By: Ivana Dragica |
The most healing plants in the world: hemp |
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Imagine a plant that can satisfy all human needs.
A plant that can be used as a food, medicine, fuel, clothing material, building material and even fodder.
All this is possible with well-know plant that is a “taboo” for many people - hemp, both known as cannabis, marijuana and weed.
Industrial hemp has a lower share of psychoactive substance THC and does not cause intoxication.
Its fibers, seeds and oil are very useful and have healing properties.
Indian hemp is the one that is used as a drug and has a strong psychoactive effect. But its alleged harmfulness is still under discussion.
History of hemp
Hemp is a plant that is considered the first plant man has ever planted.
Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has been used in China for at least 10 000 years.
Hemp’s therapeutic properties are known for thousands of years. In ancient Chinese inscriptions it was listed as a plant with exquisite healing effects.
But, another famous hemp usage was for making hemp cakes that cause "relaxation and happiness" (Greek physician Galen, 200 AD).
Pliny the Elder, as well as some other authors, mentioned the use of hemp for alleviating pain.
Hemp was so important that it caused a war between Rome and Carthage, which fought for dominance over hemp market.
During history it was used for making paper, quality bedding, clothing, ropes, and even weapons.
It was of paramount importance for sea voyages since it was used for making sails.
Hemp has been a very successful crop until the 1930-is, when a powerful American political lobby decided to put an end to it.
They used scientific and medical misinformation and banned hemp. Hemp was then dubbed "insanity cigarette", a cause for amoral behavior, hallucinations and various accidents.
Hemp as a food and medicine
Hemp seeds are highly nutritious. It can grow anywhere from the dry Sahara to cold Scandinavia, and thus represents an ideal solution to the problem of hunger in the world (if planting it was not forbidden).
It can be used raw, roasted, ground and in the form of oil.
Hemp seed is a rich source of all 20 amino acids, including 9 essential that the body cannot produce. It contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, D and E.
It has the perfect ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids that protect against cardiovascular diseases.
Hemp seed is the richest known source of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids.
Hemp seeds strengthen the defense system of the body, reduce cholesterol and protect blood vessels.
Hemp seed is a rich source of phytonutrients that protect the immune system, blood vessels, cells, skin and many organs. It is easily digestible and does cause not bloating and gases.
Hemp oil has a nutty flavor and green color. It is not advisable to use hemp oil for frying because valuable ingredients are destroyed in the process.
Consuming hemp oil helps prevent high cholesterol and blood pressure, increases stamina, vitalizes, accelerates wound healing, reduces inflammation, water retention, improves immune function, reduce pain and swelling caused by arthritis, relieves PMS, heals bacterial infections and strengthens the functions of the brain.
Because of its nutritional content, hemp oil is perfect for hair and skin care.
Does industrial hemp cause intoxication?
Industrial hemp seed contains small amounts of THC.
Hemp fibers and grains, unlike hashish or Indian hemp, cannot be misused for drug production because of low psychoactive component (THC).
Low concentrations of THC (0.3%) in the industrial hemp allow a completely legitimate use of hemp grain and oil.
Hemp seeds and oil can be found in health food stores.
Indian hemp (marijuana)
Indian hemp contains high levels of THC. No matter how controversial THC is, many studies prove its therapeutic significance.
Studies have shown that THC may be used in the treatment of:
- cancer and aids
- glaucoma
- multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease
- anorexia
- autoimmune diseases
- epilepsy
- asthma
- mental disorders
It has an important role to cancer patients because it relieves pain and prevents the spread of tumors.
You must be wondering, "Is there a danger in taking Indian hemp in medicinal purposes?
There is not one documented death related to marijuana or THC overdose.
It has never been proven that it causes physical addiction, even in long-time consumers.
Psychological addiction is another thing the, but tobacco is more dangerous in that regard. Even easily available alcohol is more harmful than marijuana.
Hemp – a plant for the future?
Hemp is an ideal plant for those who want to live in harmony with nature.
It is estimated that there are over 20 000 possible usages of hemp fibers and seeds.
It can be used for production of bio-fuel, eco plastics, building materials, paints, paper and fabric.
From one acre of hemp we can produce as much paper as if we used 4.1 acres of trees.
Hemp can give 250 percent more fiber than cotton, with lower consumption of water, and 600 percent more fiber than flax, planted in the same surface area.
If the plastic would be made of hemp, it would immediately decompose unlike petroleum products.
Hemp can bring many advantages to both people and the environment, but, unfortunately, it was and still remains a prohibited plant.
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