How Safe Is It To Drink Bhang Thandai During Holi? Know Possible Side Effects!
Health
Published on: 20-Mar-2024
10 min read
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Lalita Vishwakarma
How Safe Is It To Drink Bhang Thandai During Holi? Know Possible Side Effects!
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Hello readers! Holi 2024 is all around the corner, and so is our happiness. Well, Holi is one of the most fun-filled festivals in India, and everyone enjoys the day with lots of colours, delicious food, and drinks. From Gulaal to Gujiya and Pichkari to Bhang Thandai, all the Holi essentials are about fun, fun, and more fun! Even songs like “Itna maza kyu aa rha hai, tune hawaon me bhang milaya” from the famous movie "Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani" have romanticised celebrating Holi while drinking bhang thandai.
Thandai, a traditional drink that means "cooling off," has gained popularity and has become the must-have drink during Holi. But, have you ever thought about whether this bhang thandai is good for your health or not? Well, consuming it in excess can affect your health. Bhang is prepared with dried leaves and buds of the Cannabis Sativa plant, which affects human brain. Not only this, but it may also impact your cognitive function. So, read the blog to know more about the side effects of "Bhang Thandai"!
Table Of Contents
What Is The Bhang Drink In Holi?
Potential Side Effects Of Drinking Bhang Thandai On Holi
How Many Hours Does Bhang Last?
Are Thandai And Bhang Same?
Is Bhang Legal During Holi?
The Final Say
FAQs
References
What Is The Bhang Drink In Holi?
Well, bhang drink or bhang thandai is made from the leaves and buds of the Cannabis sativa plant. The leaves are first dried and then ground into a paste, which is then added to different foods like gujiyas or pakoras and drinks like thandai.
Bhang in Holi is not new to India; in fact, it has been consumed by individuals for centuries. You will be shocked to know that Cannabis consumption is usually illegal and banned in most parts of the country, but its use in the form of bhang is allowed.
Even government-authorised shops sell bhang in many cities in India. During "Mahashivratri" and "Holi," many individuals prefer it as lassi, thandai, or simply bhang goli.
Potential Side Effects Of Drinking Bhang Thandai On Holi
As already said, bhang thandai has side effects on the mind and body of the person, so here are the common changes that you may feel if you overdose on bhang thandai:
1. Affects The Nervous System
Bhang directly hits your central nervous system, which can cause you to experience a range of emotions, such as crying and laughing, depression, talkativeness, and more. Sometimes, the person also experiences anxiety or panic reactions, which can last a few minutes to hours after consumption.
2. Lowers The Blood Pressure
It also accelerates the heart rate and lowers the blood pressure, which can result in dizziness. If you have any pre-existing heart condition, you may also feel chest discomfort, breathing problems, and cramping. As blood pressure falls, the blood vessels and capillaries dilate, causing increased blood flow to the eyes, which appear red.
3. Affects Your Thinking Ability
It's important to know that using too much bhang can have adverse effects on your memory and ability to learn. You may be processing things more slowly and have trouble focusing for a few weeks.
4. May Cause Lung Problems
Just like smoking tobacco can harm your lungs, using bhang unnecessarily can cause a persistent cough and increased phlegm. Prolonged use of bhang can also result in severe lung problems.
5. May Cause Xerostomia
Excessive use of bhang leads to a condition called xerostomia, or dry mouth. It decreases salivation and results in oral sores and bad breath.
How Many Hours Does Bhang Last?
When you consume bhang, the time it takes to work depends on how much you take. Generally, it takes between 30 to 90 minutes to feel its effects. The effects of THC, the active ingredient in bhang, reach their highest point after 2-3 hours of ingestion and can last between 4 to 12 hours. So, it's important to be mindful of how much you consume and plan accordingly.
Are Thandai And Bhang Same?
Although both thandai and bhang are used as drinks, they are not similar. Bhang is a drink made by drying and grinding the buds and leaves of the cannabis plant and is commonly consumed during Holi in India. Thandai, on the other hand, is a milk-based drink made with nuts and seeds.
Thandai contains dry fruits and cooling things like Elaichi, thus providing the body with a good amount of nutrients and minerals, whereas overdosing on bhang leads to severe side effects. You can drink thandai in summer to cool down your body, but bhang is only used in limited quantities, and that is also true during Holi and other festivals.
Also Read: 6 Best Immunity Boosting Drinks
Is Bhang Legal During Holi?
In India, the use of cannabis resin and flowers is illegal under the NDPS Act of 1985. However, Bhang, which is made from its seeds, stems, and leaves, is legal. The medicinal value of the cannabis plant is recognised in Ayurveda, and it was even referred to as the "penicillin of Ayurvedic medicine" in 1894 by the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission. The Atharvaveda, an ancient Hindu sacred scripture, also mentions the use of the cannabis plant and describes it as one of the five most sacred plants on earth.
The Final Say
It is good to enjoy festivals while eating a variety of foods and drinks, but let's not forget about our health. Compromising health over fun may result in severe side effects. While enjoying the famous bhang thandai for Holi, it is important to take account of its quality and quantity.
Although we do not recommend you consume bhang, if you still want it, then consult your doctor if you have any premedical condition and remember, overdosing on anything is just bad for your health.
FAQs
1. What is the major difference between bhang and thandai?
Bhang is made by drying and grinding the leaves and flowers of the cannabis sativa plant, while thandai is usually prepared using milk, nuts, and seeds.
2. Is bhang harmful to the body?
Bhang has some health benefits, but when consumed in moderation. Its overdose may lead to some side effects like:
Dizziness
Hallucination
Anxiety
May alter brain activities
3. How do you make thandai Holi drink?
To make your thandai for Holi at home, you need to soak dried fruits like almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, raisins, and sunflower seeds for about 5-6 hours. Now, blend the soaked nuts in a blender. Then, boil 1 glass of milk in a hot pan and add the mixture to it. Cook for 5-10 minutes and serve when it becomes cool.
4. Is bhang good for health?
Yes, bhang Thandai has many health benefits when consumed in moderation, as it protects against muscle spasms, seizures, pain, and vomiting. Remember not to overdose on it as it may cause severe side effects.
5. What is the intoxicating drink during Holi?
Usually, bhang thandai or bhang lassi is famous for its intoxicating drink during Holi.
6. Can we eat bhang daily?
No, you cannot, as it can cause severe side effects to your body ranging from dizziness, hallucinations, and anxiety to retarding your mental health. So, it is not at all advised to eat bhang in any form daily.
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