The pandemic has made us hyper-aware of any form of illness. We look up whenever anyone in public sneezes, and we are suspicious of our every cough. Although the Covid-19 virus is not like the common cold, we must take care of our health and get better fast to keep our immune system armed and ready if we contract the Covid-19 virus.
Traditional medication can help alleviate some of the burdensome symptoms that deprive us of restful sleep or a productive workday. Natural remedies can also help ease some of the common cold symptoms and help strengthen the immune system. Ginger is a prime example of a natural treatment that works wonders, as is turmeric. Now, another trending natural compound is proving to be highly beneficial for various physical and mental ailments, and its name is CBD.
What Is Cannabidiol?
CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in the Cannabis Sativa plant species. The latter houses over one hundred cannabinoids in its flowers and stems. THC is a famous cannabinoid with high amounts found in marijuana products that cause euphoric effects. THC is also the cannabinoid that causes users to become ravenously hungry and helps ease their pain. Like THC, CBD has its list of benefits, but CBD is a non-intoxicating psychoactive, unlike it. When you take hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3 percent THC, there is no risk of becoming high, overdosing, or becoming increasingly paranoid.
CBD produces a change in the body through the endocannabinoid system. The latter is a molecular system whose primary role is to keep the body in a constant state of homeostasis—optimal balance. The ECS has its receptors moving through the mind and body and implementing change to control functions such as temperature, appetite, sleep, and hormones. CBD works by signaling to the receptors and triggering change. For instance, this cannabinoid can interact with the neurotransmitter known as serotonin to lower anxiety symptoms. It can also work as an antioxidant to brighten the skin and reduce the visibility of wrinkles.
CBD’s significant list of benefits, together with its legalization in several countries, has led to an industry boom. Finding premium CBD-infused brands has never been safer or more accessible. Professionals brands offer everything from CBD gummies to skincare products, oil, soap, topical creams, and so much more.
The Many Ways CBD Can Help During A Common Cold
The first thing to note about CBD‘s benefits for a common cold is that no concrete research states it can help cure your cold. Accordingly, if you come across a CBD product with claims that it can cure your cold, then it means you are looking at a low-quality CBD product. Premium CBD brands will never add shares to their products because no study backs them up.
Indeed, the only concrete research correlating CBD to a health condition is a rare form of epilepsy where users can benefit from CBD. As a result, the FDA approved the first-ever CBD-based drug to help people with Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes.
Nevertheless, preliminary data shows CBD’s potential to help with specific health issues when you are under the weather. Although the common cold is often less severe than the flu, it can lead to severe infections if you do not take care. Some of the most noteworthy and severe infections include bronchiolitis in children, strep throat, croup, and pneumonia in adults. Through preliminary research, medical professionals note CBD’s potential as an immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory compound. This cannabinoid can fight inflammation and lower the risk of viral infection from taking over your immune system.
CBD’s double role in energy levels is also a great asset when you have a common cold. CBD can boost your energy in low doses if you cannot stop working even though you are sick. In contrast, when you take CBD in high doses, it will make you tired and help you fall asleep if a blocked nose or a sore throat are keeping you from having proper rest.
Being chronically stressed isn’t an ideal mental state when you have a common cold. Indeed, researchers have learned that chronic stress leads to weight gain, chronic fatigue, and a weakened immune system. CBD can balance your hormones, including the cortisol hormone, responsible for our fight-or-flight state. Moreover, thanks to its interaction with critical neurotransmitters, namely dopamine and serotonin. CBD can diminish anxiety symptoms to experience a sense of serenity while you are getting better.
Using CBD Responsibly
Ideally, it is best to try CBD before having a common cold to understand how your body reacts to the natural compound. Some people experience nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting when they take CBD, common side effects that are not ideal for a common cold. Moreover, if you take other medication, it is best to consult your doctor. CBD can block the work of particular medicine that contains grapefruit.
