{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/virus/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2413-markdown","title":"Marijuana and Shingles","slug":"marijuana-and-shingles","content":"### What Is Shingles?\n\nShingles is a viral infection caused by the same virus as chickenpox, varicella-zoster. Shingles is a remnant from this virus that lays dormant in the body and reactivates later in life. It causes a painful rash that usually appears on the torso, sometimes progressing into blisters and boils. Shingles can be extremely painful and causes a variety of sensations from burning to tingling to numbness. It also causes other symptoms like sensitivity, fever, headache, and fatigue. Long term pain can also persist, even after the rash has cleared from the body. \n\nShingles attacks the nerve cells, making it extremely hard to get relief from pain. Shingles can also block certain receptors that usually allow people to get relief from medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and opioids. Due to the inability for the receptors to be properly targeted by these medications, doses prescribed for people with shingles are often higher. High doses of pain relieving products like opioids can cause addiction and dependence, often doing more harm than good. \n\n### Cannabis Provides Relief\n\nEndocannabinoid receptors are found all over the body, so they are not blocked in the same way as other receptors, allowing for cannabis to provide pain relief in a way other products cannot. Cannabis also has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties that can greatly reduce the pain and long-term effects caused by shingles. [A 2011 study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3055736/) published in the journal _Neuropsychopharmacology_ found that cannabis had multifaceted nuero-protective effects. The study, which used animal models, found that this quality of cannabis was caused by the activation of CB1 receptors that helped prevent damage to nerves. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nCannabis is known for its effective analgesic qualities, especially in relation to neuropathic pain, which is the kind of pain most often caused by shingles. Neuropathic pain, which often doesn’t react to traditional pain relieving pharmaceuticals, can be greatly aided by THC, according to a [2009 study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=shingles+and+cannabinoids) from _Neurotherapeutics_. A [2015 study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25635955) from the _Journal of Oral and Facial Pain and Headache_ also showed that cannabinoids were effective at relieving neuropathic pain that did not respond to other treatments. The study was a review of various randomized placebo-controlled studies conducted starting in the 1950s, which all added support to the conclusion made by the review. The review also noted an overall improvement of sleep, nausea, anxiety, and appetite by patients who consumed cannabis in the studies. \n\n### Topicals: A Great Option\n\nTopical cannabis products are a great choice for people with shingles. Shingles pain is often located in specific areas, making it a great option for being targeted by topical cannabis medications. Cannabis topicals can come in the form of salves, creams, balms, or oils and they are absorbed through the skin. The topical products bond to CB2 receptors when they are absorbed into the skin and provide localized pain relief. There are many topicals on the market today, some favorites in California are Sweet ReLeaf, Flower Power and Xternal. \n\nTHC-infused topicals provide pain relieving properties without being psychoactive because they are not absorbed into the blood stream. CBD infused topical products can also provide people with anti-inflammatory medication to help decrease inflammation that causes pain and physical rashes on the body. Medical cannabis, no matter the form, is a great choice to help people with shingles find relief from their pain and suffering. \n\nIf you're new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/855c81f388f55cc3f8e3731ec5eb044e/14b42/aee4e6932b7fa9dd37638721595527c7.jpg","srcSet":"/static/855c81f388f55cc3f8e3731ec5eb044e/f836f/aee4e6932b7fa9dd37638721595527c7.jpg 200w,\n/static/855c81f388f55cc3f8e3731ec5eb044e/2244e/aee4e6932b7fa9dd37638721595527c7.jpg 400w,\n/static/855c81f388f55cc3f8e3731ec5eb044e/14b42/aee4e6932b7fa9dd37638721595527c7.jpg 800w,\n/static/855c81f388f55cc3f8e3731ec5eb044e/47498/aee4e6932b7fa9dd37638721595527c7.jpg 1200w,\n/static/855c81f388f55cc3f8e3731ec5eb044e/54ac5/aee4e6932b7fa9dd37638721595527c7.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/855c81f388f55cc3f8e3731ec5eb044e/58556/aee4e6932b7fa9dd37638721595527c7.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/855c81f388f55cc3f8e3731ec5eb044e/61e93/aee4e6932b7fa9dd37638721595527c7.webp 200w,\n/static/855c81f388f55cc3f8e3731ec5eb044e/1f5c5/aee4e6932b7fa9dd37638721595527c7.webp 400w,\n/static/855c81f388f55cc3f8e3731ec5eb044e/58556/aee4e6932b7fa9dd37638721595527c7.webp 800w,\n/static/855c81f388f55cc3f8e3731ec5eb044e/99238/aee4e6932b7fa9dd37638721595527c7.webp 1200w,\n/static/855c81f388f55cc3f8e3731ec5eb044e/5e0b8/aee4e6932b7fa9dd37638721595527c7.