Hemp, since ancient times, has been used not only for its medical properties, but also for food, cosmetics and paper production.
However, in recent years, its use is returning to the fore thanks to its ability to grow quickly and with few resources. Let's find out all the uses.
Anti-prohibitionists rightly
Hemp yes or hemp no? Beyond the use that is made of it in the medical field, hemp could be an excellent resource for the country in which it is cultivated, because its use radiates in many sectors: from building to cosmetics, passing through power supply, but not only.
Furthermore, hemp is a compatible and ecological organic product, as its cultivation does not require the use of pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers, but rather reclamation and enriches the structure of the land in which it is planted.
Last but not least, it is a plant that has a rapid and abundant growth, similar to a weed. Let's see what we get thanks to hemp.
The hemp paper
Years ago, before the advent of prohibition, hemp was widely cultivated and used for the production of paper . Hemp can be used to make a paper resistant to tears, but also to heat and light.
It is not even affected by mold or insects, so it does not need to be chemically treated with acids. Its use and cultivation to make paper material, would also eliminate the problem of felling trees.
Hemp as a food
As far as nutrition is concerned, hemp is now marketed and used above all for seeds, flour and oil .
Hemp seed oil (other than hemp oil, a galenic preparation that only pharmacists can make) has good properties: anti-inflammatory, antioxidants (thanks to omega-3 and omega-6), lowers cholesterol and would do well for those suffering from gastritis and joints (ideal for those suffering from arthrosis or rheumatoid arthritis) .
Hemp flour is suitable for coeliacs, not containing gluten, and is very nutritious, rich as it is in mineral salts, precious amino acids and fibers.
Hemp cosmetics
La Bottega della Canapa or Verdesativa know something about selling natural products based on hemp: you can find handmade soaps, but also products for the beauty and health of the skin of the face, body and hair, both for men and women. for women, who take advantage of the beneficial, healing and deeply nutritious doses of hemp seed oil.
Hemp is also used for the production of vegetable sponges: find out how
Hemp fabrics
Ideal for making fabrics, hemp is warm in winter and cool in summer, hypoallergenic, does not absorb odors and has a very particular fit .
In Italy, due to prohibition, it cannot even be cultivated to make clothes for it, so it is frequently imported from Eastern countries, for example from Moldova. Bottega della Canapa, Altramoda, Fatti di Canapa, useful online points to discover new ways of dressing.
Francesca Tronca Hemp Fashion is the designer spokesperson for an ecological and clean way of dressing.
Building materials with hemp
Being an excellent insulator, hemp is suitable for creating acoustic and thermo-insulating panels that are breathable, healthy and light. Calcecanapa.it and Architetturaecosostenibile.it, two useful reference points.
In addition to the classic panels, flakes, felts, mats, paneling, bricks, paints, enamels, glues, biocomposites and fabrics for structural reinforcement can also be made.
Useful links
Going to the site Uses of hemp you can find out where to find the products and which sales points to contact for different employment needs. Hemp products are still quite expensive:
- half a liter of hemp oil costs around 20 euros;
- half a kilo of pasta with hemp costs around 3 euros;
- a hemp jacket does not cost less than 100 euros.
