The Benefits of Bhang for Your Health

Introduction

Bhang is a marijuana-based product that can be ingested in many different ways—and its benefits are numerous.

Although bhang has been used for thousands of years as an herbal remedy for various health ailments, it's still not widely known in the West.

Thankfully, legalization efforts have made it easier than ever to access this plant-based medicine. Here are just several ways you can use bhang to improve your health.

What is bhang?

Bhang is a traditional Indian beverage with cannabis leaves, flowers, and other ingredients.

It can be consumed in a lot of different ways. You can drink it straight, mix it into tea or coffee, boil it into savory dishes like buttery rice pudding (kheer), or eat the leaves alone.

Bhang has been an integral part of Indian culture and religion for thousands of years; the ancient Vedas mention bhang as one of five sacred plants that bring happiness and prosperity.

Pain Relief

One of the bhang's most important benefits is its ability to relieve pain. When you imagine it, this makes sense: after all, the effects of cannabis are similar to those of opioids—which are well-known for their ability to relieve pain.

The plant's molecular structure allows it to bind with your body's receptors in a way that mimics the effects of these opioid drugs without causing harm or addiction. Some studies have even found that cannabis may help with opioid withdrawal symptoms.

For those who need their medication on hand for chronic conditions like arthritis or migraines, bhang can be an ideal alternative treatment since it has no known side effects and doesn't cause drowsiness like traditional medications might (though you'll still want to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while using it).

Mood Lift

It's hard to feel down when you're high. Marijuana is a mood-lifting drug that can help people recover from depression, reduce anxiety, and even make them more productive at work.

This is especially true compared to alcohol, a depressant that makes people moodier.

Marijuana has also been shown to help people get better sleep and fall asleep faster. This is because it contains cannabinoids like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), known for their relaxing effects on the body and mind.

Studies have also shown that these compounds affect the endocannabinoid system in our bodies—a network of receptors found throughout various parts of our nervous system, including our gut, brainstem, and spinal cord, to elicit these beneficial effects on sleep quality.

Skin Health

Bhang is also used to keep the skin healthy. Bhang can be used as an external application for acne, skin infections, and even psoriasis. The antioxidants found in bhang help reduce inflammation and heal wounds faster.

May Help Manage Cancer Symptoms

You probably know that marijuana can help cancer patients manage nausea, pain, and sleep problems. But did you know that it may also help with appetite?

Recent research found that cannabis use helped stimulate the appetite of people undergoing chemotherapy.

In addition to their anti-inflammatory properties, cannabinoids are also potent antioxidants that can help prevent damage from free radicals in the body.

This is especially true regarding secondary cancers caused by radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

May Help With Diabetes

Bhang is also an excellent option for those with diabetes. Many studies show the beneficial effects of cannabis on blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity, including one from 2018 that showed a dose-dependent reduction in fasting glucose levels after just two weeks for patients with type 2 diabetes.

To add to helping with blood sugar control, the THC in Bhang may help lower cholesterol levels and risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

Conclusion

Bhang has a long history of use in South Asia and carries many benefits, including pain relief and reducing the symptoms of cancer and diabetes.

It is also a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine. With a lot of positive effects on your body, it's no wonder that bhang is also making its way into Western medicine.