Cannabis as a medicinal plant: the history of a millennia-old tradition

Did you know that cannabis was used as a medicinal plant over 4,000 years ago? The plant, which is often the subject of controversy today, was once a valued remedy in many cultures. From China to Egypt to Greece – doctors and healers everywhere discovered the versatile effects of the various cannabis varieties. Whether as a painkiller, to treat inflammation or even as an anaesthetic during operations – cannabis has been an integral part of medicine for thousands of years. But how exactly was it used and which applications are still relevant today?

China from the early art of healing 4,000 years ago

China is considered to be one of the first countries in which cannabis was medically documented. Around 4,000 years ago, the plant was already mentioned in the “Shennong Ben Cao Jing”, one of the oldest known medical works. There, healers described the plant as an effective remedy for pain, inflammation and malaria. What is particularly remarkable is that cannabis was already used in combination with other medicinal plants back then to increase its effectiveness.

Chinese doctors mixed cannabis with herbs such as ginseng or ginger to customize the medicinal effect. These applications ranged from pain-relieving ointments to herbal mixtures for internal ailments. Historical records even show that cannabis was used as one of the first known anesthetics. In early Chinese medicine, doctors used a cannabis-infused drink to anesthetize patients during surgery. These findings show that the Chinese appreciated the pain-relieving and calming properties of cannabis early on.

Source: CannaZen / History of cannabis and first medical cannabis use

Egypt from ancient medicine 3,500 years ago

Cannabis was also an integral part of medicine in Ancient Egypt. Around 3,500 years ago, the plant was mentioned in the famous Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest medical manuscripts in the world. This document describes various applications of medicinal plants and shows that cannabis was used to treat eye diseases and inflammation.

It is particularly interesting to note that Egyptian healers used cannabis specifically to treat glaucoma. This would be one of the earliest documented uses of cannabis in ophthalmology – a practice that is still used in modern medicine today. But cannabis was not only used for ophthalmology: It was also used as a painkiller for childbirth and menstrual cramps.

Depending on the region, the plant has adapted, resulting in different main species: Sativa, Indica, Hybrid & Ruderalis. Egyptian doctors administered cannabis in the form of tinctures or poultices to relieve pain and reduce cramps.

India from the Ayurvedic art of healing 3,000 years ago

Around 3,000 years ago, cannabis was deeply rooted in the Indian art of healing. It played a central role in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian healing system, where it was referred to as “bhang”. Indians used cannabis not only as a medical remedy, but also as a spiritual agent in religious ceremonies.

Cannabis was used in India to treat sleep problems, stomach complaints and cramps. It was particularly often prescribed to patients with digestive disorders, as according to Ayurvedic teachings it could stimulate the appetite and calm the stomach. It was also a popular remedy for anxiety and restlessness. In religious rituals, bhang was traditionally consumed in the form of a drink mixed with spices and milk. This tradition is still practiced in certain regions of India today, especially during religious festivals such as Holi.

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Greece & Rome from antiquity 2,500 years ago

Cannabis was already being used medicinally 2,500 years ago in ancient Greece and Rome. The famous physician Hippocrates, who is considered the founder of modern medicine, recommended cannabis for the treatment of wounds, inflammation and pain. His teachings influenced medicine for centuries and show that cannabis was recognized early on as a versatile remedy.

The Romans also made use of the plant. Galen, one of the most important physicians of antiquity, prescribed cannabis to relieve gout, pain and insomnia. His writings show that Roman doctors used cannabis not only as an internal remedy, but also as an external ointment. It is particularly noteworthy that cannabis was probably also used in surgery – as a kind of natural anesthetic for operations. Ancient physicians therefore already recognized that cannabis could relieve pain and calm the body.

Arab world from Islamic medicine 1,100 years ago

Cannabis played an important role in Arabic medicine. Around 1,100 years ago, the plant was described by the famous physician Avicenna (Ibn Sina) in his groundbreaking work “Canon of Medicine”. There he recommended cannabis as a remedy for migraines, epilepsy and digestive disorders.

One particularly exciting aspect: cannabis was also used to treat mental illnesses at the time. It was considered a sedative and was even administered to patients with mental disorders. Avicenna was one of the first physicians to intensively study the effect of cannabis on the nervous system. His findings were incorporated into medical practice for centuries and laid the foundation for later research into the therapeutic use of cannabis for anxiety disorders and neurological diseases.

China from archaeological finds 2,500 years ago

Archaeological discoveries in the Pamir Mountains in China show that cannabis was already being used specifically for ritual purposes 2,500 years ago. Scientists found remains of cannabis with an extremely high THC content there, indicating that people deliberately selected and consumed psychoactive strains.

The findings prove that cannabis not only has a long tradition medically, but also culturally. It is assumed that it was burned during burial ceremonies or spiritual rituals in order to achieve a mind-altering effect. This discovery is considered to be one of the oldest clear proofs of the targeted consumption of THC-rich cannabis.

An ancient medicinal plant with a future

Amazing, isn’t it? For thousands of years, cannabis has been a valued medicinal plant in various cultures.

From China to Egypt to the Islamic world, people knew early on how many ways cannabis can help. Today, we are experiencing a renaissance in its medicinal use. What was once forbidden is now being researched again and legalized in many countries. Modern science confirms what ancient cultures have long known: cannabis can be a valuable remedy!

Source: CannaZen / History of cannabis and first medical cannabis use