Hemp History Benefits and Uses

HISTORY OF HEMP
Hemp is a past not to be forgotten, a culture deeply rooted in our country, a world of ancient traditions, come to us from far away countries. In our area it is grown hemp from the time of the Saracen invasions, which brought to the attention of local people this plant so precious a time to the rural culture.
The Cannabis Sativa is an old renewable resource of primary importance for a sustainable future. Very rustic and adaptable, it can be transformed into an infinite number of products: cosmetics, paper, textiles, materials for green building or for the automotive industry, food supplements, fuel, therapeutic products ...
SOURCES
In the fourteenth century. AD appear in China's first written on the therapeutic uses of the hemp seed. These attributed their multiple properties. Regular consumption of hemp seed guaranteed a healthy constitution and a long life. Hemp seeds were administered specifically also in case of problems related to the menstrual cycle, constipation or trend lazy bowel, vomiting, poisoning. Seeds, oil and juice of the plant were also used externally for the treatment of skin diseases, open wounds. The use of the seeds in Europe can be traced to ancient times. In ancient Greece and Rome they used hemp seed and hemp oil, hemp as well as decoctions of roots, already in the sec.dopo Christ, such as medicines for external and internal use. The seeds were considered a proven remedy for the treatment of earaches caused dall'otturazione the ear canal. In other parts of Europe it is known the use of cannabis since the beginning of our history. ancient findings with the presence of hemp seed we were in Poland, and in the current Germany. The first written mention of hemp is in Capitulare Charlemagne (ca. 800 AD) .The men of the Middle Ages they used especially the fiber of the plant, to obtain durable fabrics for clothing and for technical use (ropes , sails, ..). At the same time the nutrients were used hemp seed both as foods per se, such as that from oil seeds.
TODAY
The Cannabis Sativa is an ancient solution for modern skin problems. The oil extracted from the hemp seeds are rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 Gamma Linolenic acid, vitamin E and B vitamins, essential amino acids and trace elements. Effi ciently prevents skin dehydration, as well as all countries of extreme sensitivity and epidermal fragility, favoring a healthy balance and normal function of the skin barrier. With easy this oil absorption is excellent for intensive care and regeneration of the whole body.

THE BENEFITS OF SEEDS AND HEMP OIL
Hemp seeds are doubtless the seed category of major oil food and physiological importance. For centuries are used for human food. Until the time of the Second War hemp oil was a known vegetable oil. Only after the War hemp was put aside following the World Prohibition of Marijuana. For about ten years we witness its spread in poor variety of drugs, as a raw material base for the production of fibers and high-quality seed. Nowadays hemp seeds from certified farms and and cold-pressed hemp oil are offered in health food stores, supermarkets, pharmacies and specialty shops with products from hemp. Science has discovered the high value hemp oil only in recent years and prophesy hemp today a great future as an oil plant.
Hemp seeds contain all eight essential amino acids. The human organism is able to extract and process the protein hemp all the proteins it needs. Vitamin B and E are present in large quantities in the hemp seed. The hemp oil contains an unusually high percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (about 90%), which have a fundamental importance for human nutrition. In particular the essential linoleic acid (50-70%) and alpha linolenic are particularly relevant. From 10 to 20 grams of hemp oil are sufficient to cover the daily requirement of these fatty acids of a human body. Hemp seeds and hemp oil with these components represent a particularly valuable food from the physiological-nutritional point of view. Also there are many potential therapeutic uses.
Special mention in this context an additional component. Hemp falls under very restricted category of oil plants whose seeds contain gamma linolenic acid (GLA: 2-4%). gamma linolenic acid deficiency can lead to disorders of the synthesis of prostaglandina.Con entry because alimentae of these acids gamma linolenic resolve these disorders parts of fat.
The intake of gamma linolenic acid may also positively influence several disorders, including atopic dermatitis, premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, to mention only the most important use areas. The action is based primarily on the improvement of the formation of prostaglandin.
The alpha linolenic acid has efficacy similar to that of fish oil, and can therefore be used in cases of diseases of the circulatory system and of chronic inflammation.
From the botanical point of view it is the fruits of hemp, a small walnut, covered with a thin, shiny and hard. The seeds, rich in nutrients, are brown to gray-blacks, sometimes green-gray. The diameter of the hemp seed is on average 3 to 4 mm.
contain an average of 28 - 35% of fatty substance, 30 - 35% carbohydrates, 20 - 24% protein and a high percentage of vitamin B, compared to other foods of plant origin, (in particular vitamin B1 and B2), vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and iron. The content of nutrients are assimilated by an average of 29% of the oil, 13% protein and 17% carbohydrate.
