CBD For Asthma: Does It Actually Work? Here's What The Research Says… #cbd #asthma #breathing
Does CBD actually work for people with asthma?
I’m living proof, the short answer is yes.
Modern studies have shown that cannabidiol, or CBD, is a potential new and natural way to modulate the inflammatory response in asthma, as well as treat several other asthma symptoms. CBD offers many other great benefits, and it has no psychoactive effect (meaning you won’t get “high”) (source).
If you’re looking for more natural ways to manage your asthma symptoms, it’s a great option.
CBD for Asthma: My Journey
Readers of this blog know that I manage my asthma very successfully using diet, exercise, breathing techniques and lifestyle choices (learn more about my healthy lifestyle for asthma here).
Still, it wasn’t that long ago that I’d still get that gnawing feeling of an impending asthma attack.
If you have asthma, then you know what an impending asthma attack feels like: the heavy chest and slightly itchy throat.
Now, due to my healthy remedies for asthma management, this feeling would rarely last long and I almost never need my inhaler as a result (learn more about how I overcame ventolin abuse here).
But it was still an annoying reminder of my condition. And hey, I’m only human. The mere thought of an asthma attack is still scary.
I began with a relatively small dose of 20mg of CBD oil – this is generally the recommended starter dose. You can take this oil right under your tongue, or put it into capsules, which I often do.
I started taking the CBD each morning and waited to see how it would affect my asthma symptoms. Would my next asthma attack be less severe? Would it even work at all?
And so I waited …. and waited …. and waited for those asthma symptoms to reappear.
To my amazement and delight, my asthma symptoms never came back once I started taking CBD.
In fact I’ve been taking CBD for about a year now, and I still haven’t had to sit through any discomfort or other asthmatic symptoms, let alone use my rescue inhaler.
I’m relatively young and in good health so your mileage may vary, but I think at the very least you should see a significant reduction in symptom severity and frequency.
Also, remember, you don’t get ‘high’ from cannabidiol. It’s derived from organic hemp and doesn’t have any of the compounds that make people get high.
How CBD Keeps Asthma Symptoms Under Control:
Without getting too much into the science, CBD works by affecting the body’s allergic and inflammatory response.
This means, essentially, that CBD reduces inflammation throughout the body.
AND, it prevents your body from overreacting to common allergens and other irritants which cause asthma symptoms. Bonus!
Bronchodilation
During an asthma attack, the air passages leading to the lungs become narrow and often filled with mucus and other irritants.
Studies dating back as far as the 1970s have noted the positive effects of CBD related compounds in opening up the airways.
Pain Relief
Aside from the obstruction of the airways and reduced airflow caused by asthma, there is also pain and discomfort during an asthma attack. But of course CBD is a proven pain reliever.
Simple pain relief is actually one of the main reasons why non-asthmatics take CBD, and there’s lots of research that shows its efficacy here.
Anti-Inflammation
CBD for asthma is a great option because studies have shown that CBD have a huge anti-inflammatory capacity. It works in part by inhibiting enzymes (like cyclooxygenases (COX-1, COX-2)) which contribute to inflammation of the airways in many people.
Muscle Spasticity
Twitching, irritable and spastic airways are a way of life for most asthmatics with un-managed asthma.
Thankfully, in addition to relieving pain and inflammation, there is a body of evidence dating back almost 2 decades showing the positive effects of hemp-related plants in relieving muscle spasms. In fact, it’s now used as a means of treating Multiple Sclerosis in some patients with great results.
Gets Rid of Mucus
Passing mucus is one of the most annoying things about being asthmatic. It fills up your airways and makes it harder to breathe. It can also be dry and thick and hard to pass, especially when the airways are already tight (if you find you have a lot of mucus at night, this simple night-time asthma hack might help, too).
To counter this extra mucus, CBD has been shown as an effective expectorant, meaning it helps expel mucous and frees up your air passages for air to get through.
So, Should You Try It?
This all depends on you, but I would say go for it since there is no risk. (I’m also always happy to take comments and questions from my readers at treatasthmaathome@gmail.com if you’re still unsure).
Want to learn more? Check out my blog for more information and a full list of sources. You’ll also find links to discounts on high quality CBD oil to help you get started.
https://www.treatasthmaathome.com/cbd-for-asthma/
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