Does CBD Help With Cold? How to Use it for Cold?
Hey, fellow sniffly human! Are you feeling under the weather and wondering if CBD can help with your cold?
Well, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into the world of cannabidiol and see if it can provide some relief for your runny nose and scratchy throat.
What is CBD and How Does it Work?
Let me start with the basics. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike its cousin, THC, CBD doesn’t get you high. Instead, it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of receptors that helps regulate things like pain, mood, and immune function.
So, how can CBD potentially help with a cold? Well, the ECS plays a role in the body’s immune response. When you catch a cold, your immune system kicks into high gear to fight off the virus.
However, sometimes this response can go a little haywire and cause inflammation, which leads to symptoms like a stuffy nose and sore throat. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, so it could potentially help reduce some of these symptoms.
Can CBD Cure a Cold?
Sorry to burst your bubble, but there is no cure for the common cold (despite what your grandma might tell you about chicken soup).
However, CBD may be able to provide some relief for the symptoms of a cold, such as inflammation, pain, and congestion.
Let’s break down some of the specific ways CBD might be able to help:
Inflammation
As mentioned earlier, CBD has anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a common symptom of a cold, as your body’s immune system tries to fight off the virus. By reducing inflammation, CBD may be able to help ease symptoms like a stuffy nose or sore throat.
Pain
Have you ever had a headache or body aches while you had a cold? CBD has been shown to have pain-relieving properties, so it could potentially help with these types of symptoms.
Anxiety
Being sick can be stressful. CBD has been shown to have anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties, so it could potentially help with the mental strain of dealing with a cold.
Sleep
Getting rest is important when you’re sick, but sometimes a cold can make it hard to sleep. CBD has been shown to have sedative properties, so it could potentially help you get some much-needed shut-eye.
How to Use CBD for a Cold?
If you’re interested in trying CBD to help with your cold symptoms, there are a few different methods of consumption to consider:
Tinctures
CBD tinctures are liquid extracts that are typically taken under the tongue. They’re absorbed into the bloodstream quickly and can provide relatively fast relief.
Edibles
CBD edibles come in many forms, from gummies to chocolates to baked goods. They’re a tasty way to consume CBD, but keep in mind that they take longer to take effect since they have to be digested first.
Topicals
CBD topicals like creams and balms can be applied directly to the skin. They’re great for localized pain or inflammation, but won’t provide systemic relief like other forms of CBD.
Inhalation
CBD can be inhaled through a vaporizer or vape pen. This method provides fast relief, but keep in mind that inhaling any substance can be harsh on your lungs.
Keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all dosage for CBD, and it can vary depending on factors like your weight, metabolism, and the severity of your symptoms. It’s best to start with a low dosage and work your way up gradually until you find what works for you.
What to Look for When Buying CBD
If you decide to try CBD for your cold symptoms, it’s important to make sure you’re buying a quality product. Here are some things to look for:
Third-party testing
Look for products that have been third-party tested, which means that an independent lab has verified the potency and purity of the product. This can help ensure that you’re getting what you paid for.
Full-spectrum vs. isolate
Full-spectrum CBD contains all of the compounds found in the cannabis plant, including THC (although in very small amounts). Isolate, on the other hand, only contains CBD. Some people prefer full-spectrum CBD because they believe that the other compounds can enhance the effects of CBD (this is known as the entourage effect).
Extraction method
Look for products that use a safe and effective extraction method, such as CO2 extraction. Avoid products that use solvents like butane, which can leave behind harmful residues.
Customer reviews
Look for products with positive customer reviews, and avoid products with a lot of negative reviews or complaints about quality.
Final Thoughts
While there is no cure for the common cold, CBD may be able to provide some relief for the symptoms. Its anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and anxiolytic properties could potentially help with things like congestion, sore throat, and stress.
As always, if you have any concerns or questions, it’s best to talk to your doctor before trying any new supplements or medications. But if you’re feeling brave and want to give CBD a try, go ahead and take the plunge! Who knows, it might just be the key to making your next cold a little more bearable.
- Does CBD Help With Cold? How to Use it for Cold? - February 21, 2023