The content of hemp seed protein is about 20-24% and is therefore, compared to other oil seed, such as for example linseed with their content of 18% proteins, rather high. Proteins are broken down into their constituent components, the amino acids in the stomach-intestinal tract. The nutritional value of a protein is determined mainly by the composition of the amino acids. Eight of these 21 amino acids are not produced by the human body, they should be taken from the outside because the body has available the necessary proteins in sufficient quantities. These eight amino acids are therefore called essential.
A qualitatively secondary protein has a content of essential amino acids unfavorable, ie it has at all or in small amounts not. For example, soy contains up to 48% protein, but lack some essential amino acids. The human protein needs can not be covered by soy.
Hemp contains 20-24% with only half of the total protein contained in soybean, however, there are all eight essential amino acids. The protein is therefore qualitatively superior hemp compared to soybeans. From hemp seed protein the human body can draw all the essential proteins.
What is the daily requirement of an adult in terms of protein? This requirement varies, depending on body weight and physical activity, between 45 and 120 grams per day, to increase in the presence of very heavy activity. A little comparison: with about 300 grams of hemp seed assimilate 60-70 grams of protein.
Alongside the protein fatty acids are the most important components of the hemp seed. From the seeds it extracts a precious oil with physiological features excellent food and a distinctive taste.
By precious hemp seed is extracted an equally valuable oil through a very delicate pressing process. Being enclosed in a "peel" lasts, the seed is protected from external factors, in particular acids and light. For the production of oil seed is squeezed until oil. Here some caution is required. By squeezing the temperature increases and with an excessive rise proteins and fats are modified. Both the proteins as polyunsaturated fatty acids react to high temperatures.
Proteins denature from temperatures above 40 degrees, they change in their chemical structure. This can affect the absorption of amino acids. As it regards the fats containing unsaturated fatty acids, starting from temperatures of 50 ° of the modifications take place. The double chains are interrupted and are transformed into saturated fatty acids, less valuable from the physiological and nutritional point of view. In pressing temperatures thus should not rise above 40 °. If you also reach much higher temperatures, as for example if it makes the frying oil, it is to VRA as a result the onset of toxic substances.
The result of the cold pressing of the hemp seed is a high quality oil with a distinctive taste and equally typical, green, hemp oil. Due to the limited development of heat during the pressing will keep intact the values ​​of its valuable components. The most important are the polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic and alpha-linoleic acid, in addition to the rare gamma-linolenic acid, protein and vitamins.
The linolenic and alpha-linolenic acids are essential fatty acids, that are not produced by the body, yet they are vital, to be found necessarily in food.
The disadvantage of this process of squeezing consists in the relatively low quantity of oil produced, compared to hot pressing or to that through chemical solvents.
In view of a gradual spread of the culture of hemp, the oil that is prized for its therapeutic properties in many foreign countries. Trials are being conducted at the highest level for the cure of disorders of mild or even serious entities such as for example atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, cardiovascular disorders, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory disorders, osteoporosis, PMS, menopause, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, chronic depression, postpartum, etc ... .. These studies are carried out with difficulty, because scientific research is funded by the pharmaceutical industry, which does not have a specific interest in developing a natural remedy, economical and affordable for everyone.

USES OF CANNABIS
Hemp is a plant with a tall, thin stem, with the top part covered with leaves, and can exceed 4 meters in height. The fibrous part of the stem is called "lime" and the woody part "hurd". Hemp can be grown for two main purposes: to the fiber or to the seeds. If you grow hemp for the fiber crop should be done immediately after flowering, you can obtain textile fibers (20%), tow (10%) and wood or hurd (70%). If hemp is grown for seed must await the ripening of the same, and the fibrous part or lime is unsuitable for textile use. An important feature of the hemp plant is its productivity. And 'the most productive plant in the plant mass of the whole temperate zone: a cultivation period of three and a half months produces four times more biomass than that produced by the same forest area in a year. Moreover, due to its fast growth, it subtracts the light and smothers all other herbs present on the ground, and therefore free from all the weeds better than not know how to do the herbicides.
TEXTILES
The hemp plant is the most productive in the textile fiber of cotton, also its the fiber is much more robust and lasts longer. Currently it can be processed to make it as thin as you want, and is offered in place of cotton and synthetic fibers.
