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The 7 Wonders of Hemp
Hemp is not just another ingredient here at The Body Shop. Our line of hemp products is designed to bring out the amazing and helpful qualities of this misunderstood plant. Here are some of the many wondrous properties of hemp.
- Hemp has Healing Properties: Hemp seeds are densely rich in nutrients and vitamins. In fact, they are one of nature’s “super foods,” and supply protein that can otherwise only be found in meat and cheese—which makes this a great source of nutrition for vegetarians. Hemp seeds and hemp seed oil are great for helping to manage high blood pressure and keeping your heart healthy, too. For more on the nutritional benefits of hemp, check out this post on Defy Age Naturally.
- America was Built on Hemp: Washington and Jefferson both had hemp farms, and Franklin owned a hemp mill. Even the Declaration of Independence was drafted on paper made from hemp. Hemp was also a crucial crop during WWII, when farmers were told to grow as much as they could. The effort was the subject of the government promotional film “Hemp for Victory.”
- You can Make and Fuel a Car from Hemp: Ford’s original plan for his automobile was a design for a vehicle made from hemp-based materials. Hemp can also be used to make ethanol and biodiesel, which can fuel properly equipped cars. Just for kicks, check out this amazing solar-powered Lotus made from hemp on Gas2.0.
- Hemp is Good for the Brain: Not to be confused with its mind-altering cousin, marijuana, hemp has boosting properties when it comes to brain functions. According to an article on BrainReady.com, hemp might be the perfect food for your brain because of its high EFA (essential fatty acid) content. The brain itself is made up mostly of EFAs, and hemp’s high EFA content makes it a great source for helping to stave off memory loss and possibly Alzheimer’s disease.
- Hemp is Great for Your Skin: One of my favorite products by The Body Shop is our Hemp Hand Protector. Hemp’s EFA content makes it one of those natural powerhouses that can be used for many aspects of your health, including skincare. Hemp helps to lock in moisture and nourish dry skin.
- Hemp is Sustainable: It’s no secret that one of our Core Values is Community Trade, so we support Fair Trade practices wherever possible. Hemp is one of those products that is often traded fairly, and with its environmentally sound production, you can’t go wrong. Fair Hemp is a company that specializes in Fair Trade Hemp products such as tote bags, hats, shirts and other clothing and accessories.
- Hemp is Environmentally Friendly: An article on Natural News.com reports that “Hemp has the potential to replace all major non-renewable raw materials.” Hemp’s strength and resistance to the elements make it a powerful substitute for most natural fiber-based products like cotton or even wood. It also can help replace nutrients in soil, and its fibers make for stronger and more durable paper.
Despite the common misunderstanding, industrial hemp and marijuana are not the same thing. Because of popular perception of the plant as a drug and its naysayers’ abilities to control legislation surrounding its growth, industrial hemp remains illegal to grow in the United States. The preceding list is just a brief summary of the attributes this amazing (and non-intoxicating!) plant really has, so put that in your pipe and smoke it.
Tags: hemp