As we head into the cold and flu season, many people are wondering if natural remedies like CBD oil can help provide relief from common symptoms. At Carmen's Medicinals, we're closely following the latest research on how CBD may be able to support the immune system and ease cold and flu discomfort. While more studies are needed, the current evidence suggests CBD oil shows promise for alleviating inflammation, pain, sleep issues and other cold and flu symptoms. Here's a look at what we know so far.
How CBD Oil May Provide Cold and Flu Relief
The common cold and influenza are both caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. As the immune system mounts a defense against these invading pathogens, it triggers inflammation which leads to the typical cold and flu symptoms like:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Headache
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Fever (more common with flu)
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound derived from hemp plants that may help ease many of these symptoms by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex cell-signaling system that helps regulate important functions including sleep, pain, appetite, memory, inflammation, and immune responses. CBD is thought to support ECS function and produce beneficial effects by interacting with cannabinoid receptors located throughout the central and peripheral nervous system, immune system, and other areas of the body.
Several properties of CBD suggest it could be a natural way to find relief during cold and flu season:
Anti-inflammatory effects: Inflammation of the nasal and throat passages is what causes many cold symptoms like congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat. Preclinical studies show CBD has potent anti-inflammatory properties and may suppress the immune system's inflammatory response. This could help open up airways and ease breathing. Some evidence also suggests CBD's anti-inflammatory effects may help prevent the immune system from going into overdrive in response to viral infections, which could reduce the risk of dangerous complications like pneumonia.
Pain relief: If your cold or flu comes with a headache, body aches, and sore throat, CBD may help manage the pain. Research indicates CBD interacts with neurotransmitters and receptors known to regulate pain signaling. Several human studies have found CBD effective for easing chronic pain from conditions like multiple sclerosis, cancer, and arthritis. More research is needed on CBD for acute pain like that caused by a cold, but its analgesic properties suggest it may help.
Improved sleep: Getting sufficient sleep and rest is crucial for recovering from a cold or flu. CBD is known to have a calming effect on the nervous system that may make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. CBD also appears to ease anxiety and racing thoughts that can keep you up at night. If your cold symptoms are making it hard to get the rest you need, CBD may be able to help.
Neuroprotective properties: Some preliminary research suggests CBD may have neuroprotective effects that could be beneficial for cold and flu recovery. One animal study found CBD reduced damage to neurons and decreased neuroinflammation in the hippocampus, an area of the brain associated with cognitive function. While more studies are needed, this hints that CBD could potentially ward off the "brain fog" and memory issues that can occur as your body fights off an infection.
Immune support: A healthy immune system is your best defense against any virus, including those that cause colds and flu. CBD doesn't directly stimulate the immune system but helps support its overall function by reducing inflammation and easing stress, lack of sleep, and other factors that can impair immunity. Some intriguing research even suggests certain cannabinoids in hemp plants may have antiviral and antimicrobial properties, though more studies are needed to confirm these effects.
What the Research Says About CBD for Colds and Flu
Research specifically looking at CBD for cold and flu symptoms is still very limited. Most of the evidence for its potential benefits comes from preclinical studies and research on CBD for other inflammatory and pain conditions. Here's a look at some of the most relevant available studies:
A 2020 review article in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research examined the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD. The authors concluded CBD showed promise as a treatment for inflammatory disorders and may have benefits for lung inflammation associated with viral infections.
A 2018 study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine reviewed the analgesic effects of CBD, THC and other cannabinoids. The researchers found evidence that CBD and THC may relieve chronic pain in conditions like multiple sclerosis, cancer, and fibromyalgia, though most studies used a combination of CBD and THC rather than CBD alone. They concluded cannabinoids show promise as novel analgesic drugs but more research is needed, especially on the long-term side effects.
A small 2019 study in the journal Pain looked at the effects of CBD on 97 chronic pain patients. After 8 weeks of treatment, 53% of participants reported decreased pain. The researchers concluded CBD was "an effective analgesic" and "an excellent alternative" for chronic pain sufferers.
