Sativa or indica for diarrhea and IBS?

Digestive discomfort, including symptoms of diarrhea and IBS, can disrupt daily life and leave people searching for effective ways to manage it. While there’s no cure for these conditions, cannabinoids and terpenes have shown the potential to support overall digestive wellness.* 

Exploring the differences between sativa and indica terpene profiles may help you better understand which might suit your needs.

What to know about digestive discomfort

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diarrhea are often linked to gut discomfort and bloating. These symptoms may arise from stress, diet, or an imbalance in the gut’s natural processes. 

Research suggests the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a key role in maintaining digestive balance.* The ECS helps regulate various processes, including gut motility and responses to stress.

How can cannabinoids support gut health?

Cannabinoids like CBD and THC can interact with cannabinoid receptors found throughout the body, supporting our own internally produced endocannabinoids in promoting balance and wellness.* 

Because the gut is home to many cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoids, the phytocannabinoids found in cannabis and hemp plants can potentially help to calm the gut and support a sense of relaxation.* Additionally, terpenes — naturally occurring compounds in hemp plants — may enhance these effects.*

What do sativa and indica mean?

Sativa and indica are two types of cannabis varieties. While all cannabis plants contain cannabinoids, different breeding and crossbreeding practices can lead to different cannabis and terpene profiles. Typically, cannabis strains will fall into one of three categories: sativa, indica, or hybrid (a mix of both). 

Sativa strains are known for their uplifting and energizing effects. The strains often feature terpenes like limonene, which may help support emotional wellness. Sativa also tends to have a higher level of THC, the well-known psychoactive cannabinoid, which contributes to its stronger mental effects.* 

Indica strains, meanwhile, are associated with calming and relaxing effects. Indica-leaning products often contain terpenes like myrcene, which may help promote feelings of physical ease and tranquility.* 

Indica strains typically have more CBD than THC, which is why many find the effects of indica to be milder and more calming than sativa. Many users describe indica as offering more of a “body high” rather than the energizing mental high associated with sativa.*

When considering digestive health, it’s important to focus on how these variations might influence your overall wellness.

Which is better for digestive health?

When it comes to digestive health, both sativa and indica have their benefits. Because of the gut-brain axis, mental and emotional stress can be a main trigger for IBS and digestive upset. 

Cannabinoids like CBD work with the ECS to help the body respond to stressors and encourage healthy stress levels, which can help calm the gut.*

Indica-leaning profiles, often associated with relaxation, may be helpful when digestive discomfort is accompanied by stress or tension.* These products could help ease discomfort and support a calmer state, helping the body address gut-related issues.*

On the other hand, sativa-leaning profiles may provide uplifting effects, supporting emotional balance during challenging times.* For some, this could be beneficial in managing stress-related triggers for IBS or diarrhea.

It’s worth noting that cannabis and hemp products don’t treat IBS or diarrhea directly. Instead, they support the body’s natural systems, promoting relief, relaxation, and overall wellness.*

How to choose the right product

When exploring cannabinoids for digestive wellness, the key is to identify what your body needs. If your symptoms are primarily tied to stress and tension, an indica product might provide calming support. If you’re looking to maintain emotional balance during digestive distress, a sativa option could offer uplifting benefits.*

Quality matters, so look for products that are third-party tested to ensure purity and potency. Working with a healthcare provider or wellness expert can also help guide your choices.

The bottom line

Exploring the potential benefits of the hemp plant and its sativa and indica terpene profiles can be a helpful step in managing digestive wellness. By understanding your body’s needs and choosing high-quality, third-party-tested products, you can find support for emotional balance and gut relaxation.* 

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Sources:

Stress and The Sensitive Gut | Harvard Health Publishing

The role of the endocannabinoid system in the brain-gut axis | PMC

Endocannabinoids in the Gut | PMC

What Is the Gut-Brain Connection? | Cleveland Clinic

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Manipulating the Endocannabinoid System as First-Line Treatment | PMC