Oct 03, 2024

Bhang in skincare: A break-up with stereotypes and embracing the skincare benefits

Understanding Bhang: A Historical Perspective

In some very traditional ways, bhang is a preparation composed of the leaves and flowers of the Sativa Seed plant. It has been in use since ancient times. It's used in other religious and cultural practices. Hindu mythology makes bhang a sacred plant and ascribes it to Lord Shiva, who, according to myth, discovered its divine properties.

Historically, Bhang was taken during festivals such as Holi and Maha Shivaratri; it was an accepted beverage mixed with drinks and sweets. Its usage was not just for recreation but also medicinal. According to ancient texts such as the Atharva Veda, the five sacred plants that alleviate anxiety include bhang. It was to be consumed to eliminate almost all ailments, from digestive disorders to those requiring relief from pain.

In terms of skincare, looking back through history, there could indeed be some benefits from Bhang. Ayurvedic treatments have used sativa seeds in elixirs for ages because of their well-acknowledged qualities of being anti-inflammatory and a soother, which could turn out to be properties of gold in the pursuit to achieve an aesthetic, radiant complexion. Using bhang, its role will become symbolic in modern skincare and wellness rather than being functional.

The Science Behind Bhang in Skincare

Bhang is a product that is extracted from marijuana, and it contains some compounds that are beneficial for the health of the skin. Here is a closer look at the science behind its skincare benefits:

Cannabinoids and their Effects

Bhang contains a significant amount of cannabinoids such as CBD and THC that activate the interaction with the human body through its endocannabinoid system, which is crucial in the regulation of skin functions such as oil production, inflammation, and cell growth. CBD has been shown to have huge anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, hence making it efficient for use in the treatment of many diseases such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Bhang has anti-inflammatory properties that will make one's skin reduce inflammation, an underlying cause of most skin issues, including redness, swelling, and irritation. The work of cannabinoids towards soothing the skin by reducing these symptoms promotes a healthier complexion.

Antioxidant Benefits

Bhang also contains antioxidants that protect the skin from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. These free radicals are unstable, and they cause damage to cells of the skin, which subsequently leads to premature aging plus failing healthy skin. The antioxidants combine to neutralize these free radicals and help keep skin younger and healthier.

Moisturizing and Nutrition

Fatty acids and vitamins present in bhang can highly moisturize and nourish skin. The nutrients present within it aid in strengthening the skin's natural barrier, prevent moisture loss and retain moisture, which especially helps sensitive and dry types of skin.

Possible Treatment for Acne End

It regulates oil production, thus offering so much hope for acne medication and so much promise in bhang. This is because it reduces how often the breakouts occur since it will limit the overproduction of sebum, preventing its porosity from getting plugged up. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD will heal the already-present acne while reducing the redness.

Calming and Healing

Bhang is particularly good as an anti-irritation medicine for inflamed skin. Since it is soothing in nature, its medicinal properties are intended to treat a range of diseases like eczema and psoriasis. Such chronic disease of the skin irritates to a severe degree, causing itching sensations and discomfort. Bhang soothes the symptom while aiding the healing process for the inflamed skin. It minimizes the recurrence of flare-ups, improves the texture of the skin, and restores the normal barrier function of the skin for pain-free and long-lasting relief.

Advantages Against Aging

The combination of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and essential nutrients available in bhang makes it a powerful ingredient against aging. Bhang helps keep the glow on the skin by not allowing damage to permeate it and providing support in repairing the skin, which gives a youthful appearance.

Research and Development

Ongoing research will only continue to unearth new potential benefits of bhang in skincare. Therefore, scientists have come across studies on how it may be used to treat various skin conditions and contribute to the general well-being of the skin. As in-depth research is conducted, we expect more Bhang-infused skincare products to emerge in the marketplace.

Understanding the science behind it can make us more thankful for the potential that bhang may offer to skincare. What is unique about it is its natural yet effective answer to many skincare concerns.

