Our ancestors did not have pharmaceutical drugs and vitamin and mineral supplements. Instead, they looked to the natural world around them for healing sickness and boosting vitality. Even in our modern, disconnected world, many of the medicines we have are based on nature, with over 40% of prescription drugs being derived from synthesized plant compounds.
The desire to make money means that new drugs are constantly invented, and so-called active ingredients are extracted from plants to create marketable supplements. However, our research has shown that in many cases, natural substances are far superior for maintaining health and wellbeing. Nature has given us many gifts to protect ourselves from disease and keep up our strength, with hemp being one of the most celebrated examples.
Hemp has been used for over 10,000 years, for virtually everything. It was heavily featured in the oldest known pharmacopoeia and written by the Chinese Emperor Shen-Nung in 2727BC. The ancient Chinese believed in maintaining harmony with nature and so were very clued up on natural healing. They used hemp to treat blood clots, hair loss, stomach aches, infections and more.
The ancient Indians were also rich in knowledge of healing and spirituality, much of which is still followed today. They valued hemp very highly in religious and medical practices, so much so that they said it was a plant given by God. It is listed as a sacred grass in the Atharvaveda (one of the most significant ancient Indian medical texts) and they have used it for centuries, creating ointments, concoctions, tinctures and teas for many ailments and to provide pain relief.
Perhaps no ancient culture was as obsessed with health and spirituality as the Ancient Egyptians and they also viewed hemp as sacred. The Ebers Papyrus, written in 1550BC gives many medical recipes using hemp.
As we are finding with many substances, modern research has now confirmed many of hemp’s healing abilities (such as its ability to treat heart disease). Much of the research has focused on the use of hemp seed oil, and this is one of the most effective ways of consuming hemp since it has a high concentration of the healing ingredients. The oil can be used both internally and externally and both have different, powerful healing effects.
Hemp seed oil is created by cold-pressing seeds of the hemp plant. The hemp plant differs from the cannabis plant in that it contains virtually no THC, the psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant.
When used externally, hemp oil is a powerful humectant (meaning it seals in moisture). It is non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn’t block pores and isn’t greasy. This makes it a great moisturizer, especially for the face. Hemp oil provides both hydration and regulates sebum production, making it perfect for treating acne. Because it is packed full of fatty acids, it is effective in treating psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, lichen planus and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Steroid creams that are commonly prescribed for such skin issues have a long list of disturbing adverse effects, many of which are permanent and irreversible. If you stop using steroid creams after long term usage, your body will go through steroid withdrawals, which is a debilitating condition that can take years to overcome. Natural medicines act gently and do not take such a toll on the body, because they work with your body’s natural healing system. For tens of thousands of years, healing was centred around promoting the body’s inherent capability to heal itself. While this knowledge is not so promoted today, it is out there and can guide you on your healing journey.
Not only is hemp great for a variety of skin conditions, but it also has anti-ageing properties. It contains linoleic and oleic acids, which the body does not produce by itself, and studies have found these to play a crucial role reversing fine lines and wrinkles. Anti-oxidants are famed for their ability to rejuvenate ageing skin, and hemp seed oil is full of them. Hemp seed oil is also non-reactive, meaning in the majority of people there are no side effects.
Hemp seed oil is full of antioxidants, which help the skin repair itself and work to counteract environmental stressors, such as pollution, cold air and UV radiation. Vitamin E levels naturally decrease with age, but hemp seed oil is full of it. Incorporating it into your skincare routine stimulates the production of collagen, eliminates free radicals and reduces UV damage to the skin. It is important to note that two types of vitamin E exist, natural and synthetic, and the natural type found in hemp seed oil is far stronger. Vitamin E is absorbed better when combined with Vitamin C, and hemp seed oil has both. There are many examples of nature providing us with substances combined in the correct ratios for healing, so do we really need expensive vitamin and mineral supplements?
The hemp seed oil has an incredibly rich nutritional profile. It is packed with 40% of essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6. When used internally, these have been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, improve eyesight, decrease risks of mental health disorders, slow down Alzheimer’s, fight inflammation and autoimmune disorders. By reducing inflammation, hemp seed oil is effective in managing chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, heart disease and fatty liver disease. It also contains vitamin A, and minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium and phosphorus which make it powerful for aiding skin health and overall well-being.
Another key benefit of ingesting hemp seed oil is its remedial effects on the brain. Alzheimer’s is characterized by a build-up of amyloid proteins in the brain, and hemp has been shown in labs to remove this protein. Hemp naturally contains polyphenols, which is believed to improve neurodegenerative disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and digestion issues. Studies have concluded that hemp possesses neuroprotective powers, and improves Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, neuropathic pain and seizures.
It is recommended to take half a teaspoon of hemp seed oil a day and build up to a full teaspoon over the course of a week. When taken daily its healing and preventative abilities are maximized. It is important to note that, while hemp seed oil is completely safe, if you are on any medications then you should consult with your doctor before incorporating it into your diet, as it can interact with certain drugs, specifically blood thinners.
Our Neter Vital Hemp Oil is made from organic hemp, farmed in the traditional way to maximise nutrient content. It is pressed most effectively and contains no additives. You can find it in our store or online.