Ever heard of the Ayurvedic tradition of serving bhang in copper mugs? Bhang is an edible preparation made from cannabis originating from India. Used in food and drink as early as 1000 BC in India, this ancient Hindu practice has plenty of health benefits that is usually consumed during the spring festivals of Holi and Maha Shivaratri.
So, how does the ancient Ayurvedic wisdom of consuming bhang in copper relate to us in the 21st century? Read on to discover the interesting facts of how bhang is believed to be highly beneficial to plenty of common ailments.
What Is The History Of Bhang In India?
Culturally, bhang has been part and parcel to Indian custom and tradition. In certain part of rural India, bhang is believed to cure various ailments including fever, dysentery, clear phlegm, sunstroke, aid in digestion, cure lisping and speech imperfections, improve focus and increase appetite.
According to Indian mythology and ancient Hindu scriptures, bhang is associated with the Lord Shiva and his divine powers, the god of destruction. As India's most revered dieties, it is believed that Lord Shiva used bhang to harness his powers for the good of mankind.
Bhang is also consumed in the form of bhang lassi, which is an edible preparation made from the leaves of cannabis plant. Usually hand blended and regarded as tasty and refreshing, bhang lassi is legal in many parts of India. Bhang lassi is mainly sold during Holi, which is celebrated in March as an ode to Spring.
The traditional method of preparing bhang lassi or bhang thandai involves grinding roasted cannabis into a paste using a traditional mortar and pestle. Next, this paste is then mixed with milk and strained before adding in plain yogurt, a pinch of sugar, nuts such as almonds and pistachios, as well as spices such as ginger powder, cardamom, peppercorn and fennel seeds.
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What Does Ayurveda Say About Bhang?
Now that you know what bhang is, what does Ayurveda say about it and how is it relevant to us in this day and age?
Bhang is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine practices for its medicinal properties, including:
- As a pain-relief, such as nerve pain, arthritis pain, piles and other digestive issues
- Remedy for sleep problems
- Whooping cough relief
According to Ayurveda expert Dr. Gandhi from this article, the best way to reap these health benefits from the cannabis plant is in the form of bhang. That is because Ayurveda believes that boiling bhang with milk increases its health benefits by making it less psychoactive. Purifying cannabis with and ghee and milk for medicinal use is the best, according to Ayurvedic traditions.
Source:
- https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/bhang-holi-tradition-india-9230479/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhang#:~:text=Bhang%20(IAST%3A%20Bh%C4%81%E1%B9%85g)%20is,of%20Maha%20Shivaratri%20and%20Holi.
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/arthritis-to-piles-lesser-known-health-benefits-of-cannabis-or-bhang-revealed-by-ayurveda-expert-101646730283525.html#:~:text=Traditionally%20used%20in%20Ayurveda%20for,hemp%20increases%20intestine%20absorption%20capacity.
- https://www.going.com/guides/bhang-lassi-india
- https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/blog-what-is-bhang-and-how-is-it-made-n683
