Is CBD an Antiseptic?

Anyone out there who has been maintaining a routine with cannabidiol (CBD), it’s likely because CBD offers at least one property that applies to your daily needs, such as relating to inflammation, mood, or sleep purposes. But, there is another valuable aspect of the cannabinoid that rarely gets discussed, which is its antiseptic potential. Yes, CBD is actually noted for its antiseptic properties, which give it a whole new array of valuable uses that pertain to our daily life.

What is an Antiseptic?

Antiseptics refer to agents that are capable of stopping the spread of disease-causing microorganisms on surfaces. This means that they can fight viruses, bacteria and fungus which can all lead to a host of infections that cause harm to the body. Antiseptics may be applied to the human body or to surfaces that are prone to the spread of these microorganisms, such as surfaces in the kitchen.

Antiseptics are extremely valuable, and we rely on them daily. Every time we wash our hands with antibacterial soap, we’re benefiting from the power of antiseptics. We also clean our homes with antiseptic agents such as bleach, which provides powerful disinfectant properties.

Why Antiseptics are So Useful

We take for granted our knowledge of the relationship between microorganisms and disease. It wasn’t until 1861 when renowned scientist Louis Pasteur discovered germ theory, which proposed that human diseases are caused by microorganisms of a viral, bacterial or fungal nature. Before then, antiseptics were unheard of, and even in operating rooms, surgeons did not take care to use antiseptics between treating patients, or even necessarily wash their hands.

However, our pre-1861 ancestors may have benefited from antiseptics without even knowing it, as many plants naturally possess this property, which are commonly found in households. Clove, for example, is a powerful antiseptic that has been found in many households throughout history. Tea tree is another widely used antiseptic that continues to be popular to this day.

Plant-Based vs. Synthetic Antiseptic Agents

Overall, most people will tell you that plant-based antiseptics are preferable to those that are created in laboratories, like ethyl alcohol. That’s because they are less likely to cause toxicity, and because they’re generally gentler, better for the environment and easier on the respiratory tract to breathe in. Plant-based antiseptics can work just as effectively when used in the right concentrations.

You likely have synthetic antiseptics in your home already. Examples include isopropyl alcohol and hydrogen peroxide, two staples of a medicine cabinet which are commonly used to treat wounds.

What are the Antiseptic Properties of CBD?

Cannabidiol has long been established as an antiseptic through decades of research, along with other popular cannabinoids like cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9 THC). In fact, newer research is demonstrating that CBD could potentially be used against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which has been a growing concern among medical experts for some time.

Something worth pointing out about cannabidiol’s antiseptic potential is that this likely works independently of the cannabinoid’s relationship with the endocannabinoid system. By and large, the properties we associate with CBD which relate to things like physical discomfort, mood issues and poor sleep are directly caused by the cannabinoid’s interaction with cannabinoid receptors within the body, which use CBD and other cannabinoids to regulate individual processes found within the bodily systems.

Overall, cannabidiol’s antiseptic properties do not seem to be triggered by the binding process that takes place between cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors belonging to the endocannabinoid system.

Which CBD Products Have the Most Antiseptic Potential?

Technically, any CBD-based product has antiseptic properties. But, there are some ways to make sure you’re getting as much of that antiseptic potential as possible when selecting a particular product.

#1: The Higher the Milligram Strength, the More Potent

Of course, a more potent CBD product would be more antiseptic. Make sure to check the milligram strength of a product to make sure it contains enough CBD to offer as much antiseptic potential as possible.

#2: Full Spectrum May Make a Difference

It’s likely that a full spectrum hemp product is more antiseptic than any other type of product. That’s because this type of product boasts every naturally occurring compound in hemp, including the trace amount of delta 9 which has antiseptic capabilities, and a rich variety of terpenes that may be antiseptic as well.

#3: Go with Products that Can Be Used Topically

Antiseptics are used topically, either on the skin or on mucus membranes such as those inside the nose. So, use a product that can work topically, such as a topical formula or an unflavored CBD tincture.

A Final Word

If you’re suffering from some type of infection, you should first address this with a doctor. While cannabidiol is an antiseptic agent, only your doctor can recommend certain treatments and decide if CBD is suitable based on your specific needs. Follow your doctor’s recommendations and ask them about using this cannabinoid alongside other treatments to either address or prevent certain types of infections.

At The Vape Mall, we offer a wide array of CBD-infused products that have the ability to be used specifically for antiseptic reasons, with generous milligram strengths and a richness of compounds that all play a role in fending off a variety of germs.