Throughout the centuries, humans have found many ways to care for and heal their bodies. For most of history, people relied on naturally occurring minerals and plants to relieve various ailments—not over-the-counter pill bottles.

In 2019, the World Health Organization recognized a need to revisit what they called “traditional” medicine in their Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine. The report stated that “the role of traditional medicine in meeting the health needs of populations has come to the fore, and this report is another call to harness its potential to contribute to UHC (universal health coverage) and the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) through primary health care.”

One of the oldest and most widely used traditional medicine plants is cannabis. Cannabis has been used in Chinese and Indian medicine for centuries and has experienced a renaissance in the past century in the United States. Cannabis consists of two elements, non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) and psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Both parts have medicinal properties, helping ease pain, inflammation, and anxiety, as well as suppressing nausea and boosting appetite.

For those suffering from chronic illnesses, cannabis can be an excellent home remedy to use alongside more traditional medicine. Similarly, individuals experiencing occasional pain, sleeplessness, or anxiety can also benefit from its use.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, about 12 million adults in the U.S. suffer from PTSD each year. PTSD develops when someone experiences a traumatic event and can manifest in unsettling and intrusive thoughts, anxiety, depression, and sleeplessness.

Many individuals find using cannabis, along with therapy and other interventions, can help mitigate some of the effects of PTSD. CBD and THC are said to have antidepressant properties and can aid in reducing nightmares. Recent studies found people with PTSD who used cannabis reported experiencing fewer flashbacks and intrusive thoughts as well as lowered anxiety and irritability.

Cancer

Cannabis use among cancer patients has increased over the years due to extensive research. Many individuals with cancer have a great deal of pain and anxiety related to their illness. As with PTSD patients, cannabis helps reduce that anxiety. It is also found to have anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in decreasing pain and discomfort.

Individuals with cancer also experience nausea and a loss of appetite from their cancer or cancer treatment. Studies like a recent one from the University of New Mexico show consuming cannabis can decrease nausea within a matter of minutes, making it an ideal remedy for these issues.

Other Uses

Beyond its usefulness in mitigating symptoms of conditions like PTSD and cancer, cannabis can also be used to manage occasional discomfort, pain, anxiety, appetite issues, and sleeplessness. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help more than 20% of U.S. adults who suffer from chronic pain due to illness or injury.

A recent study from the Medical University of South Carolina found that those using cannabis reported better sleep and improved quality of life, making it an ideal home remedy for those suffering from sleeplessness or insomnia.

Lastly, a Mississippi State University paper confirmed reports that “CBD and other cannabinoids” benefit those with anxiety, a condition that over 40 million U.S. adults suffer from each year.

Ways to Use Cannabis as a Home Remedy

With its many benefits, there are several ways to prepare cannabis as a home remedy. One of the most popular is to smoke cannabis in a joint or blunt form. Joints are tightly rolled cigarettes, while blunts are cigars that replace cannabis leaves with tobacco leaves. An alternative to smoking is to vape cannabis. This is done using a vaporizer that heats the cannabis leaf to create a vapor for individuals to inhale.

Many individuals prefer to ingest cannabis in food or drink, such as in gummies, cookies, brownies, or even butter. Other options include chewing gum, teas, or a capsule. To ingest as food, cannabis is baked or mixed into the food item as a powder or liquid.

Some may prefer to use cannabis as an oil or cream. In its oil form, cannabis can be ingested by placing a drop under the tongue or rubbed on the skin. Many prefer to add cannabis oil to creams or salves to add moisture along with its medicinal benefits.

Adding Cannabis to Your Home Remedies

Cannabis is a holistic, natural alternative you can easily integrate as one of your home pain remedies, along with the treatments prescribed by your doctor. Found to be a great alternative to high-potency pain reducers like prescription opioids, cannabis offers relief without the potentially harmful side effects.

For most U.S. adults, Delta-8 and CBD products are available for purchase without a prescription. Other cannabis varieties may require a medical cannabis card, which can be obtained through a board-certified medical professional who is registered to prescribe cannabis. Talk with your doctor or get in touch with a licensed professional to see if you qualify and make use of this natural remedy today.

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