Cannabis Elixir

"A glass in the morning is guaranteed to relieve symptoms and leave a pleasant feeling that last all day."

Cannabis based Elixirs were common medicines in the United States in the 19th and early 20th centuries.  These elixirs were prepared from the leaf and bud of the Cannabis plant and offered syptomatic relief for common colds, flu, general aches and pains, rheumatism, gout, and arthritis.  Sadly, Cannabis Elixirs were taken off the market with the prohibition of Marijuana.  But with evidence now demonstrating the anti-inflamatory and analgesic powers of the Cannabinoids, it has become clear that the claims made for these early elixirs had real merit.

Elixirs allow for the administration of natural cannabinoids in a liquid "cough syrup" form that coats the throat and is readily absorbed into the body through the GI tract.  In addition, other ingredients, including other herbs, may be added during the elixirs preparation to provide combined benefits.

Cannabis Elixir Recipe

Here is a simple elixir recipe provided to us by James Freire, M.A.

Cannabis Elixir

James Freire, M.A.

This is a re-creation of an old remedy from the 1800’s. It involves suspending the cannabinoids in sugar syrup in what is known as a micellized solution. This is a very easy process similar to making candy but one should use care when evaporating alcohol (a distillation device makes this part very nice).

To begin, thoroughly dry the herb to be used and make a strong tincture (190 proof is best). Grind it to a powder and then just cover with alcohol and let it stand somewhere dark for a couple weeks. After this is done strain the alcohol from the herb and save it. The herb is now spent and can be thrown out. Place the tincture in a double boiler over ELECTRIC heat and reduce the volume in half. After this add ½ the remaining volume of tincture in honey or some other syrup and 4-6 vitamin E caps (e.g.: if you have 2 quarts of tincture after reducing you would add 1 quart of honey). This is when you can add other herb tinctures and flavors (I use a root beer flavor base). Continue to reduce the volume with constant stirring until you have nearly boiled it down to the original volume of syrup that you began with. Let this cool and bottle in dark glass, then store in the refrigerator. Depending on the original strength of the herb, the dosage should be between a teaspoon and a couple tablespoons.

This basic recipe can be used to create an elixir from any tincture and the basic cannabis elixir can be modified for specific ailments. For example, adding syrup of elderberry makes this without a doubt the most effective treatment for influenza that exists. Kava can be added for greater pain control and sedation. With a little study of herbal medicine you can customize the blend for specific ailments. There are many uses for this syrup, but my family has come to rely on it as our sole treatment for colds and flu when made with elderberry and cats claw.

original post: http://www.letfreedomgrow.com/recipes/elixir.htm

"Cannabis indica is one of the best additions to cough mixtures that we possess, as it quiets the tickling in the throat, and yet does not constipate or depress the system as does morphine." --- Practical Therapeutics (1895) By Hobart Hare

"Do ya good and hep ya too." - Dr. Clarke