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The many uses of
Hemp
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Hemp (Cannabis
Sativa) is a very versatile plant and most parts of the plant can be used.
Roots
The plant is grown in various parts of the world as a "soil conditioner" as
its root system brings much needed nutrients to the upper layers of the
soil. It is also a nitrogen fixer in the soil which means it can also be
used as a "green" crop to be ploughed in in preparation for other crops.
Stalk
The Hemp Hurds
(which is the chaff which remains once the stalk of the plant has been
broken open (decorticated) can be used in building and animal bedding.
The various
grades of Hemp Fibre (which is one of the layers of the stalk) can be used
for the manufacture of carpets, rope, canvas and material.
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Seeds
The
Hemp Seeds are pressed to obtain oil, crushed to create flour and protein
powder or eaten as a
nut substitute.
The various grades of this EFA rich oil can be used as a
nutritional supplement, in aromatherapy, in the manufacture of body care
products and cosmetics, as a lubricant, in the manufacture of alkyd resins
etc.
The
Hemp Cake (which is the remains of the seeds once it has been through the
oil press) can be used as animal feed, processed into protein powder and/or
flour, turned into plant fertilizer, in bait and much
more.
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Protein
Hemp seed is
unique in the vegetable kingdom. Its profile of proteins and fats are the
most complete and ideal for human nutrition. No other plant source, not even
soybean, compares to Hemp in its range and balance of nutritional benefits,
making Hemp the world’s premier food source. Hemp seeds have fibre, protein
and essential fatty acids (EFAs).
Hemp
Protein contains all 20 known Amino Acids, including the 9 Essential
Amino Acids (EAAs) our bodies cannot produce. Proteins are
considered complete when they contain all 9 Amino Acids in a
sufficient quantity and ratio to meet the body’s needs.
Hemp
Protein is free of Tryspin inhibitors that block Protein absorption
and oligosaccharides which cause stomach upset and gas.
Approximately 65% of the Protein in Hemp Seed is made up of the
globulin Protein Edestin which is found only in Hemp Seed. Edestin
aids digestion, is relatively phosphorus-free and is considered the
backbone of the cell’s DNA. The other third of Hemp Seed Protein is
Albumin, another high quality globulin Protein similar to that found
in Egg Whites.
What
makes this supplement even more amazing, Hemp Protein is high in
Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs). BCAAs are the Essential Amino
Acids Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine. The combination of these three
amino acids makes up approximately 1/3 of skeletal muscle tissue in
the human body. BCAAs play a very important role in protein
synthesis (the production of proteins in cells from amino acids to
build muscle). BCAAs are absorbed directly into the muscle tissues
and are metabolized quickly. |
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Shelled / Hulled
Hemp Seeds / Hemp Hearts
These scrumptious
nuts are rapidly gaining popularity, thanks to their versatility and the
absence of shells. They look like sesame seeds and taste like a mixture
between sunflower
seeds and pine kernels. Shelled/Hulled seeds still contain small bits of the
outer chlorophyll rich cambium, giving the seeds a green flecked appearance.
Shelled
Hemp seeds can be used as snacks (bars and nutballs), in baking, sprinkled
over salads or in granola and added to soups,
stews, sauces and dips.
Shelled Hemp seeds can easily turn rancid if they are not properly stored
due to their high oil content.
They should be stored in a cool, dry environment away from light. Once opened, they are best kept in
the refrigerator. An opened container of Shelled Hempseeds in the
refrigerator keeps several months.
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Hemp Seed Oil
There are various grades of oil available
i.e. :
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Organically Grown, Cold-Pressed
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Standard Grown, Cold-Pressed
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Standard Grown, Chemically Extracted etc.
The different grades are used in different
applications. The Organically grown, Cold-Pressed oil is used as a
Nutritional oil as it is high in EFA's. This oil is also used as a barrier
and carrier oil and in cosmetic and body products.
The Standard oil, if freshly pressed can
also be used in cosmetics and soaps where the processes used could
compromise the oils properties and the full benefits are therefore not
realised.
This oil, when older is also used, amongst
other uses, in the manufacture of resins and coatings.
Nutritional
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You can use the oil over salads. The oil is
high in Essential Fatty Acids that are essential for health.
