Topical Cannabis Poultice

Cannabis has been used as medicine since the dawn of time.
Some folks would tell you that it is simply superstition and old wives tales, but that's not true.

 In 1952 Dr.J. Kabelikovi performed tests in Europe using cannabis extract on bacteria.
These tests were similar to those used to test penicillin.

The alcohol extract of cannabis was bacterially effective against many gram-positive and one gram-negative microorganisms.

A cannabis paste applied externally was also found to be effective.

According to Kabelikovi, "from a study of 2,000 herbs by Czechoslovakian scientists it was found that cannabis indica (the Indian Hemp) was the most promising in the realm of antibiotics."

In 1960 Drs. J. Kabelik, (Director, Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology)  Z. Krejci and F. Santavy (Director, Institute of Medical Chemistry) from  the Medical Faculty of the Palacky University, Olomouc, Czechoslovakia, published a paper called "Cannabis as a Medicant".

In this paper proof was given that cannabis extracts produce a very satisfactory antibacterial effect upon the following microbes:

• Staphylococcus Pyogenes Aureus
• Steptococcus Alpha Haemolyticus
• Streptococcus Beta Haemolyticus
• Enterococcus
• Diplococcus Pneumonia
• B. Anthracis
• Corynebacterium Diptheriae

All of these are gram-positive microorganisms.

Noteworthy is the effect upon staphylococcus aureaus strains, which are resistant to penicillin and to other antibiotics.

This is great news for us today with the super bacteria that have become resistant to modern antibiotics.
( By the way, did you know that the word antibiotic comes from Greek and means 'against life'?)

The anti-bacterial properties in cannabis are from cannabidiolic acid and cannabidiol.
They are most effective against local infections, ear, nose, throat and skin infections.

One of the best ways to use this herb for local skin infections is as a poultice.
A poultice is simply macerated herb wrapped in a clean cloth and placed on the affected area.


How to Make a Poultice

Using dried herb:

• Use a mortar and pestle to grind the herbs to a powder.
• Add enough warm water to make a thick paste that can be easily applied.
• Add the water a little at a time, until the mixture is a thick paste but not stiff.
• Make enough to cover the affected area.
• Take a clean piece of gauze, large enough to cover the affected area completely, and spread the herbal preparation over it.
• Cleanse the affected area and place the poultice over it.
• Wrap the poultice in a clean cloth and hold it in place with a safety pin.

Using fresh herb:

• Put about twice as much water as herb in a pan and simmer for a few minutes. Do not drain!
• Follow the directions given for applying the dried herb poultice.

The poultice can be kept warm using a warm towel or a hot water bag.