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Both the common cold and the flu affect everyone at some points in their lives. For most people, these infections are mainly a bad nuisance, though they can problematic for young children, the elderly and other at-risk groups, such as people with compromised immune systems.
The flu and common cold are caused by viruses and thus there’s no cure—the best way to treat these infections is to get plenty of rest. There are a number of over-the-counter medicines and natural remedies that you can also take to help you fight cold and flu symptoms, making you more comfortable.
Along this thread, many people are now turning to marijuana for cold and flu relief. The plant’s anti-inflammatory properties can help you cope with symptoms like sore throat, sinus pain and body aches. Some researchers also think that cannabis’s ability to modulate the immune system could reduce the number of flu-related deaths.
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How Can Cannabis Help Fight the Flu or Common Cold?
Both cannabidiol (CBD) and THC, molecules found within the cannabis plant, can help ease many symptoms of the flu and common cold.
CBD has natural antibacterial properties which can help fight against secondary bacterial infections that may develop from the cold and flu. CBD is also an anti-inflammatory, properties may help open up the sinus passages and increase ease of breathing.
THC can reduce pain and help sufferers to sleep, which allows their body to rest and heal from the cold. In general, cannabis can also be extremely helpful at reducing headaches and migraines, both which of are common symptoms that people experience with their colds.
Marijuana May Provide Cold & Flu Relief Via Immune System Modulation
Dr. Robert J. Melamede, the chairman of the Biology department at the University of Colorado at Boulder, thinks that marijuana’s dampening effect on the immune system could reduce the number of deaths from the swine flu.
When you get the cold or flu, your immune system responds by attacking the virus—this is what causes some of those annoying symptoms like a runny nose and sore throat. Problem is, sometimes your immune system can go overboard, and in serious cases this can lead to organ failure or even death.
Similar to how cannabis can be helpful at fighting autoimmune diseases, cannabis’s ability to suppress the immune system response could keep your system from overworking itself—it might also help reduce some of those pesky symptoms that make having the cold or flu so miserable.
RELATED: LEARN HOW TO MAKE A CANNABIS INFUSED TEA TO FIGHT A COLD
Using Marijuana to Boost Your Immune System During Cold & Flu Season
Chalkboard Magazine recently featured hemp-derived CBD oil on its website as a great component in an immunity boosting superfood tea, due to the molecule’s antioxidant properties.
CBD that’s sourced from hemp can sometimes be found in places where medical cannabis is still illegal. It’s now being seen as a supplement that can help fight the common cold and other illnesses that tend to crop up during the colder months.
The omega-3 fatty acids in hemp and cannabis oil can work to reduce the inflammation in the body to not only help you get over the cold, but to work to strengthen the immune system against contracting other viruses.
Cannabis can be combined with other super foods like turmeric to boost its anti-inflammatory properties. It can be consumed in the form of a tea to help soothe your symptoms and support your immune system. Cannabis can be brewed into tea directly with other cold-busters like ginger, lemon and honey. You can also mix your favorite herbal tea with cannabis infused honey for a soothing treat.
While cannabis may not be able to cure the flu or common cold, it can provide you with much relief.
If you're new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our Cannabis 101 post. HelloMD can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.
