Hemp

Cannabis sativa

An annual shrub growing to 2.5m (8ft) in height. The plants are either male or female (dioecious) by nature and both are required. The male flowers (each with 5 stamen and 5 sepals), grow in loose clusters. Females form dense clusters that may be hidden by bracts (leaves associated with reproduction) and 5 sepals. The leaves are palmate or pinnate and the flowers have no petals. The stems are course and woody on mature plants. The plant is aromatic.

Family: Cannabidaceae

Which probiotic is it in?:

Habit and cultivation: Occasionally found on waste ground in U.K in nitrogen rich soils. Pollinated by the wind and attractive to wildlife. Does not like the shade, preferring direct sunlight and a moist soil.

Actions (known for): Anti-bacterial, immunostimulant, relaxant, inflammation, neuroinflammation,

History of Hemp

Used by mankind and known as pot or cannabis as a herbal medicine since 500 BC (found in the graves of shamanic healers in China and Siberia), and also in the manufacture of textiles and rope. Although the word cannabis is Latin the Persians and Greeks lay claim to the origin of this word. As a psychoactive drug it started being banned in the 1300s and has been banned in many countries of the world, or more recently decriminalised in some. In recent years CBD (short for cannabidiol) has been prescribed as a pain killer by the medical profession for several degenerative diseases and cancers.

Parts used from the Hemp

Seeds.

Constituents (bio available chemicals):

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Cannabinoids (at least 113), Cannabidiol (CBD), Volatile terpenes and sesquiterpenes.

Nutritional constituents:

Vitamins: A,B,C,D,E and K. Minerals: iodine, sodium and potassium. Proteins. Fibre. All 9 essential amino acids.

Indications:

Cancer, Parkinson’s disease, severe pain, seizures (epilepsy), HIV/AIDS.

Dosage:

The dosages of this herb vary greatly and it is down to the prescribing doctor to indicate the dose required for the individual condition. CBD oil is readily available over the counter in many shops, doses as written on the bottle.

British Herbal Pharmacopoeia

Cautions for therapeutic doses

Tiredness, elevated liver enzymes, diarrhoea, lowered or increased appetite, dependency, increased heart rate and paranoia.

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