DIET
For their nutritional value of hemp seeds have been proposed as a remedy to the lack of protein in developing countries of sviluppo.Le hemp oil quality are outstanding. And 'particularly rich in unsaturated fats and is ideal for correcting the diet of modern man and the prevention of diseases of the cardiovascular system, also it can be effectively used for outdoor use. Equally extraordinary are the properties of this oil for industrial uses is not by chance has been likened to whale oil. The paints made with this raw material, besides not being polluting, are of high quality. With the hemp oil can also manufacture soaps, waxes, cosmetics, detergents (truly biodegradable), lubricants etc. precision.
The hemp seeds are used for centuries in human nutrition, especially in the East. Will reveal precious nourishment for our body due to their high protein content (including all 8 essential amino acids), vitamins (E, B1, B2, B6) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic and alpha-linolenic 50-70% 15- 25%, more than 5% of the rare gamma linolenic acid, hemp oil extracted from the seeds). 1 or 2 teaspoons a day help to meet the daily requirement of Omega 3 and Omega 6. The cooking oil can be consumed on food or hire in part, according to taste. The characteristic nutty aftertaste gives it a unique flavor to dishes. The Sativa Hemp oil contains no THC, the psychoactive substance found in the best known variety called Cannabis Indica. Its use therefore has no contraindication.
COSMETICS
A polyunsaturated fatty acid suitably conveyed in a cosmetic (cream, oleolito), can be incorporated directly in the structural lipids of the stratum corneum for the maintenance of correct hydration. Therefore, the use of such preparations is extremely interesting especially for making cosmetic products for skin prone to roughness, dryness, to cracking. The ideal field of exploitation today of such active principles is that relating to anti aging products, tend to improve the external appearance of the skin and delay the aging process as much as possible. The action Hemp oil on the skin is also prior of the states of irritation and inflammation.
They will benefit not only the aging skin, but also very delicate, or subjected to an environmental stress (light, cold, heat, sunlight, wind ,.). The moisturizing and restorative effect of elasticity and softness to the skin made by treatment with cosmetics containing in their lipid fraction essential unsaturated fatty acids is progressive, that progresses with the continuation of treatment. The hemp oil is therefore to be considered a new and really interesting lipid for cosmetics - as well as dietary supplement - as a function of the high content in unsaturated fatty acids, as well as various vitamins.
We remember in particular the high content of vitamin E, to which must be recognized antioxidant function, by virtue of which it effectively prevents the formation of free radicals, thus aging of the skin (prevents peroxidation of unsaturated fatty acids of membrane phospholipids ), and the vitamins of group B, in particular B1, B2 (also known as riboflavin: a deficiency of Vit. B2 can cause, for example, cracking of the lips and other forms of dermatitis read. in more severe cases it is also noted extreme sensitivity to sunlight), and B6.
The organic GLA deficiency causes the skin type scaling problems, dehydration, disorders of keratinization and general disorganization in epidermiche.Funzione layers of polyunsaturated fatty acids of the Omega 6 series is just to normalize stratilipidici intercellular. The topical application of these fatty acids, therefore, will cause a reduction in trans-epidermal dehydration, a refinement of the normal barrier function and a normalization of the skin keratinization process.
It is increasingly clear that the omega-6 PUFAs are not only key components of the diet, but also for topical applications.
In particular it is to be noted that, between the natural oils containing unsaturated, hemp oil is precisely the one that presents a truly optimum ratio (1: 3) between the two most important essential fatty acids: Omega 3 (gamma-linolenic acid - LNA) and Omega 6 (linoleic acid - LA).
The hemp oil is characterized by a high fluidity, and by the fact that penetrates very easily. Among the massage oils, for example, it is certainly to be considered the best for the fact that it is moderately oily.
Hemp oil is also highly recommended as an ideal component of solar products (especially in after-sun preparations) and soaps, restorative and firming creams, emulsions. Applied to the hair a few hours before shampooing, restores their luster and vigor, rebalancing the scalp. At the same time it makes them softer and easier to comb.
