Using CBD to Support Your Immune System

Of all the uses for CBD oil, immune support might be the most intriguing. That’s partly because scientists are still learning about the immune system. Interestingly, research related to CBD has revealed new immune system findings, giving us vital clues about using CBD for immune support.

We love a good mystery, so we donned our detective caps and did some sleuthing to get to the bottom of these questions:

• What is the nature of CBD’s relationship with the immune system?
• How do you support your immune system with CBD?
• What kind of CBD do you need to accomplish the immune support mission?

We discovered some useful info that can help you navigate your CBD usage in the real world, plus a science-based backstory.

If your inquiring mind wants to know what we uncovered, read on for the full story. If you’d rather launch your CBD regimen now and read later, scroll down to the section on using CBD for immune support.

Exhibit A: The Immune System

Some body systems are easy to identify with your senses or through their functions. The immune system is more elusive — it has many homes throughout the body, and it’s at work right under your nose even when you don’t suspect it.

White blood cells, proteins, certain organs, tissues, and bone marrow are part of the complex network that make up the immune system. The lymphatic system is also part of the immune system — a system within a system, if you will. Quite curious.

How The Immune System Works

A well-oiled immune system defends the body against infection. Here’s what that process looks like under a microscope.

• White blood cells are always on patrol, and they have a record of every microbe that’s ever invaded your body. They’re like your body’s covert spy ring. They aren’t interested in cells they’ve seen before — they already showed those microbes who’s boss, giving you immunity. We’re talking that cold virus you inadvertently inhaled, germs from the letter opener you cut your finger with in the library, etc.
• An immune response is triggered when white blood cells identify a threat. White blood cells call in reinforcements (more white blood cells and antibodies) and attack when new threats appear.

An example of an immune function you’re probably familiar with is inflammation. Inflammation can occur at the site of an injury, like a papercut that gets way more hurty than a tiny cut should. The immune system sets off an inflammatory response to isolate the invader (such as germs in a papercut) so it can fight ‘em off.

That means some inflammation isn’t always a bad thing. But immune disorders and allergies can lead to chronic inflammation and immune responses that aren’t beneficial. These conditions can put the immune system into overdrive, or get it stuck in first gear when it needs to be going all-in.

Plot twist: Through research of how cannabinoids like CBD work in the body, researchers have identified a new agent in the immune system network: the endocannabinoid system (code name: ECS).

Could the ECS be a key that unlocks immune system mysteries? Let’s find out.

ECS & The Immune System

The ECS is made up of three main components.

• Endocannabinoids
• Receptors
• Enzymes

These components collaborate to help the body maintain homeostasis (a state of balance).

Every body system is involved in homeostasis in some way. The immune system is a crucial player, regulating inflammation and combating foreign invaders.

It was recently discovered that the ECS plays a role in regulating the immune system.(1) Research suggests that dysfunction in the ECS could be linked to several immune-related health conditions.(2)

That was all very scienc-y, but we promise it correlates to using CBD for immune support. On that note, let’s move on to examine...

Exhibit B: Cannabidiol

Cannabidiol is CBD’s full name. Cannabidiol is a cannabinoid — a naturally-occurring compound in cannabis. It doesn’t have psychoactive effects, so it’s more accessible than the high-inducing cannabinoid THC.

Another perk of CBD: As long as it’s made from industrial hemp (hemp with no more than 0.3% THC), it’s federally legal. That’s opening the door for many people to tap into CBD’s therapeutic potential for a host of health benefits, immune support included.

Benefits Of CBD For The Immune System

The ECS is where CBD and the immune system collide. Ah, it’s all coming together now.

As we mentioned above, CBD is a cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are plant-based relatives of endocannabinoids, which are a naturally-occurring part of the ECS in humans and other vertebrates.

When cannabinoids are consumed (say that five times fast) or absorbed through the skin from CBD topicals, the ECS recognizes them and invites them in. The cannabinoids then get to work in the ECS, where they can lend a hand to the immune system.

The most well-documented way that CBD can benefit immune function is through its anti-inflammatory properties.(3) Remember, some inflammation is okay, but unmanaged inflammation can lead to health complications. It’s no wonder then that many people use CBD oil to keep everyday aches and pains caused by inflammation at bay.

Research has also turned up evidence that CBD may be beneficial for immune-related conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.(2)

There’s still a lot to be learned about CBD’s immune system interactions. But overall, it appears that CBD may help regulate the immune system when it’s triggering too much inflammation in the body.

Wondering how you can crack the CBD code and use it to give your immune system a leg up? We’re so glad youasked.

Using CBD Oil For Immune Support

It may sound diplomatic of us, but step number one for using CBD oil for immune support is to check with your healthcare provider. They’ll be able to fill you in on any possible risks associated with combining CBD with existing medical conditions or treatment plans.

Once you’re in the clear to start taking CBD, it’s time to do some research of your own. Because if your goal is to support your immune system, you wouldn’t want to bombard it with toxins and mystery ingredients. Especially considering that using CBD consistently is the best way to get results, you don’t want to compromise on the product you’ll be using daily.

That means you need a pure CBD product.

Pure CBD On An Immune-Boosting Mission

Pure CBD products are the gold standard for many good reasons:

• Truly pure CBD oil comes from organically-cultivated American hemp. That means synthetic fertilizers, heavy metals, and toxins that can be harmful to your health are avoided in the cultivation process.
• Other ingredients used in products like vegan CBD gummies and CBD drops are carefully selected for their quality.
• Third-party lab testing confirms you’re getting the CBD you’re paying for — and nothing you don’t want.

These standards for purity are our standards for all of our products at Pure Craft.

To create the ultimate immune supporting CBD product, we combined our pure CBD with elderberry, vitamin C, and zinc in vegan broad-spectrum CBD elderberry gummies. Their delicious juicy flavor makes getting your daily dose of immune support a real treat.

Case Closed: Pure CBD For Immune Support

A healthy immune system is crucial for overall health. Through its ECS access, CBD can be used to help support the immune system.

To avoid toxins and low-quality ingredients, purity is top priority when sourcing a CBD oil product for immunity.

If CBD gummies are your cup of tea, why not go for vegan CBD gummies with the added nutrition of zinc, vitamin C, and elderberry? Try this fusion in Pure Craft’s CBD + elderberry gummies.

[INSERT SUPPORT YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM WITH CBD ELDERBERRY GUMMIES?]

References

1. Pandey, R, et al. (2009). Endocannabinoids and immune regulation. Pharmacological research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2009.03.019
2. Almogi-Hazan, O, et al. (2020). Cannabis, the Endocannabinoid System and Immunity-the Journey from the Bedside to the Bench and Back. International journal of molecular sciences. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21124448
3. Atalay, S, et al. (2019). Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol. Antioxidants. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9010021