Weed v/s Alcohol in Ayurveda

 

What Ayurveda says about Marijuana and Alcohol?

You will be surprised to know that ancient scriptures eloquently talk about weed and alcohol, discussing both pros and cons of them.

Talking about weed in Ayurvedic perspective, some texts refer to it as ‘Vijaya’ i.e. one that conquers.

Bhavaprakasa Nighantuh defines marijuana as ‘Madakrt’ i.e. that which causes intoxication. It is also said to be ‘Kamada’ which increases sexual desire, and ‘Ruchya’ which increases sensation of taste.

Weed also increases digestion and induces sleep. It has a long history of use in Ayurveda.

Cannabis has been used treatment of anxiety, body pains, hysteria, IBS, UTI, impotency, Insomnia, Leprosy in Ayurveda.

However, Marijuana has also been classified in Ayurveda as ‘Upa Visha’ which is mildly poisonous for the body.

Related post:

Weed vs Alcohol- Which one is better in Modern Science?

Ayurveda warns that habitual use of weed leads to the imbalance of all the three ‘Doshas’ namely ‘Vata’, ‘Pitta’ and ‘Kapha’, causing impotence, depression, poor digestion and body wasting.

In perspective of alcohol, Ayurveda says that the properties of alcohol and venom are exactly the same. They differ only in the effects, as the effects of venom are much more potent.

‘Charak Samhita’ chapter-24 says that the properties of alcohols are completely opposite to ‘Ojas’. Further it says that alcohol if mishandled can cause complete breakdown of the human system.

However, Ayurveda doesn’t ask to completely forbid alcohol.

It is also said that alcohol is best when consumed in the dead of winter after a long day in evening. It is strictly not to be consumed in excess as with any medicine.

Alcohol is strictly forbidden in the windy months and the heat of summer.

Thus, Ayurveda is firm that both weed and alcohol are intoxicating and are recommended for medicinal use. If used recreationally, proper care has to be taken according to one’s own body type.