IS CBD COMPATIBLE WITH AYURVEDA? PART 1

With CBD and Ayurveda both becoming popular buzzwords within the wellness industry, I was curious to explore whether CBD (short for cannabidiol) can be used as part of an Ayurvedic lifestyle, or if its link to the practice is just misinformed or due to opportunistic marketing. Here’s what I found out through my teachers & ancient texts 🤓

💯 When used as medicine, Marijuana a “nectar,” but when used recreationally it's a “poison.” Marijuana has been used in Ayurvedic medicine since its inception and is still widely used in many traditional Ayurvedic formulas as it is understood to enhance the benefits of the herbs it is used with. It's actually only used in conjunction with other traditional herbs, in order to balance out their properties. When used correctly, it’s thought to lead to health benefits such as improved digestion, improved sex drive and pain management.

❌ However, the habitual use of cannabis is viewed to be problematic in Ayurvedic practice. When used on its own and in excess, it can lead to lethargy, dullness, and fogginess of the mind, contributing towards episodes of depression, anxiety and poor memory. It’s also considered to be drying to the body and toxic to the liver and blood and is viewed as a barrier to spiritual enlightenment because of its psychoactive component THC and the mental fogginess that it induces.

💧 CBD is different from cannabis. Although it wasn’t around when Ayurvedic medicine was developed, here are the few things we can call out: Unlike the dry, erratic and anxious imbalance that can be triggered with excessive use of cannabis, CBD’s qualities are warmer, slower and heavier, helping to calm down the mind from over-active states, and with insomnia, chronic pain, epilepsy, anxiety and depression.

In Ayurvedic philosophy, anything can be a medicine if used mindfully, in moderation, and with balance in mind. So if we apply this theory to the practical use of CBD, it can be beneficial when used right. Stay tuned for an upcoming post on ways to used CBD as part of an Ayurvedic lifestyle 👋