These multiple benefits can be achieved by incorporating bhang into your skincare system and will give you the healthier and more resilient skin you have always wanted. Bhang can be used as part of creams, serums, or oils to naturally enhance your skincare system.

Common Myths and Misconceptions About Bhang

Myths 1: Bhang is just a tranquilizer

Reality: While bhang is infamous for the psychoactive properties of THC, bhang has a long history of being used within Ayurvedic medicine. For decades, bhang was used because of its supposed healing properties for nausea vomiting, and even pain; for many in traditional Indian medication, bhang is used to heal everything from digestive problems to anxiety, making it much more than a recreational drug.

Myth 2: Bhang is Extremely Addictive

Reality: Bhang is addicting, but much less than most commonly used products like alcohol or tobacco. The routes of moderate and sensible use are the avenues that can be taken to avoid addiction. When used sensibly, bhang's medicinal value is obtained without the risk of addiction. Abuse, as with most drugs, often leads to socially unacceptable behavior.

Myth 3: Bhang is Completely Safe

Reality: Although bhang has medicinal importance, it still comes with a risk attached to it when overused. Its misuse causes some of the symptoms that include dehydration, nausea, headache, and tachycardia. Anything that changes one's body has to be used in moderation for it to be safe; hence, it's essential to know how your body reacts to bhang and how to responsibly use it.

Myth 4: Bhang is legal in all parts of India

Reality: All over India, bhang is not legal in the same sense. Though it is allowed in most states, above all on Holi and Maha Shivaratri. Its legal status varies greatly from region to region in India. In some places, bhang is widely available and, in others, heavily regulated; hence, one needs to be aware of the laws and the local regulations that prevail in the area, before consumption, lest legality issues arise.

Myth 5: Bhang is Marijuana

Reality: Even though both sativa seeds and marijuana are derived from the same vijaya sativa plant, they are different. Bhang is prepared from the leaves and buds of the plant, whereas marijuana generally comprises dry flowers and leaves. Bhang is typically consumed in edible preparations like bhang lassi or bhang thandai. Marijuana, however, is usually smoked. The two differ in their cultural uses and potencies, as bhang has a much lesser potency than marijuana, usually used for recreational smoking.

Myth 6: Bhang has no health benefits

Fact: Bhang is laden with cannabinoids, both THC and CBD, which are known to stimulate interaction with the body's endocannabinoid system. Such interactions are claimed to have been linked to a broad range of health benefits ranging from painkillers, relief in spasms in muscles, and reduction of nausea. Ayurvedic doctors have been well aware of the medicinal use of bhang. They would even use it for digestive issues to deal with stress issues.

Myth 7: Bhang Is Only Used During Festivals

Reality: Bhang is usually deliberated during festivals as the one in question, yet, across India, in most localities, it is taken as normal because it possesses curative properties. Some communities take bhang in minimal doses, too. They do that all year long because of their soothing and medicinal properties. Bhang has, in this respect, become a sacred medicine in traditional healing systems instead of a one-time activity.

With these facts instead of the myths, we would realize bhang was something worthy of various roles both in culture and wellness, meaning it is quite contrary to being only an intoxicant.

How to Incorporate Bhang into Your Skincare Routine?

Bhang has natural properties that bring this product into your skincare regime due to such benefits. This is how to do it:

Bhang-infused oil

Preparation: By gently heating a carrier oil with bhang leaves-coconut or olive oil—you can prepare bhang-infused oil. Then strain the mixture to remove the plant material.
Application: Use this oil as a moisturizer. Apply a few drops on your face and massage gently. It could hydrate your skin and provide anti-inflammatory properties.

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Bhang Face Mask

Preparation: There must be a pre-made paste of the bhang powder by mixing it with yogurt, honey, or aloe vera gel.
Application: Apply it to the face by spreading it all over, and let it stay for 15-20 minutes, then wash off with lukewarm water. Then the mask will calm down the skin, and after some time, the redness will reduce.

