Cannabis in Chinese Medicine: Ancient Remedies with a Modern Twist

Cannabis in Chinese Medicine: Ancient Remedies with a Modern Twist

Yo, what’s good fam? Dan here to talk to you about some ancient Chinese medicine using the bud we all know and love: cannabis. This system of medicine has been around for thousands of years and uses techniques like acupuncture, tai chi, and qigong to bring balance to the body and mind. But yo, did you know that they also use herbs, including cannabis, to treat all sorts of ailments?

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) differs from Western medicine in that it takes a more philosophical and holistic approach to health. The body is seen as a smaller version of the universe with opposing yet balancing forces of yin and yang. They even have five elements: fire, earth, wood, metal, and water that play into their treatments. Qi, which is vital energy flowing throughout the body, is also important to TCM.

Now let’s get to the good stuff: cannabis. It’s been used in TCM for over 1800 years, fam. That’s almost as old as the system itself! The emperor and pharmacologist Shen Nung even wrote about it in a book on treatment methods back in 2737 BCE. He described an elixir made from the leaves of cannabis flowers. And get this – a book written in 1 AD recommended cannabis for over 100 conditions including gout, rheumatism, and malaria.

But let’s keep it real – nowadays governments be trippin’ and putting cannabis into illegal drug categories. Back in the day though, nearly all parts of the plant were used in TCM – from the flowers and leaves to the roots and stalks. Nowadays it’s all about them seeds though.

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Even back during the 1st-2nd century AD, they knew what was up with cannabis. “Divine Farmer’s Classic of Materia Medica” talked about its acrid and balanced flavors and how it could benefit the five viscera while descending blood pressure and cold qi. They even warned about excessive consumption making you see ghosts and act crazy (just like getting too stoned). But they also said prolonged consumption would free your spirit light and lighten your body.

Later on during the 6th century AD, cannabis was once again documented to relieve impediments. “The Great Encyclopedia of Chinese Medicinals” mentions how it can dispel wind and relieve pain.

So there you have it folks – cannabis has been used in TCM for a long-ass time. And with all these new studies coming out about its medicinal properties, it ain’t going nowhere anytime soon. Stay lit fam!

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