By: Gabrielle Guzinski
Holistic health has been a trending topic in the medical and nutrition field for multiple years. There has been one product that has seemed to pique interest these past couple of years more than anything else, that would be none other than hemp. According to, edis.ifas.ufl.edu, “Archaeologists and historians have confirmed the use of hemp for fiber and food by ancient civilizations: for example, seeds in Japan in 8000 BCE and pottery with hemp fiber in China in 4000 BCE.” With the recent legalization of marijuana, (where hemp is found in the plant, Cannabis sativa, but does not contain THC properties of marijuana) it makes it more versatile in ways where it can be used and even consumed.
Hemp has been around longer than we realize, so with the ongoing popularity of this product, it gets its national holiday which is February 4th. Its recognition is like no other with a positive impact across multiple industries, let alone the world with all its benefits. Healthwise, so far, as declared by draxe.com, “Hemp seeds are very high in manganese. When eaten or supplemented in combination with other minerals, including calcium, zinc, and copper, manganese helps support bone health and reduces bone loss.” Hemp aids people who have these issues, making it a nutritional powerhouse. It can be incorporated into any of your meals of the day, for instance putting it in smoothies or simply mixing it in yogurt; making anything you eat more healthy.
When it comes to improvements in your physical appearance, hemp can also assist anyone with that. Not to mention saving multiple trips (and tips) to a spa, a dermatologist, or even a barber. With that being said, as reported by draxe.com, “Hemp seed benefits for skin and hair go a long way in improving dry, red, flaking skin. Hemp oil is oftentimes included in lip balms, lotions, and soaps. The oil in hemp seeds penetrates the inner layers of the skin and promotes healthy cell growth — the recipe for smooth, soft skin. Researchers studying the effects of oil extracted from hemp hearts on eczema, a skin condition that causes inflammation and dry skin, found that patients’ symptoms improved with the use of the oil. Since the oil is also good for skin disorders, it’s also a good idea to add the plant’s seeds to your diet to maximize these benefits. You can also make a homemade skin cream combining hemp seed oil, shea butter, and essential oils like lavender.” Believe it or not, hemp is the secret to looking and feeling like a million bucks, not to mention your body being able to show improvements by taking it. “Look good and feel even better,” is a motto you can start saying and it will all come down to taking hemp.
On the economic side, hemp seems to foster positive change on this as well. One of the (many) solution(s) is pursuant. According to shfinancial.org, “Farming hemp is a promising new opportunity for American farmers. The crop is relatively easy to grow and requires less water and pesticides than traditional crops such as cotton. In addition, it can grow in a wide range of climates, from hot and dry to cool and damp.” This is leading to a new generation of both taking on an eco-friendly adaptation to what we previously knew and making improvements as we go along with this production. Hemp, “has deep roots, which help prevent soil erosion and retain moisture. It is particularly important in areas prone to drought or water scarcity. This means it requires less irrigation than other crops, which can help conserve water resources.” The world has never seen such a multitude of reasons for something that can take on many different forms of benefits throughout society. While this only scratches the surface of what hemp can do, it has already intertwined itself into the soils of our everyday life showing it is something some of us might be dependent on in the future, all for good reasons. This is just the beginning of something beyond incredible, and it is only up from here. There is one thing for certain, hemp is here to stay.