Hemp: 10 Uses for this Hardy Plant

The industrial hemp plant is one of the oldest cultivated plants. It can be traces all the way back to 8000 BC in the Middle East and China. The fiber from the hemp plant was used to make a variety of textiles, and the seeds were eaten. Hemp has a long history of being very versatile and very useful. The Latin name, Cannabis sativa, means “useful hemp”. The hemp does live up to its name.

Today, hemp is used for a wide variety of purposes. Here are 10 uses for this hardy plant.

Food: Hemp can be used in lots of recipes and give food an added health punch. Salad oil can be made from hemp and the seeds can be eaten as nuts or added to baked goods. Hemp is high in amino acids and has healthy oil content and essential fatty acids, which are vital to diet. Hemp seed can be crushed into oil or processed into flour.

Pet Food: This plant is also a healthy protein for animals. It can give cats a rich and shiny coat. Cats, dogs, horses and cows can all eat hemp as a dietary supplement. Birds also enjoy eating hemp seed. The hemp plant contains essential proteins, Vitamin A and is easily digested.

Pet Bedding: The hemp plant is extremely absorbent making it ideal for using as pet bedding for rats, guinea pigs and other rodents and for cat litter.

Body Oil and Lotions: Oil from the hemp plant makes it a good choice for lotions and body oils. The EFA content helps regenerate dry and cracked skin making it an excellent moisturizer.

Paper: Paper made from hemp is both economical and good for the environment. Because fewer trees are used, using hemp for paper helps protect forests and wildlife. Hemp requires less bleaching, which is a source of water pollution.

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