Happening 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.

Later, hemp was used to make canvas for sails, nets, and rigging. The plant was found to be very strong and resilient. Paper, twine, and rugs were also made of hemp. Hemp canvas was even used by Van Gogh and Rembrandt. The pilgrims first brought hemp seeds to the United States in 1632. By 1850, hemp was the third largest crop in America.

Hemp is not the same plant as marijuana, although they are cousins. The hemp plant has a different appearance and the uses for the two are very different. Hemp belongs to the nettle family and grows from 5 to 15 feet in height. It has several serrated, narrow dark green leaves. Hemp is tall and most of the leaves are at the top and grow very close together. In addition, hemp can be grown in almost any condition and requires little care. It grows easily and quickly.

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.

Building Materials: The hemp plant makes strong and sturdy building materials. Hemp cement is made using core fiber and minerals. Hemp bales can be used in straw baling. Homes made of hemp are strong and weather resistant. They can even withstand a tornado with little or no damage. It is estimated that building a structure using hemp would save thousands of dollars and be more environmentally friendly.

Fuel: Hemp can also be used to produce alternative fuel including bio-diesel and ethanol. The seed, straw and chaff from the plant can all be used. Hemp also produces more ethanol than corn per acre.

Oil: In the past, hemp oil was used for lanterns, candles and paint. Hemp requires no fertilizer, pesticides or fungicide to grow. Hemp oil can be made into nearly any product requiring oil, including oil based paints. Paint made of hemp last longer and is more durable. Products made of hemp are also nontoxic and can be disposed of without harm to the environment.

Clothing: Hemp is a great source for textiles and clothing. The fibers require less toxic chemicals and water to grow than cotton. Hemp also lasts for years and is naturally resistant to UV light, mold and mildew. Big name labels are now using hemp fibers for clothing including Armani, Disney, Ralph Lauren, Adidas and Calvin Klein.

Plastic: Biodegradable hemp plastic products can help reduce landfills. Hemp was used in the past as packing material and is now being used for making products such as CD jewel cases.