Vijaya: The Sacred Cannabis Plant in Ayurveda and the Bridge to Modern Science
Christine de Vogel
Vijaya: The Sacred Cannabis Plant in Ayurveda and the Bridge to Modern Science
Cannabis often has a loaded image in the West, but in the Indian Ayurvedic tradition, this plant—known as Vijaya —has been recognized for thousands of years as a sacred herb and powerful medicine. In the Atharvaveda (c. 1500–1000 BCE), cannabis is even listed as one of the five sacred plants that bring joy and dispel fear.
From Shiva's herb to Ayurvedic medicine
According to legend, the Hindu god Shiva himself discovered the calming effect of cannabis. It's no wonder he's called "Lord of Bhang": protector of the traditional cannabis preparation still consumed during festivals like Holi and Maha Shivaratri.
Ayurvedic physicians have used Vijaya in microdoses for centuries for a variety of ailments:
Pain & inflammation – for arthritis, rheumatic complaints and headaches
Sleep & nervous system – for insomnia, anxiety and epilepsy
Digestion – to promote appetite and balance the “digestive fire”
Respiratory – sometimes with asthmatic complaints
Crucial here was always the correct dosage and the process of śodhana (purification), which preserved the potency of cannabis and reduced unwanted side effects.
Ayurveda meets modern science
What Ayurveda already intuitively knew is now confirmed by research: cannabis works through the endocannabinoid system (ECS) , which plays a key role in pain, sleep, mood, and immunity. CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids interact with this system and demonstrate why a single plant has such a broad spectrum of applications.
The big difference? THC is the psychoactive substance that produces a "high," while CBD, while not intoxicating, does have powerful properties such as sedative, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. This is precisely why CBD is emerging worldwide as a safe alternative for those who want to enjoy the benefits of cannabis—without the drawbacks of THC.
Bridge between old and new
Today, we're witnessing a renaissance: full-spectrum extracts, purified according to Ayurvedic principles, are finding their way into modern pharmacy. This gives patients the best of both worlds – the millennia-old knowledge of Ayurveda and the evidence-based approach of modern medicine .
At CBD & Herb, we use CBD oil from CBD Spain , developed by Peter Vermeul , a European pioneer and founder of one of the purest CBD oils on the market. Our products are inspired by the same balance of nature, science, and health that Ayurveda has relied on for thousands of years.
👉 Curious about the full history, applications, and modern scientific insights surrounding Vijaya? Read Peter Vermeul 's comprehensive research article.
For more scientific articles and the use of CBD SPAIN OIL, please also visit our Science page . ✨ Also discover our CBD Spain oils – developed according to the highest quality standards, so that you can safely and consciously benefit from the power of cannabis.
