Abstract

EXPLORING BHANGA TOXICITY: AYURVEDIC APPROACHES TO POISONING, PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

Dr. Ved Bhushan Sharma* and Prof. Dr. Ramesh Chandra Tiwari

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Abstract

Bhanga (Cannabis sativa Linn.), a revered medicinal plant in Ayurveda, is extensively utilized for its therapeutic effects such as vedanasthapana (pain relief), nidrajanana (inducing sleep), and manah-prasadan (mental calmness). However, when consumed improperly, excessively or by vulnerable individuals, it may act as a vishadravya (toxic substance), leading to a spectrum of deleterious effects. This dual nature of Bhanga makes it a unique and critical subject within the domain of Agad Tantra. This article explores Bhanga vishakta (Bhanga poisoning) from an Ayurvedic perspective— highlighting the causative factors (hetu), pathogenesis (samprapti), dosha involvement, clinical features (lakshana), and both classical and contemporary management strategies. Typical symptoms of Bhanga visha include delirium, hallucinations, increased heart rate, impaired cognition, and behavioral disturbances—correlating with vatapittaja vikaras in Ayurvedic pathology. Ayurvedic management involves shodhana (purificatory procedures), shamana (palliative therapies), and the use of specific vishaghna dravyas (antidotal herbs) like Vacha, Haridra, and Brahmi. Supportive measures, dietary regulations (pathya-apathya), and mental health balancing interventions such as manasika chikitsa and sattvavajaya therapy are also integral. This paper thus emphasizes the critical need for public awareness and practitioner readiness in addressing herbal substance misuse under the light of Agad Tantra.

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