Each year, millions of people in the United States suffer from the common cold. The CDC reports that adults have an average of 2-3 colds per year, and children have even more. With most people inevitably exposed to this virus multiple times a year, we have to ask ourselves, what can we do to help minimize the symptoms?

As many of you know, at Vitality we like to explore how CBD can be used in different areas of life, whether improving our overall wellness routine or diving into more specific topics such as this one. Keep reading to learn about the relationship between CBD and colds and whether it can help you manage your symptoms.

Understanding the Common Cold & Our Immune System

There are many viruses that a person can catch, but the symptoms are typically the same. The common symptoms of a cold include:

• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Body aches
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Difficulty breathing
• Congestion
• Sneezing or coughing

While we’ve all suffered through these symptoms (and hoped they would go away), they’re an important part of a person’s recovery. The reason is that they’re actually a sign that your body is working to fight off the virus. 

When a person gets a cold, their immune system jumps into action, working to identify and eliminate the virus. And while the immune system takes on the primary role of fighting off the virus, there are ways that we can support it: staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and eating a healthy diet. We’ll discuss this in more detail below.

CBD & the Immune System

All the benefits of CBD wouldn’t be possible without the endocannabinoid system (ECS), the cell-signaling system used to regulate important functions in the body. If you follow our blog, you’ve surely heard us talk in abundance about the ECS in regard to CBD. This system is also known to play an important role in regulating immunity. 

The interaction between CBD and the immune system is not yet fully understood, but what we do know is that CBD interacts with the ECS by binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors are found in the immune system and other areas of the body, and work to maintain the body’s homeostasis. This 2022 study found that,

The presented evidence suggests that the endocannabinoid system is a prominent target for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid diseases, viral infections, neurological and psychological pathologies, and cancer. Moreover, the antitumoral activities of CBD have been suggested to be potentially used in combination with chemo- or immunotherapy during cancer.

This study shows great potential for CBD in a range of conditions. This, along with the anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties of CBD, may help us overcome common cold symptoms.

How Does CBD Help With Cold Symptoms?

Now that we know a little more about the importance of our immune system in fighting off colds, we also need to know how to support it throughout recovery. While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between CBD and cold symptoms, consuming CBD may help ease some of the symptoms of a cold. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD is used to relieve symptoms in a variety of situations that are related to inflammation, including arthritis and a sore throat. By targeting inflammation, CBD can decrease congestion and open up airways.

Its pain-relieving properties also make it a great remedy for relieving body aches and sore throat, making the symptoms more manageable. And lastly, all great recovery plans require a good night’s sleep, which is also one of the benefits of CBD. Sleep is essential for the proper functioning of your immune system and also works to improve your energy and mood.

Tips for Using CBD for Cold Symptoms

Check with your doctor

CBD is considered a safe substance, but it’s especially important for those taking medications to run it past their doctor to prevent it from negatively impacting their already existing treatment plan.

Use full-spectrum products

There are different types of CBD products available on the market. That said, full-spectrum products contain all the beneficial compounds naturally found in the cannabis plant, allowing the consumer to receive the full benefits of the plant.

Choose high-quality CBD products

The quality of the products you consume is directly connected with the outcome. For optimal results, opt for high-quality products that you can trust.

At Vitality, we understand that our products are being utilized for a variety of reasons, whether it be a cold, after-gym recovery, or weight loss. That’s exactly why quality and safety are our number one priorities. All of our products are tested by a third party to demonstrate that we use the ingredients and potency levels that we advertise. Visit our site to explore our CBD oils and CBD salves.