20 Unexpected Uses for Hemp
Throughout history hemp has been used in many different enticing ways.
It can be consumed medicinally, as a nutritional supplement, as a textile, as a plastic or biofuel, and in some instances, spiritually.
Its sister plant, hemp, has been used for almost everything else you can think of.
Hemp also has the ability to mitigate climate change as we know it.
It has been documented that hemp was used well into the early B.C. years.
The plant is said to be originally used for clothing, medicine, and spiritual purposes.
Furthermore, many international communities have found various uses for hemp over time, from China to Turkey, to India, and of course, the US.
With hemp slowly approaching full legality in the United States, businesses are turning to the resourceful plant more frequently for new production methods for various products.
Here are 20 surprising and interesting ways that hemp has been used throughout history.
#1 Hemp Paper
The use of hemp for paper making can be dated back to China’s Han Dynasty in 200 B.C.Â
It was used primarily in historical documents and literature throughout the years.Â
In addition, Mark Twain’s novels were also printed using hemp paper.Â
In the 1800s, hemp paper was used by Russia’s banking sector as well.Â
Hemp paper was fairly popular up until the 1930s when paper made from trees became more common.Â
However, in recent years, businesses are slowly turning to using hemp paper once again.
#2 Ink
Another effective use of hemp oil is in ink. For both tattoo artists and writers alike.
Hemp oil is an excellent non-toxic alternative to regular ink which has lots of chemical additives.Â
Furthermore, this type of ink is faster drying and requires less processing. Hemp ink can be used on either your body or on your reams of hemp paper.
#3 Paint
Hemp paint is a great alternative to standard paint as it is biodegradable, chemical-free, and extremely easy to use.
Made from hemp seed oil and used as a wood stain or finish, hemp paint is quite the diverse tool.
In addition, you can paint on hemp canvas!
The name canvas, comes from cannabis. Cannabis has been used to make canvases around the globe for hundreds of years if not longer.
#4 Hemp Fabric
There are many opportunities for hemp innovation in the fashion industry.
However, hemp fabrics are not a recent invention. Hemp has been used since time immemorial for textiles.
Furthermore, it is considered an “environmental super fiber.”Â
Designers are increasingly turning to hemp for their eco-friendly production methods.
#5 Carpet
As mentioned earlier on in the list, hemp has been used throughout history to make clothing and other fabrics.Â
However, it can also be used as a material for making carpets and rugs.Â
Textile workers can create durable and hard-to-wear pieces using the woody fibers from the hemp plant.
#6 Hemp Shoes
Hemp can be used in fashion for more than just clothing.Â
The plant can also be used as the base material to make shoes.
Furthermore, hemp shoes, which are typically made from a mixture of hemp fiber and cotton, are soft and comfortable, as well as being environmentally friendly.
#7 Plastic
A great use of the hemp plant is its ability to be made into biodegradable plastic material.Â
Plastic is used by numerous people every day.
However, most of it is made from non-biodegradable, and polluting chemicals.Â
There are more and more hemp-based plastic companies like SANA Packaging and Exhemplary Life emerging to shift away from the harmful use of standard plastic.
#8 Concrete
Hemp may be the perfect solution for construction workers who need quick fixes.
Hempcrete is lighter than concrete, which can be heavy and cumbersome to transport.Â
In addition, complete houses are made from hempcrete. Not only is it an eco-friendly option, it is also naturally fire resistant and repels pests and does not decay like other materials used in building.
#9 Hemp Batteries
Unbeknownst to many, you can actually make batteries with the hemp fibers from this versatile plant.Â
Furthermore, scientists make use of hemp by making supercapacitors, which are a type of battery that distributes electricity in smaller amounts than the standard battery.
#10 Cars
Above is an image of Henry Ford’s hemp car he developed in 1941. Forget electric cars!
Electric cars require intensive mining for natural minerals used for the batteries. Hemp is the most eco-friendly option for car production.
Furthermore, the hemp plastics used are 10 times stronger than steel.Â
Back in 1937, Henry Ford had even invented a “Hemp Car” which was the first American car to use hemp materials. Which included the car running on hemp ethanol.
#11 Solar Panels
Ready to take an already eco-friendly energy option to the next level?Â
Fascinatingly, hemp can be used to make solar panels.
Furthermore, making solar panels from hemp is actually a more efficient method too.Â
Hemp solar panels can be applied like paint and produce energy when they are heated by the sun.
#12 Diapers
Hemp can also be used to make diapers for your baby.Â
More and more companies are switching to using hemp as a primary material to make diapers.Â
Furthermore, hemp is naturally anti-fungal, non-allergenic, and recyclable.Â
It is the ideal natural material to keep your children comfortable and clean throughout the day.
#13 Nail Polish
Nail polish is just one of the many examples of a hemp-based beauty innovation.Â
Nails INC recently released a hemp-infused collection of nail polishes and a CBD nail polish as well.
#14 Hemp Shampoo
Another common usage of hemp oil is to add it to your shampoo or conditioner.Â
Furthermore, hemp oil is rich in essential nutrients that promote healthy hair.Â
It also has fatty acids that can aid in hair growth.
#15 Skin Products
Many are familiar with how using oils can help to hydrate your skin and prevent aging.
Hemp oil has been gaining popularity among skincare professionals in recent years.
Furthermore, hemp oil has shown to be a good choice for those with dry skin as it can help regulate and balance your skin’s hydration.
#16 Fish Oil
For many years, fish oil has been used as a supplement for vitamin D.Â
It is geared specifically towards women. Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fats, which are essential for our bodies.Â
Additionally, it helps prevent heart disease, lower blood pressure and ease menstrual pains and other symptoms.Â
Hemp oil is also rich in essential omega-3 fats that the body needs, so many people have been using hemp oil as a vegan replacement for fish oil.
#17 Animal Food
One of the easiest ways to use hemp is to simply eat it.Â
Although we’re all familiar with hemp oil and hemp seeds being added to yogurt bowls and smoothies, did you know that hemp can also be used as a food source for animals?Â
In addition, all animals can be fed hemp, which provides them with healthy fats and protein.Â
Furthermore, most animals have an endocannabinoid system similar to ours so they benefit from taking external cannabinoids.
#18 Hemp Flour
While you can consume hemp seeds and oil as a supplement for your nutrition, you can also make flour from the seeds.
Hemp flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour and has an earthy, nutty taste.Â
Furthermore, this flour is great for bread, pizza crusts, or pancakes.
#19 Milk
There are many things you can make milk from, including almonds, cashews and macadamias.Â
But have you ever heard of hemp milk?Â
Furthermore, hemp milk is rich in protein, and is lactose, soy and gluten-free.Â
Additionally, it is super simple to make too. All you need to do is mix hemp seeds with water and mix in some vanilla and maple syrup to add sweetness.
#20 Chocolate
Last but not least, you can use hemp to make the popular favorite sweet snack, chocolate!Â
Hemp chocolate is delicious and can even be used to soothe anxiety, inflammation, insomnia, as well as many other aches and pains, without any of the side effects that most cannabis-infused chocolates have.
So, what are you waiting for? Learn how to grow your own super crop (hemp) from the comfort of your own home or in person with Learn Sativa University!
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