Uses for Indica, which is a form of Cannabis, was originally cultivated in Afghanistan in the Hindu Kush region, or the area around Tibet. The plant thrived in the harsh climate. A botanist who found the plant in India gave it the scientific name Cannabis Indica, and the plant gradually found its way over into the United States. Indica belongs to the Cannabis family, but its leaves are broader than those of its close relative, Cannabis Sativa. Indica is also usually darker green in color as well.
Growers and Indica
While Sativa grows tall and thin, growers who want to grow Indica strains often grow them indoors, because Indica grows shorter and thicker. In addition, the plants can be planted more closely together, which may produce more of a yield than the traditional 1.5 ounces to 2 ounces per plant. Because the potency of Indica plants have higher THC levels than Sativa, many growers favor Indica plants over Sativa. The Indica plants usually flower at between 8-12 weeks, and the buds (or nuggets), which are dense and sticky grow around the marijuana nodes.
Why Indica is Grown
Indica can be cultivated for its aromas, which have been described as piney, earthy, as well as sweet or sugary. The terpenes, which are organic compounds found in the plant, are also found in other aromatic plants such as rosemary, sage and pine. Researchers have noted that the terpenes have been found in the essential oils of many medicinal plants, as well as some vitamins, such as Vitamin A.
Research has also indicated that organic compounds within Cannabis indica has many medicinal properties. The compounds have been noted for helping with mental energy and focus. Indigenous tribes have used the plant within their traditional medicines for memory retention and to focus the mind for a difficult task. California dispensaries have noted that people purchase India for its use when people are sick with colds, as it may relieve symptoms of excess mucus and help to open the airways when people are ill with a cold. Other people Indica from a dispensary in Orange County because it has antiseptic properties.
Medicinal Properties of Indica
Indica plants usually have higher levels of CBD oils than Sativa strains. The Indica strains have been studies for their ability to provide pain relief and muscle relaxation. Other medicinal properties of Indica include an effect of an analgesic because of the higher levels of CBD oils. People who use Indica may feel the effects of the plant are focused in the body rather than in the mind, which may explain the muscle relaxation.
Some patients have used Indica to find relief from pain –especially chronic pain — and large muscle spasms, such as back or leg spasms. The properties of Indica may also help with symptoms of anxiety and nausea, as well as stimulate someone’s appetite. The plant may also give some people help with symptoms of insomnia.
Indica has been used in medical marijuana dispensaries in Santa Ana with people who suffer from chronic diseases like fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis, as well as autoimmune diseases such as lupus. In addition, some cancer patients have used Indica for its medical properties of both pain and nausea relief, which can help individuals undergoing chemotherapy and well as complications from the cancer itself.
Because of the positive results of CBD oils, Indica growers have increasingly concentrated their efforts on growing plants with higher levels of CBD for its medicinal properties. These strains are being grown for their commercial medicinal value rather than for the levels of THC, which was previously in vogue.
One of the best benefits to using Indica rather than Sativa is because Indica does not have hallucinogenic properties, so individuals who are looking for those benefits for medicinal purposes should use the Sativa strain of Cannabis. Indica, known for its sedative effects, is often used to provide temporary relief from insomnia. It is estimated that one in three people suffers from insomnia at least a few weeks out of the year, and more than one in five people may suffer from chronic insomnia, which means that they are losing sleep an average of more than 3 times a week for more than six months. It is possible that Indica could help with the relief of symptoms of insomnia, which may include anxiety as well.
While Indica is not as well known as Sativa, it may provide individuals who have chronic disease symptoms with some medicinal benefits, as well as people undergoing chemotherapy who have nausea and vomiting symptoms. Indica may provide relief from ongoing insomnia as well.
