Wednesday 27 April 2016

Bhang is much more than just a drink; it is a substance that comprises of endless healing benefits


Bhang is much more than just a drink; it is a substance that comprises of endless healing benefits. It is often confused with Cannabis or Marijuana - herb that is inclusive of three species sativa, indica, and ruderalis, and is often used as recreational drug. However, Bhang is part Cannabis mixed with cold milk. It is a drink that is considered one of Lord Shiva’s favourites. Hence, people as a gesture of devotion offer and consume this drink as a blessing of Lord Shiva.
Leaves and buds of cannabis are grind using mortar and a pestle into a fine paste, and then mixed with spices and milk. Often, this paste is used in preparation of ‘Bhang Thandai’ or ‘Bhang Lassi’ during Shivaratri and Holi. However in some parts of rural India, Bhang or Cannabis or Marijuana is widely considered a substance holding high medicinal properties. Going back to Indian legends, Cannabis for adults or Bhang for infants, was used to cure ailments like, appetite, sunstroke, fever, dysentery, lisping, speech imperfections or digestion related issues. Yogis, Sadhus and Aghoris often use this substance to boost their meditation prowess and achieve transcendental states, which they believe could act as a bridge between them and Lord Shiva.
Cannabis is considered highly strong and dangerous substance if consumed raw. Bhang, however, lowers the essence of the herb, and is considered edible for mortal humans. Owning to its beneficial property in providing relief from stress and anxiety, for ages Bhang has been used in Ayurvedic treatments in India and its sub-continents. If taken in proper quantity and under medical guidance, Bhang is capable of treating depression or any chemical imbalance caused in Brain. Bhang is one of the most effective and natural medicine ever available to mankind that can cure diseases, wounds and neurological or nervous disorder. It is used as an intoxicant that soothes the nerve in distress, thus reducing the pain instantly. Grind Bhang leaves into fine paste and then apply the paste onto wound or chapped skin. Bhang provides instant coolness to the skin, hence is believed to be a perfect option when treating sunburn.
Moderate amount of Bhang, as prescribed by doctor, if consumed before regular meals (mixed with some snack, but never on empty stomach), then it not only boosts the taste of food, but also catalyses the process of digestion. And, if taken in right quantity, then Bhang can also help in weight loss process.
With growing age, a human body witnesses a lot of changes in functioning, due to arthritis or multiple sclerosis. But, Bhang paste or any drug prepared using Cannabis, can have altering effect on the above mentioned ailments. Even today, in rural India, Bhang is regularly used in treatment of nausea, chronic vomit, fever and sunstroke. Bhang, Marijuana, or Cannabis are being used in preparation of drugs that are now being applied in the treatment course for Cancer, and HIV/AIDs. It is still under scientific observations, but Cannabis has been shown to kill cancer cells in laboratory. It has been found that Cannabis or Marijuana, a herb, when used in medicine is able to treat neurological issues, like insomnia, depression and other disorder.
Bum Bum Bhole ~ Har Har Mahadev !

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