While the Coronavirus has been stealing all the headlines, it’s also important to realize that the flu is also still out there.

Last year, the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) estimated a range of 99,000 to 200,000 annual deaths from lower respiratory tract infections directly attributable to influenza.

In the United States, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) estimates that influenza was associated with more than 35.5 million illnesses, more than 16.5 million medical visits, 490,600 hospitalizations, and 34,200 deaths during the 2018–2019 influenza season.

In the UK, it is estimated that there are 10,000 deaths a year related to the flu. In Germany, a report issued by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in Berlin in February found 130 people had died as a result of the flu, while almost 13,300 had been hospitalized. A total of 79,263 cases were recorded since autumn.

In other words, no matter where you are or what is going on in the world, you should also be concerned about the flu.

Take CBD to Defend Against the Flu

Taking Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a great way to defend against the flu because it has been shown to have a number of beneficial health effects, including boosting the immune system.

A strong immune system is essential for repelling the flu virus.

How CBD Strengthens the Immune System

CBD has been shown to be immune-modulating (study, Russo S. op. cit.), which means it plays an integral role in keeping the immune system functioning properly instead of over or under-reacting to threats.

As we mentioned, autoimmune diseases are characterized by an immune system that overreacts and starts attacking healthy cells in the body. CBD may be able to help prevent this or reduce the effects.

CBD also helps reduce inflammation in the body, which weakens the immune system. One more thing, CBD has also been shown to relieve stress and anxiety which can also weaken the immune system.

For example, in the study “Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders” scientists found that “Evidence from human studies strongly supports the potential for CBD as a treatment for anxiety disorders … CBD reduces experimentally induced anxiety in healthy controls, without affecting baseline anxiety levels, and reduces anxiety in patients with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).”

If You Do Catch the Flu, CBD Can Help Relieve the Pain

One way to feel better fast if you do catch the flu is to take CBD. What many doctors won’t tell you is that it is often better to let the flu run its course instead of taking prescription medication, which often comes with side effects.

One side effect of prescription medication is that it often upsets the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut which can have a number of negative side effects.

CBD relieves pain without any harmful side effects. You can feel better naturally.

How effective is CBD as a pain reliever? Very effective, it turns out.

• In a study entitled “Pharmacotherapeutic considerations for use of cannabinoids to relieve pain in patients with malignant diseases” researchers determined that CBD may help reduce chronic pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters.
• Animal studies, such as “Cannabidiol Is a Potential Therapeutic for the Affective-Motivational Dimension of Incision Pain in Rats” have shown that CBD reduced pain response to surgical incision and reduced sciatic nerve pain and inflammation.

It Can Also Ease Your Worries if You Have the Flu

As we mentioned, prolonged worry can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to the flu. But also, if they do get the flu, often people, in their weakened state, begin to focus on negative thoughts and find themselves worrying more than normal. Their stress level soars.

As we mentioned previously, CBD relieves stress and helps protect your health. Here are some more studies about CBD and stress:

• In a study on Generalized Anxiety Disorder, the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that CBD reduces stress in animal subjects (rats).
• In a study entitled “Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series” researchers determined that “Cannabidiol may hold benefit for anxiety-related disorders.”

Ready to Stock Up on CBD for Flu Season?

If you are interested in trying CBD to prevent the flu, here are a couple of things to know before you buy:

The popularity of CBD has led many “less reputable” manufacturers to jump into the market. That means to ensure you receive high quality CBD you need to be careful. Here are some things to look for:

1. Does the company make unsubstantiated claims? Don’t buy CBD from anyone that claims it kills cancer cells or cures Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Does the company offer CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD? Remember, broad spectrum CBD allows users to benefit from other cannabinoids and offers greater health benefits.
3. Where does the company get its CBD? Today’s best, highest quality CBD is coming from areas like Switzerland, the US and Canada where growers are using safe, organic practices and avoiding pesticides and herbicides.
4. Does the company offer a variety of CBD products? One of the great things about CBD is that you can take it in a variety of ways. For instance, people who have difficulty swallowing capsules can use CBD oil, drink CBD tea or even eat CBD candy.
5. Is the CBD oil cold pressed and unrefined? Heat often damages CBD oil in the manufacturing process, getting cold pressed unrefined CBD oil will ensure you are getting the highest quality.

One company that meets all of these requirements and that has established a strong reputation for providing high quality CBD products is Sarah’s Blessing.

Sarah’s Blessing’s CBD products include:

• CBD oil – three types are offered: a 3% solution for mild conditions, a 6% solution for moderate conditions and a 9% solutions for chronic conditions
• CBD candy – the candy has a refreshing lemony flavor
• 3 flavors of CBD Infused Tea – the flavors are lemon verbena and blackberry, fruit mixture and raspberry
• CBD cream – this can be used to repair, restore and calm the skin

All of Sarah’s Blessing’s CBD is grown organically in Switzerland. To learn more about the company or to get one of its high-quality CBD products, click here.