CBD for Colds: Naturally Relieve Sniffles and More

Honestly, who likes being sick with a cold? Runny nose, cough, sore throat, headache and body aches, fatigue - it's annoying. Most of the time, colds also come at the most inconvenient moments, when you really don't have time to be sick.

If you don't want to immediately resort to medication for a cold and similar ailments, often only home remedies remain to combat the symptoms. Chicken soup might feel good, but does it really help? In recent years, however, a completely different active ingredient has established itself in the fight against the common cold: Cannabidiol (CBD) - a non-psychoactive substance from the hemp plant.

In this article, you will learn how CBD could help with a cold and how to use it best.

CBD is the abbreviation for Cannabidiol, one of over a hundred currently known cannabinoids, which are substances from the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). While its more famous brother THC gets you high and can be addictive, with CBD there is no risk of being intoxicated. Addiction is also not possible.

In Germany and many other European countries, CBD products are completely legally available, provided that the THC content does not exceed the limit of 0.2%. Hanfgeflüster products contain less than 0.1% THC to safely exclude psychoactive effects.

CBD works via the so-called endocannabinoid system (ECS). This is a vast system of receptors and enzymes involved in various bodily processes, including sleep, pain perception, immune responses, mood, and inflammation regulation.

If that already sounds somewhat like a cold to you, you're definitely on the right track.

A typical cold or flu-like infection is most often caused by viruses, especially rhinoviruses or adenoviruses. Coronaviruses are also common culprits. (This group also includes the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.) Influenza viruses cause the true flu, although similar symptoms to a cold can also occur here.

Colds are particularly common in autumn and winter, but summer colds—often triggered by excessively set air conditioning—are also not uncommon. A cold usually affects the upper respiratory tract particularly severely. It is generally harmless but quite uncomfortable.

Typical symptoms include:

• Runny nose/sneezing and blocked nose

• Scratchy throat and hoarseness

• Cough (dry or productive, meaning more "wet" with mucus production)

• Headache and body aches

• Fatigue and general malaise

• Slight fever

A cold usually disappears quite quickly on its own. Nevertheless, it can of course be pleasant to alleviate the symptoms and support the body in its regeneration. Enter CBD!

First things first: CBD is not a medicine against cold viruses. There's hardly any cure for those. So, CBD doesn't combat the cause of the cold and doesn't make it disappear either. But neither can medicines from the pharmacy, because viruses cannot be fought with agents like antibiotics, for example.

However, CBD could help alleviate typical cold symptoms, thus making the time until the illness subsides more bearable. And here's how:

Inflammation plays a central role in many cold symptoms, e.g., irritated nasal mucous membranes or sore throats. Studies indicate that cannabinoids like THC and CBD have anti-inflammatory effects on the immune system because they inhibit certain messenger substances (cytokines). In addition, CBD is said to act as a natural "expectorant," meaning it helps loosen mucus from the airways.

According to scientific findings, our endocannabinoid system is closely linked to our immune system. CBD regulates the ECS and thus also our immune response. However, this does not mean that CBD downregulates the immune system; quite the opposite. It supports the immune system in responding appropriately to invaders.

Headache, burning throat, aching limbs: The pain associated with colds is certainly one of the most unpleasant symptoms. According to studies, CBD can very effectively relieve pain - presumably also due to its effect on the ECS, which is also involved in pain perception. Many users also report a relaxing and pain-relieving effect of CBD.

Sleep is often the best home remedy for a cold. Unfortunately, a swollen nose, cough, and other symptoms often don't help with falling asleep and staying asleep. CBD has a calming effect and helps you fall asleep better and sleep more peacefully. During the day, CBD helps to improve general well-being. Sufferers feel less run down and can better cope with their daily lives despite the cold.

Stress is one of the main factors for a weakened immune system. And a weakened immune system is susceptible to every cold wave. CBD can help reduce this stress. This not only aids the healing process during an acute cold but also prevents you from getting sick again during the next wave if taken long-term.

CBD is available in various forms of administration. Which one is suitable depends on your individual preferences and symptoms.

CBD oil is one of the most popular forms, especially full-spectrum oil. It is usually dropped sublingually (under the tongue) and held there for about 30–60 seconds. This allows the CBD to be absorbed relatively quickly through the mucous membranes.

For muscle or body aches, CBD-containing salves can be applied topically. They do not work systemically but specifically at the affected area.

While there are reports that establish a positive correlation between the consumption of cannabis (with THC) and the immune system. Cannabis can suppress an overactive immune response and, for example, alleviate allergies. Therefore, theoretically, cannabis consumption could also have a positive effect on a cold. However: Cannabis has many side effects that CBD oil does not have.

Consuming cannabis during a cold—if the cannabis is smoked or vaporized—can worsen respiratory symptoms, as the airways are additionally irritated by cannabis smoke. Furthermore, there are psychoactive effects due to the THC contained, which few people would probably want during a cold. CBD, on the other hand, is not psychoactive and instead has a gently regulating effect on the immune system.

The dosage of CBD is fundamentally very individual. Factors such as body weight, individual sensitivity, the concentration of your product, and the intensity of your symptoms play a role.

The general rule is "start low, go slow". So, start with a low concentration and a few drops (e.g., 5 mg CBD per day) and slowly increase until you feel an improvement. Our dosage calculator will help you find the right starting dose.

For acute complaints, you can also start with a slightly higher dose (e.g., 10 mg per day). However, reduce the dose again if you experience bothersome side effects such as mild digestive problems or dry mouth.

Taken regularly, CBD can strengthen your immune system and thus help you to be less frequently affected by infections in the future.

If you are already taking other medications (cold remedies or other medications), please consult your doctor beforehand. The reason: CBD can interact with drugs that are metabolized by the liver.

CBD is a natural remedy – and doesn't work with brute force like conventional medications. Therefore, it's best to combine it with other natural approaches to achieve the optimal effect against your cold. These include:

• Plenty of sleep and rest

• Lots of fluids (water, herbal teas)

• Balanced diet and supportive plant compounds such as turmeric

• Fresh air and moderate exercise

• Classic home remedies such as steam baths or warm compresses

Make yourself comfortable, wrap up warm, and treat yourself to a warming chicken soup. CBD helps you to take good care of yourself and gently support your immune system. This way, you'll get through your next cold more relaxed and protect yourself from infections in the long run.

CBD is not a miracle cure and won't simply make a cold disappear. However, it supports the body where it is particularly challenged during an infection: with inflammation, pain, and lack of sleep.

Through its regulating effect on the endocannabinoid system, CBD helps to alleviate cold symptoms and improve general well-being. Especially for people looking for gentle support, CBD is the ideal natural companion for the cold season.

*Medical disclaimer