Can cannabis or alcohol help with colds?

The weather is getting cold, wet and soon it will snow – it's the cold winter time – do marijuana or alcohol help or do they hurt?

In October the weather changes and colds often appear. There are reasons for this: During the colder months, we spend more time indoors, which makes it easier for viruses to spread. This is one of the main reasons. Additionally, cold, dry air can make the nasal passages more susceptible to infection. They say you should avoid them, but there are things you can do to avoid them and still have fun! Washing your hands, keeping work and living surfaces clean, getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet are helpful. But can cannabis or alcohol help with colds?

RELATED: 5 Morning Activities That Will Help You Feel Happier

While both marijuana and alcohol are considered “bad” and “vices,” there are reasons to consider them as helpers in the cold season. The average adult gets two to four colds per year, mostly in the fall and winter months. Symptoms include a stuffy runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, fever and cough… which makes it miserable. But aside from an invigorating hot toddy… can a few vices help?

Photo by Jamie Grill/Getty Images

Alcohol doesn't make a cold any easier. In fact, there is evidence that moderate alcohol consumption can actually reduce the frequency of colds. However, excessive alcohol consumption can have a negative impact on the immune system and potentially increase susceptibility to infections.

Some studies suggest that moderate alcohol consumption can reduce the number of colds overall. For example, one study found that participants who consumed 11.5 to 35.8 grams of alcohol per day (equivalent to about 1-3 standard drinks) had fewer cold episodes compared to non-drinkers.

The potential protective effect may be due to alcohol's influence on certain aspects of the immune response, such as the release of inflammatory cytokines, which could have a positive short-term effect on fighting infections.

Occasional or moderate alcohol consumption may have some benefits, but excessive or frequent alcohol consumption can have negative effects on the immune system and overall health. Alcohol can weaken the immune system's ability to fight off infections. It can alter the intestinal flora, damage the intestinal lining and impair the function of immune cells in the respiratory tract, increasing susceptibility to infections. And it can lead to dehydration if you're not careful.

The most important thing to remember is that alcohol can help before a cold, but not after you catch a cold.

Marijuana can't help you avoid a cold, but it can help you manage symptoms. Cannabis, particularly CBD, has anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce the inflammation associated with colds. THC and CBD can help relieve body aches and headaches that often accompany colds. Cannabis can promote sleep, which is important for recovery from illness

And THC can help stimulate appetite, which can be helpful if you feel unwell

RELATED: This epic love story is set to music

The common cold can be caused by a number of different viruses, including rhinoviruses, parainfluenza, and seasonal coronaviruses. There is no cure for a cold, but there are ways to manage the symptoms and feel better while your body fights it off. Get enough rest, hydrate, use humidifiers or a team to strengthen your throat, and eat well.