Bhang Guide

Follow these steps for a basic Bhang Thandai dish. First, fill a saucepan with two cups of water and bring to a boil on the stove. Cannabis leaves and flowers should be added to boiling water before being removed from the heat. Cover and let steep for 10 minutes before straining out the plant material. Place three cups of milk in a pan on the stovetop and warm over medium-low heat until steaming hot (about 5 minutes). To make the cannabis-infused milk, start by grinding the cannabis into a paste. Then, add a few teaspoons of warm milk and continue adding more milk until you have used about half a cup. Set the liquid aside and strain out the plant material. Next, mix together the water and milk before stirring in the remaining ingredients: spices, ground almonds, rose water, sugar or honey. Chill thoroughly before serving for best results.

Bhang is a traditional and time-honored kind of marijuana edibles, or ‘drinkables,’ in the world. Throughout Northern India, it is a popular method of consuming the plant and an important aspect of Hindu spirituality.

Let’s have a look at what bhang is and how to make your own refreshing cannabis-based drink at home.

What is Bhang?

Bhang is the name given to a paste created from the leaves and flowers of the female marijuana plant (also known as a “brick”). The term, on the other hand, has come to be associated with a beverage that is prepared using the paste.

To create bhang, marijuana leaves and flowers are first soaked in water then ground into a paste. This paste is commonly rolled into balls referred to as bhang goli. These balls range in color from green to dark brown, boast a smooth exterior, and emit a shine.

Bhang is also used to make the beverage known as ‘bhang thandai.’ It also includes milk, ground nuts, and various spices. Bhang thandai is frequently consumed during religious celebrations like Holi, and bhang is an essential element of Hinduism due to its connection with Shiva, the deity of destruction. Although this may sound frightening, in Hinduism, the notion of devastation is not seen as a negative quality because it permits new life to emerge.

Out of all the tales encompassing Shiva in Hinduism, one articulates that he came down from the barrier of mountains known as the Hindu Kush. He supposedly brought bhang with him as a gracious present to humanity. It’s written that Shiva himself consumes bhang on a daily basis to amplify his abilities–to such an extent that he has earned the nickname, ‘Lord of Bhang.’ The connection between Shiva and marijuana is so potent that there’s even a cannabis strain bearing his name; learn more about it in our review of Shiva Skunk below.

Bhang’s use is very socially acceptable and common in India. In fact, when the British colonized the country during the 19th century, they realized that outlawing its consumption would result in too much civil unrest. Therefore, they permitted its continued use and it can be bought presently from government-sanctioned stores–particularly in Northern regions of India.

Five Health Benefits of Bhang

Few people know that ‘Bhang’ or Cannabis/Marijuana has remarkable medicinal value. If consumed in moderation, here are five health benefits Bhang can provide.

Bhang is most commonly known for its ability to cause mild intoxication, but this traditional substance can do much more than that. For example, it is offered as a religious offering to Lord Shiva during Mahashivratri, one of the biggest festivals in Hinduism. Additionally, Bhang is served as a milky and buttery drink during the festival of Holi. Although many people are attracted to Bhang because of its intoxicating properties, few know about all of the other benefits it has to offer.

Cannabis, also known as marijuana or bhang, is a substance with many medicinal benefits. We’ve compiled a list of five exceptional health benefits that you can achieve through balanced consumption of cannabis. Keep in mind that too much of anything is bad for you!

Reduces Depression, Anxiety, and Stress

Your head might go round and round when you smoke cannabis because of the minor intoxication, but this intoxication can cause you to forget your problems, sadness, or anxiety. The plant was discovered as a stress reliever at an early age in Ayurveda and used to treat mental concerns.

Soothes Distress in Nerves

If you have problems with your nerves, smoking bhang is not a terrible choice. The plant soothes agitated nerves and alleviates a variety of ailments immediately.

Helps in Reducing Weight

Obesity is a very hot topic these days. Indigestion and other stomach and intestine issues are frequently the reason for constant weight gain. You may relieve your digestive disorders while treating yourself with bhang in the proper dosage, resulting in a substantial weight reduction over a short period of time.

Elderly health Issues can be Treated with Bhang

During old age, issues like arthritis and multiple sclerosis might take away the zest from your existence. Consuming bhang may genuinely help as it is thought to cure elderly health problems such as arthritis.

Cures Skin issues

You can rub bhang leaves on your skin to relieve sunburn and chapped skin. They may be used to heal wounds as well. Bhang has a cooling and soothing influence on the skin, making it a great remedy for severe sunburn.

Bhang Thandai Recipe

Bhang thandai is a marijuana-based beverage that can be easily made at home with a few simple ingredients. You can find several recipes online with a quick search.

It is simple to purchase bhang in India, select some goli, and process it with the rest of the ingredients in a food processor. However, in the West, we must be more creative.

The only kitchen tool you need to make bhang the traditional way is a mortar and pestle. By using this, you can have your own drink ready in almost no time and with very little effort.

Why not try making this delicious and easy bhang thandai recipe in your own kitchen?

Ingredients of Bhang Thandai

• 1 litre milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon almonds
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron
• 1/2 tablespoon bhang seed powder
• 1/4 cup dry rose petals
• 2 cup water
• 1/2 tablespoon aniseed
• 11 peppercorns
• 2 green cardamom
• 1 tablespoon melon seeds

How to make Bhang Thandai

• Soak the seeds and almonds

If you have all the ingredients on-hand, this Bhang Thandai recipe takes only minutes to prepare! Soak aniseeds, almonds, watermelon seeds, bhang and rose petals in 2 cups of water and grind to make a smooth paste. If you prefer it creamier, set some almonds aside to make a separate paste that can be added later according to taste preference.

• Boil the milk with other ingredients

First, boil the milk and set it aside. Then, pour water into the paste mixture and strain with a piece of muslin. To the strained liquid, add sugar, peppercorns, powdered cardamom and saffron. Be sure to mix well before adding milk to the mixture.

• Garnish and serve Bhang Thandai chilled!

Slice some almonds and pistachios for decoration. Let the drink chill before you enjoy it!

Tips

1. Make your Bhang Thandai even more delicious by adding some fresh cream. This will add a nice creamy texture to the drink.
2. You may add a bit more creaminess to the mixture by soaking the almonds overnight and then grinding them into a fine powder.
3. For an extra aromatic twist, add rose water, dried & crushed rose petals, and cardamom powder.

Final Thoughts

Bhang is a centuries-old way of consuming cannabis that is prevalent among the Hindu population of Northern India. It’s used to help you relax and focus, as well as having a variety of health advantages.

Bhang thandai is a drink traditionally made with bhang and consumed during religious festivals. You can easily make your own bhang thandai at home using just a few basic items, and it makes for a delicious and refreshing way to enjoy your weed.

If you have consumed cannabis in edibles before, you know that the effects can be stronger than other methods and usually take about two hours to kick in. To avoid any undesirable side effects, it is best to start with a small amount of bhang first. Wait until the initial effects settle in before consuming more.