COVID-19, generally referred to as the Coronavirus, has been at the forefront of everyone’s minds recently after the World Health Organization (WHO) characterized the virus as a pandemic. This means it is now prevalent across the world. The widespread panic that it has caused has resulted in quarantines, travel restrictions, and canceled events (such as the postponement of the upcoming NBA season).
The overwhelming fear of infection has also pushed many people to flock to retail stores, clearing out the water and toilet paper sections and creating a higher demand for what used to be easy-to-obtain necessities. And with the symptoms that the Coronavirus brings, acetaminophen has also been flying off the shelves.
But what about CBD? Can it be used as a remedy to help fight off the Coronavirus? With all of its known and suspected health benefits, many people wonder if the cannabis extract can be useful in this time of uncertainty. In order to fully answer this question, it is important to understand the facts surrounding the situation.
Symptoms of Coronavirus
There are several ways to help prevent the spread of the disease, including the practice of good hygiene and being conscious of where you put your hands. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that you wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes, especially after coughing or sneezing.
The three known symptoms of the Coronavirus are:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of Breath
With all of the information we know about CBD so far, there is no known research results that would suggest that CBD helps to reduce a fever or suppress a cough. And while its other health benefits may provide you with an overall healthier lifestyle, you should not use CBD as a cure-all for viruses.
Be Wary of Definitive Claims About CBD
The research on the different health benefits that CBD provides is still in its early stages, so please be wary of any definitive claims that are being made of its uses, especially when dealing with information regarding Coronavirus.
First and foremost, it is important to understand: There is no evidence that suggests that CBD can help fight off the Coronavirus. Therefore, everything that is discussed in this blog is strictly speculation and should not be used as professional medical advice.
Below we are going to closely examine the specific benefit of CBD that could help provide some barrier between you and the Coronavirus.
CBD’s Anti-Inflammatory Properties Can Help Strengthen Your Immune System
CBD’s most prominent feature is its ability to help reduce inflammation. This can help you with numerous things, such as healing from injuries, reducing pain, and treating other medical conditions such as glaucoma and cancer.
But what does all this have to do with helping to deal with the Coronavirus? The answer is in your immune system.
Studies show that CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties can be helpful in suppressing the immune system, increasing your ability to fight off infections and viruses. Most autoimmune diseases are a result of inflammation, so CBD has been proven effective for strengthening your immune system.
Due to CBD being an immune suppressor, it can have positive effects whenever your immune system is weakened or hyperactive, both of which are results of several different factors.
A weakened immune system can come with many symptoms, including inflamed internal organs, digestive issues, and abdominal cramping. Your immune system can be weakened by several things, with the severity of it depending on the source.
Many cancer patients experience a weakened immune system due to the chemotherapy they are undergoing. On the other hand, simple things such as smoking, alcohol, and a poor diet can temporarily weaken your immune system, as well.
A hyperactive immune system is typically something that is genetic and results in an overreaction to substances that are typically harmless. One of the most common substances is allergens, resulting in people having allergic reactions to specific substances found in the environment.
Cannabis and the Coronavirus
Aside from CBD, THC products are also known to possess several medical benefits. However, we issue the same warning as we did before: be wary of false claims about the benefits surrounding medical marijuana and Coronavirus.
For those who choose to indulge, be cautious of when you choose to smoke. If you are not feeling well, it is best to avoid smoking marijuana. The last thing that you want to do when battling a sickness is inhale hot smoke into your lungs.
In an effort to fight against the spread of the disease, try and avoid sharing paraphernalia with other people, as well.
Wrapping Up
Again, we can not stress this enough: DO NOT become a victim of companies with false claims that their CBD products will help fight off the Coronavirus. During hardship, (whether it be economical, environmental, or virus-related), predatory companies will advertise products that are intended to prey on the fear and uncertainties of consumers. Knowing how to spot these false claims can not only save you financially but can help protect you from further health risks as well.
Stay safe, stay informed, and most importantly, stay healthy. Never hesitate to conduct further research on products that you are considering buying, and make sure you know the facts behind the product before you purchase.
If you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to contact us and we would be happy to help you locate information from a reliable source.
