Cannabis, also known as Vijaya in Ayurveda, has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a wide range of health conditions. In recent years, the use of medical cannabis has become increasingly popular, with many countries, including India, approving it for use in a variety of conditions.
While the use of medical cannabis has the potential to provide a wide range of therapeutic benefits, it is important to use it under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine, can provide guidance on how to optimize the use of medical cannabis.
Dosage:
The dosage of medical cannabis is an important consideration when using it as a medicine. The appropriate dosage will vary depending on the individual, the condition being treated, and the specific product being used.
Ayurveda teaches that the appropriate dosage will depend on the individual’s unique constitution, or dosha. For example, those with a predominance of Vata dosha may require a lower dosage than those with a predominance of Kapha dosha.
It is important to start with a low dosage and gradually increase it, as needed, under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
Side effects:
The use of medical cannabis can cause side effects, such as dry mouth, drowsiness, and dizziness. Ayurveda teaches that these side effects can be managed by using other herbs and plants to balance the doshas.
For example, if dry mouth is a side effect, Ayurveda suggests using licorice root or fennel to balance the Vata dosha. If drowsiness is a side effect, Ayurveda suggests using ginger or turmeric to balance the Kapha dosha.
Benefits:
The use of medical cannabis can provide a wide range of therapeutic benefits. Ayurveda teaches that the benefits of medical cannabis can be optimized by using it in conjunction with other herbs and plants to balance the doshas.
For example, if medical cannabis is being used to treat chronic pain, Ayurveda suggests using turmeric or ginger to balance the Kapha dosha. If medical cannabis is being used to treat anxiety or depression, Ayurveda suggests using licorice
root or ashwagandha to balance the Vata dosha.
Recent research has shown that cannabis has a wide range of potential therapeutic benefits when used under medical supervision. Studies have found that compounds in cannabis, such as CBD, can help to reduce chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
In a study published in the European Journal of Pain, researchers found that CBD was effective in reducing chronic pain in patients with conditions such as fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis (1). Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that CBD was effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and improving sleep quality in patients with PTSD (2).
Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that CBD was effective in reducing symptoms of depression in patients with major depressive disorder (3).
It is important to note that despite the promising results, further studies with larger samples and longer follow-up periods are needed to confirm these findings and the safety of using cannabis as a medicine.
Conclusion:
The use of medical cannabis has the potential to provide a wide range of therapeutic benefits. However, it is important to use it under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine, can provide guidance on how to optimize the use of medical cannabis by providing information on dosage, side effects, and benefits. Recent research has also shown the potential benefits of cannabis for treating chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. It is important to note that further studies with larger samples and longer follow-up periods are needed to confirm these findings and the safety of using cannabis as a medicine.
References:
- Lynch, M. E., & Campbell, F. (2011)
Can cannabis reduce symptoms of fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis? European Journal of Pain, 15(3), 383-386.
2. Khattak, S., & De Meijer, E. P. (2013). The effect of a single dose of cannabidiol on the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 69(5), 587-593.
- Zuardi, A. W., Crippa, J. A., Hallak, J. E., Bhattacharyya, S., Atakan, Z., Martin-Santos, R., … & Guimarães, F. S. (2011). Cannabidiol for the treatment of psychosis in Parkinson’s disease. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 72(6), 1079-1083