Essential
fatty acids are important compounds we must ingest because our bodies do not
manufacture them. Hemp is the earth’s best source of EFAs not only because
it has the highest total EFAs of any seed oil (80%) but also because the
ratio of EFAs is considered the optimum balance for human health e.g. 3:1
Omega 6 to Omega 3. (Read further on EFAs elsewhere in the site).
Cosmetic
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Aside from Hemp Seed Oi'ls unmatched nutritional value,
this oils has the
ability to enter directly into the lipid layers of dry skin cells and
replenish the oils missing due to sun exposure, poor nutrition or other
abuse. THE EFAs, vitamins and enzymes are easily absorbed by the skin and
contribute moisturizing qualities to cosmetics and soap. Saturated oils, on
the other hand, only form a temporary barrier on the skin that slows
transpiration from the body but does nothing for the skin cells themselves.
Dermatologists claim that EFAs replenish dry skin, preventing cell loss and
causing younger looking skin. Hemp seed oil has been used to soothe and heal
dry skin and minor burns.
Culinary
Hemp seed oil
has an exceptional nutty flavour. You can use it on salads, baked potatoes,
or vegetables. Layer it into hummus, marinates, tabouli and many other
recipes.
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In order
to retain the nutritional qualities of the oil, do not cook with or heat the oil.
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See how to incorporate Hemp into your diet by
looking through
Hemptons Recipes.
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Angling / Fishing
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It is well known, that certain
flavourings attract different species of fish. For example, roach respond
well to aniseed, turmeric and Hemp Seed Oil. Carp like a bit of Hemp seed meal
and Hemp oil mixed in with the bait as it clouds the water nicely as it
breaks up.
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Industrial
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Industrial grade Hemp oil comes from the same source as Hemptons' nutriceutical grade oil. It is pressed in exactly the same
manner. The only difference is the age. Once nutriceutical grade is a couple of
months old and/or the EFA content has been compromised, it is considered
technical/industrial grade. This oil is best for candle-making, varnishes, paints,
lubricants, inks, lacquer, sealants, etc. Paint and lacquer manufacturers
are especially interested in Hemp oil's ability to act as a good drying
agent. The possibilities seem to be endless when it comes to using Hemp seed
oil as an ingredient in your creations. Experiment and explore! Let us know
what you come up with.
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Veterinary
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There is increasing
scientific evidence that Omega 3 and Omega 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids
also play important roles in animals with conditions such as pruritic skin
disease, atopic dermatitis, allergies, degenerative joint disease, neoplasia,
thromboembolic disease and eosinophilic granuloma complex.
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Fibre
Hemp fibre
is one of the strongest and most durable of all natural textile fibers.
Products made from Hemp will outlast their competition by many years. Not
only is Hemp strong, but it also holds its shape, stretching less than any
other natural fiber. This prevents Hemp
garments from stretching out or becoming distorted with use. Hemp may
be known for its durability, but its comfort and style are second to none.
The more Hemp is used, the softer it gets. Hemp doesn't wear out, it wears
in. Hemp is also naturally resistant to mould and ultraviolet light.
Due to the porous nature of the fibre, Hemp is more
water absorbent and will dye and retain its colour better than any fabric
including cotton. This porous nature allows Hemp to "breathe," so that it
is cool in warm weather. Furthermore, air which is trapped in the fibres
is warmed by the body, making Hemp garments naturally warm in cooler
weather.
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As a fabric, Hemp provides all the warmth and softness
of a natural textile but with a superior durability seldom found in other
materials. Hemp is extremely versatile and can be used for countless
products such as apparel, accessories, shoes, furniture and home
furnishings.
Apparel made from Hemp incorporates all the beneficial
qualities and will likely last longer and withstand harsh conditions. Hemp
blended with other fibres easily incorporates the desirable qualities of
both textiles. The soft elasticity of cotton or the smooth texture
of silk combined with the natural strength of Hemp creates a whole
new genre of fashion design.
The possibilities for Hemp fabrics are immense. It is likely that they
will eventually supersede cotton, linen and polyester in numerous areas.
With so many uses and the potential to be produced cheaply, Hemp textiles
are the wave of the future!
The Hemp stalks are
dried and broken down into two parts: thread-like fibres called the "bast"
and the inside pulp or "hurd." They have some applications in common, yet
each one has its own very individual and distinct applications as well.
Hurd can be used in building e.g.
bricks, board, plaster etc.
It is also far superior to wood
shavings when used as animal bedding
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