Written by: Deilen Michelle Villegas, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In the realm of holistic health and wellness, the healing potential of nature is truly remarkable. Humans have turned to natural herbs and plants from ancient times to today for their therapeutic properties. In this article, we’ll delve into the benefits of marijuana and other natural herbs, exploring their potential to support overall well-being and over alternative solutions for various health concerns.
Unlocking marijuana’s potential
Marijuana, also known as cannabis, has gained significant attention for its therapeutic properties. The plant contains cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This intricate network of receptors plays a role in regulating various physiological processes, including pain perception, mood, appetite, and sleep. When it comes to cannabis, most people are aware that cannabis is categorized as Indica, Sativa, or as Hybrid– which is a combination of both Indica and Sativa. Hybrids are often the cannabis of choice for individuals because it contains characteristic of both Indica and Sativa plants providing individuals with the therapeutic relief most medical marijuana users seek. One of the most well-known benefits of marijuana is its ability to provide pain relief. Both THC and CBD have shown promise in alleviating chronic pain. These cannabinoids interact with the body’s pain pathways, reducing inflammation and modulating pain signals. Indica-strain cannabis is associated with more of a body high that makes you feel relaxed. This strain is often recommended for people seeking help with pain, insomnia, nausea, or poor appetite. This strain is known to help with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and can help with pain and inflammation management associated with arthritis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and migraines, it can help with boosting appetite that is lost due to health conditions, as well as stimulates sleep and relaxation for individuals who suffer from sleep conditions such as insomnia, or other sleep disturbances. Because of its sedative components, it is advised to not operate heavy machinery or drive, as response times and motor skills may become delayed.
Due to its pain management and mental health therapeutic properties marijuana has been also found to help reduce drug and alcohol addiction, and in areas where marijuana is legal, opioid use and overdose are reduced by over 51%.
Sativa-strain cannabis as opposed to indica, is more strongly tied to triggering the release of dopamine, offering euphoric-like kick that one might associate with feeling energized. Furthermore, the cerebral high that comes with using sativa strains tends to lead to more focused – and often creative – activity. This strain is known for its head high rather than a body high, which means they stimulate your mind but don’t leave you feeling heavy or sleepy. This strain is often recommended for people looking to be more energized and have a more uplifting effect, that is looking to increase their creativity, expand their mind, and develop sharper focus. Due to all of these positive effects, this strain is known to help with depression, as it can help individuals snap out of deep funk, increase their energy levels, and bring back their interest and creativity. This strain can also help with symptoms of anxiety as it can help bring people back from getting lost in intrusive thoughts, and because it helps with increased focus, this strain is known to be helpful for individuals who have ADHD, due to its cerebral effects. Hybrid-strain cannabis is considered to be the best of both worlds. Providing individuals with a perfect balance as they feel relaxed and energetic without getting their heads too heavy. While hybrid is the name of a cannabis plant that is a cross between Indica-strain and Sativa-strain cannabis, there are different hybrid strains. The percentage of the cross can vary by strain but often comes in a 50/50, 60/40, or 70/30 blend. These numbers represent the percentage of Indica-strain and Sativa-strain found in the batch. These percentages give you a rough guideline as to the therapeutic properties this particular strain may have. Which could incline to be either more sedative and relaxing, more energizing and focused, or increase appetite and creativity. Also, not all sativa or indica plants hold the same therapeutic properties. So your experience with a particular batch may vary based on the genetic composition of the plants used, even if they have the same name. Marijuana and its compounds have been explored for their potential benefits in the treatment of Cancer, HIV, and AIDS. THC can help alleviate chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and stimulate appetite, as well as alleviate the symptoms caused by HIV and AIDS medications. The cannabinoids can help with pain and nerve-pain management, weight loss, and improved quality of life. Additionally, studies have found that cannabinoids have anti-cancer properties.
Marijuana for mental health
Many individuals seek the medicinal properties of marijuana to help alleviate the symptoms of mental health conditions. This is particularly true, especially in demographics where there is a disparity in access to resources, and proper or affordable healthcare. Marijuana and its compounds have shown potential in managing mental health conditions. CBD, in particular, has gained recognition for its anxiolytic and antipsychotic properties.
