The Surprising Benefits of Hemp

I’m genuinely amazed by the versatility of this astounding material. It must be one of the most useful, natural materials on this planet. Read on to discover the surprising benefits of hemp.

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The Surprising Benefits of Hemp

It absorbs toxic materials. It was planted at Chernobyl and it removed chemicals from the soil better than any other plant.

It contains a nutrient that is also in breast milk.

In 1941, Henry Ford displayed a car that was made from soybean, hemp and plastics which was lighter than steel and withstood 10 times an impact – without denting.

Walls made from hemp are rot free, pest free, mould free and fire-resistant. Hemp plastics are biodegradable.

Can reduce carbon emissions.

Can be used for wood and paper; 1 acre of hemp can produce as much paper a year as 4 acres of trees.

It has powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It has been used as food and medicine in China for at least 3000 years.

Until about 1820s, more than 80% of all clothing and textiles were hemp. One of the oldest relics of human industry is a bit of hemp fabric dating back to 8000 BCE.

In 1533, Henry VIII made hemp cultivation compulsory by law. For every 60 acres, farmers had to grow 1/4 acre of flax or hemp or face a fine.

The Health Benefits of Hemp

The Seeds

They are one of the most nutritionally dense foods containing:-

• Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
• a high protein content. More than 25% of their total calories are high-quality proteins.
• a good source of vitamin E and minerals such as magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc.
• high amounts of soluble and insoluble fibre which benefits digestive health; if they are eaten whole.

Eating the seeds may reduce your risk of heart disease because of the high amounts of arginine, an amino acid which produces nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a gas molecule that makes blood vessels dilate and relax, leading to lowered blood pressure.

Hemp seeds may reduce the symptoms of PMS and menopause which could be caused by sensitivity to the prolactin hormone. The Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in hemp seeds produce prostaglandin E1 which reduces the effects of prolactin. GLA may regulate the hormone imbalances and inflammation associated with the menopause.

The cannabidiol (CBD) content of these seeds may help with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease for example.

The Oil

Studies have shown that giving people hemp seed oil to eczema sufferers may improve blood levels of omega 3 and 6 which could affect immune responses in our bodies. The oil may relieve dry skin, improve itchiness and reduce the need for skin medication.

It could reduce acne. If your skin is dry, it can overproduce oil which can stimulate acne. Hemp oil does not clog pores and it moisturises your skin.

GLA, as mentioned earlier, is also a powerful anti-inflammatory. It encourages skin growth and new cell regeneration. This can help to calm inflammation and irritation on the skin; therefore helping to relieve conditions like psoriasis.

It could help to relieve pain, though more research is needed.

Finally, the oil has anti-ageing properties because it can reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

My Uses of Hemp

About 6 years ago, I developed adult acne (see my “Aggravating Acne post”). I read it somewhere that eating hemp seeds may help. I started to eat them and I did see a massive reduction in my spots. I eat about 2tbsp a day in my porridge.

A couple of years ago, I noticed that one of my friends had a lovely, smooth complexion. She told me she had been using hemp oil so I’d thought I try it. Over time, I noticed that my skin looked much better. I’m hoping over time, that the anti-ageing properties will work for me, as well!

Body and Mind Botanicals Organic Hemp Tea

I have recently discovered this tea. It has CBD added to it which is known to relieve stress, pain and aid sleep.

The cannabis is organic and is grown in the UK. It is independently lab tested to ensure the safe levels of CBD.

The teabags contain no glues, plastics, metals or chemicals and can be re-brewed. Or you could buy it in a loose-leaf form.

The brand has over 60 5* reviews.

It costs £10.99 for 10 tea bags and each contains 40mg of CBD. Not more than 70mg a day is advised in the UK, unless a different amount is recommended by your doctor.

This tea is also available in peppermint and ginger. Also, Body and Mind Botanicals supply, CBD in a chocolate form, oil and as a roll-on for pain.

I have tried this tea and I’m impressed. It was refreshing and I felt calm after I drank it. Also, it did improve the quality of my sleep and I used the tea bag twice and found it had the same effect. I will definitely buy it again because I do suffer from intermittent insomnia.

Caution

It is advised to leave a 2-hour gap between CBD and any medication. Check with your doctor if you are interested in trying these or any CBD products. Finally, don’t consume these products if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Sources

westword.com, thehempshop.co.uk, ministryofhemp.com, edenproject.com, britishhempassociation.co.uk, healthline.com, medicalnewstoday.com, food.gov.uk