Flu season plus a pandemic and THC lozenges should be in your recovery kit.
Between pharmaceuticals and natural remedies, there are no shortage of potential treatments available. But what does cannabis have to offer? Turns out quite a lot, and THC lozenges are one effective way of getting over the heavy head and inflamed sinus.
Does Smoking Cannabis Cure a Common Cold?
Many claim it does, but there’s no scientific evidence to support the claim.
But the question of whether it helps in some way is much easier to answer. Anyone suffering from the common cold or flu is well aware of that “inflamed” feeling. A blocked up nasal pathway, a heavy head, and a sore throat are unwanted feelings all too familiar to many of us every winter.
A study, published by the International Association for Cannabinoid Medicines (2018), investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of terpenes in cannabis. The study found that “terpenoid-rich oils exerted moderate anti-inflammatory activities.” And when it comes to many of the inflammatory symptoms of the common cold — inflamed sinuses, tension headaches, and puffy eyes — all are the result of inflammation.
Our body’s attempt to fight cold and flu viruses automatically cause inflammation in the throat, sinuses, nose, and lungs. The cannabinoids and terpenes found in cannabis may help drive down inflammation in these areas, and therefore relieve symptoms like a runny or congested nose.
There are over one hundred and twenty terpenes currently identified in the cannabis plant. Those with known anti-inflammatory effects include linalool and limonene.
When it comes to cannabinoids, THC, CBD, CBG, and CBC can all help drive down inflammation in the body. Of course, cannabis won’t cure a common cold but it can provide effective relief from many symptoms such as headaches and pain as well as helping promote sleep and recovery to get over the ailments.
Nullifying Pain With THC Lozenges
The experience of physical pain begins to lose its evolutionary purpose once you’ve heeded the message that’s something is not quite right. If you’re tucked up in bed with Netflix rolling while sipping on some chicken soup, you’re most likely giving your body the rest it requires.
But if the sore throat and headaches continue regardless, then that’s where THC may help. The studies on how cannabis helps relieve pain are vast. A study published in the Complementary Therapies in Medicine (2019) has recently shed more light on the issue. The researchers who administered cannabis to pain patients found that “higher tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels were the strongest predictors of analgesia.”
THC lozenges with an appropriate dose can greatly help manage any uncomfortable pain as the illness runs its course.
Using THC lozenges to Improve Sleep
Rest and relaxation is often the best treatment for the flu or common cold. For those who have succumbed to a severe flu, then is there anything better than feeling the pain ease as you drift off into sleep?
Research from the U.K. which is published in Journal of clinical Psychopharmacology (2004), demonstrated the sedative qualities of THC. The study administered various small doses ranging from 5 mg to 15 mg and found that it increased the ability of patients to fall asleep. While REM sleep may saw a reduction with THC use, the studies provide ample evidence that THC still sedates.
Why THC Lozenges Beat Smoking
If you’re considering smoking cannabis to combat the symptoms of a cold or flu, then it’s probably best to go without.
Inhaling smoke, whether from a pipe, joint, or bong will only further irritate the throat and lungs. If already inflamed, don’t expect the associated irritation to help. You’re likely to aggravate symptoms further and even prolong the time it takes for your body to recover.
Several alternatives exist. Cannabis tea is one such example, as are topicals and edibles. But perhaps most effective are THC lozenges. Using them helps ease a sore throat, while the succulent flavors ensure they’re a pleasant way to medicate.
THC Lozenge Recipe
What better way to soothe a sore throat than with THC honey-infused lozenges. Here’s a recipe that only takes two minutes to prepare.
Ingredients BUT First you Infuse the Honey:
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup of infused Honey
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Candy thermometer
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
If you don’t have some ready-made infused honey, it can be easily made. Add 10-20g of decarboxylated cannabis to a mason jar with 400g of honey. With the lid tightly closed, place the jar in simmering water for four to eight hours. Once cooled, it’s easy to add the infused honey to any recipe.
Directions for THC Lozenges
- Heat the water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add in the lemon juice and infused honey.
- Place a candy thermometer into the honey/water/lemon mixture
- Bring the mixture slowly to the ‘hard crack’ temperature of 300°*
- Quickly pour the solution into molds and allow it to cool at room temperature
- Once set, remove the lozenges and toss in the powdered sugar. This is so they do not stick.
- Enjoy the potent benefits!
*This is for sea level. The higher you live above sea level, the lower the temperature of hard crack.
Don’t Let Cannabis Be the Reason You Get Sick
Always remember that the passing around of a pipe or joint is a great way to spread a viral infection. While it may be okay on balmy summer nights around a campfire, it may not be such a good idea in the depths of flu season. And it’s recommended that ‘puff, puff, pass’ be on hold until the pandemic is under control.
