What to Know About CBD & Immune System Support

With all of the known benefits of CBD, immune system support might not be the first thing that you think of. While research is still ongoing, there’s a growing body of evidence that suggests CBD for immunity might not be a far-fetched idea. This is largely due to what we know about CBD’s positive impact on suppressing immune system memory—a benefit that has been shown to cut down on the likelihood of autoimmune system attacks. So is it safe to say that CBD oil for colds, flus, and other common illnesses might offer similar results? Here’s what we know (and what we’re still trying to find out).

CBD and Flu: The Basics

The flu is a common type of viral infection that usually coincides with cooler weather. Anyone is susceptible to getting the flu, which is why an annual flu vaccine is so highly recommended.

You’re probably familiar with the symptoms of the flu, which include things like fever, fatigue, chills, congestion, sore throat, and headaches. But you may be less familiar with the things that you can do to prevent it from happening in the first place. Aside from making sure to get your vaccine every year at the start of flu season (generally in September or early October), it’s important to take steps to protect your immune system and set your body up to fight the virus if it does make its way into your body.

Here’s where CBD might be able to help.

“Considering all the studies conducted on immune responses and inflammation, the data overwhelmingly demonstrate that CBD is immune suppressive and anti-inflammatory,” says James Nichols, PhD and Barbara Kaplan, PhD in their review of existing studies on cannabidiol and immune responses.

This conclusion is based on a wealth of data culled from a long history of research on CBD and the immune system, through which scientists have discovered things like CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties, which can help maintain the activation of immune cells. The review also discussed the possible role of CBD in reducing the response of certain T cells, which suppress the immune-response. Further, CBD may be able to help with new cell generation.

There is so much yet to learn about CBD and the immune system, but what we do know seems to suggest that CBD could be one of our best defenses against the flu and other common viral illnesses. The more research that’s done, the more confidence we’ll likely have—though that doesn’t mean you can’t start incorporating CBD into your immune boosting routine right now.

Can CBD Oil Help with Coughing and Other Flu-Like Symptoms?

Considering CBD for sore throat, coughing fits, or other flu-driven symptoms? You may be on to something.

“Emerging research now demonstrates that cannabidiol (CBD) has significant potential in terms of limiting inflammation,” writes David Perlmutter, MD, a neurologist and New York Times bestselling author.

It’s this inflammation that may be at the heart of many flu-like symptoms, including coughs, sore throats, headaches, and general aches and pains. And with plenty of research pointing to CBD as an effective anti-inflammatory, it stands to reason that it might have big benefits when it comes to lessening the severity of these inflammatory responses—or at least reducing their severity.

Make CBD Part of Your Winter Routine

The jury is still out on just how useful CBD is at keeping things like colds and the flu at bay, but if early research tells us anything, it’s that it’s more than worth adapting CBD oil into your routine to take advantage of its purported benefits, specifically its potential to reduce inflammation in the body and provide the immune system with extra support and sustenance. To keep healthy this cold and flu season, we suggest drinking plenty of water, washing your hands, keeping sugary foods to a minimal, and adding a daily dose of CBD to your routine. 

Browse our website to learn more, and to find high-quality CBD products that can help you stay at your healthiest this season.