CBD and Sinus Infections: Could CBD Be the Solution?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is simply a natural compound that we most often extract from industrial hemp. It is one of hundreds of compounds within the plant but CBD is different than most.

CBD is one of the most versatile natural components on the market today because it is effective for so many different things. The range of CBD health benefits is actually quite staggering when it comes right down to it. But can CBD really help with sinus infections as well?

Sinusitis is just a fancy medical term for what most of us would call a sinus infection. In the most simple terms this is when cavities (sinuses) around your nose and face become inflamed. For those of you who have experienced sinus infections in the past you know they can be downright miserable.

Unfortunately for humans sinus infections are actually a fairly common occurrence. Obviously sinus infections can vary in severity so it’s not as bad for some as it is for others. But overall there are estimated to be around 35 million cases of Sinusitis in the US alone every year.

Healthy sinus cavities are just filled with air. The problem is when these passages get filled with fluid which can then lead to infection and inflammation of the sinus lining.

Some common things that can potentially lead to sinus infection would include:

• Allergies
• Nasal polyps which are small growths in the nose lining
• Deviated septum
• The common cold
• Blocked drainage ducts
• Immune system deficiencies
• Smoking

There are some traditional tell-tale signs that you might have a sinus infection. It’s important to understand that there are actually 2 different types of sinus infections. One is Acute Sinusitis and the other is Chronic Sinusitis. The symptoms of each can vary to some degree.

• Pain and/or pressure in your face
• Cough
• Not able to smell
• Runny and stuffy nose
• Fever
• Pain in your mouth and teeth
• Bad breath
• Feeling tired and fatigued

• Face feels congested
• Nasal blockage
• Fever
• Runny nose or postnasal drainage
• Headaches
• Tooth pain

These types of symptoms are not exclusive only to sinus infections so if you have any doubt it is a good idea to see a doctor for a professional diagnosis.

Symptoms of a common cold and sinus infections can be similar. So it’s not surprising that there is some confusion on the differences of a common cold vs a sinus infection.

The main thing to keep in mind is that a cold is actually a virus. This means that antibiotics will not help with the common cold. On the other hand there are several over the counter medications that can help to treat the symptoms of your cold.

A sinus infection is when your nasal passages become infected. Common colds don’t necessarily cause a sinus infection but it does provide the perfect environment for you to also get a sinus infection. Things like viruses, bacteria, and allergies can certainly increase your chances of a sinus infection.

CBD is simply one of many natural compounds that are found in the cannabis Sativa plant. We extract most CBD from industrial hemp plants today because it is found in large concentrations in hemp. Industrial hemp also contains very low levels of THC, less than 0.3% required by law.

CBD is able to work its magic because of the Endocannabinoid System found in the human body. 

The ECS contains millions of receptors throughout your body. It actually contains more receptors than even neurotransmitters that are found in our bodies.

The Endocannabinoid System is complex and experts are continuing to study it to try to fully understand all of its functions. So far we know it plays a role in regulating various bodily functions that would include:

• Fertility
• Appetite
• Memory
• Mood
• Sleep
• Inflammation, along with other immune system responses

The ECS consists of three main parts and it is always functioning even if you are not actively using CBD. The three parts are endocannabinoids, endocannabinoid receptors, and enzymes.

The endocannabinoids are just molecules that your body is making. This is a continuous and ongoing process. So far researchers have identified two main endocannabinoid types called AEA and 2-AG.

To let the ECS know that action is needed these endocannabinoids bind to the receptors. There are also two main types of receptors that we know about, CB1 and CB2. Which receptor is targeted will depend on what result the ECS is trying to achieve.

The enzymes that are part of the ECS are mainly there to break down endocannabinoids after they have completed their task and successfully accomplished their goal. There are also two specific enzymes that have been identified. Each one is responsible for breaking down one of the endocannabinoids.

Overall, the ECS helps to maintain homeostasis within the body and that impacts many processes and functions that we take for granted on a daily basis.

Endocannabinoids are similar to cannabinoids except that endocannabinoids are produced by your body. Cannabinoids are produced naturally outside of your body. CBD is a cannabinoid.

CBD interacts with both the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the ECS.

Sinusitis is, quite literally, the inflammation of your sinuses. The inflammation is what leads to the terrible symptoms that come with a sinus infection.

Scientists and researchers now believe that the Endocannabinoid System plays a critical role when it comes to managing inflammation within our bodies. It is part of our body’s natural response to fighting and reducing inflammation.

CBD, a cannabinoid, can help to play an important role when it comes to activating ECS receptors. By triggering receptors in the ECS it allows the ECS to more effectively manage and reduce sinus inflammation. This, in turn, has the capability to help reduce the miserable symptoms that you are feeling from your sinus infection.

CBD is generally considered to be very safe and the side effects of CBD are minor, if you experience any at all. Compared to many OTC medications and prescription medications the side effects of CBD pale in comparison.

CBD most often well tolerated but some possible side effects of CBD could include:

• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Reduced appetite
• Diarrhea
• Dry Mouth

Sinus infection symptoms, when treated by OTC medications, often consist of corticosteroids. These corticosteroids work to help reduce inflammation which is why they can reduce symptoms of sinus infections. 

Some possible side effects of these medications are:

• High blood pressure
• Fluid retention which promotes swelling
• Weight gain
• Mood swings

Taking these medicine long term can lead to other issues such as clouding of your eye lens, high blood sugar, osteoporosis, thin skin, and high blood sugar.

There is very little scientific evidence and research that can point to the long term effects of using CBD. However, CBD is a natural substance and up to this point is not showing any critical negative long term effects.

Determining the best CBD products to help with a sinus infection doesn’t have to be rocket science. There are a wide range of choices that could be suitable for you. CBD oil is probably the most popular CBD method for sinus infections. CBD edibles, such as CBD capsules, would also be a great choice.

Whatever you decide to go with, make sure that you are buying from a safe and reputable CBD brand. Finding a brand that you trust should be your first step towards finding the best CBD products for sinus infections.

Deciding how much CBD you should take will vary from person to person. There is not a one-size-fits-all approach but there are some general guidelines you can follow.

As long as you have taken our advice on finding the most trusted CBD brands then the best advice we can give you initially is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. That is the best place to start and then you can always increase as you go to achieve your desired results.

You won’t have to worry about taking too much CBD or overdosing on CBD. CBD is extremely well tolerated even when individuals have used it in very high doses each day.

Another thing that makes CBD a great option to help with sinus infections is that CBD is safe and it is legal. CBD has a few possible side effects but they are very minor and many people are not negatively impacted by CBD, even at higher doses.

The 2018 Farm Bill made CBD legal on a federal level in the United States. One caveat is that it must contain less than 0.3% THC. If you are not familiar, THC is the psychoactive component of marijuana that gives you the feeling of being high.

The bottom line is that CBD has a myriad of health benefits, including helping to reduce inflammation. This is one of the main reasons that people are using CBD to try to help with their sinus infections. There has been varying degrees of success when using CBD to help with sinus infections but it does seem to be gaining some traction among CBD users.

If you are new to CBD then trying CBD for sinus infections is definitely worth a shot. It may help to ease the symptoms of your sinus infections but CBD also has a ton of other health benefits. You just can’t go wrong.

Something to consider is that consistent, prolonged use of CBD produces the most results. If you are going to start CBD then it is imperative that you stick with it to experience the full effects that it can bring.

At The CBD Guru, we always try to look out for the well-being of our users. As always, please speak to your doctor before you start taking CBD, or any other supplement. This is especially true if you are on other medications.