Hemp

Cannabis sativa is native to the Indian subcontinent, but has spread throughout most of Asia, Europe, Africa and America. Although it requires full light, it grows in most types of soil, provided it is moist.

The flowers can be male or female, are small, green and clustered. The fruits are dry and thin-walled, containing only one seed each.

The whole, unprocessed seeds are hard and similar to corn kernels. Inside the outer layer is a softer, more palatable section, which is the hemp seed.

They contain nutrients that are beneficial to the health of the whole body, such as proteins, essential unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins A, C, D, E, B6 and K, zinc, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, copper, manganese, all 21 amino acids and antioxidants. 

Hemp seeds have the following benefits for the body:

• they are an important source of nutrients, being particularly rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6, high-quality proteins, vitamin E and minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulphur, calcium, iron and zinc.
• they are rich in fibre, help with weight loss, produce a feeling of satiety and reduce appetite.
• They contribute to digestive health and can treat constipation.
• They strengthen the immune system and prevent inflammation.
• They help regulate blood sugar levels, can improve cardiovascular health and regulate blood pressure.
• They regulate hormone levels.
• They reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and menopause.
• They can alleviate joint pain and arthritis.

The long fibres of the hemp stalk can be turned into rope or textiles, and oils can be distilled from the leaves and flowers. The seeds are used to make personal care products or to extract aromatic, edible oils. Hemp essential oil is beneficial for the skin and hair because it penetrates the inner layers of the skin and promotes healthy cell growth.

In the kitchen, the seeds can be eaten as they are or in the form of nutritional supplements. The taste is similar to that of pine or sunflower seeds, and the kernel is creamy and fine.

They come in two forms: shelled and unshelled. Shelled seeds are easier to digest.

They can be eaten in a wide range of dishes, in salads, smoothies or even chocolate.

Hemp can also be used to make:

• butter and milk, which can successfully replace other types of milk, peanut butter or almond butter.

• oil – can be used in salads, but not for cooking.
• protein powder (flour) with a nutty taste, added to shakes or smoothies to boost protein intake.
• protein bars with hemp seeds
• hemp seed coffee
• Hemp leaf tea

• CBD oil. 

Hemp can be refined to produce a variety of commercial products, including paper, clothing, textiles, biodegradable plastics, paint, insulation, biofuel, food and animal feed.

Hemp oil capsules contain Omega 3 and Omega 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. Vitamin E is soluble in hemp seed oil and is easily absorbed by the body. The hemp seed oil contained in the capsules is obtained by cold pressing hemp seeds from certified organic crops. The capsules are made from vegetable gelatin, are elastic, odourless and tasteless, and easy to swallow with water. The capsules are packaged in dark purple glass jars, which protect the product from sunlight, thus preserving its nutritional properties for a longer period of time.

Hemp oil helps maintain normal blood cholesterol levels. Vitamin E helps protect cells from oxidative stress.

It is recommended to take 2-4 hemp oil capsules per day, preferably after meals. Start with one capsule and increase to the recommended amount.

The leaves, flowers and seeds are ground into a powder, which is mixed with a cup of hot water and left to infuse for 10-15 minutes. The longer you leave the tea to infuse with water, the more beneficial compounds will be released. 

Many of the benefits of hemp tea come from cannabidiol (CBD), one of the most common cannabinoids found in the trichomes of the hemp plant.

Tea can relieve anxiety, relieve pain, improve sleep quality, alleviate nausea, and may even prevent seizures while reducing inflammation.

It can relieve anxiety

High amounts of CBD affect the brain's serotonin receptors and have anxiolytic (anxiety-relieving) effects. This can regulate mood and social behaviour.

Improves sleep quality

CBD interacts with receptors in the brain responsible for the body's daily sleep/wake cycle and treats insomnia.

It can relieve chronic pain

It can relieve chronic pain through the natural production of endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to receptors in the nervous system and reduce certain types of pain: central and peripheral neuropathic pain, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer pain.

Combats irritable bowel syndrome

The CBD in hemp tea relieves abdominal muscle cramps and eliminates feelings of nausea.

It may treat epilepsy and prevent seizures

It may help with inflammation

Inflammation is considered the body's natural response to harmful stimuli. Hemp tea acts as a natural anti-inflammatory due to its CBD content, for many different health conditions, including arthritis.

It may improve heart health

Hemp tea can alleviate high blood pressure, preventing it from affecting the arteries and reducing blood and oxygen flow to the heart. The antioxidants in hemp tea reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

It can cause a slight drop in blood pressure, which in turn can cause problems such as dizziness and nausea.

Another side effect is an unpleasant feeling of dry mouth.