CBD & Bug Bites

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With spring in the air we find ourselves spending more time outside. Enjoying camping trips, outdoor meals and going for hikes. With the outdoors can come unwanted visitors; bugs that bite, leaving us with sensitive wounds. Most products out there to prevent this are ridden with chemicals, but lots of people are turning to a more natural approach.  If you like to go the natural route for prevention, lemon eucalyptus, lavender, cinnamon, citronella, tea tree and thyme oils are all great repellents for those hikes in the woods. For when those bites do happen, CBD is a great ally. You can purchase it in a hemp-based salve, or apply oil directly to the skin.

Traditional treatments for bug bites include putting baking soda paste on bee stings, icing the affected area, or even taking antihistamines. These might not be entirely effective when dealing with the pain, itchiness and swelling that often comes with a sting or a bite. Research has shown that topical application of CBD can control these symptoms. A natural solution to alleviating bug bite symptoms is combining almond oil and CBD oil together. They both have anti-inflammatory properties that work harmoniously when combined. 

So what happens to your body when you’re bitten? When a bug bites or stings you their saliva and/or venom they inject causes an immune system response. Most commonly the immediate response is redness and swelling, which leads to itching and soreness. It is important to note that if your symptoms are more severe or you have allergies please seek medical attention immediately. So how can CBD help? CBD, also known as cannabidiol is a naturally-occurring compound found in the hemp plant. Unlike it’s THC counterpart it will not get you high. They both interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is responsible for maintaining balance in our bodies. It is linked to a number of processes in our bodies which include: skin and nerve function, inflammation, stress and metabolism. Since bug bites and stings cause pain and swelling, CBD helps to reduce both pain and inflammation. In 2006, scientists performed a study on patients with pruritus, the medical term for chronically itchy skin. 14 of the 22 study participants experienced a reduction in itchiness after applying a topical CBD cream. The average reduction was over 86%! Therefore CBD was found to control the primary symptoms of bug bites and stings, itchiness. 

The great outdoors brings us a sense of peace and connection. Unfortunately the bugs like to join in as well. Sometimes bites are inevitable and it’s nice to have a natural solution to treating them. If you are suffering from the pain or itch from a bite, CBD can help alleviate your symptoms. It targets affected areas when applied topically as well as ingested under the tongue. Allowing you a natural remedy for when the bugs bite. 

https://tanasi.com/blog/cbd-and-bug-bites/

https://www.greenwellnesslife.com/cbd-for-bug-bites-stings/

https://cbd-medic.com/blog/4-tips-to-stop-the-itch-when-the-bugs-bug-you/


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