New Delhi, Feb 24 (Inditop.com) Holi is around the corner and so are ‘bhang thandai’ and ‘bhang pakoras’! But not everyone knows of the enormous health benefits of bhang – known as cannabis sativa in medical language – that is widely used in ayurvedic treatments.
“The use of cannabis sativa in ayurveda varies according to the symptoms and causes of the disease. Once we identify the problem, it is combined with other herbs to treat the disease,” said Geetanjali Arora, a panchakarma expert.
Cannabis is used for a multitude of ailments such as pain, nausea and vomiting, weight loss associated with debilitating disease and neurologically induced spasticity . If taken in proper quantities, it has been found to cure fever, dysentery and sunstroke, clear phlegm, quicken digestion and appetite.
Many medical conditions respond favourably to it, such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, depression, anxiety and others. It has also shown promise in treating skin problems.
“Many people suffer from roughing or cracking of skin and it has been found that the application of the paste of the fresh leaves helps in recovery,” said Vipin Sharma, an ayurvedic expert.
In many parts of the country, people consume bhang before their main meal because they believe it not only enhances the taste of the food, it also improves digestion.
While it is said that cannabis helps cure speech imperfections and lisping, the mechanism is unclear. But it has indeed been found to improve hearing power.
“Increasing exposure to noise pollution often impairs people’s hearing capacity and it has been shown that regular use of this particular medicinal plant leads to improvement,” said Sharma.
The seeds of the plant are not narcotic and its infusion is beneficial in gonorrhoea.
Moreover, the juice of the Indian hemp can remove dandruff and head lice.
The history of bhang lies in Hindu mythology and its preparations were sacred to gods, particularly Lord Shiva, who is regarded as the “Lord of Bhang”. He is said to have discovered the transcendental properties of the mixture.
In 1000 BC, bhang was used as an intoxicant in India and Atharvaveda describes it as a healthy herb that “releases anxiety”.
Sadhus usually consume bhang to boost meditation and achieve transcendental states. It was also said to be popular among Sufis as an aid to spiritual ecstasy.
The traditional recipe for bhang is simple – first soak leaves in water and grind them into a fine paste and mixing that with spices. When the paste is blended with milk, it is known as thandai.
At the same time, one should not forget that too much bhang can be harmful. It can cause psychosis, increase the heart rate and blood pressure.
rounak