Being one of the most useful plants on Earth, the hemp plant has been used for thousands of years in the production of food, paper, fabric, and fuel. A domestically produced renewable source, the hemp plant grows swiftly requires fewer resources to develop, prospers in most climates, and contributes to the soil it grows in. It's essential to learn about this alternative resource, and these are some of its most important applications:

Food and Nutrition

The oil within hemp seeds is an excellent source of protein and minerals. Hemp contains all nine of the essential fatty acids and 20 amino acids needed by the human body. These nutrients affect a multitude of critical bodily functions, including metabolism, mood, brain, heart as well as behavior. Hemp seeds are cost-effective and taste great on a salad or in a smoothie.

Beauty Products

Still, in the beginning, stages of exploration, hemp seed oil and CBD are becoming common ingredients in creams, lotions, face oils and serums, among other countless new cosmetic products. Hemp seed oil prevents loss of moisture in the skin and has a naturally high amount of beneficial oils when processed correctly. It gently cleanses the skin and pulls dirt from pores leaving it clean and bright. These natural cleansing properties also make it popular as a good laundry soap for sensitive skin.

Fuel Alternatives

Hemp can be organized into two types of biofuel: biodiesel and bioethanol. Biodiesel can be made using hemp seeds, this will extend a diesel engine's life with better lubrication than standard petroleum diesel fuel, and the remainder of the plant can be processed into bioethanol. These biofuels provide valuable alternatives to the current dependence on fossil fuels, release fewer ozone-damaging pollutants both and can be grown quickly with significantly fewer costs.

Paper and Plastic Alternative

Naturally acid-free, hemp does not breakdown or disintegrate like plain paper and has been in production as a fine quality writing sheet for thousands of years. A faster regenerative plant than trees, hemp is an ideal material for making paper. If we were to move towards the sole use of hemp as our paper supply, this would greatly help save the world's forests.

It takes hundreds of years to destroy or break down traditional plastic. Hemp plastic waste is safe to dispose of, while regular plastic waste has the ability to release toxic chemicals. Due to its expensive and challenging production cost, hemp plastic is not yet being produced on a large scale, but some manufacturers are beginning to simplify the process.

Fabric and Textiles

Hemp fibers are used in the production of clothing, rugs, rope, linen, and more. They are similar to cotton but are more durable and resistant to wear.Hemp is the oldest known woven fabric and was the material used in the first ever American flag. It has a tendency to become softer and even more comfortable over time, a "wearing in" process. It is more environmentally friendly than cotton or synthetic materials, and because of its long life, less of the material is needed and ultimately saves water.