CBD & Immune System: Sustainably Strengthening the Body's Defenses
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Time to read 7 min
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Time to read 7 min
Especially in the cold season, when it gets unpleasant outside and colds, flu, and other infections are common, many people are looking for a simple way to strengthen their immune system.
But even in spring and summer, a good immune function helps to combat pathogens. In addition, an intact immune system can help to boost general health and well-being, alleviate allergies, and possibly even prevent chronic inflammation.
In addition to sufficient sleep, enough exercise, and a balanced diet, high-quality CBD oil can also strengthen your immune system – in such a way that it only becomes active when you really need it.
In this article, we explain why this works so well and which CBD products are particularly suitable for balancing your immune defense.
Table of Contents
Our immune system is very complex. In recent years, increasing research has been conducted into where CBD might have an influence.
Basically, immunoregulatory, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and stress-reducing effects of CBD on the immune system are observed.
CBD thus strengthens defense against infections, can dampen allergic reactions, and alleviate the symptoms of autoimmune diseases.
Our immune system is extremely complex. Even absolute experts in research and practice still understand only a fraction of the processes involved. However, one thing is certain: our immune system is central to defending against pathogens and protects us from bacteria, viruses, and other unwanted invaders. It consists of an entire network of cells, organs, and tissues that work together to keep the body healthy.
For example, in the case of a cold, the immune system recognizes viruses that infect the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. It reacts by activating inflammatory cells (white blood cells, especially B and T cells) and releasing messenger substances called cytokines. B cells produce antibodies that neutralize the viruses, while T cells destroy infected cells. The inflammatory response leads to typical symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, and cough.
A well-functioning immune system is able to distinguish between dangerous and harmless substances and react appropriately. However, if the immune system becomes unbalanced, it can either overreact (as in allergies and autoimmune diseases) or be too weak and not adequately protect us from infections.
Symptoms of a weakened immune system
Studies show: CBD oil and other CBD products seem to have a balancing effect on the immune system. A central role is played here by the so-called endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is an endogenous network of receptors and enzymes involved in regulating many physiological processes, including the sleep-wake cycle, mood, and pain perception. And it presumably also regulates the immune response.
The ECS consists of two main receptors: CB1 and CB2. While CB1 receptors are mainly found in the brain and central nervous system, CB2 receptors are predominantly located in the cells of the immune system. CBD mainly interacts with these CB2 receptors.
Because of its interaction with CB2 receptors, research is exploring CBD as a potential "immunomodulator," meaning a substance that can both enhance and dampen the immune response, depending on what is needed.
This makes CBD particularly interesting for people with allergies and autoimmune diseases, where the immune system is overactive and attacks healthy cells. CBD can help to dampen the excessive immune response and thus alleviate the symptoms of allergic reactions and conditions such as rheumatism, MS, or Crohn's disease.
Another effect of CBD is its ability to reduce inflammation. While inflammation is actually a natural reaction of the immune system to injuries or infections, chronic inflammation is associated with various ailments and diseases, including autoimmune diseases, heart disease, and even cancer. It is suspected that CBD, through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, regulates the release and activity of immune cells and thus has a alleviating effect on both acute and chronic inflammation.
In addition, studies show that CBD has antimicrobial and antiviral properties, thus preventing pathogens from even entering the body.
The negative influence of chronic stress on the immune system is now well-documented. When we are stressed, the body releases stress hormones like cortisol, which can suppress the immune response, promote the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and make the body more susceptible to infections.
Here, too, CBD can have a positive influence. It counteracts inner restlessness and stress and helps to find relaxation.
The positive significance of CBD for the immune system thus seems clear. But what is the best way to take CBD?
Classic hemp products like hemp seeds and hemp oil contain no CBD or only negligible amounts of it. Although hemp seeds come from the hemp plant, they contain neither CBD (cannabidiol) nor THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), as these are mainly found in the flowers, leaves, and stems of the plant, not in the seeds.
While CBD can regulate the immune system, THC can have undesirable immunosuppressive effects, meaning it can downregulate the immune system when it is actually needed or trigger overreactions. In addition, THC can cause dizziness, memory difficulties, and even anxiety and paranoia - these side effects do not occur with CBD according to the WHO report.
We obtain our high-quality CBD oil by extracting it from the Cannabis sativa hemp variety, which contains particularly small amounts of THC but is rich in CBD.
To support your immune system, we recommend taking CBD oil sublingually, e.g., our full-spectrum CBD oil 5% or 10%. It's best to start with a small dose (4 to 5 drops) in the morning and in the evening and gradually increase the amount as needed and tolerated until you find your perfect dose.
If the taste of our pure CBD oil is too intense for you, you can opt for a spray with flavor, e.g., Lemon Mint. To further boost your immune system during the cold season, we also recommend our golden CBD oil with the antioxidant effect of turmeric extract.
Advantages of CBD over THC for the immune system:
Attention: Make sure to consume high-quality oil that is free from pesticides, heavy metals, and other substances. Pesticides are suspected of impairing immune system function and promoting autoimmune diseases. All CBD oils and other products from Hanfgeflüster are tested in the laboratory for pesticides, heavy metals, and other residues to offer you a high-quality product that optimally supports your immune system.
With these simple tips, you can strengthen your immune system in everyday life and naturally support your defenses.
Although CBD is a cannabinoid like THC, as mentioned above, it does not have the severe side effects known from THC. Above all, there is no risk of becoming dependent on CBD.
Nevertheless, mild side effects are possible. The most common include fatigue, diarrhea, and changes in appetite. These side effects generally disappear when the dose is adjusted.
If in doubt, consult your doctor before taking CBD oil, especially if you are taking other medications or have pre-existing conditions.
CBD oil can be a valuable support for maintaining an immune defense that is activated exactly when - and only when - it is needed. Thanks to its immunoregulatory, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and stress-reducing properties, it can be a useful addition to strengthening the body's defenses and may even help against allergies and autoimmune diseases. Although scientific research in this area is still in its early stages, the results so far are very promising.
To optimally support your immune function, you should always consider CBD oil as part of a healthy lifestyle. This includes sufficient sleep, a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals (such as vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin D3, zinc, vitamin E, vitamins A and B6), regular exercise, and avoiding chronic stress.
As drops and sprays, taking CBD can be easily integrated into daily life. We advise you to gradually adjust the dosage and to make sure to only consume high-quality oils. This way, CBD oil can optimally contribute to supporting your immune system and have a positive impact on your health and well-being.
Our 5 tips for strengthening your immune system:
Sources and Studies
¹ Bergamaschi, M., Queiroz, R., Chagas, M. et al. (2011). Cannabidiol Reduces the Anxiety Induced bySimulated Public Speaking in Treatment-Naïve Social Phobia Patients. Neuropsychopharmacol 36,1219–1226, [Source]
² Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large CaseSeries. The Permanente journal, 23, 18–041, [Source]
³ Prof. Dr. Dr. med. Katharina Domschke (2019). The origin of fears – can fears also help us?. AOK Health Magazine, Retrieved on May 21, 2024, [Source]
⁴ Klinikum Stuttgart, Clinical Focus: Anxiety Disorders, Phobias and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders, Retrieved on May 21, 2024, [Source]
⁵ Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (2022). 5th edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).American Psychiatric Association Publishing, Washington, DC, 215-262
⁶ John W. Barnhill , MD, Weill Cornell Medical College and New York Presbyterian Hospital (2018).Overview of Anxiety Disorders. MSD Manual, [Source]
⁷ Blessing EM, Steenkamp MM, Manzanares J, Marmar CR. (2015). Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment forAnxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics. 12(4), 825-36, [Source]