Overview
Cannabis is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for insomnia. 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.
How Cannabis Helps with Insomnia
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Cannabis has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing insomnia:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
- Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Katu (pungent)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu, Tikshna, Ruksha
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
▶ Classical Text References (2 sources)
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)
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
Other Herbs for Insomnia
See all herbs for insomnia on the Insomnia page.
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.