Cannabis:10 Health Benefits of the Ancient Plant

0
610
Sending
User Rating 0 (0 votes)

There are many herbs and plants, known or unknown to mankind which have enormous health benefits; one of them is called Cannabis or Medicinal Cannabis. It is one of the ancient plants which rank very high for its medicinal treatise.

With the passage of time, the uses of many of our natural treasures in the form of herbs and natural plants have been long forgotten. But they are still nurtured in the lap of Mother Nature and are again getting rediscovered and more of their medicinal benefits are getting revealed. Cannabis is one such ancient medicinal plant. Though, its uses as a drug tend to arise various questions regarding its legalization and other aspects. In this article, we will deal only with its medical benefits and try to avoid the legal discussions around it.

What is Cannabis?

growing cannabis in field of India
growing cannabis in field

Medicinal cannabis, also known as medical marijuana and medi-wiet, refers to cannabis when it is used to treat or relieve a symptom, ailment, or condition rather than for recreational or spiritual purposes. Any cannabis which contains an effective amount of active cannabinoids (i.e. not industrial hemp) can be considered medicinal cannabis if it is used for that purpose.

The history of medicinal marijuana use dates back to the earliest eras of medicine and pharmacology when humans first began to deliberately use plants for their effects on the body rather than simply as a source of nutrition. The first recorded mention of cannabis used in a medical context comes from the Shennong pên Ts’ao ching (the Great Herbal encyclopedia of the Emperor Shennong), one of the earliest texts on herbal medicine, which dates back to 2700 B.C.

How can one use the Cannabis herb?

The very herb can be used in numerous ways for its health benefits. The leaves can be either taken in the liquid form, the smoke arising fro it can be inhaled, there are other such methods.

Now, let us move to the health benefits of Cannabis. Here, we will be talking about the 10 health benefits of this ancient plant.

Leaf of Cannabis plant
Leaf of Cannabis plant

10 Health benefits of Cannabis:-

1. 1. Helpful in the treatment of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a vision disorder and the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Poor blood supply to the vital optic nerve fibers, or a weakness in the structure of the nerve, and/or a problem in the health of the nerve fibers could cause vision damage . Marijuana or Cannabis can be used to treat and prevent eye disease glaucoma, by reducing the pressure applied on the eyeball.

According to the National Eye Institute: “Studies in the early 1970s showed that marijuana, when smoked, lowered intraocular pressure (IOP) in people with normal pressure and also those with glaucoma.” The very drug helps to return the vision back to normal and thus prevent blindness.

2. 2. Relieves from the bad effects of Tobacco

The consumption of tobacco has a very bad effect on our lungs.Meanwhile, there is a fair amount of evidence that Cannabis does no harm to the lungs.On Contrary, it is said to increases the capacity of the lungs. Inhaling this very herb generates the therapeutic values in the body which help to clear the lungs and the circulatory system as well. People suffering from Lung disorders may benefit from its consumption.

3. 3. Helps to control Epileptic seizures-

Glaucoma can also control Epileptic seizures or the attacks of Epilepsy.For example, these drugs when practiced on the rats helped to get rid of the seizures in the rats for about 10 hours. Cannabinoids like the active ingredients in marijuana (Cannabis), tetrahydrocannabinol (also known as THC), control seizures by binding to the brain cells responsible for controlling excitability and regulating relaxation. It makes the brain relaxed.Thus, controlling and aiding to prevent seizures.

4. 4. Aid in Migraine

Marijuana or Cannabis has anti-inflammatory properties that assist in pain relief. In fact, the effects are said to be “several hundred times more powerful than that of aspirin.” Doctors in California have treated more than 300,000 migraine cases with medical marijuana.Moreover,it has shown to be effective in treating a host of illnesses and conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and migraines.As we know, Migraine is a very painful and harassing kind of headache which is also called half-head pain.

5. 5. Prevents Cancer

Cannabis is an effective plant to fight and prevent Cancer. Being rich in antioxidants and other nutrients, it act as a good agent to prevent Cancer. In one such evidence,the researchers studied breast cancer cells with high expression levels of Id-1, and treated them with cannabinoid. After treatment the cells decreased Id-1 expression and were less aggressive spreaders.

6. 6. Treats Bowel diseases

The usage of Cannabis leaves can help cure and prevent Bowel diseases or Diseases of Intestines.As, the intake of this weed plants increases and makes a permeable membrane on the intestine.Thus, help protect it from bacterial attacks and also disallow any foreign substance to enter in it.As we know, THC-like compounds made by the body increase the permeability of the intestines, allowing bacteria in.But it has been found that the THC in marijuana blocks these THC-like compounds,thus blocking the passage of bacteria into our body.

7. 7. Treatment for Hepatitis C

Hepatitis which is a Liver disorder can be treated using the herb. In other treatment procedures such as modern medicines etc, the treatment goes very harsh and unsatisfactory. It has been found that those who smoked marijuana daily were more likely to complete their Hepatitis C therapy–the medications have severe side effects which often causes a patient to stop their treatment regimen. What’s more, marijuana supposedly makes the medication more effective, as those who take it in conjunction with their treatment have no sign of the virus in their body.

8. 8. Abides depression

A study on addictive behaviors published by USC and SUNY Albany in 2005, whose 4,400 participants made it the largest investigation of marijuana and depression to date, found that “those who consume marijuana occasionally or even daily have lower levels of depressive symptoms than those who have never tried marijuana.” The study added that “weekly users had less depressed mood, more positive effect, and fewer somatic complaints than non-users.” It helps to eradicate depression and cures the illness.

9. 9. Helps in Weight loss

Marijuana or Cannabis is a very potent herb for weight loss.

Use of Cannabis regulates insulin production by promoting glucose absorption.This increases levels of “good cholesterol” and improves over-all metabolic functioning.

10. 10. Relieves Asthma

Asthma is a well-known respiratory disorder. The attacks of Asthma are mostly seen during the winter season and the periods between climate change. Cannabis and other anti-inflammatory drugs are the potential medications to cure Asthma. The use of Cannabis helps to clear out the bronchus and aids in the treatment of the disorder. It can be used as a vaporizer, with quick healing powers.

We saw the benefits and the usages of Medicinal Cannabis. This is a gift from mother nature to us. Take care and live well!

Leave a Reply?

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.