Introduction: Bhang's Significance in Indian Culture and Ayurveda
Since time immemorial, Bhang, has been revered as one of the most sacred herbs in Indian culture and remains rooted to the traditional celebration of festival of colours, Holi. What's all the more intriguing is how not many people are aware of the fact that our good old Bhang has also been listed among the top five Ayurvedic herbs in the Atharvaveda. In Ayurveda, the parts of the bhang plant (Cannabis sativa) that are primarily used are the leaves and flowers. These parts of the plant contain the highest concentration of beneficial compounds and are considered the most suitable for therapeutic use.
Bhang in Ancient Ayurvedic Texts: A Closer Look
Bhang has been utilised in Ayurvedic medicine to address a variety of illnesses. Historically, bhang has been recognized for its medicinal properties and has been mentioned in various Ayurvedic texts such as the BhavaPrakash Nighantu, Dhanwantari Nighantu, and Rasatarangini. The leaves and flowers of the bhang plant can be used in various forms and preparations, including:
Powdered Form: Versatility and Applications
The dried leaves and flowers are ground into a fine powder. Dried leaf powder is applied on fresh wounds to promote healing (new granulation tissue development). This powder can be used in the preparation of different Ayurvedic formulations, such as herbal decoctions, pastes, or infused oils.
Leaves Juice & Decoction: Digestive and Diuretic Benefits
The juice is also diuretic, and therefore is used in treating inflammations of the bladder and kidney stones. The juice is used for lowering intraocular pressure (glaucoma), and for short-term stimulation of the nervous system. Bhang leaves and flowers can be boiled with water or milk to create a herbal decoction. The decoction is then strained and consumed orally. It is believed to have calming and digestive properties.
Topical Applications: Pain Relief and Skin Conditions
Bhang paste can be prepared by grinding fresh leaves and flowers with water or other carrier substances. This paste can be applied topically to the affected areas of the body to relieve pain, inflammation, or skin conditions. Fresh leaf juice (bhang) is also used to treat dandruff, as a preventive measure against parasites in hair; also in cases of earache, and against bacterial inflammations and infestations of the ear.
Conclusion: Embracing the Traditional and Medicinal Potential of Bhang
In the concluding notes, Bhang, a unique and versatile plant, possesses diverse pharmacological properties that extend far beyond its psychoactive effects. Its immense potential holds promise for enhancing the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatments. Ayurveda suggests that boiling bhang with milk reduces its psychoactivity while amplifying its health benefits. Many healthcare practitioners recommend purifying it with ghee and milk before utilizing it for medicinal purposes, such as pain relief or digestive aid. It is crucial to note that the utilization of bhang or any other herbal preparation should be conducted under the expert guidance and supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. They possess the expertise to evaluate your individual health condition, prescribe appropriate dosages and formulations, and closely monitor your progress to ensure safe and effective usage.
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