You’re not imagining it: Colds and sinus infections are on the rise. With much of last year spent masking, social distancing, and using hand sanitizer, some experts believe we effectively delayed the normal cold and flu season.
Now, those germs are coming back with a vengeance, bringing with them stuffy head, runny nose, coughing and other symptoms. If you’re one of the unlucky ones suffering from these and other symptoms, you’re not alone. Fortunately, you may find relief in using cannabis.
Cold sufferers turn to CBD for relief
Our customers take a daily dose of Happy Camper CBD to address a number of wellness goals, and the results have been overwhelmingly positive. Many have reported feeling positive results for managing back pain, occasional anxiety, sleeplessness and more.
And now, with unpredictable colds and sinus infections on the rise, many are turning to CBD products for additional help tackling those unpleasant symptoms as well. For many, CBD provides a safer, more natural alternative to the nasal sprays, over-the-counter medications and antibiotics typically recommended for managing cold and flu symptoms.
Hemp has enjoyed a long reputation as a “wonder plant,” but can hemp-derived CBD really help with runny noses, stuffy heads and other ailments? A growing body of research suggests that it can, and the answers exist within what we already know about how CBD works.
Cannabinoids and the ECS
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of hundreds of chemical compounds called cannabinoids found in both hemp and marijuana. (Note: Unlike its well known sister, tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t make you feel “high.”)
Within your body’s complex endocannabinoid receptor system (ECS), there are a number of cannabinoid receptors that, when satisfied, work to manage important brain processes like sleep/wake cycles, immune response and our reactions to pain and outside stimuli. It stands to reason, then, that if happy ECS receptors help us manage pain, that would include the headaches, coughing and other unpleasant cold side effects.
So, how can we make sure our bodies are getting enough of these chemical compounds to satisfy the ECS? Cannabinoids occur naturally in some foods, but are most abundant in the hemp plant, and that’s why many users and some medical professionals recommend taking a CBD supplement each day.
Choosing the right CBD format, dose and frequency
CBD products come in these three main types:
- Full-Spectrum CBD preserves the highest possible concentration of each plant’s natural compounds including legal, non-intoxicating levels of THC. These active compounds work together for a phenomenon known as the “entourage effect” that maximizes collective absorption.
- Broad-Spectrum CBD contains Cannabidiol plus all of the plant’s other compounds except THC, which is completely removed after the initial extraction.
- CBD Isolate is the purest form of cannabidiol that has been pulled from its natural environment and stripped of all other phytochemicals and nutrients.
Within these type categories, you can find a wide range of formats, including gummies, capsules, tinctures, tropical creams and more. When it comes to treating minor cold and flu symptoms, we recommend a dual-formula approach: Our CBD tinctures and softgels work internally to tackle the root of the problem and promote healing rest. Meanwhile, our transdermal cream is infused with shea butter, ginger and willow bark root to soothe dry, irritated skin and apply to the bottoms of the feet to further rid the body of harmful toxins.
Whether you choose The Happy Camper CBD or another brand, it’s important to take a close look at each product’s Certificates of Analysis, which should be prominently published on the company’s website. These documents verify the content of both the raw hemp and the extracted oil, indicating both its makeup of healthy cannabinoids and safe levels of pesticides and heavy metals.
When it comes to how much CBD you should take to relieve cold symptoms, research shows CBD is safe to use even in large quantities. So, as long as you’re using a clean, quality product there is no cause for concern. But if you’re unsure about how much to take, our best recommendation is to start with a low dosage (5mg taken twice daily) and increase as necessary until you begin to feel your cold symptoms diminishing.
Want more help deciding which CBD formula is right for you? Take our three-question quiz.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.