From news headlines to daily conversations, the only thing that people are talking about today is the spread of novel coronavirus COVID-19. While governments are trying to keep their people safe, the medical fraternity is working day and night to save the infected people.
Since there is no vaccine available yet to combat this virus, many people are resorting to boosting their immunity by home remedies. Not only that, but some CBD users are also using the cannabinoid to stay healthy.
Are you wondering how CBD can help with any virus or bacteria? If yes, then keep reading and find out everything about it.
What is CBD?
The cannabis plant originated from the southeast Asian continent, and the natives have been using it for centuries. But, the plant has become popular around the globe due to its therapeutic properties.
There are more than one hundred different chemical compounds present in the cannabis plant. It is these chemicals that decide how the plant will affect you. Among the plenty, CBD is the dominant chemical compound or cannabinoid. CBD is a medicinal and non-psychoactive compound that you can find in a wide array of products now. People are using it to treat many physical and psychological ailments organically.
CBD comes from the cannabis plant matter after using a Co2 extraction method. It is available in the form of oil, isolate, capsules, edibles, and even topicals. You can get high-grade CBD products from a well Known Trusted Brand like CBDfx
Can CBD help you in fighting viruses?
While the entire world is looking for a cure for COVID-19, many users and cannabis business owners are suggesting that CBD might help. There is no proof of whether CBD has any effect on coronavirus or not, due to the lack of research.
Although there is no concrete evidence if CBD can fight COVID-19, it may help deal with common viruses and its symptoms. Here’s how:
1. Might boost immunity:
Your immune system is the natural defense system of your body against any infection, germ, and virus. White blood cells are of two types: lymphocytes and phagocytes and are the most crucial member of your immune system. While the phagocytes focus on destroying the germs, lymphocytes ensure that your body remembers them and be prepared to kill them.
When the body detects the presence of any foreign substance or antigens, it begins to get rid of them. It makes antibodies to get rid of specific antigens or viruses.
Many experts believe that there is a significant link between CBD and the immune system. The cannabinoid CBD may increase immunity as it plays a pivotal role in the body’s response to the presence of viruses. It might boost the activity of natural killer cells, which is a type of white blood cells.
CBD is known to control the endocannabinoid system, which governs the immunity as well. It can interact with the receptors to alter how the immune system responds to auto-immune diseases and also viruses. Similarly, it may also boost the immune system to help stay away from the virus. You can make CBD a part of your daily routine to get stronger immunity.
2. May alleviate pain:
People infected with COVID-19 may be experiencing severe and debilitating pain. CBD users often report that this cannabis byproduct helps them combat pain.
Our body contains an endocannabinoid system that regulates bodily processes like mood, appetite, sleep, immune system, and reproductive health. The endocannabinoid system produces neurotransmitters called cannabinoids, that bind with the receptors present in the body to alter how we feel or react.
The cannabinoid CBD is similar to the one naturally produced inside the body. When you use CBD, it may communicate with the endocannabinoid system to help alleviate pain and inflammation, which is common with coronavirus as well.
3. May improve mental health:
Living inside the house in fear can take a toll on mental health as well. Feelings of anxiety and stress can become very common, which can also affect overall health. When CBD communicates with the endocannabinoid system, it may help you feel calm and keep anxiety at bay. It can also change how the chemicals in the brain react to serotonin, the hormone that regulates the mood, to ensure you stay happy and calm during this time.
4. Might improve breathing:
Although it may sound absurd, the smoking action can improve your breathing. When you vape CBD, the sucking action can help in stretching your lung tissues and increase the volume of your lungs. It might also help relax your bronchial muscles to ensure you can breathe better and overcome shortness of breath, which is a common symptom of viruses.
How can you use CBD?
There is a myriad of methods of using CBD, given how versatile it is. Here are some easy ways in which you can incorporate CBD into your life seamlessly:
Oral
The most convenient and also the fastest way to get the effects of CBD is through oral consumption. You can get CBD oil, tinctures, or capsules to ingest the cannabinoid through your mouth. If you are using tinctures, make sure you put it under your tongue and hold it for a minute before swallowing in.
Edibles
If you don’t like the earthy or nutty flavor of raw CBD, you can simply add the cannabinoid to your favorite food and drink to make edibles. If not, you can always buy gummy bears or brownies infused with CBD from the local dispensary.
Topicals
Topicals are alternative creams and lotions that contain CBD. You can also apply the topicals on your skin for instant relief from localized pain.
Vaping
Smoking cannabis buds have been quite popular until now, but vaping is the new trend. The electronic vaporizer heats the buds, oil, or concentrate to produce vapor that you can inhale. Vaping can always deliver the effects of CBD quickly.
Final Thoughts
CBD is emerging as a popular alternative treatment for many diseases. While it may not directly help fight coronavirus, it can still prove beneficial. The cannabinoid may help you fight viruses from giving your immunity a much-needed boost to managing some symptoms. However, it’s best to consult a doctor before you incorporate CBD into your lifestyle.
Reference links:
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/can.2019.0060
https://newfrontierdata.com/cannabis-insights/cbd-versus-viruses-what-do-we-really-know/