The most common cause of a sore throat is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu, or from environmental factors like smoking, dry air and air pollution. Although uncomfortable, most sore throats will go on their own without treatment. However, keep in mind that strep throat (streptococcal infection), a less common type of sore throat caused by bacteria, will require treatment with antibiotics.

While conventional treatments such as painkillers and throat lozenges are commonly used to alleviate symptoms, there has been a growing interest in alternative natural remedies for a sore throat. One such approach is the use of Cannabidiol (CBD), which has gained significant interest since its legalisation in the UK in 2018 for its potential therapeutic benefits. This article looks in more detail at how CBD may help to relieve a sore throat, including those caused by allergies and acid reflux, using existing scientific evidence.

Is CBD Good for a Sore Throat? 

Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is one of the many compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is a non-psychoactive compound and does not induce the “high” often associated with cannabis. Instead, CBD interacts with our endocannabinoid system (ECS) to regulate several of our cognitive and physical functions, including pain and mood, which can help with a range of mental and physical ailments, such as migraines, muscle pain, depression and addiction. Let’s look in more detail about how CBD could help to relieve a sore throat, including those caused by allergies or acid reflux.

Allergies

Upon encountering an external agent like pollen or dust, the body initiates the release of histamines, prompting an immune reaction. While this serves as the body’s natural defence mechanism, this may result in inflammation, which causes the uncomfortable symptoms associated with allergies (including a sore throat). 

CBD might be able to help with allergies as it has been shown to reduce inflammation when binding with the receptors in our endocannabinoid system. Indeed, a 2005 study found that CBD can suppress the signalling of mast cells, which prevents histamine release — the allergic response described above.

A more recent 2016 study found that CBD could greatly reduce the amount of histamine produced in an allergic reaction, and may be used for relieving congestion and inflammatory symptoms. It also found that topical application suppressed the recruitment of mast cells and reduced the level of blood histamine. 

Thus, symptoms of allergies, such as a sore throat and running nose, could be reduced or eliminated altogether through CBD’s interaction with our endocannabinoid system.

Learn more about how CBD can help with allergies here. 

Acid Reflux 

Acid reflux is a common condition which affects up to 25% of the population on a regular basis, which can cause a sore throat.

Researchers believe CBD works with a person’s gastrointestinal receptors to ease the symptoms of acid reflux, including a sore throat, by helping control muscle contractions and exerting its anti-inflammatory effects. This makes it a promising natural solution for a sore throat caused by acid reflux, with the added bonus that it could help to relieve other reflux symptoms, such as heartburn.

Antimicrobial Properties

An antimicrobial is any agent that destroys microorganisms or suppresses their multiplication or growth, and antimicrobials are therapeutic substances used to prevent or treat infections.

Sore throats caused by bacterial infections, such as streptococcal infections, often require antibiotics for effective treatment. However, studies have shown that CBD can kill both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria — including some strains that are resistant to traditional antibiotics — which makes it a promising antimicrobial agent. 

Despite this, limited scientific studies mean that CBD is not ready to be used as an antimicrobial treatment just yet. However, scientists continue to study ways to take advantage of CBD’s bacteria-fighting potential, which could see it be used to treat sore throats caused by a bacterial infection in the future. 

Analgesic (Pain Relieving) Properties 

CBD can increase the body’s levels of anandamide, a compound associated with regulating pain, which can reduce pain perception. CBD may also limit inflammation in the brain and nervous system, which may benefit people experiencing pain. 

Although no studies have been done on sore throat pain in particular, existing studies on CBD for chronic, arthritic and migraine pain have shown positive results. 

While there isn’t conclusive data to support CBD as the preferred method of pain management for a sore throat, researchers believe that there is a lot of promise in these products for relieving pain. Indeed, while the focus of existing research has been on chronic pain, the analgesic potential of CBD may extend to acute pain, such as that associated with sore throats.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties 

CBD has also been proven to have anti-inflammatory properties, which could help the swelling and pain associated with sore throats. 

CBD’s specific effectiveness on sore throat inflammation has not been studies, however it’s anti-inflammatory properties have been well documented for a range of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer’s Disease. There is also a growing number of studies that support the fact that CBD can help counter chronic inflammation.

General representation of the signalling pathways involved in CBD anti-inflammatory effects from Cannabis sativa L. and Nonpsychoactive Cannabinoids: Their Chemistry and Role against Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Cancer (2018).

Anxiety & Stress 

Stress can weaken the immune system, making us more susceptible to infections, or exacerbating the symptoms of an existing sore throat.

Studies suggest that CBD can help to alleviate the symptoms of stress because it promotes a state of equilibrium which could, in turn, help boost your immune system and get you better faster. 

One study found that, of 387 current or past-CBD users, the top 4 reasons for using CBD were self-perceived anxiety (42.6%), sleep problems (42.5%), stress (37%), and general health and wellbeing (37%). Of those 37% using CBD for stress, 92.2% responded that they felt less stressed when using CBD. 

Can CBD Cause a Sore Throat?

CBD is generally considered safe with no evidence of public health related problems, but it may cause adverse reactions in some individuals, such as a sore throat. Other adverse side effects might include nausea, diarrhoea and fatigue. 

These effects could result from CBD interacting with other medications, so it’s important to speak to your doctor about using CBD first. 

Low-quality and unregulated CBD products could also cause adverse effects. To avoid this, choose CBD derived from organically grown hemp, as this ensures minimal exposure to harmful chemicals. You should also look for third-party laboratory reports to verify how pure and potent your product is, and to ensure there are no contaminants. Finally, purchase from reputable brands with good online reviews. 

Recommended CBD Products for Sore Throat

These products have been tested by third-party, independent quality control analysts via a vigorous process, and the certifications are available to view on the specific product pages. In addition to this, the Banned Substance Control Group (BSCG) have awarded us gold certification meaning our oil is 100% THC-free and recommended for safe use in sports.

CBD Oil

Arguably the most popular method for taking CBD is CBD oil, which can be taken by placing drops under your tongue or adding it to a beverage — such as a honey, lemon and ginger tea, which can aid a sore throat. 

CBD Tea

Alternatively, a CBD tea combines the therapeutic benefits of CBD with the soothing and aromatic properties of herbal teas, such as ginger, chamomile and lavender.

CBD Gummies

CBD gummies are the perfect alternative to a throat lozenge, offering a delicious and discreet way to take CBD. Our vegan gummies come in three natural flavours: orange, grape and lemon.

Keep in mind that finding the right dose and administration method can be a trial-and-error process as results can vary significantly from person to person. Start with a low dose and gradually increase it while monitoring its effects. The effectiveness of CBD may also vary from person to person; what works for one individual may not work for another.

Need additional help? Take our CBD Quiz for product recommendations in minutes, or read our full guides on How to Choose the Right CBD Product and The Different Types of CBD. 

We are Purity Hemp, the UK’s #1 Online CBD provider. Backed by science, and built on the principles of traceability, transparency & trust, we are dedicated to improving the health & wellness of people around the world. We are proud to be one of the only companies to guarantee full traceability from seed to shelf with our premium range of CBD products, tested by third-party, independent quality control analysts.

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