Ayurveda has long been using hemp for treating ailments like IBS, muscle pain, insomnia, arthritis and anxiety among others. Discovered in the Himalayas, it also finds mention in the Vedas as one of the five sacred plants. Studies believe that even though it comes from the family of marijuana, it does not cause intoxication.
Hemp is an amazing source of plant-based protein and its seeds have all the nine essential amino acids. They are also rich in iron, vitamin E, omega-3 and omega-fatty acids, magnesium, manganese, vitamins and zinc. Hemp also has many benefits for women's health and can help manage mood changes during menarche or the beginning of puberty, menstrual cramps, and ease stress among other things.
"As a woman ages, she comes to face a lot of changes within her body, which is new and uncomfortable for her to adapt. Menarche – the beginning of puberty is associated with mood alterations, and the first experience of abdominal cramps, and sleep alterations. Giving other alternatives to her may lead to affecting the flow of menstrual blood, but hemp is found to provide relief in these symptoms, along with no side effects," says Dr. Aanandita Budhiraja, Medicinal Cannabis Practitioner.
As per Ayurveda, hemp is kaphahari (balanced mucous production, relieves sinusitis, balanced weight gain due to increased kapha), karshini (causes leanness), tikta (bitter in taste), grahini (absorbent, useful in diarrhoea, IBS), pachani (digestive, relieves ama dosha), laghu (light, induces lightness in the body and mind), teekshna (strong, fierce in its action), ushna (hot in potency), pittala (increases pitta dosha, agni component in body - can be associated with digestive dire, sexual desire, freedom of thought, vak-vahini vardhini (enhances ability to speak up freely, eases nervousness and shyness), kamda (enhances libido), ruchya (enhances perception of taste, resolves indigestion), midrakara (induces sleep, enhances sleep quality)
Other benefits of hemp for women's health as per Dr. Aanandita: Hemp can bring relief in managing premenstrual syndrome (PMS), especially to women suffering from the premenstrual dysphoric disorder which causes severe physical and emotional symptoms. From mood swings, cramps, and rashes to acne, hemp can help ease many of the symptoms of PMS.
Hemp can help correct hormonal imbalance and prevent physical and psychological changes that occur due to it. Hemp not only helps one to have a healthy pregnancy but also prevents emotional issues after it that occur due to postpartum depression.
