Photo: Jorge Barrios / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Bhang भांग
Cannabis sativa
Also known as: Bhang Beej
Part used: Seed
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Cannabis sativa
- Part used: Seed
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Strictly as prescribed by a registered Ayurvedic physician, from a licensed preparation.
Bhang in other languages
Introduction
Bhang is the seed of Cannabis sativa, listed in the classical texts as Vijaya. Ayurveda has used the plant for centuries as a Grahi, Deepana and analgesic drug in tightly controlled preparations.
In India cannabis is a controlled substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. Preparations containing it may be manufactured and dispensed only under licence, and their sale and supply are restricted by law. This page is informational; it is not an offer of supply.
Classification
Family Cannabaceae. The seed is the part specified in this catalogue. Rasa: Tikta, Katu. Guna: Laghu, Tikshna. Virya: Ushna. Vipaka: Katu. Doshaghnata: pacifies Kapha and Vata. Classified as Upavisha — a sub-poison requiring Shodhana.
Uses & benefits
Classically used in Atisara and Grahani for its Grahi action, in loss of appetite, and as an analgesic and sleep-inducing drug within compound preparations. It appears in Laxmivilas Ras in this catalogue. Its use is always inside a classical formulation at a physician's direction, never as a loose herb.
Vijaya as a classical Grahi drug
The texts use it to check a chronic loose bowel where other drugs have failed, in small processed doses within a compound.
Why the restrictions matter
Cannabis is NDPS-controlled in India. Legitimate Ayurvedic use requires a licensed manufacturer and a registered practitioner's prescription; anything outside that is unlawful regardless of tradition.
Dosage — how much to take
Strictly as prescribed by a registered Ayurvedic physician, from a licensed preparation. Not to be self-medicated in any quantity.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Bhang?
The citations held for Bhang in this catalogue are: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Guduchyadi Varga — Vijaya).
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Bhang?
Tikta rasa, ushna virya; grahi and deepana, classed among the upavisha. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga — Vijaya.
What is Bhang traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Classically used in Atisara and Grahani for its Grahi action, in loss of appetite, and as an analgesic and sleep-inducing drug within compound preparations. It appears in Laxmivilas Ras in this catalogue. Its use is always inside a classical formulation at a physician's direction, never as a loose herb.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Bhang?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Bhang classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Bhang carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Bhang is used medicinally?
The part used is Seed.
How much Bhang is taken, and how?
Strictly as prescribed by a registered Ayurvedic physician, from a licensed preparation. Not to be self-medicated in any quantity. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Bhang be avoided?
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE — NDPS Act. Supply and possession outside a licence are criminal offences in India. Medically, unprocessed or excessive material causes confusion, tachycardia, anxiety and dependence, and it is contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding, in children and adolescents, and in anyone with a psychotic illness or a family history of one. Impairs driving and machine operation.
Where does Bhang grow?
Grows wild across the sub-Himalayan tract and is cultivated under licence for fibre and seed in some Indian states. Wild collection for medicinal use is regulated.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga — Vijaya
Tikta rasa, ushna virya; grahi and deepana, classed among the upavisha. - NDPS Act, 1985 (India) — Regulatory status
Cannabis is a controlled substance; manufacture and dispensing require licence.
Safety & precautions
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE — NDPS Act. Supply and possession outside a licence are criminal offences in India. Medically, unprocessed or excessive material causes confusion, tachycardia, anxiety and dependence, and it is contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding, in children and adolescents, and in anyone with a psychotic illness or a family history of one. Impairs driving and machine operation.
Where it grows
Grows wild across the sub-Himalayan tract and is cultivated under licence for fibre and seed in some Indian states. Wild collection for medicinal use is regulated.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a Bhang-containing medicine over the counter?
No. Cannabis-containing preparations are controlled under the NDPS Act in India and require a licensed manufacturer and a registered practitioner's prescription.
Is classical use exempt from the law?
No. Traditional use does not override the NDPS Act. Legitimate Ayurvedic preparations are made under licence and dispensed on prescription.
