Read Time: 5 minutes
Cold and flu season is in full swing, unfortunately, and this year the healthcare industry is anticipating higher rates of influenza than usual.¹ For many, this puts a damper on holiday plans. It forces one to begrudgingly be responsible enough to postpone flights home and get-togethers with friends. Few things are as dreadful as the FOMO felt after catching a cold during one of the most festive times of the year.
The Centers For Disease Control & Prevention says that, along with washing our hands to stop the spread of the flu, the best ways to reduce the spread of germs are to stay at home if you’re sick, avoid contact with those who may be sick, and to take medicine prescribed by healthcare professionals.² Along with the flu vaccine, there are several ways to help prevent the spread of illness—but what can you do if you've already caught a cold?
If you mention that you've come down with a cold, those closest to you may instinctually suggest one remedy or another to help deal with the symptoms—herbal oils and floral teas, for example. These classic remedies, among others, highlight many of the ways in which plants may offer us therapeutic benefits against the yucky feelings that come with being sick. However, a lot of it is hearsay and needs further research to really determine whether or not it actually works. While scientific research on plant medicine is in its infancy, recent anecdotes point to the potentially positive impact of the hemp plant and cannabinoids. Since the legalization of hemp, more and more researchers are probing whether the cannabinoid CBD has any therapeutic potential.
So can CBD help you when you come down with a case of the sniffles? We’ve laid out some friendly suggestions for ways to use CBD to help manage flu-related inflammation, potentially boost immune system support, and recuperate from common cold symptoms quicker—so you can enjoy the holidays while feeling your best.
Inflammation Due To The Cold & Flu
When a person comes in contact with a cold or flu virus, the body's anti-inflammatory response kicks in—resulting in symptoms such as high fever, sore throat, runny nose, achy muscles, and throbbing headaches. Historically, many have turned to natural remedies to help alleviate these symptoms—like consuming a dose of citrus fruit for vitamin C (which serves as an antioxidant) or menthol salves like Vicks to clear our nasal passages. While everyone has their own unique concoctions to get rid of cold symptoms, we at Lazarus Natural also believe in the potential of natural remedies to offer a sense of relief when dealing with a cold. Most natural remedies are for soothing symptoms (not curing the viruses themselves), but a little relief can go a long way on your road to recovery.
Can CBD Help Manage Flu Symptoms?
We can't definitively say CBD is the antidote to the common cold—research is limited in regards to CBD and the immune system, and much of the science remains unknown.³ What we do know is that early scientific consensus is that CBD and other cannabinoids may possess the potential to address various components of influenza—primarily the symptoms triggered by inflammation. While there are no guaranteed promises, anecdotal accounts believe in the possibility of using CBD as a tool as much as any other natural herb to help alleviate the common cold.
Using CBD When You Have a Cold
With mounting evidence for CBD against inflammation, or for immune system support, you may be wondering which CBD products would be best for helping get back on your feet. Below we’re breaking down a few options packed with functional ingredients that might help you feel better.
CBD & Seasonal Spice For Symptoms
With natural ingredients like antioxidant-rich berries, Lazarus Naturals edibles not only support the immune system but are designed to support ECS functions, as well. For an immune boost, check out Elderberry CBD Gummies or Spiced Apple Cider CBD Gummies for sweet relief with a holiday-flavored twist.
CBD & Holiday Hot Cocoa
There's nothing like a warm beverage for an annoyingly scratchy, sore throat. You don’t have to let a cold rain on your holiday parade, though! Mixing a bit of CBD into favorite beverages might help address some of the inflammation that comes with the flu. For a festive fix for a sore throat, add THC Free High Potency CBD Oil Tincture to your hot or iced cocoa. You can even add some Sleep Tincture infused with CBD, CBG, and CBN to any bedtime beverage before getting a good night's sleep.
Balms, Bath & Beyond
Our body's CB1 receptors are how our skin can absorb the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids without becoming intoxicated. For body aches triggered by the cold or flu, a warm, soothing bath can be one of the most therapeutic remedies. Not only is a warm soak a great way to tame your tension during the holiday season, but the moist and humid air helps ease those dry coughs and runny noses. A steamy bath also doubles as a humidifier, helping clear up sinuses. For an extra dose of aromatherapy, add a few drops of CBD oil to the bath to soak away those symptoms. To keep the relief going after your bath, try a nourishing moisturizer like CBD Skin Repair Cream to help alleviate aching muscles while restoring your skin from harsh winter weather.
A Restful Night of Sleep
Sometimes the best thing you can do to help a cold is to sleep it off. When we sleep, our bodies can recover and recharge our immune systems to help combat illness. Some research indicates that cannabinoids encourage a healthy sleep-wake cycle. For an extra serving of sleep support, try our full spectrum Cannabinoid Sleep Capsules—packed with CBD, CBG, and CBN—to help promote a healthy sleep regimen.
Get Rest To Get Well
Unfortunately, the common cold and flu are inevitable—but with CBD in your “toolbox” you may be able to naturally feel a bit less miserable. Explore a range of high-potency, third-party tested offerings crafted to be consistent, effective, and made to work with your body to help feel your best all year long.
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¹ https://www.fastcompany.com/90812898/the-worst-flu-season-since-2017