There are few plants that have as many uses as hemp, a plant material that is useful in different products, including cosmetics, food, and textiles, and its inclusion in the therapeutic area.
Currently, extracts obtained from hemp are attracting attention thanks to the promising results that have been obtained with its commercialization, mainly from the CBD that is extracted from the flowers of this plant.
What is Hemp?
The Hemp plant owes its scientific name to the fact that it belongs to the Hemp group of the Sativa species. There are three subspecies of this one: Hemp Sativa Rudelaris; Hemp Sativa Sativa the one that has properties that can be taken advantage of in the medicinal area.
The most profitable parts of Hemp are the stems, seeds, and flowers; fiber is obtained from the stems, while the seeds and flowers have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties that are used for therapeutic purposes.
A brief history of Hemp
Hemp has been cultivated for thousands of years, beginning its history in China, which began to use it for practical purposes such as fishing. Later it continued its expansion entering more countries through commercial channels since only the textile uses of this plant were known.
It was with its arrival in America, specifically in the United States, that it began to be directly related to other variants of Hemp falling into the hands of the DEA, its cultivation was not illegal, but getting permits to generate it was complicated, so the producers stopped doing it.
It was not until 1850 that the government of that country recognized the therapeutic benefits of Hemp, declaring it as an interesting product for agriculture and from which there was much to learn, an argument that has been acquiring validity with all the research that has been carried out on the plant.
Discovery of CBD in Hemp
It was in the middle of the 20th century that the first extraction of Cannabidiol (CBD) for its use in the medical area was achieved. Within these first approaches with the CBD extracted from hemp, it was identified that it did not show any of the psychoactive properties of the other Cannabinoids identified in Hemp.
At the same time, the composition of the CBD found inside the Hemp was analyzed, recognizing that its molecule is made up of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. This discovery served to indicate that by ingesting CBD it is possible to counteract the effects caused by THC.
The discovery of the chemical composition of hemp CBD opened the way for future research not to have a negative nuance, but to start looking for benefits or positive elements in health.
Over time, new therapeutic uses of hemp CBD have been discovered, resulting in products made from Cannabidiol being sold in health food stores or online to treat or reduce symptoms of some ailments.
Most Known Uses of Hemp
The appreciation for hemp since ancient times is due to the fact that it is a very useful component in different areas; mainly, but not exclusively, in those related to health.
Food. For this use, hemp seeds are a great source of nutrients, which allow them to be used as a food supplement. In addition, they provide beneficial fats, proteins, and fiber. For more information, visit Hemponix, where they discuss various subjects such as hemp.
Cosmetics. CBD obtained from hemp has properties of moisturizing and resistance to the skin and hair, so it can be used in products such as creams, balms, or roll-on products.
Textiles. One of the less common uses is in the textile industry, although other fibers can be used for making clothes, hemp is a more sustainable alternative.