A 2017 literature review in the journal Current Psychiatry Reports found evidence that CBD may have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects and could hold promise as a treatment for anxiety disorders. Since anxiety can worsen during periods of illness and make it harder to sleep, CBD's calming properties could be beneficial when you have a cold or flu.
A 2020 study in the Journal of Cannabis Research tested the effects of inhaled CBD on migraine. Participants who inhaled a 200 mg dose of CBD reported a 55% decrease in acute migraine pain. While a cold is not the same as a migraine, this study suggests CBD may help relieve certain types of acute pain.
These studies provide some preliminary evidence that CBD's pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and calming effects may help relieve cold and flu symptoms, though more research is still needed. Most promisingly, a 2022 review in the journal Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy concluded that the current evidence, while limited, indicates CBD is a safe and well-tolerated complement to standard cold and flu treatments and may help shorten the duration of viral respiratory infections through its immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the authors acknowledged that more human studies are necessary to confirm these potential benefits.
Tips for Taking CBD Oil for Colds and Flu
If you want to try using CBD oil to ease cold and flu symptoms, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Choose a high-quality product: It's important to choose CBD products from a reputable brand that uses organic hemp and third-party testing to ensure purity and potency. At Carmen's Medicinals, all of our CBD oils are made with non-GMO hemp that's grown in the USA using natural farming practices. We use an advanced CO2 extraction method to safely extract CBD and other beneficial compounds from the hemp plant, and every batch is third-party lab tested for quality.
Start with a low dose: If you're new to using CBD, it's best to start with a low dose of around 10-20mg and gradually increase until you achieve the desired effects. Our CBD oil tinctures come with a marked dropper that makes it easy to measure your dose. Begin with 0.5-1mL up to twice daily.
Give it time to work: Don't expect instant results from CBD. It can take some time for levels to build up in your system, especially if you're taking it orally. Most people start noticing effects within 30-60 minutes of taking an oil tincture, with the peak effects occurring after 2-4 hours. To manage cold symptoms, you may need to take CBD 2-3 times throughout the day.
Watch for drug interactions: CBD can interact with some medications, especially those that are metabolized by cytochrome p450 liver enzymes. Common cold and flu medications that may interact with CBD include certain decongestants, antihistamines, and cough suppressants. If you're taking any other medications or supplements, it's a good idea to check with your doctor before using CBD.
Be aware of side effects: CBD is generally considered safe and well-tolerated but can cause side effects in some people. The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and changes in appetite. Start with a low dose and stop taking CBD if you experience any concerning side effects. You should also avoid taking CBD if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Help Your Body Fight Colds and Flu With CBD
While more research is needed, the available evidence does suggest CBD could be a helpful complementary treatment for managing cold and flu symptoms. Its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and calming effects may help open up airways, reduce pain, and improve sleep, giving your body the support it needs to fight off viral infections.
If you're interested in using CBD for immune support and symptom relief this cold and flu season, check out Carmen's Medicinals full-spectrum CBD oils. Our organic, non-GMO hemp oils are available in several potencies and flavors, making it easy to find the right product for your needs. We also offer topical CBD products that can be applied directly to sore muscles and achy joints.
As always, talk to your doctor before using CBD if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. With the right product and dosage, CBD may help you stay healthy and recover faster the next time a cold or flu strikes. Choose Carmen's Medicinals for high-quality, third-party tested CBD backed by a team of knowledgeable cannabis advocates and educators. Together, we can harness the power of hemp to feel your best all season long!
Does CBD Oil Help With Colds and Flu Symptoms?
As we head into the cold and flu season, many people are wondering if natural remedies like CBD oil can help provide relief from common symptoms. At Carmen's Medicinals, we're closely following the latest research on how CBD may be able to support the immune system and ease cold and flu discomfort. While more studies are needed, the current evidence suggests CBD oil shows promise for alleviating inflammation, pain, sleep issues and other cold and flu symptoms. Here's a look at what we know so far.
