Healing Hemp - Its Properties and History
Hemp has a storied history and many benefits, but it went through a time of great skepticism. Conflicting news stories and rumours labelled hemp as a drug akin to marijuana and many people stopped buying it or using it. Today, healing hemp is back on top, and with the increased interest in natural products and holistic medicine, it’s a well-liked and widely-used plant.
What is Hemp?
Hemp comes from the cannabis plant and is grown for over 50,000 different uses from food and body care to paper and textiles. Its industrial use is the primary purpose for its growth, and it is one of the first plants humans ever cultivated, starting as long ago as 10,000 years.
It is grown in the northern hemisphere and is a plant with one of the fastest growth rates. In its refined state, hemp makes clothing, paper, insulation, paint, food, plastics, and many other biodegradable products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
The marijuana debate stems from the fact that hemp comes from the same species of Cannabis as the intoxicating substance. However, hemp has a concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that is less than 0.3%. The cannabidiol (CBD) concentration of hemp is higher, reducing or eliminating its intoxicating effects.
How is Hemp Grown and Harvested?
Hemp grows as an annual plant in many regions of North America. The only areas that don’t foster hemp growth are high mountains and deserts. It thrives better is warm weather and well-drained, high organic content soils.
Instead of planting hemp in pots and transplanting later, the seeds are sown directly in the soil where the farmer wants the plants to grow. They must be planted after the last frost. While they are tolerant of drought, hemp seeds need irrigation if the soil gets dry within the first six weeks of planting.
Harvesting hemp is a bit trickier because it can be harvested for either its fibres or its seeds. The problem is that they mature at different times, so you have to harvest it all at once for one purpose or the other, not both.
To harvest fibres, wait for the seeds to start developing, and then cut the stalks and let them sit in the field for about five weeks. This process is called “retting”. Stand the stalks up and let them dry completely, and then break the stalks and collect the resulting fibres.
To harvest seeds, the crop should be about 16 weeks old. The collection process involves cutting the stalks and threshing them to remove the seeds. Store the seeds in a cool place to prevent germination.
While growing and harvesting hemp can be profitable, you need a good deal of land, licensing from the government and suitable seeds to make it worth your time and effort.
What is Hemp Used for in Skincare?
Hemp Seed Oil is used in skincare products for many reasons. It helps moderate oil production in all skin types without clogging pores. It balances and hydrates. It can soothe inflammation, treat dermatitis and has plenty of anti-ageing properties.
Hemp seed oil can be added to lotions and other compounds for topical use on the body and face. It can be applied directly and left on the skin, or it can be washed off with warm water if used to treat acne.
Hemp seed oil is also sometimes used orally to provide the same benefits internally as externally. By introducing healing hemp oil in your bloodstream, it can help reduce outbreaks of acne, dermatitis and other irritations before they start.
While you should talk to your doctor before ingesting hemp oil, it is safe for consumption, can help alleviate a variety of symptoms and is used in food and other recipes. While it is a natural product that gives you all the benefits of some laboratory-made drugs, Nezza Naturals Hemp Oil is a cosmetic grade oil, please do not ingest.
Tips and Recipes to Try at Home Using Hemp Oil
You can purchase hemp seed oil to use as an ingredient in many recipes from soap and lotion to beard balm for your man. Combining hemp with ground oats and shea can make an excellent body butter for relieving the symptoms of eczema.
Hemp seed oil can also be used in vegan products because it’s 100% natural and plant derived. If you combine it with other vegan ingredients, you have self-care products that are sustainably sourced and totally cruelty-free.
If you prefer to purchase your products instead of making them yourself, Nezza Naturals has a variety of healing hemp products. You can find items like our organic muscle rub that has shea butter and cocoa butter to make it soft and moisturizing, peppermint to make it relaxing and rosemary and frankincense to promote healing and extended relief. Also a Healing Hemp Facial Cream and Healing Hemp Body Lotion.
For more information about hemp oil practices and products, visit our website, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Instagram. We’re happy to answer your questions and alleviate your concerns.
