How CBD Can Help Relieve a Sore Throat

Although prescription medications are sometimes necessary, there is an increasing demand for a healthy and natural alternative. Research has helped us understand that CBD can be the solution many of us are searching for. Many studies have shown its use for anxiety, sleep disorders, and chronic pain, among others, but curiosity keeps pushing researchers to continue finding new ways to better our health through CBD.

A new area that we’re exploring is what effects CBD can have on sore throats. To better understand, we have to look at how to reduce the symptoms of a sore throat and how CBD can contribute.

Sore Throats

Many sore throats are caused by viruses, such as the cold or flu virus, while other causes include smoking, pollution, and allergies. Besides pain and irritation in the throat, possible symptoms include headache, fever, coughing, or congestion.

Although winter is known as “sore throat season,” sore throats can occur at any time of the year. As a common complaint, many people head to the doctor or choose home remedies to help relieve their symptoms. Common treatments include anti-inflammatory drugs, over-the-counter pain relievers, or more natural home remedies such as honey to reduce inflammation.

Knowing these common treatments we can better understand how CBD can be utilized.

Does CBD Oil Help With Sore Throats?

Yes, CBD can help relieve sore throats for three primary reasons: its anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and anti-bacterial properties.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Since swelling is often a symptom of sore throats, anti-inflammatories can help relieve pain by reducing inflammation. As stated in this study about CBD’s properties, “It is non-psychoactive, but has many beneficial pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.”

CBD reduces inflammation by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps to regulate the functions of your nervous system. When CBD enters the body, it binds with the receptors in the ECS and helps regulate inflammatory responses.

Many people with sore throats turn to medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin to help reduce their inflammation. Although this is a popular option, long-term use can result in negative side effects. One of the advantages of using CBD is that it lacks such side effects, is natural, and you won’t become dependent on it.

Pain-Relieving Properties

In our previous article about CBD and pain relief, we explore how topical CBD creams or salves help relieve pain, relax the muscles, and reduce skin inflammation. It also has similar effects when consumed orally, which is why it helps soothe the symptoms of a sore throat. Since inflammation is one of the causes of discomfort, reducing this sensation helps relieve pain.

CBD also works to reduce pain by inhibiting the brain’s signals that trigger abnormal pain sensitivity. By reducing pain signals to the central nervous system, it can help relieve pain caused by several conditions.

Antibacterial Properties

Although further research is required, studies are now being done to better understand the antibacterial properties of CBD. In a recent study, CBD showed antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria, a bacteria known for causing sore throats. The study stated that “Our results show that CBD has translational potential and should be further explored as a repurposed antibacterial agent in clinical trials. “

Although CBD may not completely heal a sore throat on its own, its antibacterial properties work well with other forms of antibiotics. With more research, we’ll learn more about how CBD’s antibacterial properties can be used in the treatment of sore throats. For now, we recognize that CBD can help soothe the symptoms of a sore throat, making it a great alternative to prescription medications.