How CBD Oil May Provide Cold and Flu Relief
The common cold and influenza are both caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. As the immune system mounts a defense against these invading pathogens, it triggers inflammation which leads to the typical cold and flu symptoms like:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Headache
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Fever (more common with flu)
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound derived from hemp plants that may help ease many of these symptoms by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex cell-signaling system that helps regulate important functions including sleep, pain, appetite, memory, inflammation, and immune responses. CBD is thought to support ECS function and produce beneficial effects by interacting with cannabinoid receptors located throughout the central and peripheral nervous system, immune system, and other areas of the body.
Several properties of CBD suggest it could be a natural way to find relief during cold and flu season:
Anti-inflammatory effects: Inflammation of the nasal and throat passages is what causes many cold symptoms like congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat. Preclinical studies show CBD has potent anti-inflammatory properties and may suppress the immune system's inflammatory response. This could help open up airways and ease breathing. Some evidence also suggests CBD's anti-inflammatory effects may help prevent the immune system from going into overdrive in response to viral infections, which could reduce the risk of dangerous complications like pneumonia.
Pain relief: If your cold or flu comes with a headache, body aches, and sore throat, CBD may help manage the pain. Research indicates CBD interacts with neurotransmitters and receptors known to regulate pain signaling. Several human studies have found CBD effective for easing chronic pain from conditions like multiple sclerosis, cancer, and arthritis. More research is needed on CBD for acute pain like that caused by a cold, but its analgesic properties suggest it may help.
Improved sleep: Getting sufficient sleep and rest is crucial for recovering from a cold or flu. CBD is known to have a calming effect on the nervous system that may make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. CBD also appears to ease anxiety and racing thoughts that can keep you up at night. If your cold symptoms are making it hard to get the rest you need, CBD may be able to help.
Neuroprotective properties: Some preliminary research suggests CBD may have neuroprotective effects that could be beneficial for cold and flu recovery. One animal study found CBD reduced damage to neurons and decreased neuroinflammation in the hippocampus, an area of the brain associated with cognitive function. While more studies are needed, this hints that CBD could potentially ward off the "brain fog" and memory issues that can occur as your body fights off an infection.
Immune support: A healthy immune system is your best defense against any virus, including those that cause colds and flu. CBD doesn't directly stimulate the immune system but helps support its overall function by reducing inflammation and easing stress, lack of sleep, and other factors that can impair immunity. Some intriguing research even suggests certain cannabinoids in hemp plants may have antiviral and antimicrobial properties, though more studies are needed to confirm these effects.
What the Research Says About CBD for Colds and Flu?
Research specifically looking at CBD for cold and flu symptoms is still very limited. Most of the evidence for its potential benefits comes from preclinical studies and research on CBD for other inflammatory and pain conditions. Here's a look at some of the most relevant available studies:
A 2020 review article in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research examined the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD. The authors concluded CBD showed promise as a treatment for inflammatory disorders and may have benefits for lung inflammation associated with viral infections.
A 2018 study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine reviewed the analgesic effects of CBD, THC and other cannabinoids. The researchers found evidence that CBD and THC may relieve chronic pain in conditions like multiple sclerosis, cancer, and fibromyalgia, though noted most studies used a combination of CBD and THC rather than CBD alone. They concluded cannabinoids show promise as novel analgesic drugs but more research is needed, especially on the long-term side effects.
A small 2019 study in the journal Pain looked at the effects of CBD on 97 chronic pain patients. After 8 weeks of treatment, 53% of participants reported decreased pain. The researchers concluded CBD was "an effective analgesic" and "an excellent alternative" for chronic pain sufferers.
A 2017 literature review in the journal Current Psychiatry Reports found evidence that CBD may have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects and could hold promise as a treatment for anxiety disorders. Since anxiety can worsen during periods of illness and make it harder to sleep, CBD's calming properties could be beneficial when you have a cold or flu.
