Bhang
Bhang is an herb that has an erect stem and grows from a height of 3 feet to 10 feet. The leaves of the plant are arranged in a palm like manner. The scientific name of bhang is Cannabis Sativa which belongs to Cannabinaceae family. It is an important ingredient in the Hindu religious practices and rituals, particularly while worshiping Lord Shiva.
It is a mixture made by drying, grinding, and soaking the buds and leaves of the Cannabis sativa plant to form a paste that’s added to food and drinks.
☆ The Indian National Policy on Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances only permits the addition of the leaves and no other parts of the cannabis plant.
How does it work?
Bhang is known for its psychoactive effects, or its ability to affect the way your brain and nervous system work.
Cannabinoids — the main active chemical compounds in the Cannabis sativa plant — are behind these effects. There are several different types of cannabinoids in bhang, but the two best-researched are –
• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The main psychoactive compound in cannabis, which is responsible for the “high” people experience after consuming foods and beverages containing bhang.
• Cannabidiol (CBD). A non-psychoactive cannabinoid thought to be the main compound behind the health benefits linked to bhang.
How it is used?
The leaves, buds and flowers of female cannabis are grinded into a paste in a mortar to which spices are added.
Benefits –
• Analgesic
Cannabis products like bhang may be effective at reducing pain, especially when caused by conditions like fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Nausea & vomiting
Cannabinoids — the main active compounds in bhang — are effective at reducing nausea and vomiting, particularly in adults undergoing chemotherapy.
• Appetizer
Bhang also increases a person’s appetite. THC, present in Bhang, influences the hypothalamus to increase your appetite. So, for people suffering from a lack of appetite, bhang essentially renders the body to regain its appetite.
Side Effects –
Due to its psychoactive effects, it may reduce short-term memory, coordination, and judgment, as well as promote paranoia or psychosis when consumed in high doses.
It should be avoided by people with certain health issues or during vulnerable life stages, such as childhood, adolescence, pregnancy, and while nursing.
Prolonged habit of consuming this feel good plant and its concoctions result in lowering of immunity testosterone level in males.
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