and they often come with dry, irritated eyes, a tight throat, or itching. Contrary to popular belief, allergies do more than just make people’s eyes red and cause them to sneeze.

Allergic reactions and symptoms can be much more severe and disruptive than that, and in the most vulnerable individuals, they can even lead to hospitalization.

To prevent the condition of people with allergies of any kind from worsening, taking an antihistamine is essential.

What is CBD?
What causes allergies?
Does CBD have a real antihistamine effect?
Between conventional medications and CBD, which poses a higher risk of addiction?

Relief from allergies and allergic symptoms is a top health priority, especially every spring when pollen counts spike. We provide you with all the relevant information you need to better understand allergies and CBD, and to learn about CBD’s antihistamine effects.

Also known as cannabidiol, CBD is a compound extracted from the well-known hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). There is often some confusion between CBD and THC. While both compounds are derived from the hemp plant, their natural properties are completely different.

Psychotropic effects are the most controversial topic. While some people specifically seek out psychotropic effects to experience a sense of euphoria, others do not want to be exposed to them at all, knowing the potential adverse side effects, such as dizziness, nausea, or what is known as a “bad trip.”

Fortunately, the psychoactive effects are unique to THC.
CBD, on the other hand, has absolutely no psychoactive effects, and it’s important to note that it poses no risk of addiction.

CBD is said to offer a wide range of health benefits, including relief from allergies, sore throats, osteoarthritis, migraines, and even Parkinson's disease.

Generally speaking, allergies refer to an immune response by our bodies to external “harmful agents” or irritants. These can include pollen, insects, dust mites, foods, or even medications. Depending on the person, an allergic reaction can be triggered by mere contact, while for others, the body does not react until the substance in question is ingested.

When exposed to an allergen, our body releases histamines, which trigger an allergic reaction. This reaction can occur either immediately or several hours after contact with the allergen.

One of the key points to remember is that an allergy is never trivial, because it consistently indicates a vulnerability in our bodies that can trigger a defensive reaction of varying severity. The “Natasha Allergy Research Foundation” has spoken out on this very topic, noting that approximately 18 million people in France suffer from allergies, with sensitivities of varying intensity.

Traditional antihistamines are very effective at relieving allergy symptoms, but it’s important to note that they come with a number of side effects, including drowsiness.
Thus, taking simple antihistamines is not without consequences and can also be impractical due to the severe drowsiness they cause. This is particularly true if we are at work or need to drive.

Over time and through various studies, more and more benefits of CBD have been recognized. One such benefit is believed to be its antihistamine effect.
In 2005, for the first time, a so-called preclinical study examined the antihistamine properties of CBD. The results pleasantly surprised many: CBD molecules are able to inhibit mast cells—the cells responsible for releasing histamine—thereby significantly reducing allergic symptoms upon exposure to an allergen.

In addition, its proven anti-inflammatory properties provide the body with an extra layer of protection by reducing the intensity of its reaction while alleviating the discomfort experienced.

To achieve this effect, there are no restrictions on how CBD is administered. It is entirely possible to take relaxing CBD oilsublingually as soon as the first signs of an allergic reaction appear. Thanks to sublingual administration—that is, placing the product under the tongue—the antihistamine effect will be extremely rapid.

In addition to oil, purchasing High Society CBD products also gives you access to a whole rangeofCBD herbal teas. Consuming them regularly during times when allergens are prevalent in the environment—such as in the spring when pollen returns—is a great way to provide preventive antihistamine relief.

CBD, THC, cannabis, cannabinoids…
These terms sound similar but do not mean the same thing. The main source of confusion remains the distinction between CBD and THC.

THC is the most controversial molecule. Due to its psychotropic effects and high addictive potential, THC is classified as an illegal substance, and its use is considered to pose various health risks.

The difference from CBD is clear: CBD, for its part, has no psychoactive properties and, most importantly, poses no risk of addiction.
Just like CBD, antihistamine medications also pose no risk of addiction; however, the same cannot be said for side effects. Side effects are always unpredictable when taking medication, both in terms of their severity and when they occur.
CBD thus appears to be the most natural and reliable solution for allergies.