The natural hemp plant has been used in traditional oriental medical practices due to its medicinal properties. Now, after the discovery of the health and medical benefits of compounds derived from it like the CBD, its extracts are used in the manufacturing of health and wellness products. Besides, legally cultivated hemp plants in the US should only contain a maximum of 0.3% of psychotropic THC because this concentration does not produce mind altering effects. The purpose of this article is to get a good understanding of the medicinal properties of different hemp plant parts.
The three main parts of natural hemp plants that are used for various purposes are the seeds, stalk and leaves.
Seeds
The hemp seeds are one of the most useful parts of the plant mainly because of its nutritional value and traditionally it has also been used as fuel. It is popular among athletes as it is considered to be a superfood like chia and flax seeds. You can consume them after processing as a natural dietary supplement especially for vegetarians. Also, the oils made from it are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 which are really good for immune system health, maintaining good cholesterol levels, and cardiovascular health.
Hemp seed oil is used as the main ingredient in many CBD topical products because of its high lipid content giving a soothing effect when applied on wounds and inflammations. Also, the seeds are a good source of minerals like iron, sulfur, potassium, iron, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and sodium. Besides, it is rich in vitamin B and vitamin E which is a very good antioxidant, hence consuming products made from it helps to reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Stalk
The stalk of the hemp plant is very much useful in making fibers for the clothing industry due to its durability. Also, clothes made from it have natural antimicrobial properties and hence used for making blended clothing fibers. Apart from this, it is also used along with the leaves in the extraction of medically useful cannabidiol (CBD). Last but not least, the fabric made from the stalks of the hemp plant is stronger and durable than cotton, so seafarers of olden times used fabrics made from it.
Leaves
The leaves of hemp plants like its flowers are rich in cannabidiol (CBD) and hence it is used in the production of cannabidiol products like CBD oil. It is also rich in other natural cannabinoids like THC, CBDA, CBG, terpenes, and flavonoids. Besides, the oil has good antioxidant properties that make it useful as a good dietary supplement. The oil is made by distilling CBD rich flowers and leaves or using processes like CO2 or solvent extraction. Due to the therapeutic and health benefits, the demand for CBD oil is increasing among consumers.
These are the well-known uses of different parts of the natural hemp plant and it is good to know what plant part is used for manufacturing your hemp plant product.