What Is Bhang And How Is It Made?

BHANG IS A TRADITION

Discover why the Hindu deity Shiva continuously drinks bhang to enhance his magical powers. This easy recipe will allow you enjoy the benefits of a beverage consumed by humans for millennia in the comfort of your own home. Bhang has a rich history in India where it is quite socially acceptable. It is used for religious ceremonies and in Ayurvedic medicine. Those who are smoke and vape-shy will find this recipe to be a refreshing and powerful addition to their edibles menu.

A GIFT FROM THE GODS

Bhang is a traditional drink from northern India. It is intrinsic to the many cultures there. The prohibition of cannabis that affects the rest of India is waived in these regions. Bhang is made from cannabis flowers and leaves, milk, water, spices, and sometimes yoghurt. It is available in government sanctioned stores of religious villages, and the ingredients are sold in street stalls. Bhang goli, which are balls of bhang paste already prepared with the other ingredients, are common. Legend has it that Shiva descended from the Kush mountain range to give bhang as a gift to humanity.

BHANG FOR HEALTH

The potent medicinal effects of cannabis that are now being proven by modern science have been practiced for millennia in Ayurvedic medicine. Cannabis in bhang was recommended for digestive troubles, headache, and migraines, as well as for all types of pain and as a fever treatment. The list of maladies treatable with cannabis is of course far more extensive.

IT’S OKAY TO BHANG

There is no stigma at all in provinces where cannabis has been a part of daily life since the beginning of Hindu culture. Drinking bhang daily is part of the social fabric and it is a tenet of many religious rituals. Bhang is consumed to enhance sexual intercourse during tantric yoga and is recommended for young brides on their wedding night. Vedic scriptures refer to cannabis as a sacred plant and the consumption of bhang is considered a way to worship Shiva.

BHANG CAN BE POWERFUL

Just as there are many different strengths to cannabis, so are there different potencies to bhang; from gentle to dayglo tripping, or cruisy smiles to crashed and wasted. Be careful when first trying this drink; digesting cannabis can multiply the effects tenfold. There may be a delay while the body processes the cannabinoids, but then the effects will certainly come on strong.

BHANG RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 4 grams fresh cannabis flowers
• 4 grams fresh cannabis leaves
• 3 cups warm milk
• ½ cup sugar or tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon ground almonds
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• A pinch garam masala
• 1 teaspoon grenadine

Directions:

1. Bring water to a boil in a medium-sized pot
2. Add all of the cannabis
3. Gently boil for at least 10 minutes
4. Remove from heat and add two tablespoons of the milk and combine well
5. Slowly add the rest of the milk and almonds, stirring continuously 
6. Strain the mix to remove all of the cannabis solids and larger almond chunks 
7. Add the rest of the ingredients and combine thoroughly
8. Chill well and serve

An easy twenty minutes at the stove lets you enjoy a refreshing drink and healthful tonic that has been appreciated for thousands of years. Enjoy this super green gift from Shiva.