Hemp (Cannabis sativa) – Hemp immediately makes us think of drugs.  But there is no need for that!  Marijuana is made from a different plant of the same family.  Hemp contains such a tiny amount of THC (the psychoactive chemical found in marijuana) that it has no negative effects on humans.  Hemp is actually one of the most healthful plants ever known to mankind.  On top of that, it lends itself to the production of paper, cosmetics, building materials, textiles, non-toxic diesel fuel, paint, varnish, detergent, ink, lubricating oil, etc.  Hemp is an unpretentious plant that can be grown in many climates. 

History:  Hemp has been known to mankind for at least 10,000 years.  A piece of hemp fabric has been found that dates back to 8,000 BC.  Throughout history, whole populations have survived off hemp seed in times of famine.  Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines have prescribed hemp for a myriad of diseases.  Hemp was grown by farmers in the United States for hundreds of years.  The United States presidents Washington and Jefferson grew hemp and praised it in their writings.  Hemp was a major American crop in the 18th and 19th centuries, until a man named Harry Anslinger began promoting anti-marijuana legislation around the world, causing the prohibition of hemp cultivation in 1937.  During World War II, when the U.S. was short of rope, fabric, and other materials, a campaign called “Hemp for Victory” was launched.  Farmers were encouraged to grow hemp in great quantities.  Though this was allowed, there was no increase of marijuana consumption.  Still, after WW II, hemp farming was again banned.

Interesting facts:  One acre of hemp produces as much fibre as 2-3 acres of cotton.  Hemp produces softer and more durable fabric than cotton.  The very first pair of Levi Strauss jeans were made of hemp.  No pesticides, fungicides, or herbicides are needed to grow hemp, while 50% of the world’s pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides are used to grow cotton.  One acre of hemp produces the same amount of paper as 2-4 acres of trees AND it is much better in quality.   Hemp paper stays intact for hundreds of years.  The first ever printed Bible was been printed on hemp paper.  Hemp can be used to make sturdy, resistant, and environmentally-friendly fibreboard and plastic.  Henry Ford made a whole car of hemp in the beginning of the 20th century.

Rich in:  Hemp seeds are not intoxicating.  They contain a very high amount of essential fatty acids that we need for optimum health.  Hemp seeds contain omega-6-fatty acids, omega-3-fatty acids, gamma linoleic acid; 25% of high quality protein with all essential and non-essential amino acids; 20-30% of carbohydrates; dietary fibre; phytochemicals; the minerals phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc; vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C, E, folacin, and biotin; carotenoids; and chlorophyll.

Internal use:  Hemp oil comprises 75-90% of essential fatty acids.  It helps to prevent arteriosclerosis, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and blood clots, and it significantly reduces the symptoms of neurodermite, rheumatoid arthritis, and PMS.  Hemp oil lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels and dilates blood vessels.  Hemp oil is very helpful in case of infections, allergies, skin diseases, liver spots on the skin, dandruff, dermatitis, and brittle and dull hair.  It improves the condition of hair, skin, and nails.  Take a tablespoonful of hemp oil daily or add it to salads and other foods.  Add oil after removing food from direct heat.  Both hemp oil and hemp seeds boost the immune system.  Hemp seeds help lower the levels of cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar; they relieve and heal the symptoms of arthritis, depression, fatigue, constipation, and migraine.  Hemp seeds are good in case of food allergies and food intolerances.  Hemp can be consumed also in the form of flour.  Hemp flour is as high in protein as eggs and meat, and it contains all essential and non-essential amino acids.  Hemp protein is great for athletes.  It is of higher quality and more nutritious than soy protein.  Ayurvedic medicine uses the juice of hemp to treat diarrhoea, epilepsy, delirium, insanity, colic, rheumatism, gastritis, anorexia, nausea, fever, jaundice, bronchitis, leprosy, diabetes, colds, anaemia, menstrual pain, tuberculosis, asthma, gout, constipation, malaria, and spleen disorders.

How to prepare:  Add the anti-aging, nutrient packed hemp seeds to cereals, casseroles, spaghetti, etc. Hemp flour can be added to breads, cakes, cookies, etc.  You can substitute 8-10% of required flour with hemp flour.  As hemp absorbs a lot of water, it might be necessary to add more liquid than the original recipe calls for.  

Prepare a low calorie, low fat protein boost of hemp flour, organic goat-milk yoghurt, and In-Liven Probiotic.  My favourite start for a good day!  Yum!

Text is from my upcoming book Healing Plants & Healing Promises

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Many blessings & success to You,

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