CBD and the Immune System: Can Hemp Help During Flu and Allergy Season?
Isn’t Spring lovely? Everything seems to liven up with bright colors and warmer weather. The only dreadful part: with beautiful flowers comes terrible allergies. With everyone coughing and sneezing, how can we protect ourselves from feeling sick and sluggish all season long?
Our main question is: Can CBD cure viruses and allergies? The plain answer is no. There is not enough evidence proving cannabinoids can treat diseases.
There is a big difference between a “cure” and a way to “ease symptoms.” Think of CBD as a natural supplement for maintaining a healthy immune system with similar effects to vitamin C, elderberry, or zinc.
A stronger immune system means a less likely chance of experiencing allergy symptoms or virus infections. For example, you could be exposed to certain pollen for months or years before acquiring an allergic response. A stronger immune system is more capable of fighting off any allergy symptoms.
So how do CBD and the immune system work together? The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has neurochemical messengers in the immune system, meaning the endocannabinoid system helps maintain homeostasis for your body’s defense barriers.
Our bodies naturally produce cannabinoids, but additional phytocannabinoids (like CBD and CBG) from hemp can promote a better balance in the ECS. Oftentimes your body can’t produce enough cannabinoids on its own, especially if certain allergies or cold symptoms are trying to weaken the immune system.
Research shows CBD has naturally occurring anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Such characteristics can fight off free radicals, strengthen the body from infections, and regulate discomfort.
Further studies found CBD might block the release of histamines. Histamines are responsible for the allergy symptoms such as sneezing and coughing.
This is why CBD oil can be used as a supplement to try to reduce the pesky symptoms of colds, viruses and allergies. By taking CBD daily, the health and wellness of your immune system will be maintained regularly and have a fighting chance against allergies and colds.
But remember, CBD is not a cure to allergies, colds, or viruses. Think of it more as the natural equivalent to ibuprofen. You might take ibuprofen to reduce swelling, a sore throat, or allergy symptoms. You know a supplement like ibuprofen isn’t going to cure your ailment, but the anti-inflammatory effects still provide relief from the aches and pains.
If you think of CBD as a natural supplement, you’ll still benefit from the cannabinoid’s ability to regulate well-being. Whether you feel healthy as a horse or sick as a dog, anyone can benefit from CBD tincture. In addition to CBD, make sure to follow standard prevention and treatment protocol to stay free of contamination (these protocols apply to all types of germ related illnesses, not just Coronavirus).
We encourage you to discuss CBD with your physician or healthcare practitioner if you have any specific health related questions or concerns. There are also many independent research studies about CBD available on the internet.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any disease.