Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is an annual, herbaceous plant that produces so-called achenes – closed nut fruits. Its leaves are serrated at the edges and arranged in a palmate shape. Hemp is dioecious, meaning there are plants with purely male flowers and others with purely female flowers. The latter produce significantly more cannabinoids. Due to their calming effect, these are increasingly valued in medicine as well.
Distribution and use of hemp
Originally native to Central Asia, hemp has spread worldwide through humans. It is assumed that it reached the Occident during the Crusades. Thus, hemp is one of humanity’s oldest crops and medicinal plants, and it was mentioned in Chinese medical textbooks over 4,000 years ago.
Hemp as a remedy
In Europe, hemp had been an established part of medical practice since the 16th century. It was initially used for bronchial complaints or rheumatism, while it was later prescribed as an opium substitute and for migraines, epilepsy, and states of agitation. Before aspirin appeared on the market toward the end of the 19th century, cannabis was the most widely used painkiller of all. As a utility plant, hemp fibers were used in the Middle Ages for longbow construction, in shipbuilding for sails and ropes, and as a precursor to wood in papermaking. For instance, the Gutenberg Bible and the American Declaration of Independence are printed on hemp. Today, hemp fibers are used in the clothing and construction industries.
Ingredients and effects
The female hemp plants contain primarily cannabinoids and terpenoids, which are released by the trichomes of the sepals. The cannabinoids act primarily as analgesics and sedatives. For this reason, hemp is used medically in pain therapy, for inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and psychological symptoms. Cannabis is generally well tolerated and, at therapeutic doses, shows no long-term physical side effects. Acute adverse effects include increased heart rate, a drop in blood pressure, dry mouth, and
conjunctival irritation.
Hemp: plant-based protein
Recently, more and more people have been tending to reduce their meat consumption and compensate for essential proteins with plant-based alternatives. Hemp protein powder offers plenty of plant-based protein. If you would like to learn more about nutritional supplements containing hemp protein, please continue reading here.