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2089-markdown","title":"Can Cannabis Cure the Common Cold?","slug":"can-cannabis-cure-the-common-cold","content":"Both the common cold and the flu affect everyone at some points in their lives. For most people, these infections are mainly a bad nuisance, though they can problematic for young children, the elderly and other at-risk groups, such as people with compromised immune systems.\n\nThe flu and common cold are caused by viruses and thus there’s no cure—the best way to treat these infections is to get plenty of rest. There are a number of over-the-counter medicines and natural remedies that you can also take to help you fight cold and flu symptoms, making you more comfortable. \n\nAlong this thread, many people are now turning to marijuana for cold and flu relief. The plant’s anti-inflammatory properties can help you cope with symptoms like sore throat, sinus pain and body aches. Some researchers also think that cannabis’s ability to modulate the immune system could reduce the number of flu-related deaths.  \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n### How Can Cannabis Help Fight the Flu or Common Cold?\n\nBoth cannabidiol (CBD) and THC, molecules found within the cannabis plant, can help ease many symptoms of the flu and common cold. \n\nCBD has natural antibacterial properties which can help fight against secondary bacterial infections that may develop from the cold and flu. CBD is also an anti-inflammatory, properties may help open up the sinus passages and increase ease of breathing.\n\nTHC can reduce pain and help sufferers to sleep, which allows their body to rest and heal from the cold. In general, cannabis can also be extremely helpful at reducing headaches and migraines, both which of are common symptoms that people experience with their colds. \n\n### Marijuana May Provide Cold & Flu Relief Via Immune System Modulation\n\nDr. Robert J. Melamede, the chairman of the Biology department at the University of Colorado at Boulder, thinks that [marijuana’s dampening effect on the immune system could reduce the number of deaths from the swine flu]( http://abcnews.go.com/Health/SwineFluNews/company-tables-medical-marijuana-swine-flu/story?id=8214468). \n\nWhen you get the cold or flu, your immune system responds by attacking the virus—this is what causes some of those annoying symptoms like a runny nose and sore throat. Problem is, sometimes your immune system can go overboard, and in serious cases this can lead to organ failure or even death. \n\nSimilar to how cannabis can be helpful at fighting autoimmune diseases, cannabis’s ability to suppress the immune system response could keep your system from overworking itself—it might also help reduce some of those pesky symptoms that make having the cold or flu so miserable.  \n\nRELATED: [LEARN HOW TO MAKE A CANNABIS INFUSED TEA TO FIGHT A COLD](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56b946413c7953000800007d/diy-recipe-marijuana-infused-tea)\n\n### Using Marijuana to Boost Your Immune System During Cold & Flu Season\n\n_Chalkboard Magazine_ recently featured hemp-derived CBD oil on its website as a great component in an immunity boosting superfood tea, due to the molecule’s antioxidant properties. \n\nCBD that’s sourced from hemp can sometimes be found in places where medical cannabis is still illegal. It’s now being seen as a supplement that can help fight the common cold and other illnesses that tend to crop up during the colder months. \n\nThe omega-3 fatty acids in hemp and cannabis oil can work to reduce the inflammation in the body to not only help you get over the cold, but to work to strengthen the immune system against contracting other viruses. \n\nCannabis can be combined with other super foods like turmeric to boost its anti-inflammatory properties. It can be consumed in the form of a tea to help soothe your symptoms and support your immune system. Cannabis can be brewed into tea directly with other cold-busters like ginger, lemon and honey. You can also mix your favorite herbal tea with cannabis infused honey for a soothing treat. \n\nWhile cannabis may not be able to cure the flu or common cold, it can provide you with much relief. \n\nIf you're new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/42024edff20e052217702c2a19728c0d/14b42/610747b65c17ea299fa845437b1c536e.jpg","srcSet":"/static/42024edff20e052217702c2a19728c0d/f836f/610747b65c17ea299fa845437b1c536e.jpg 200w,\n/static/42024edff20e052217702c2a19728c0d/2244e/610747b65c17ea299fa845437b1c536e.jpg 400w,\n/static/42024edff20e052217702c2a19728c0d/14b42/610747b65c17ea299fa845437b1c536e.jpg 800w,\n/static/42024edff20e052217702c2a19728c0d/47498/610747b65c17ea299fa845437b1c536e.jpg 1200w,\n/static/42024edff20e052217702c2a19728c0d/54ac5/610747b65c17ea299fa845437b1c536e.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/42024edff20e052217702c2a19728c0d/58556/610747b65c17ea299fa845437b1c536e.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/42024edff20e052217702c2a19728c0d/61e93/610747b65c17ea299fa845437b1c536e.webp 200w,\n/static/42024edff20e052217702c2a19728c0d/1f5c5/610747b65c17ea299fa845437b1c536e.webp 400w,\n/static/42024edff20e052217702c2a19728c0d/58556/610747b65c17ea299fa845437b1c536e.webp 800w,\n/static/42024edff20e052217702c2a19728c0d/99238/610747b65c17ea299fa845437b1c536e.webp 1200w,\n/static/42024edff20e052217702c2a19728c0d/5e0b8/610747b65c17ea299fa845437b1c536e.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5906,"name":"Virus","slug":"virus","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}