Try Imroz Face Cream infused with hemp seed oil and rosehip oil, it nourishes and rejuvenates your skin.

Bhang-Infused Toner

Preparation: Steep a strong tea by using bhang leaves and then cool down. Add this to rose water.
Application: Apply this toner to your face using a cotton pad after cleansing. This could bring about a balance of pH in the skin and give it a refreshing feel.

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Bhang-soaked Bath

Preparation: Put the bhang leaves or bhang-infused oil into the bath.
Application: Soak for approximately 20-30 minutes in the bathtub. This may benefit your skin, muscles, and skin as well.

Bhag-Infused Lip Balm

Preparation: Melt the beeswax and mix with the bhang-infused oil. Pour into little jars and let it set.
Application: Apply it during the day or night. It will keep your lips smooth and moisturized all day long.

Try Imroz Lip Balm today and experience the soothing relief of naturally hydrated lips.

Safety Precautions

Once you have decided to include bhang in your treatment list, you should know about the safety and legal measures involved in using this treatment. Here is a rundown of things that should be known:

Patch Test

It should always be tested on the skin first, with a patch test, to avoid an allergic reaction or skin sensitivity. Just put a small portion of the product on the inside of the wrist and observe it after 24 hours. If you don't experience any irritation, redness, or tenderness during this time, it's probably safe to apply it on other parts of the body.

Moderation

Overuse of any product will lead to side effects; hence, it should be started at small doses and gradually increased as your skin gets accustomed. Observe keenly the reaction on your skin and vary the usage rate or amount to avoid irritation and any other adverse reaction.

Consultation

This would be a good idea to consult with a dermatologist if you suffer from sensitive skin or any kind of eczema or psoriasis for the product to be safe and suitable for your skin type. This would save you from potential complications, and the product should work properly for you.

Quality of Ingredients

To avoid contamination and effectiveness, high-grade, organic bhang and the carrier oils are imperative. All ingredients must be fresh and kept in good storage so that they hold their potency and efficiency safely.

Storage

For preservation of shelf life and stability with effectiveness and potency, bhang-infused products are best stored in cool and dark places in order not to undergo degradation. The proper storage preserves effectiveness and longer shelf life.

Conclusion

Bhang is much more than a cultural or recreational symbol. It's one of the oldest preparations of the sativa plant that have been held with hundreds of connotations attached to it. The practice of Ayurveda is the foundation of healing that has been passed down to the present skincare. It is built upon high levels of cannabinoids, CBD, and THC, in bhang that work within your body's endocannabinoid system to regulate all those key functions such as oil production, inflammation, and cell regeneration. It is therefore an effective weapon against one of the most common problems that attack everybody's skin—that is, acne, eczema, psoriasis, and early aging.

Bhang has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe redness, puffy skin, and infected pores, thereby giving you healthier-looking, brighter skin. It prevents free radicals from providing degradation actions, which might cause aging, dull skin tones, and an unbalanced complexion. Bhang has natural fatty acids and vitamins that get deeply absorbed into the skin tissues to moisturize and nourish them, making them stronger by supporting their barrier functions; thus, staying moist for longer is particularly great for dry or sensitive skin.

Constant research is now enlightening it to be an ingredient for modern skincare formulations, from creams and serums to oils. The regulation of oil production promises control of acne, and having a profile rich in nutrients can enhance the overall texture and resilience of the skin. Moreover, bhang-as-natural-remedy provides an alternative and effective approach to abandoning synthetic chemicals, as is the ever-increasing demand for plant-based organic skincare.

Despite these promising benefits, bhang-infused skincare should be approached with great mindfulness. Protective measures include patch testing, not overusing the products, and consulting a dermatologist if an adverse reaction is experienced. Keeping the quality of organic bhang and safe, stored ingredients ensures their potency and safety for use.

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Written By: Priya