What Causes the Common Cold And Flu?
Before we dig more into the efficacy of cannabis as a remedy for the common cold and flu, let’s first take a look at the causes of these illnesses. In case you didn’t know, viruses cause the common cold and flu. They go away naturally even without treatment. But of course, you can ease the symptoms, which include headaches, congestion, body pain, and more with medications and plenty of rest.
The Secret Behind Cannabis
Here’s the secret. The non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in CBD, together with its therapeutic compounds, is the reason why it can potentially help you heal from the common cold. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, you won’t have to worry anymore about the respiratory congestion and aches that come with the sickness.
The Benefits of Cannabis
Anti-Inflammatory
Sore throat and runny nose are the usual symptoms of a common cold. However, these two inflammatory responses are our body’s natural way to help white blood cells reach the site of infection easily. Having some relief from these uncomfortable symptoms can be achieved with the aid of CBD. Big thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties!
Pain Relief
Another benefit of CBD includes pain and ache relief. Reports show that many patients suffering from chronic pain have healed with the help of cannabis. The components of marijuana that helps control pain are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC, when ingested or inhaled, activates the brain’s reward system and decreases pain levels by binding to cannabinoid receptors, which produces an elevated state of mind. CBD, on the other hand, interact with pain receptors in the brain, causing anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.
Helps You Sleep
Having some cannabis as part of your cold treatment also helps you sleep faster and better. Studies show that the relaxing properties found in medical marijuana contribute to well-rested sleep for patients with insomnia.
Works With Other Meds
Lastly, CBD also works well with other medications, including blood thinners. This means you won’t have any problems taking cannabis with your regular medications, if you have any. But, it’s still best to ask your doctor if you think it might be an issue.
How Effective is It?
A study titled “Cannabinoids and Viral Infections” by the National Institutes of Health concluded that the cannabinoids from marijuana or hemp plants could alleviate the symptoms of viral infections. However, we have to consider that research about the efficacy of cannabis as a treatment for the common cold and flu is still limited.
Is It Safe?
Even if CBD might work well with colds, the other component of cannabis, called Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can suppress your immune system. To avoid intoxication, it’s best to have the supplement and other forms that are properly dosed, instead of smoking weed.
Also, it’s very important to always look for cannabis approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This will guarantee you that the product is safe to use for medical purposes. Don’t forget to consult your primary physician if you’re taking other medications for your overall health and safety.
What’s the Best Way to Use Cannabis as a Remedy for the Common Cold and Flu?
There are many ways to use cannabis as a remedy for the common cold and flu. In fact, there’s a wide variety of delivery methods from pills, oils, edibles, and topical creams. All of these can be effective for your aches and pains. There are even CBD bath bombs, which perhaps is the most convenient and relaxing way to take it. Bathe in it! You can also make your cannabis tea, which is best for easing sore throat as well.
In the end, it still boils down to what your preference is.
But, keep it in mind that you should use CBD products with less or no THC content to avoid side effects. Most reputable producers explicitly say so on their labels, so it should be easy for you to see if it’s a CBD-only product or not.
To sum it up, cannabis can be a great option to treat your common cold and flu. You just have to remember a few things: checking if a product is CBD-only or not, choose your preferred way of using CBD, and get plenty of rest to beat that viral infection!
And if you’re in Colorado looking for high-quality cannabis to help you cure your viral infection, you can check out Altitude Organic Cannabis, a marijuana dispensary in Colorado Springs. We offer a variety of products! We have all the treats from your favorite edibles to the flowers themselves.