Unfortunately, individuals seek out the use of marijuana to help alleviate their symptoms thinking the symptoms they are experiencing are mental when it may be emotional. An emotional imbalance may present itself as an inability to express or identify feelings, not being able to regulate emotions such as anger, irritability, frustration, and an inability to establish or foster healthy relationships. Emotional imbalances have more to do with one’s feelings or lack thereof. Emotional health can only improve through being addressed, positive action, and identifying what feelings were caused during life events and experiences. It is for this reason, no matter how much marijuana an individual may consume, certain situations do not seem to get better. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional or medical marijuana specialist before incorporating marijuana or CBD into a mental health treatment plan. Due to the cannabinoid properties of marijuana, sometimes marijuana can make certain health conditions worse, especially when dealing with mental health conditions that require medications such as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) since they work against each other, and too much marijuana while using SSRIs can cause an adverse effect and cause individuals to go into what is called a Chemical Psychosis. Also known as substance-induced psychosis. This, unfortunately, can be particularly amplified when there is an increase in the chemical dopamine in the brain–which can be achieved with a Sativa-strain cannabis– causing hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Increased stress levels cause your brain releases a chemical called cortisol, which can also increase the chances of psychosis with a high consumption of marijuana.
Exploring natural herbs
Beyond Marijuana, numerous other natural herbs offer their unique benefits that pose as an alternative to individuals who may not be able to use marijuana:
Turmeric: This vibrant yellow spice contains curcumin, a potent anti-inRammatory compound. Turmeric has been used traditionally to support joint health, reduce inflammation, and aid digestion.
Chamomile: Known for its calming properties, chamomile is often used as a soothing herbal tea to promote relaxation, improve sleep quality, and ease digestive discomfort.
Echinacea: Echinacea has been shown to support the immune system and help prevent and reduce the duration of common colds and respiratory infections.
Ginseng: Ginseng is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body cope with stress, boosts energy, and supports cognitive function.
Valerian: Valerian root is commonly used as a natural sleep aid, helping individuals achieve restful sleep and relieve insomnia symptoms.
Garlic – Used to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering levels of blood fats and cholesterol (a type of blood fat). The antibiotic and antiviral properties of garlic mean that it is also used to fight colds, sinusitis and other respiratory infections.
Ginger – many studies have shown ginger to be useful in treating nausea, including motion sickness and morning sickness.
Other herbs and plants that have benefits similar to marijuana, may be consumed via herbal tea, tinctures, or inhalation via smoking:
Lavender: With its soothing aroma, lavender creates the same feeling when the user smokes it alone or mixes it with other herbs. Lavender is excellent for those who have a hard time falling or staying asleep. Instead of having a high, out-of-body feeling, lavender will only leave the smoker calm and in a state of euphoria.
Blue Lotus: Much like lavender, blue lotus can relieve stress and anxiety and help the user fall asleep faster. Users mainly smoke this plant, but drinking it as tea can be a treatment for diarrhea.
Mugwort: Mugwort smells similar to sage and has a bitter taste, but its benefits outweigh its unsavory flavor profile. Some smokers might want to consider mugwort because of its similar medicinal properties to pot. Mugwort can help treat cardiovascular problems, cold symptoms, and remembering dreams.
Mullein: Mullein is a little different from most herbs that people smoke. This herb is one of the most beneficial as mullein is an expectorant, meaning that it soothes a cough or can act as a cough medicine. Mullein can loosen up mucus in the lungs and stimulate the smoker to cough it up. Mullein is the herb of choice for not only relaxation but good lung health.
Rose Petals: Roses are not just for romantic scenarios. This flower can be broken down and ground up for smoking and serve as something to roll other herbs. Rose helps with inflammation, sore throats and can relieve headaches. Whether someone decides to put it in some tea, use it to roll, or smoke, rose petals will leave smokers with a lifted spirit and a sense of balance.
While herbal remedies are mostly safe, it is important to always double-check with your Primary Care Provider, Cannabis Specialist, and Holistic Herbalist to discuss any potential drug and health contraindications or interactions, allergies, and consumption safety during pregnancy or nursing prior to use.
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Deilen Michelle Villegas, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Deilen Michelle is a Holistic Health Practitioner and Holistic Life Coach. An advocate for bringing awareness to the mental health and physical well-being of underserved communities. She specializes in Trauma Recovery, Behavioral Health, Mindset Transformation, and Somatic Healing with over 15 years in healthcare. Founder of The Shamanic Goddess, LLC, a Holistic Health and Wellness Consulting business, she has chosen to use her knowledge, experience, and platforms to address the importance and need for Holistic Health and Wellness in the Medical Industry and also the impact of trauma and adversities on the BIPOC and LGBTQIA communities. She is an interdisciplinary Complementary and Alternative Medicine practitioner focusing on the Mind-Body-Spirit connection, currently working on her Ph.D. in Natural Medicine and has obtained a Master of Science in Complementary and Integrative Medicine. Deilen created her own modality named The H.E.M Experience, which she uses with her clients to create effective positive change in all areas of life to achieve their full potential in Body, Mind, and Soul, guiding them to be more intentional and conscious about how they move in the world.