PAPER
Once extracted the textile fiber or after harvest of seeds, remain the tow plus the woody part or hurd, which can not only consider a simple by-product, but another important raw material. The tow can manufacture high quality paper, thin and durable. With short cellulosic fibers of the wood we can produce the most commonly used paper, such as newsprint, paperboard ecc.Fare the paper with both fiber and hemp wood has important advantages: first of all for its huge productivity en masse vegetable; Another big advantage of hemp is made from low-lignin than wood of trees, which contain about 20% hotelhas a similar percentage of substances leganti.Attualmente large paper mills use only wood of trees. The process to obtain the clean cellulose microfibers, and then the paste for paper, involves the use of large amounts of acids which are used to dissolve the wood. This operation, a costly and time-polluting, is not needed with the hemp obtained from the single fiber paper, and as regards the wood acids will serve less than half. Furthermore, the fiber and the wood of the hemp are already white in color and the paper that is obtained is already printable. And to make it completely white one treatment is sufficient to hydrogen peroxide (oxygenated water), instead of a chlorine based compounds necessary for the formed paper from wood of trees.
PLASTIC MATERIALS
With the cellulose of which the plant is rich, through a polymerization process, you may be obtained fully degradable plastic materials that, if in many cases can not compete with the sophisticated plastic materials of today, however, have from the beginning a series of uses important for packaging, insulation and so on.
FUEL
Hemp, for the ideal plant is also considered its high yield in vegetable mass, for the production of biomass fuels in lieu of petroleum products.
With the cellulose of which the plant is rich, through a polymerization process, you may be obtained fully degradable plastic materials that, if in many cases can not compete with the sophisticated plastic materials of today, however, have from the beginning a series of uses important for packaging, insulation and so on.

Medical uses of Cannabis and THC
General Observations
There are significant differences in knowledge about cannabis and cannabinoid medical uses in the various diseases. For nausea and vomiting associated with anticancer chemotherapy, anorexia and cachexia in HIV / AIDS, spasticity in multiple sclerosis and traumatic spinal cord injuries, there is strong evidence of medical benefits. For many other indications, such as epilepsy, motion and depression disorders, there is much less data available. However, scientific evidence for a specific indication does not necessarily reflect the actual therapeutic potential for a given disease.
Clinical trials with single cannabinoids or, less often, whole plant preparations (smoking marijuana, cannabis extract in capsules) have often been inspired by anecdotal positive experiences of patients who used raw cannabis products. Anti-emetic effects, appetite stimulants, relaxing, analgesics, and therapeutic use in Tourette's syndrome were all discovered in this way.
Accidental observations have also revealed therapeutically useful effects. This was done in a study on patients with Alzheimer's disease, where the main purpose was to examine the effects of THC appetite stimulants. But not only increased appetite and body mass, but also decreased abnormal behaviors among patients. The discovery of the decrease in endo-ocular pressure with the administration of THC at the beginning of the 1970s was also due to a happy casualty. Other interesting indications that have not been scientifically investigated, but remain common in modern medicine can benefit from cannabis and cannabinoid treatment. For this reason, surveys have been conducted over the past three to four years in questioning people who use cannabis for therapeutic purposes. They were conducted both as non-standardized oral interviews during research into the therapeutic potential of cannabis by scientific or state institutions (in Great Britain, the Chamber of Lord's Select Committee on Science and Technology, the US Institute of Medicine ) As well as anonymous surveys using standardized questionnaires.
Nausea and vomiting
The treatment of the side effects associated with antitumor chemotherapy is the most documented indication of cannabinoids, with about 40 studies (THC, nabilone, other THC analogues, marijuana). Most studies have been conducted in the 1980s. THC should be given at relatively high doses, so its side effects manifest themselves quite often. In one study, THC was lower than high doses of metoclopramide. There are no comparisons of THC with modern serotonin antagonists. While dronabinol is less accepted in treating the side effects of chemotherapy, cannabinoids remain popular in popular medicine and are often also used in other causes of nausea, including AIDS and hepatitis.
Anorexia and Cachexia
A stimulant effect of THC appetite was observed with daily refractory doses, totaling 5 mg. If required, the daily dose may be increased up to 20 mg. In a long-term study of 94 patients with AIDS, the THC appetite stimulant effect has continued for months, confirming the appetite improvement observed in a shorter study of 6 weeks. On an analogue visual scale, THC has doubled appetite compared to a placebo. Patients tend to maintain a stable weight over a seven-month period. A positive effect on body weight was also reported in 15 patients with Alzheimer's disease who previously refused food.
Spasticity
In small clinical trials of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, nabilone and cannabis, a beneficial effect on spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury was observed. Among the other positively influenced symptoms, pain, paresthesia, tremor and ataxia. In popular medicine there are reports of better control of the bladder and intestine. There is also some anecdotal evidence of marijuana benefits in spasticity due to brain injury.