A 2020 study in the Journal of Cannabis Research tested the effects of inhaled CBD on migraine. Participants who inhaled a 200 mg dose of CBD reported a 55% decrease in acute migraine pain. While a cold is not the same as a migraine, this study suggests CBD may help relieve certain types of acute pain.
These studies provide some preliminary evidence that CBD's pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and calming effects may help relieve cold and flu symptoms, though more research is still needed. Most promisingly, a 2022 review in the journal Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy concluded that the current evidence, while limited, indicates CBD is a safe and well-tolerated complement to standard cold and flu treatments and may help shorten the duration of viral respiratory infections through its immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the authors acknowledged that more human studies are necessary to confirm these potential benefits.
Tips for Taking CBD Oil for Colds and Flu
If you want to try using CBD oil to ease cold and flu symptoms, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Choose a high-quality product: It's important to choose CBD products from a reputable brand that uses organic hemp and third-party testing to ensure purity and potency. At Carmen's Medicinals, all of our CBD oils are made with non-GMO hemp that's grown in the USA using natural farming practices. We use an advanced CO2 extraction method to safely extract CBD and other beneficial compounds from the hemp plant, and every batch is third-party lab tested for quality.
Start with a low dose: If you're new to using CBD, it's best to start with a low dose of around 10-20mg and gradually increase until you achieve the desired effects. Our CBD oil tinctures come with a marked dropper that makes it easy to measure your dose. Begin with 0.5-1mL up to twice daily.
Give it time to work: Don't expect instant results from CBD. It can take some time for levels to build up in your system, especially if you're taking it orally. Most people start noticing effects within 30-60 minutes of taking an oil tincture, with the peak effects occurring after 2-4 hours. To manage cold symptoms, you may need to take CBD 2-3 times throughout the day.
Watch for drug interactions: CBD can interact with some medications, especially those that are metabolized by cytochrome p450 liver enzymes. Common cold and flu medications that may interact with CBD include certain decongestants, antihistamines, and cough suppressants. If you're taking any other medications or supplements, it's a good idea to check with your doctor before using CBD.
Be aware of side effects: CBD is generally considered safe and well-tolerated but can cause side effects in some people. The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and changes in appetite. Start with a low dose and stop taking CBD if you experience any concerning side effects. You should also avoid taking CBD if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
FAQs
Can CBD cure a cold or the flu?
CBD is not a cure for colds or the flu. However, it may help alleviate certain symptoms and support your body's immune response. When used in combination with other self-care measures like rest, hydration and proper nutrition, CBD may help you feel better and recover faster.
How much CBD should I take for a cold?
There's no one-size-fits-all dosage of CBD for colds, as the optimal amount can vary from person to person. In general, it's best to start with a low dose of 10-20mg and gradually increase until you notice symptom relief. Our CBD oil tinctures make it easy to measure and adjust your dose as needed.
Is it safe to take CBD with OTC cold and flu medications?
CBD can interact with certain medications, so it's important to check with your doctor before combining it with any OTC cold or flu medicines. In general, it's best to avoid taking CBD alongside medications that are metabolized by the same liver enzymes, such as dextromethorphan (a common cough suppressant) and chlorpheniramine (an antihistamine).
Can I take CBD if I have a fever?
Yes, CBD may be taken if you have a fever, as it is not known to raise body temperature. In fact, some animal studies suggest CBD may actually help lower fevers by reducing inflammation. However, it's important to monitor your fever and seek medical attention if it persists or reaches 103°F or higher.
Conclusion
While research on CBD for colds and flu is still limited, the available evidence suggests it may be a helpful natural remedy for managing symptoms like inflammation, pain, and sleep issues. CBD's potential to support immune function is also intriguing, though more studies are needed.
If you're considering using CBD oil to help relieve cold and flu symptoms, be sure to choose a high-quality product from a reputable brand like Carmen's Medicinals. Our organic, third-party tested CBD oils are available in a range of potencies and flavors to suit your needs.
As with any supplement, it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor before using CBD, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. With the right product and dosage, CBD may help support your body's natural defenses and ease discomfort during cold and flu season.
