When we talk about the benefits of the cannabis plant, we usually refer to its buds and leaves. This doesn’t mean its roots are of no use to humanity. In fact, there isn’t any part of the cannabis plant which is useless.
Mankind has been using the roots of the cannabis plants for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Given below are a few facts about cannabis roots that each one of us should know:
1) History of Use
The first recorded use of cannabis roots for therapeutic use can be tracked down to 2700 BCE in the Pên Ts’ao Ching – translated as The Classic of Herbal Medicine. The book affirms that the plant was used as an effective remedy for pain; the roots were dried and ground up to create a paste and applied on broken bones.
Another recorded instance comes from 79 CE when the Roman historian Pliny the Elder mentioned in Naturalis Historia that cannabis roots were boiled in water and the liquid was used to treat joint cramps, gout, and bring relief from acute pain.
The 18th century also saw William Salmon, an English physician, use a mixture of barley and cannabis root to treat pelvic joint ache and sciatica.
2) Cannabis roots make for an effective lip balm
When infused with olive oil, dried cannabis roots (powder) can make for a good lip balm. Furthermore, other oils can also be used to make effective topical applications with the same.
3) Might destroy cancer cells
There isn’t much research in this particular area; hence, we can talk about only theoretical aspects. Cannabis roots are rich in pentacyclic triterpene ketones which are believed to cause apoptosis – informally referred to as ‘programmed cell death’ in cancer cells.
4) Reduces Inflammation
Until the 20th century, many physicians in the US recommended decoctions of hemp root for relieving inflammation. Again, pentacyclic triterpene ketones present in the cannabis roots are credited for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
5) Ensures healthy cell membranes
The roots of the cannabis plant boast small quantities of choline. In case you didn’t know, choline is an essential dietary nutrient believed to be a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is vital to the maintenance of healthy cell membranes.
6) Even the roots contain CBD
Well, not just buds and flowers but even cannabis roots contain cannabinoids, although in minute quantities.
7) Possesses liver-protecting properties
A piece of research conducted in the year 1971 found that ethanol extract of the roots of the cannabis plant contains friedelin, an anti-oxidant believed to have hepaprotective (liver-protecting) properties.
