Cannabis Sativa and Lavender in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives herbs not only as physical substances but also as carriers of energy, influencing the balance of Yin and Yang, the flow of Qi (vital energy), and the state of organ meridians. Let’s explore how Cannabis sativa and lavender are understood in this system.

Cannabis sativa in TCM

TCM Name:
Huo Ma Ren (火麻仁) – literally “fire hemp seed”

Parts Used:
Primarily the seeds (non-narcotic part) and flowers in more modern adaptations.

Energetic Nature:

• Nature / Taste: Sweet, neutral to slightly cooling

• Element: Earth

• Meridians: Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine

Functions in TCM:

• Moistens the intestines – traditionally used for constipation due to blood or Yin deficiency (e.g., in older adults).

• Nourishes Yin, clears heat, and supports the flow of Qi.

• Calms the spirit (Shen) – aids sleep and reduces irritability.

• Moisturizes dryness – useful for dry skin or mucous membranes.

• Opens channels and moves stagnant Qi – flowers are now used, for example, to relieve pain, muscle tension, and anxiety.

Applications in Cosmetics & Herbal Medicine:

• Seeds: Softening and moisturizing ingredient for ointments.

• Oil extract from flowers: Used for joint issues, eczema, insomnia, and anxiety.

• CBG/CBD extracts: Considered a modern adaptation of the original principle: nourishing Yin, calming internal wind, and harmonizing the Heart and Liver.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) in TCM

TCM Name:
Not traditionally included in classical Chinese pharmacology, but in modern TCM it is adopted as a herb harmonizing the Liver and Heart, under the name Xun Yi Cao (薰衣草).

Energetic Nature:

• Nature / Taste: Warm, aromatic, slightly bitter

• Element: Fire

• Meridians: Heart, Liver, Lungs

Functions in TCM:

• Calms the spirit (Shen) – used for irritability, anxiety, and insomnia.

• Disperses Liver Qi stagnation – improves mood, harmonizes emotions, and relieves tension.

• Supports blood and Qi circulation, alleviates tension headaches.

• Aromatic nature helps with pain, menstrual discomfort, and chest stagnation.

Applications in Cosmetics & Herbal Medicine:

• Essential oil: Directly influences the Heart and Liver meridians, calms stress, aids headaches, and benefits the skin.

• Ointments & creams: Excellent for burns, eczema, and rashes.

• Combined with Cannabis: Creates a highly harmonious blend for mental calm, tension relief, and skin regeneration.

Cannabis and Lavender as a Synergistic Pair

From a TCM perspective, these two herbs complement each other beautifully:

In cosmetics and phytotherapy, their combination is ideal for regenerative balms, relaxing oils, eczema ointments, and stress-relief skincare.