Flu symptoms usually include body aches and joint pains in the knee, hands, hips, or spine. Generally, you only need to rest and take plenty of fluids to treat influenza.
Your physician may prescribe antiviral drugs or conduct various tests to detect the influenza virus. However, have you considered CBD for fever?
If you’re starting to feel feverish quickly or running a fever for more than two days, the chances are high that you’ve got the flu. Animal studies suggest that fever triggered by a virus could be treated using cannabinoids.
CBD (cannabidiol), a phytocannabinoid (plant cannabinoid), is an active component of marijuana. Although it’s a vital element of medical marijuana (also called medical cannabis), it’s derived from the hemp plant, a relative of marijuana.
There has been a rising medical interest regarding CBD’s purported therapeutic effects. This article will discuss how CBD oil may alleviate flu symptoms.
How CBD May Help With Inflammation
A research article from the journal Nature highlighted the importance of humans’ innate immunity. Based on the report, the influenza virus may lead to inflammation, impairing the inherent immune control of pneumococcus.
Pneumococcus is a bacteria that can induce numerous kinds of infections.
When your immune system becomes inflamed because of bacteria, toxins, or trauma, it triggers your body’s immune response.
The immune response is your body’s ability to recognize and defend itself against foreign and harmful substances.
CBD (cannabidiol) may help your body boost its immune response when the compound interacts with the cannabinoid receptors of the ECS (endocannabinoid system).
The ECS regulates your body’s processes in response to changes in the environment to promote homeostasis. Homeostasis is any process by which living things maintain the stability necessary for survival.
Meanwhile, two cannabinoid receptors, namely CB1 and CB2, are found on cells throughout the body. CB1 plays an essential role in pain sensation, while CB2 stimulates a response that fights inflammation.
CBD’s ability to bind with these cannabinoid receptors contributes to the compound’s ability to suppress inflammatory responses.
According to a March 2020 study, CBD’s anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties may be a natural remedy for various health conditions.
Another study mentioned that CBD may have beneficial effects on numerous pathological conditions, such as epilepsy, cancer, addiction, and inflammation.
How to Use CBD Oil for The Flu
CBD oils are made by infusing a carrier oil (coconut, olive, or hemp oil) with an extracted concentrate from hemp or cannabis. You may ingest CBD oil by either holding it under your tongue or swirling it around your mouth before swallowing.
When you ingest CBD oil, you may feel its effects within 30 to 90 minutes. The therapeutic effects may last for six to eight hours.
Meanwhile, when you opt for the sublingual method (under the tongue), you may feel the effects of the compound within 15 to 30 minutes. You can continue to benefit from its effects for two to four hours.
In choosing the best CBD Oil for the flu, you may select one of the following extracts:
- Full-spectrum CBD oil
- Broad-spectrum CBD oil
- CBD isolates
Full-spectrum CBD oil has all the natural elements of the cannabis plant, including essential oils, terpenes, and flavonoids. Full-spectrum CBD oil also has less than 0.3% of THC.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the mind-altering chemical in marijuana.
Meanwhile, broad-spectrum CBD oil is similar to the full spectrum, except it’s nearly THC-free. Lastly, CBD isolate is cannabidiol in its purest form.
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has not approved CBD as a form of treatment. Therefore, there’s no standard dosage for CBD.
The general rule, however, is to start low and slow. You may then cautiously increase the amount of CBD when no adverse effects occur.
You may try micro-dosing, ranging from 0.5mg to 20mg CBD per dose daily. These doses may be effective for headache, a common flu symptom.
On the other hand, standard doses of CBD, ranging between 10mg and 100mg daily, may be effective for inflammation and pain.
Is CBD Oil Safe?
Generally, CBD has a good safety profile and is well tolerated by humans. Still, this non-psychoactive compound may have a few minor side effects, such as:
- Dry mouth
- Reduced appetite
Is CBD Oil Legal?
The 2018 Farm Bill decriminalized the commercial use of industrial hemp products on a federal level, provided that the THC level is not more than 0.3%.
Despite this development, it’s still recommended that you learn about the different state laws regarding CBD use.
Remember that not all states in the U.S. allow the use of CBD. Therefore, you must read and understand various state laws to avoid legal repercussions.
For instance, in South Dakota, owning CBD oil products is deemed a violation of state law.
Though the studies about CBD’s purported health benefits are promising, more longitudinal research is recommended to determine CBD’s efficacy and long-term safety.
If you’re considering CBD to manage flu symptoms, remember that you simply can’t rely on anecdotal evidence or testimonies you read online. Everything must be backed up with scientific data.
It’s still best to consult your healthcare provider whenever you feel ill. You may also ask for the suggestions of a doctor experienced in cannabis use if you’re eager to use CBD for the flu.