Motion Disorders
There are some anecdotal positive reports of a cannabis response in Tourette's syndrome, late dystonia and dyskinesia. Use in Tourette's syndrome is currently being studied. Many patients only have a modest improvement, however some show a remarkable response or even a complete control of the symptoms. In patients with SM, following THC administration, there was a benefit in azathia and a reduction in tremor. Despite occasional positive reports, no objective success was observed in parkinsonism or Huntington's disease. However, cannabis products may prove useful in levodopa-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease without worsening primary symptoms.
Pain
There are only a few clinical studies of cannabinoids in painful conditions. In one study, oral THC has been shown to be effective in cancer pain in doses of 15 or 20 mg. However, some patients had intolerable side effects. In a double blind study on a single case, a family with Mediterranean family fever clearly reduced its opiate need when receiving THC compared to when receiving the placebo. Cannabis has been successfully used in modern popular medicine in a multitude of painful conditions, including headache and other forms of headache, musculoskeletal disorders, arthritis, neuralgia, neuropathy, dysmenorrhoea, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, etc.

Glaucoma
In 1971, during systematic research into the effects of marijuana on healthy consumers, it was observed that it reduced endo-ocular pressure. In the following 12 years, numerous studies have been conducted in healthy subjects and in glaucoma sufferers with marijuana and several natural and synthetic cannabinoids. Marijuana diminishes the internal eye pressure of 25-30% on average, sometimes up to 50%. Some non-psychotropic cannabinoids, and to a lesser extent, some non-cannabinoid cannabinoid constituents decrease endo-ocular pressure.
Epilepsy
Use in epilepsy is one of the oldest historical indications of cannabis. Animal experiments provided evidence of the antiepileptic effects of some cannabinoids. The anticonvulsant effect of phenytoin and diazepam has been enhanced by THC. According to a few "case reports" of the twentieth century, some epileptic patients continue to use cannabis to control an uncontrollable seizure disease. The use of cannabis may occasionally trigger convulsions.
Asthma
Experiments to study the anti-ASM effects of THC or cannabis date mainly since the 1970s, and are all "acute" studies. The effects of a cigarette of marijuana (2% THC) or THC for mouth (15 mg), respectively, correspond roughly to those of therapeutic doses of common bronchodilators (salbutamol, isoprenaline). Since inhaling cannabis preparations can irritate the bronchial mucosa, oral administration or another alternative system would be preferable. Very few patients developed bronchocostriction after THC inhalation.
Dependency and Abstinence
According to historical and modern case reports. Cannabis is a good remedy for combating abstinence symptoms in benzodiazepines, opiates and alcohol addiction. For this reason, he has been called by some "backward drug". In this context, both the reduction of the physical symptoms of abstinence and the stress associated with the suspension of drug abuse may have a place among its benefits.
Psychiatric symptoms
Improved mood in reactive depression has been observed in several clinical trials with THC. There are additional reports that report a benefit to cannabinoids in various disorders and psychiatric disorders such as sleep disturbances, anxiety syndromes, bipolar syndrome, distimia. Various authors have expressed different views on cannabis and psychiatric syndromes. While some emphasize the problems caused by cannabis, others promote the therapeutic potential. Most likely cannabis products can be both beneficial and harmful, depending on the specific case. The treating physician and patient must be open to a critical evaluation of the subject, and be free of both possibilities.
Autoimmune Diseases and Inflammation
In some painful secondary syndromes in inflammatory processes (eg ulcerative colitis, arthritis) cannabis products can act not only as analgesics but also demonstrate anti-inflammatory capabilities. For example, some patients using cannabis report a lower need for steroids and NSAIDs. Additionally, there are some reports of positive effects of cannabis self-medication in allergic conditions. It is not yet clear whether cannabis products can have a significant effect on the etiopathogenesis processes of autoimmune diseases.
Various and Mixed Syndromes
There are numerous positive reports from patients with pathological conditions that can not easily be categorized into previous categories, such as tinnitus, "chronic fatigue syndrome," restless leg syndrome, and others. Several hundred possible indications of cannabis and THC have been described by the various authors.
Cannabis products often have great effects in diseases with multiform symptoms, covered by the spectrum of THC actions. For example, painful inflammatory syndromes (eg arthritis), or accompanied by increased muscle tone (eg menstrual cramps, spinal cord injuries), or diseases with nausea and anorexia, accompanied by pain, Anxiety and depression (eg AIDS, cancer, hepatitis C).