Hemp, popularly called industrial hemp, is one of the oldest crops cultivated for its seed and fibers. The plant has a controversial history with its cultivation banned. However, it is finding a new face today and is grabbing the limelight as organic hemp. Here, we will know all about this versatile material.
Understanding hemp
Hemp belongs to the Cannabaceae plant family and is a species of the cannabis Sativa group. It belongs to the same family as marijuana, notorious for its psychoactive effect due to the THC or tetrahydrocannabinol compound.
Hemp differs from marijuana in not giving the psychoactive effect as it has THC less than 0.3% in its composition. Hemp has versatile uses in various industries, while marijuana is cultivated for its narcotic components. Their look and smell are identical, but their structural and chemical composition is different.
Organic vs. inorganic hemp
The difference between organic and inorganic hemp lies in its cultivation. Organic hemp is grown using the old-fashioned crop rotation technique and zero use of artificial fertilizers, fungicides and pesticides, growth regulators, and genetically modified seeds. Industrial hemp can be grown from several species, but organic hemp is cultivated from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa species.
Organic hemp cultivation involves many more steps and has to meet a range of FDA criteria before it is certified as ‘organic.’ The yield of organic hemp is much lower than inorganic hemp.
Generally, inorganic hemp is cultivated for industrial use, while organic hemp is grown for human consumption and its medicinal and other beneficial properties.
Benefits of organic hemp
Organic hemp is a powerhouse of nutrition, health benefits, beauty benefits, and several other vital uses. You can literally use the whole plant. We list out several of its uses and benefits.
1. Hemp and CBD
A particular compound, cannabidiol or CBD, is extracted from the entire hemp plant. It is then sold in various forms like edibles, topicals, oils, vape juices, etc. It offers several health and beauty benefits. Today, hemp is even cultivated exclusively for this beneficial compound.
2. Hemp and smoking
Smoking hemp is a relatively new trend but catching on like a wildfire. Organic hemp nugs are emerging as a delicious way to chill and enjoy an unparalleled smoking experience. A few of the benefits of smoking hemp are:
- It does not give the psychoactive ‘high’ effect.
- It gives an immediate effect as it directly goes into the lungs.
- Smoking hemp gives an ‘entourage effect,’ which provides an extra dash of enjoyment.
- Several strains are available for greater appeal and customization.
- It offers several health benefits because of its CBD component.
- An excellent alternate choice for smokers to help them quit nicotine and tobacco
3. Hemp as edibles
The most edible part of hemp is its seeds, popularly called ‘hemp hearts.’ These brown seeds are among nature’s best superfoods and are eaten raw, roasted, or powder. It offers several benefits like:
- It is a unique plant derivative containing all 20 amino acids required by our bodies, including the nine essential amino acids that our body cannot manufacture. Moreover, its protein is easily digestible.
- Consisting of gut-friendly soluble and insoluble fibers, it keeps your digestive system robust and bowel movement smooth.
- About 40% of the organic hemp seed consists of all eight healthy and essential fatty acids which our body can’t synthesize, including omega-3 and omega-6. They help decrease bad cholesterol levels, regulate blood pressure, and help prevent heart attack, strokes, and similar diseases.
- Organic hemp seeds are a powerhouse of nutrients like vitamins, especially Vitamin E, and minerals like iron, zinc, magnesium, etc. Combined with proteins and fatty acids, they make the seeds a powerful antioxidant with potent anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, they can relieve both temporary and chronic inflammatory diseases, including relieving chronic pain.
- Consumption of the seeds also helps in relieving PMS and menopause symptoms.
- Because of essential fatty acids and amino acids, hemp seeds aid in memory and cognitive health maintenance.
- The phosphorus and calcium content of the seeds help in keeping bone and teeth healthy.
- They also keep our skin glowing and healthy and prevent many skin diseases like acne, pimples, inflammation, etc. They are also excellent for your hair and nails.
4. Hemp oil
Organic hemp seeds are cold-pressed to obtain hemp oil. With a delicate texture and distinctive nutty flavor, it packs the same nutrients as hemp seeds. You can use it like butter, spreads, and oil in food, but you must always heat it below 120-degree Celsius.
It is used to treat various skin diseases and is an integral part of many cosmetics. It is also consumed to reap its health benefits and prevent many diseases. Hemp oil is terrific for skin, nail, and hair health. It is also an excellent pain reliever.
5. Hemp tea
The shredded stem from the upper part of the hemp plant is used to make an herbal tea that is caffeine-free and renders several health benefits.
6. Other uses
The other parts of the hemp plant find important industrial uses, like manufacturing textiles, ropes, insulation, biofuel, construction material, etc. It proves a better alternative to cotton.
The plant is environmental bioremediation. It helps in healing the climate as well as soil.
Wrapping up
Organic hemp facilitates an ecologically sustainable industry with plenty of benefits to humankind and the environment. It is a crop of the future, whose popularity will surely soar in the future. It isn’t easy to find any other product with so many benefits and versatile uses as organic hemp.