Research has shown that cannabis has therapeutic potential. Recent studies show that it can also be helpful in dealing with the cold. So, we can say that cannabis is a good alternative to cold medication.
Different cultures all over the world have been using cannabis as a medicinal plant for centuries. There was a time when people considered cannabis as conventional as penicillin. And now, cannabis is slowly regaining its reputation and respect because of the potential healing qualities it has. Cannabis can be used for treating symptoms associated with various conditions. These include anxiety, nausea, pain, depression, muscle spasms, seizures, and many more. With a simple 420 evaluation, a person can get an MMJ card to buy medical cannabis for a state-qualified condition. Cannabis can also help in dealing with the common cold and flu, and it can work as an alternative to cold medication. Let’s find out more about it.
The Causes of The Common Cold
There are more than 200 different types of viruses that can cause symptoms associated with the common cold. I know what you are thinking, isn’t chilly weather the main culprit for these symptoms? While chilly weather can cause these symptoms, there are different microbes that can lead to this condition.
If you breathe in the viral particles, you can catch the symptoms of the common cold. When you come close to someone sneezing, coughing, or simply breathing, the viral particles can enter your lungs. Even if you touch a contaminated surface and then pick your nose or wipe your mouth without washing your hands, these pathogens can enter your lungs. Also, there is no particular time for the common cold to strike. It can attack anytime, however, the rate of infection increases a lot during autumn and winter. The main reason behind this is the lack of humidity that can cause your nasal passages to become dry. This further contributes to infection.
There are a few factors that can increase the chances of catching a cold or flu for a person. These include –
- The age of the person. Young children and old adults are the most vulnerable to serious cases.
- The immune system of the person. A compromised or weak immune system puts you at a higher risk of catching a cold. With a weak immune system, it becomes difficult for your body to fight the symptoms.
- If you are a frequent smoker.
The Effects of The Common Colds on Your Body
The two immune systems of your body, innate and adaptive, get triggered as soon as you catch a cold. Their goal is to protect your body from the attack of colds viruses or bacteria. This causes you to get sick. In the beginning, the white blood cells start differentiating between the body’s own cells and foreign pathogens. Once identified, the white blood cells begin attacking foreign pathogens. All this work is done by your innate immune system. This rapid response is natural and everyone is born with it.
If the innate immune system fails in destroying these foreign pathogens, the adaptive immune system kicks in. This learned immune system comes into action to help you feel better. This causes many physical symptoms including inflammation, a runny nose, and a sore throat.
How Can Cannabis Help in Relieving The Symptoms of The Common Cold?
Well, there is no known cure for the cold as such. You just have to endure this infection until your immune system defeats the pathogen. But there are certain painkillers and decongestants that can help in reducing symptoms. Some alternative treatments are zinc, vitamin C, and some other herbal remedies. One more alternative is cannabis, and it comes from the category of herbal remedies. After all, cannabis is a herb.
The research shows that cannabis can have a positive impact on viral infections. Humans all over the world have used cannabis for various ailments for centuries. And now modern studies have also shown the positive effects of cannabis on human health. But there is little to no evidence that shows that cannabis can tackle the common cold itself. However, there are a few chemicals in cannabis that have the potential to deal with some of the symptoms.
Cannabis can help in dealing with various symptoms associated with the autoimmune response. The two main cannabinoids found in cannabis are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). These two cannabinoids are known for easing symptoms associated with the common cold. These cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory, sleep-inducing, and pain-relieving properties. In addition to this, some research suggests that CBD may also have antiviral properties.
Cannabis has gained a lot of popularity in the medical field recently. Here are the few symptoms that cannabis can help in dealing with.
Inflammation
Your body kicks in an inflammatory response because it allows the white blood cells to pass through the tissues and reach the site of infection easily. Inflammation serves a purpose, still, it can cause uncomfortable sensations. This is where cannabis can help you in reducing inflammation symptoms. Cannabis has anti-inflammatory properties that can help you reduce cold symptoms.
Pain
Along with inflammation, cannabis can also help in reducing pain related to cold and flu. The 2007 study showed that CBD can help in reducing chronic inflammation and neuropathic pain in mice. And it can work even better when taken alongside THC. Researchers have found that CBD can enhance and prolong the pain-reducing effects of THC in mice. So, cannabis can be a safer alternative to pain-relieving medication. Cannabis can work as an effective painkiller that can help you if a cold or flu catches you.
Poor-Quality Sleep
Not getting enough sleep can impact the functioning of your immune system in a negative way. This makes you more prone to getting sick if you get exposed to a common cold virus. But getting a good amount of sleep can help your body recover faster. And studies show that cannabis can help people fall asleep. It improves the quality of sleep, helping the body to get the required rest.