CBD-Cannabidiol is a game changer in the holistic health world. This cannabinoid has minimal adverse effects and is effective for different problems, making it a sweet spot for many individuals.
Forget all the remedies and over-the-counter medicines for colds and flu, as CBD is the new trendsetter. But how can CBD help with cold and flu symptoms? Let’s read to find out!
About CBD
The cannabis plant houses over a hundred cannabinoids, among which CBD and THC are prominent. While THC is a psychoactive one, the CBD is not. In fact, it can be health beneficial. CBD comes in various forms, from CBD gummies, edibles and capsules to topicals and drinks. There are a lot of options for you.
However, to understand how CBD helps with colds and flu, you need to understand it’s working with your body.
The human body contains an inbuilt endocannabinoid system (ECS) that balances and maintains homeostasis. For instance, if you have a fever, the ECS will work to regulate it, etc. This network has receptors, endocannabinoids (cannabinoids produced by the body), and enzymes that break down cannabinoids. CBD works with the ECS receptors CB1 and CB2 to maintain the body’s equilibrium.
Let’s see CBD and its working for cold and flu symptoms in detail.
Does CBD Help with Colds and Flu?
Whenever you have inflammation in your respiratory tract, it leads to cold and flu. While colds and flu often go on their own within two weeks, symptoms like sore throat, runny nose, fever, and headaches can be annoying. And that is why many individuals seek help to cope with cold and flu symptoms.
CBD can significantly help cold and flu relief as it is believed to have antiviral properties. Moreover, CBD is also an ingredient in Sativex mouth spray that can help with pain relief.
Another thing about CBD is that it helps with sleep regulation. But how does it help for colds and flu? A study showed that poor sleep makes you more prone to getting infections. And since CBD helps with sleep, it can better your chances of combating flu and infections. While these studies sound promising, there is much to cover in this field.
How Does CBD Help with Cold and Flu?
As we said earlier, CBD interacts with the innate network of receptors within your body and helps regulate several bodily functions in your system.
One of the primary reasons to consume CBD when sick is its immune response modulation. Your immune cells become overly active whenever you get an infection, leading to different bodily reactions. When you consume CBD oil for cough, it calms down the overactive immune cell, diminishing the cold and flu symptoms.
Moreover, CBD oil drops can also help a lot with maintaining your circadian cycle. For instance, if your sleep-wake cycle is disturbed, CBD consumption can help you regulate it by activating CB1 receptors. Note that CBD cannot directly connect to the CB1 receptor. So how does CBD for fever and other symptoms work? It minimizes the breakdown of endocannabinoids and triggers ECS to produce more endocannabinoids which can help with restful sleep.
On the other hand, the CB2 receptor of the ECS can also help combat colds and flu. CB2 is believed to help widen airways and relieve congestions which can help relieve colds and flu.
Conclusion
CBD oil and other products can help with sore throat and other cold and flu symptoms. Working with the ECS is the primary reason for its effectiveness for colds and flu.
Note that you can consume CBD in any form to relieve the symptoms. However, many individuals ask if CBD gummies can make you sick. CBD gummies are safe to consume unless it come from reputable vendor. Moreover, it would be best to be mindful of CBD dosage when taking it for colds and flu.
In addition, it is best to get healthcare professionals’ help to decide on the best dose for your cold and flu symptoms.
Michael Levin is a CBD enthusiast, a researcher, writer and editor in the cannabis space, experienced CBD user and educator. He believes CBD can help improve our overall health and wellbeing.
