Honoring Women's History Month: Women's Health & Plant Based Healing
Women, particularly Black women and those from marginalized communities, have long turned to plant-based healing for their well-being. Cannabis has played an integral role in this history, offering therapeutic benefits for mental and reproductive health. As research advances, understanding our health histories and how plant medicine aligns with our bodies is key to informed and empowered decision-making. Mental health is deeply connected to physical well-being, and cannabis offers a holistic approach to both.
Ancient Wisdom: Women and Cannabis Use
For centuries, cannabis has been a trusted healing tool in many cultures, especially in African civilizations. In ancient Egypt, women used cannabis to alleviate pregnancy-related discomfort, support spiritual ceremonies, and ease pain. This early understanding of cannabis’s medicinal properties highlights the longstanding connection between physical pain and mental distress, a link modern science continues to explore.
Women’s Mental Health and Cannabis
Managing Stress and Emotional Well-Being
Many women juggle careers, caregiving, and societal expectations, leading to chronic stress—a major contributor to depression and burnout. Cannabis, particularly strains with calming cannabinoid profiles, has been reported to promote relaxation and emotional resilience. Whether through microdosing THC or using CBD for stress management, cannabis can support mental well-being when used mindfully.
PTSD in Black Women
Black women experience disproportionately high rates of PTSD due to systemic oppression, community violence, and generational trauma. Research suggests cannabis may help reduce PTSD symptoms, such as emotional numbness and hypervigilance, improving overall quality of life. However, responses vary, and some individuals may experience side effects. A holistic approach—including therapy, mindfulness, and plant medicine—supports sustainable healing.
Eating Disorders
Women have significantly higher rates of eating disorders than men, often struggling with anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. These conditions are frequently linked to trauma and depression. Cannabis can aid in appetite regulation and emotional stabilization, with THC stimulating appetite and CBD reducing anxiety-related triggers. Addressing the mental health aspects of disordered eating is essential for long-term recovery.
CBD Infused Tampons
Cannabis and Endometriosis Relief
Women face reproductive health conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), fibroids, and painful periods. Emerging research suggests cannabis may provide symptom relief, particularly for chronic pain. A recent study on CBD-infused tampons for dysmenorrhea relief found that 40% of participants reported significant pain reduction, with some benefiting within two hours. Chronic pain from endometriosis has been linked to increased rates of depression. Effective pain management is crucial for mental well-being, and cannabis-based treatments offer a promising alternative.
Clinical Considerations
1. Reducing Opioid Dependence – Many women rely on opioids for chronic pain, but cannabis presents a safer, non-addictive alternative.
2. Harm Reduction – Cannabis may offer pain relief without the risks of opioid dependence, which is associated with increased depression and cognitive decline.
3. Historical Healing Practices – African women historically used cannabis for menstrual pain relief, yet contemporary research remains limited. Reclaiming traditional practices can empower women’s wellness.
4. Workplace Inequities – Many Black and marginalized women lack accommodations for reproductive health conditions, exacerbating stress and mental health challenges.
5. Targeted Treatments – Cannabis formulations tailored to reproductive health could improve both physical and emotional well-being.
Other Reproductive Health Applications
· Fibroids – Cannabis may help reduce inflammation and pain, which can impact mood and energy levels.
· Painful Periods – Cannabinoids interact with uterine receptors to regulate pain perception, alleviating emotional and physical strain.
· Libido & Sexual Wellness – Many women report enhanced intimacy and confidence with cannabis use, positively affecting mental health.
Women’s Heart Health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for Black women, underscoring the importance of cardiovascular health. While cannabis can aid in stress reduction, inhalation methods should be approached with caution due to potential lung harm. Edibles, tinctures, and topicals provide alternative therapeutic benefits. Since chronic stress and heart health are closely linked, cannabis’s role in stress reduction may offer long-term wellness benefits.
Conclusion
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor Black and marginalized women’s contributions to cannabis advocacy and holistic healing. By embracing traditional plant-based practices and advancing research-driven applications, women can take control of their wellness. Cannabis, when used intentionally, has the potential to bridge healthcare gaps, offering safer alternatives and improving mental health outcomes. As a mental health therapist, I encourage women to explore holistic options that support both their physical and emotional well-being.
References
· Cannabis Clinicians. (2021, July 8). Cannabis in the management of PTSD: A systematic review. Retrieved from https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/2021/07/08/cannabis-in-the-management-of-ptsd-a-systematic-review/
· Cannabis Clinicians. (2023, December 20). Efficacy and usability of a cannabidiol-infused tampon for the relief of primary dysmenorrhea. Retrieved from https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/2023/12/20/efficacy-and-usability-of-a-cannabidiol-infused-tampon-for-the-relief-of-primary-dysmenorrhea/