Nature's Pharmacy: Ancient Knowledge, Modern Medicine

Marijuana
(Cannabis sativa)

Grass, hashish, hemp, Mary Jane, pot, reefer

Name, Habitat, and Appearance
Marijuana is native to China, Iran, northern India, and the Caucasus and is cultivated worldwide, both legally (for the fiber, hemp, and seeds) and illegally (for use as a recreational drug). The plant grows to a height of twelve feet and is found growing wild in many ditches in Iowa. The leaves are hairy with 5-7 long toothed leaflets and small, greenish flowers are borne on both male and female plants.

History
More than 2,000 years ago, the ancient pharmacopeias of China listed marijuana. It was used to alleviate pain, induce sleep, and soothe nervous disorders. Marijuana was used to treat inflammations of the eye and "to cool the uterus" in ancient Egypt. First records of marijuana's use in India date back to about 800 B.C.E., when it was recommended for congestion. Marijuana also appears in the 1st century C.E. Chinese medical work, Divine Husbandman's Classic, where it was described as a treatment for "female weakness, gout, rheumatism, beri-beri, constipation, absentmindedness and malaria." By the 3rd century C.E., patients were advised to consume the leaves whole or in an infusion to relieve pain during surgery. Medieval physicians prescribed the root to relieve the agonies of gout and other painful diseases. Mixed with oil and butter, the root was used as a salve to treat burns from the newly introduced gunpowder. During the 19th century the plant was a standard painkiller for menstrual cramps.

Historical Uses

• Painkiller
• To induce sleep
• To soothe nervous disorders
• To relieve congestion
• Treatment for gout, rheumatism, malaria and beri-beri
• To relieve constipation and absentmindedness
• Salve to treat burns
• To ease menstrual pain

For more information go to the National Institutes of Health site.