Affecting more than 235 million people worldwide, according to WHO estimates, asthma has earned the spot as a chronic ailment that could use a ‘miracle cure.’ With CBD readily obtainable, some asthmatics are now turning to it to get a handle on their symptoms. Many more, however, wonder whether CBD for asthma is a good fit together.
CBD, the non-psychoactive derivative of the hemp or marijuana plant, is no doubt the latest gold rush in the wellness space, and with good reason. Existing evidence, of which there is a significant portion that is anecdotal, suggests that cannabidiol is not only safe but could also have multiple medicinal benefits. Hemp-derived cannabidiol is not just federally legal; it may have an impact on a number of conditions and symptoms, ranging from anxiety and chronic pain to arthritis, and even some symptoms of autism.
A growing number of asthma sufferers are increasingly curious about the positive therapeutic potentials that CBD can offer them. So can CBD oil and asthma be a good combination? We’ve given you the ultimate guide below.
What is asthma and how is it usually managed?
Asthma is a rather common and often chronic disorder of the lungs in which the respiratory airways are inflamed or swollen. As a result, the lung airways become narrowed, constricted, choked, and stuffed with mucus, making it difficult for the person to breathe.
Allergic asthma, in which the immune system overreacts to the presence of allergens causing tightening of the airways, is the most common type of asthma. People with asthma account for roughly 8% of the US general population and about 10 Americans succumb to the condition every day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
How can CBD for asthma be helpful?
There seems to be a subset of asthma patients who are turning to CBD for asthma, and it’s easy to understand why.
While there are certain prescriptions that you can take to stave off asthma attacks and alleviate symptoms, many of them have some side effects that can be off-putting. Enter CBD for asthma: could it be the proverbial ‘miracle in a bottle for this condition?
There’s a substantial body of research focusing on CBD’s potential as an alternative option for asthma symptoms. Some studies have suggested that CBD for asthma may indeed be beneficial for the ones who suffer from it. The interest of the medical community isn’t so much in whether CBD can cure asthma, but rather whether it can offer relief for its symptoms. While cannabis itself has been on the radar of respiratory care experts, it is CBD oil for asthma that has hogged all the attention, and for good reasons:
- CBD is non-psychoactive, so it won’t get an asthma patient high
- Cannabis is a well-documented bronchodilator
- It’s federally legal and readily available
- CBD oil for asthma can be used in tandem with inhalers
CBD and bronchospasms
Bronchospasms – which are rapid, involuntary contractions or squeezing of lung muscles – have always been the hallmark symptom of asthma attacks. If not controlled, they can cause lung airways to become severely narrow or congested, leading to breathing difficulties and wheezing.
A 2015 study has shown that CBD may help with muscle spasticity. Calming muscle spasms helps open the airways, easing asthma symptoms. For full disclosure, this peer-reviewed medical study was only conducted on 47 participants and does not, as of yet, have any subsequent medical validation on larger test groups.
Anti-inflammatory properties of CBD oil for asthma
When an asthmatic individual is exposed to allergens, irritants, and other triggers, the immune system sets off an inflammatory reaction. When the airways become inflamed, they result in muscle spasms and lots of mucus is secreted, clogging airways and making them narrow, which makes breathing in and out extremely difficult.
This is where CBD for asthma comes into play because of its anti-inflammatory properties. In one study, published in 2019 in the European Journal of Pharmacology, investigators found that CBD use may be linked to reduced inflammatory reactions and restoration of lung function in patients with allergic asthma.
CBD may help reduce asthma drug-related anxiety
Unfortunately, most asthma medications like traditional inhalers are packed with stimulants which although are great bronchodilators; they can cause or heighten anxiety. Given that the anti-anxiety properties of CBD are well-recognized, it’s possible that it could be used in conjunction with inhalers to stave off anxiety.
How should you take CBD oil for asthma?
The biggest challenge with taking CBD is making sure not to do more harm than good. The science is logical – vaping or smoking CBD oil presents the most potential health risks for asthma patients.
As always, it is extremely important that you work with your physician to determine which form of CBD is right for your condition. All things considered, the following methods of CBD consumption may hold out the promise of some benefit for asthma sufferers.
These come in varying strengths of CBD, which makes it easy for you to pick the right potency for your condition. You can take tinctures orally or sublingually.
CBD edibles, like gummies, powders, cookies, lollipops, chocolates, mints or even truffles are available in the market. CBD gummies are most commonly used by asthma sufferers because you don’t have to guess your dose. Each standard CBD gummy typically has 5mg of the active ingredient.
CBD topicals are applied directly to the skin, in which case the CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream trans-dermally. CBD salves, lotions, creams, ointments, roll-ons, balms, and transdermal patches are the most commonly sold topicals.
CBD also comes in standard capsule and pill form which may be useful as a systemic care plan option for asthma symptoms management.
Now that you know that an increasing number of asthma sufferers are turning to CBD as a safer way to tackle symptoms without the side effects. Get your hands on some high-quality, affordable, and high-efficacy CBD products by Nass Valley Products.
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