8 Facts About Cannabis Roots

8 Facts About Cannabis Roots

8 Cannabis Roots Facts You Never Knew Before from CannabisNet on Vimeo.

While we all have the cannabis buds to be thankful for, that’s not all there is to the versatile cannabis plant. Everything about the plant can be used, including its stems and roots; two of the most underutilized parts of cannabis.

It may seem strange to use cannabis roots, but they’ve actually been used since historical times.

Here are 8 facts about cannabis roots:

Cannabis roots have been used since ancient times. The first recorded use of hemp roots was discussed in Chinese medical literature over 5,000 years ago. It says that juice derived from hemp roots were used as a diuretic, and it was also used to stop hemorrhage in Chinese women after giving birth. Other Chinese literature also indicates that hemp root was used in making gun powder.

Sometime during 77-79 CE, Pliny the elder, a known Roman historian, published the uses of hemp root in his book called Natural Histories. According to him, hemp root, when boiled in water, was an effective remedy for treating gout, joint stiffness, and other disorders. Pliny also said that raw hemp root could be used topically for burn wounds.

Cannabis roots can reduce inflammation. While cannabis in many forms is ingested or consumed to treat many kinds of inflammation, its roots can also help treat it. This is because cannabis roots contains a compound called pentacyclic triterpene ketones, which are known for its ability to effectively crush inflammation as well as bacteria.

Cannabis roots supports liver health. Although the current research on cannabis roots’ liver-protecting properties is limited, studies have found that the ethanol extraction of cannabis roots contains an antioxidant called friedelin, which is known for its liver-protecting ability.

Cannabis roots have lots of topical applications. Creating a dry, powdered cannabis root formulation can be used as a poultice to treat a wide range of skin conditions. These include burns, cuts, and dermatitis. It can also be used in a salve, balm, or oil to treat pimples, blisters, herpes, dysmenorrhea, sore throats, asthma, tension pains, headaches, and more. In a 1957 paper, boiled cannabis root together with leaves was used to treat cuts in the skin in India.

Cannabis roots are beneficial for childbirth. Not only were cannabis roots used to ease the pains of childbirth by the Chinese during ancient times, but concoctions including the flowers and seeds were also used for labor in the past few centuries. Women used to inhale its vapor to release tensions during difficult labor.

Cannabis roots contain important terpenes. Terpenes are one of the most important plants of a part, cannabis or not. And just like its leaves, the roots of the cannabis plant also contain therapeutic terpenes which give it a fragrance and also have medicinal benefits. A 2016 study revealed that hemp root contains epifriedelanol, which shows potential as an anti-tumor compound.

Cannabis roots may help fight off cancer. In lab studies, extracts of a Malaysian plant called Phyllanthus watsonii was effective in inhibiting the growth of colon cancer cells. The plant extracts contained both friedelin and epifriedelanol, which are found in cannabis roots. Apoptosis was also observed, a process where the cancer cells commit suicide.

Cannabis roots are rich in nutrients. Studies show that cannabis roots contain minimal amounts of cannabinoid acids, which can still contribute to better health and well-being when used regularly. Plant roots are responsible for finding and storing the nutrients that the plant needs to stay healthy, so it’s no surprise that its roots also contain choline, an important nutrient that plays many important roles in the body including nerve health, liver health, and brain health. Choline is also necessary for healthy cell membranes.

Using Cannabis Roots

Cannabis roots can be used in a multitude of ways to maximize its medicinal benefits:

Tea: The roots can be boiled to make a potent healing tea. It may be bitter, but you can add some coconut oil while brewing to release fat-soluble terpenes as well as the beneficial ketones found in cannabis roots.

Powders: Grinding cannabis root into a fine powder is one of the most traditional ways to use it. It can then be used as a supplement for food, to fill capsules, and add into beverages. Ground cannabis root powder can also be mixed into a cream or lotion and made into a topical.

Topical: Boiled or powdered cannabis root can be used directly on the affected area on the skin to treat pain, abrasions, itches, and rashes.

If you grow your own cannabis, make sure not to throw out the roots next time and try one of these.

8 Cannabis Roots Facts You Never Knew Before from CannabisNet on Vimeo.