Shinta Lempers, founder of Heal Mary, shares her wisdom on cannabis and its healing modalities for women.
Cannabis has been a go-to for centuries, offering relief and comfort for a myriad of ailments. Let’s dive into seven badass ways our ancestors used cannabis to boost women's health, showcasing the timeless wisdom of these ancient practices.
Health benefits women can't ignore
Cannabis brings a lot to the table for everyone, but it’s been a particularly fabulous friend to women throughout history. With conditions like headaches, depression, chronic fatigue, and eating disorders more common in women, cannabis has proven to be an effective remedy for these female-centric issues.
Women’s unique chemistry with cannabis
Ladies, your bodies react to cannabis differently than men’s. The magic mix of THC and estrogen means more pain relief for us. Plus, research shows men are more likely to experience psychosis from weed than women, making it a safer option for us gals.
Not Just About Getting High
Let’s clear this up: the medicinal use of cannabis historically wasn’t about getting high. Our ancestors used it in ways that didn’t involve smoking it like today. Instead, they used it in its natural, non-psychoactive form to reap its therapeutic benefits without the buzz. Fun fact: before we smoked weed, we were already using a vaginal medicine that contained cannabis.
Here are seven ancient, but oh-so-effective ways cannabis has supported women's health:
1. Menstrual Cramps
Back in the 19th century, doctors prescribed indica tinctures for severe menstrual cramps. Even Queen Victoria of Britain was a fan. Her doctor said, “When pure and administered carefully, it’s one of the most valuable medicines we possess.” China was also in on this secret, using cannabis to ease menstrual pain.
2. Pregnancy and Childbirth
Nowadays, saying you use cannabis during pregnancy might get you a visit from child services. But in ancient times, it was a trusted friend for managing pregnancy and childbirth pain. Neolithic women munched on cannabis flowers to ease pregnancy woes. Researchers Dr. Melanie Dreher and Dr. Ethan Russo found that cannabis was a go-to during pregnancy and childbirth in America, Africa, Asia, and Arab countries. It was used in teas, foods, and creams to fight nausea and pain.
3. Headaches
Women get the short end of the stick with migraines, thanks to hormonal ups and downs. Cannabis has been used for centuries to treat these headaches. Dr. Ethan Russo noted that between 1874 and 1942, cannabis was highly regarded by top physicians as a headache remedy.
4. Depression
Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from depression due to various biological, hormonal, and psychological factors. Ancient Mesopotamian clay tablets, dating back over 1000 years, mention azullu (cannabis) as a treatment for depression. So, ladies, we’ve been fighting the blues with green for a long time.
5. Chronic fatigue
Women, especially those in their 20s and 30s, are hit hard by chronic fatigue. Cannabis has been a nighttime ally across Europe, the Indian Himalayas, and various indigenous cultures.
6. Appetite stimulation
Struggling with eating disorders or just trying to maintain a healthy diet? Cannabis has been known to kick up your appetite, making food taste even better. This munchie effect, recognized by our ancestors, is now backed by science, proving that cannabis can help improve nutrition.
7. Wedding night
Here’s a wild one: In Tashkent (modern-day Uzbekistan), women used a mix of lamb fat and hashish to ease pain and enhance mood during their wedding night. They also enjoyed Guckan, small dried balls made from cooked cannabis, sugar, saffron, and egg white, as painkillers or even sandwich spreads. Yes, you read that right.
In short
These ancient cannabis practices are more than just old wives’ tales. They highlight the plant’s versatile healing powers that modern science is finally starting to recognise. From menstrual relief to mood enhancement, these historical uses show that cannabis has been and can continue to be, a powerful ally in women's health. Let’s embrace this ancient wisdom, talk about it in the group chat and make cannabis a staple in our wellness routines.
Shinta Lempers, mom of Evi-Aiko (6) and Kani (3) and founder of Heal Mary, is dedicated to empowering women through cannabis wellness. With a background in Dutch Criminal Law and more than a decade of experience in editing and writing, Shinta uses her expertise to normalise cannabis use for women and celebrate its healing properties. Her mission with Heal Mary is to reconnect modern women with the ancient wisdom of cannabis, promoting holistic self-care and building a supportive community that embraces the plant’s therapeutic potential.
Find our muses faves from Heal Mary in The Tiny Shop or go to www.healmary.nl to discover all of the magic Muse Shinta created with her healing brand.
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