As there is a current thread going about Pot, I thought I would post this again as my herb of the day.
Herb of the day: Cannabis (Sativa and Indica)
The marijuana plant, or cannabis, has been used for thousands of years by various countries and cultures, and is listed in the Pharmacopoeia or medicinal books of many of those cultures. Pliny the Elder, Pen Ts'ao Ching, and even the Zoroasters listed the analgesic and narcotic effects of the plants in their writings.
Disclaimer: I am in no way advocating that anyone uses cannabis. As an adult, you have the right to make your own decision. In many states, it is illegal. In other states, such as California, Washington, and Colorado, it is not illegal to use. In fact, one of the biggest reasons why it was made illegal in the United States was race relations, and had nothing to do with any dangers. Since then, it has been classified as more dangerous than cocaine, which is laughable.
The properties are far too numerous to name. The plant contains over 400 active compounds, with D-9 THC being the one mostly widely known. It is an effective agent against nausea. It helps pain control. (Many people with Multiple Sclerosis use this plant. Myself included. I have a "medical" card issued by the state of California which allows me to use this plant without legal ramifications.)
Some of the studies that have been done on this plant have shown intense promise.
Here are just some articles showing its efficacy:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/01/cannabis-for-infants-brai_n_2224898.html
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn6283-cannabis-extract-shrinks-brain-tumours.htmlThere is research which shows that cannabis will kill cancer cells in the brain without harming healthy tissue.
http://www.braatah.com/marijuana-kills-brain-cancer-cells/People who suffer a wide variety of diseases report many therapeutic benefits, as well. Nausea, pain, seizures, neuralgia, menstrual aches and pains, lack of appetite -- all of these things, and many more are treated. The five most common ailments that people treat with cannabis are: Nausea/Vomiting, Loss of Appetite, Muscle Spasms, Pain, and Insomnia.
THC is available in pill form. In some places, the pill is covered by traditional insurance.
Here is another article which provides links to case studies:
http://www.cannabis-med.org/english/patients-use.htmI cannot stress enough how wonderful this article is, from the University of Chicago Medicine. Doctors routinely recognize this plant as a medicine. It has a fabulous history.
UCM http://www.uchospitals.edu/online-library/content=CDR683767This information is provided for those who want to learn more. Again, I am not advocating the use or abuse of Cannabis. If you choose to use marijuana, that is your choice alone. If you choose to NOT use it, that is also your choice alone. However, please do not debate the morality of the issue. Please do not insult those who do use it for medicinal reasons.