Over the ages, the hemp plant has been grown to obtain textile fibers for ropes and fabrics. The drunkenness and mental disorders that the men working with hemp fibers suffered are also well-known. In the 19th century, the active elements responsible for its stupefacient effect were discovered. These products are more concentrated in various indica (Indian hemp).
- Nutritional Oil
- Essential Fatty Acids
- Non-GMO
Hemp Plant Scientific Facts
- Other names: Marijuana, pot, bhang, grass, marihuana, weed, Indian hemp.
- French: Chanvre.
- Spanish: Canamo.
- Environment: Native to Central Asia, its cultivation has been spread to humid and warm regions worldwide.
- Description: The Moraceae family’s Dioie plant (with male and female organs in separate plants) grows up to 1.5 meters high. The leaves are palm-shaped, divided into five or seven segments with a toothed edge. The flowers are greenish and gather in terminal bouquets.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally: Terminal flower bouquets and fruits (hempseed).
Healing Properties and Uses
The flower bouquets of the female hemp plant, especially those of the variety indica, produce a resin known as hashish, or marijuana, that contains cannabinol. The Arabic word hashashin, meaning hashish drinkers, is the origin of the word assassin (murderer or killer). The hashashin were members of a religious sect who, when they became members, vowed to kill any person their master ordered. Their crimes were usually committed under the effects of hashish.
Hashish is generally used as a joint: a cigarette made of tobacco and hemp or hashish, which produces euphoria and, in high doses, causes senselessness, hallucinations, and madness. Habitual smoking of joints causes loss of memory and will, besides atrophy of the sex organs, produce sterility and impotence.
The hemp plant has only one medicinal use: to ease neuralgia and rheumatic pain. It is externally applied as an alcoholic tincture made of leaves and flowers in massage or lotions. Its use is not recommended, given that cannabidiol may be absorbed even through the skin and provoke stupefacient effects. Other remedies lack toxicity and are equally effective.
However, the fruits are very appreciated by birds and cattle and do not contain cannabinol. They are used as an infusion (herbal tea) to decrease cholesterol in the blood.
How to use Hemp
- Infusion with a tablespoon of seeds, steeping for ten minutes. Drink two or three cups a day.
Frequently Asked Question
What are the fundamental health benefits of consuming hemp plant products?
Because of their abundant nutritional content, hemp products provide many health benefits. The necessary fatty acids included in them, such as omega-3 and omega-6, help maintain heart health and enhance cognitive function. Hemp is also a beneficial source of plant-based protein and fiber, which can help with digestion and muscle recovery.
Can hemp plant products help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress?
Yes, hemp-derived products, such as CBD oil, have shown promise in reducing anxiety and stress levels. CBD interacts with brain receptors responsible for regulating mood and stress response, potentially promoting a sense of calmness and relaxation.
Are there any studies supporting the use of hemp plant products for pain relief?
Research suggests that CBD, a compound found in hemp, may help alleviate chronic pain by interacting with endocannabinoid receptors in the body. Studies have shown promising results in managing conditions such as arthritis, neuropathic pain, and multiple sclerosis-related pain.
How does hemp contribute to skincare and beauty products?
Hemp seed oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids, making it an excellent ingredient for skincare products. It helps moisturize and nourish the skin, while its anti-inflammatory properties may soothe irritation and promote healthy skin renewal.
Can hemp plant products aid in improving sleep quality?
Some individuals report experiencing improved sleep quality when using hemp-derived products like CBD oil. CBD may help regulate sleep patterns by interacting with receptors in the brain’s sleep-wake cycle.
Are there any potential side effects of consuming hemp plant products?
While hemp products are generally considered safe for most people, some individuals may experience side effects such as dry mouth, diarrhea, or fatigue. Additionally, CBD may interact with certain medications, so it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating it into your routine.
Can hemp plant products be beneficial for heart health?
Hemp seeds are abundant in the amino acid arginine, which stimulates nitric oxide production in the body. Nitric oxide assists in widening blood vessels, enhancing blood circulation, and perhaps reducing blood pressure. Consuming hemp seeds or hemp seed oil might strengthen your cardiovascular health.
Do hemp plant products have potential anti-inflammatory properties?
Yes, hemp-derived products like CBD have shown anti-inflammatory properties in preclinical studies. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating inflammation. Hemp products may be advantageous in controlling inflammation-related illnesses, such as arthritis or inflammatory skin problems.
Are there differences between hemp-derived CBD and marijuana-derived CBD?
While both hemp and marijuana contain CBD, hemp-derived CBD products contain minimal amounts of THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana. Hemp-derived CBD is legal in many places and is typically used for its therapeutic benefits without causing intoxication.
How can I ensure the quality and safety of hemp plant products I purchase?
When seeking high-quality and safe hemp plant products, choose brands that offer third-party lab testing results verifying the product’s potency and purity. Opt for items crafted from organically cultivated hemp to reduce contact with pesticides and other impurities. Analyzing consumer feedback and testimonials to assess the product’s efficacy and dependability is recommended.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. Vols. 1 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 152. Print. [hemp plant]
- Purdue University. https://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/ncnu02/v5-284.html
- Blessing, Esther M., et al. “Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders.” Neurotherapeutics, vol. 12, no. 4, 2015, pp. 825–836. doi:10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1.
- Russo, Ethan B. “Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain.” Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, vol. 4, no. 1, 2008, pp. 245–259.
- Callaway, J. C. “Hempseed as a nutritional resource: An overview.” Euphytica, vol. 140, no. 1-2, 2004, pp. 65–72. doi:10.1007/s10681-004-4811-6.
- Babson, Kimberly A., James Sottile, and Danielle Morabito. “Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature.” Current Psychiatry Reports, vol. 19, no. 4, 2017, p. 23. doi:10.1007/s11920-017-0775-9.
- Iffland, Kerstin, and Franjo Grotenhermen. “An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies.” Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, vol. 2, no. 1, 2017, pp. 139–154. doi:10.1089/can.2016.0034.
- Rodriguez-Leyva, Delfin, et al. “The Cardiovascular Effects of Hemp Seed.” Nutrients, vol. 12, no. 3, 2020, p. 565. doi:10.3390/nu12030565.
- Nagarkatti, Prakash, et al. “Cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs.” Future Medicinal Chemistry, vol. 1, no. 7, 2009, pp. 1333–1349. doi:10.4155/fmc.09.93.
- Pamplona, Fabricio A., Lorenzo Rolim da Silva, and Ana Carolina Coan. “Potential Clinical Benefits of CBD-Rich Cannabis Extracts Over Purified CBD in Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy: Observational Data Meta-analysis.” Frontiers in Neurology, vol. 9, 2018, p. 759. doi:10.3389/fneur.2018.00759.
- Ministry of Hemp. https://ministryofhemp.com/blog/best-cbd-oil-guide/how-to-choose-cbd-oil/.
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