Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu)
- Quality (Guna)
- Laghu, Tikshna, Ruksha
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Key Constituents
- Cannabinone (Cannabinol₅, C₂₁H₂₆O₂), resin (15-20% in ganja). Contains Calcium phosphate. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive compound.
- Also Known As
- English: Indian hemp, Cannabis, Marijuana
Sanskrit: भंगा, विजया, मादिनी, मोहिनी, जया
Hindi: भांग, गांजा
What is Cannabis (Bhanga / भांग)?
Cannabis (Bhanga/Vijaya) has been used in Ayurveda primarily as an analgesic, sedative, and anti-diarrheal. Three forms are used: Bhanga (leaves), Ganja (flowering tops), Charas (resin). In Ayurveda, purified preparations are used in small doses for specific conditions — pain, insomnia, diarrhea, appetite stimulation. Considered Madakara (intoxicant) and used with extreme caution.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Nidrajanana (induces sleep)
- Grahi (absorbent — for diarrhea)
- Deepana (digestive stimulant)
- Madakara (intoxicant/narcotic)
- Vata Shamaka
- Pachana (digestive)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
How to Use Cannabis by Condition
Explore how Cannabis is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (2 sources)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
That which first pervades the entire body and only then undergoes digestion is called Vyavayi (pervasive), like Bhanga (Cannabis sativa) and Phena (opium, born of serpent-referring to Ahiphena/Papaver somniferum).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 4: Dipana-Pachana Adikathanam (Digestive Actions etc.)
Mada (intoxication) is of another four types from betel nut (Puga), cannabis (Bhanga), and Kodrava (millet).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 7: Rogagananam (Enumeration of Diseases)
For Gandamala (cervical lymph chain swelling), Arbuda (tumors), and Ganda (goiter): grind mustard (Sarshapa), Shigru seeds (Moringa oleifera), Shana seeds (hemp, Cannabis sativa), Atasi (linseed, Linum usitatissimum), barley (Yava), and radish seeds (Mulaka Bija) with sour buttermilk (Amla Takra).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 4: Dipana-Pachana Adikathanam (Digestive Actions etc.); Purva Khanda, Chapter 7: Rogagananam (Enumeration of Diseases); Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
References in Sushruta Samhita
Strong head-purgation with smoke, dry barley food, and vijaya (Cannabis/hemp) should be taken.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 24: Chapter 24
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 24: Chapter 24
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.