Origin: Hemp is believed to be originated in Central Asia. History says Hemp cultivation for fiber was started in China as early as 2800 BC and hemp using was practiced in the Mediterranean countries of Europe early in the Christian era and it spread throughout the rest of Europe during the Middle Ages. It was first planted in Chile in the 1500s and a century later it was grown in North America.
Hemp is usually grown in temperate zones. It is a perennial crop cultivated from seed and reaches a height of up to 5 meters (16 feet). This crop grows best in sandy soil with good drainage and requires average monthly rainfall of at least 65 mm (2.5 inches) throughout the growing season. This crop is densely sowed. Plants grown for oilseed are planted slightly farther apart and are shorter and many-branched. The flowers are small in size and greenish-yellow.
Some hemp receives special processing, harvesting, producing whitish color and attractive shine and is used to make fabric similar to linen.
Scientifically: Hemp seeds are the seeds of the hemp plant. Scientifically, it is called Cannabis sativa. These seeds traces of THC, the psychoactive compound present in marijuana. Hemp seeds are considered to be exceptionally nutritious and rich in healthy fats, protein and have a plethora of vitamins and minerals.
Hemp (Cannabis sativa) is also called industrial hemp because of the fiber. It belongs to the family of Cannabaceae and is cultivated for its fibre or the edible seeds. It is often confused with cannabis.
Usage: These seeds are also used to extract oil. Hemp oil is obtained by pressing hemp seeds. Cold-pressed, unrefined hemp oil is dark to clear light green in color, with a nutty flavor. The oil is extremely helpful in treating skin diseases. Hemp seeds are rich in protein and contain as much protein as in Soy. It is also full of healthy fats i.e. omega3 fatty acids. Hemp is known for the fiber which in turn helps in reducing weight, stabilizes blood sugar levels and promotes effective digestion. It contains gamma-linolenic acid which helps in reducing the risk of heart diseases. It also benefits a lot to the skin. It also helps in conditioning the hair. This oil has been known to avoid any scalp irritation and promotes hair growth as well as moisturizes the hair.
Below are some DIYs with Hemp seed and Hemp seed oil:
- Take a tablespoon of hemp seed oil with a teaspoon of coconut oil. Mix them together and apply on the scalp. Gently massage and let it sit for 40 minutes. Shampoo as usual and have lustrous hair.
- Take a tablespoon of soaked hemp seeds (soaked in water for 4-5 hours), grind them into a paste and apply on the face. Gently massage the skin and rinse in 5-7 minutes. This exfoliates the skin and helps in fading of blemishes.
- Take a tablespoon of soaked hemp seeds, one tablespoon of yogurt and a teaspoon of coconut oil. Combine all the ingredients together and apply on the hair for 40-45 minutes. Later, Shampoo as usual. This makes an amazing nourishing pack for the hair.
- Take a few drops of hemp seed oil and massage on clean dry face. Let it sit for 10 minutes or you can also leave it overnight. This helps in reversing the aging process and brightens up dulls skin.
- Applying hemp seed oil mixed with almond oil on the wrinkles helps in reducing the lines.
- Massaging hemp seed oil also relieves stress and has a calming effect on the mind and body.