Hemp Seed, also known as Huo Ma Ren, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is associated with the channels of the spleen and large intestine, and is known for its sweet and gentle properties. It is often used as a laxative to loosen the bowels and relieve constipation, as well as to treat pain, induce sleep, and reduce nausea associated with chemotherapy. Hemp seed has also been used to treat certain nerve disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, and to reduce eye pressure caused by glaucoma. Hemp Seed comes from the hemp plant (cannabis sativa L), an annual herb that grows in temperate regions of the world.
It is believed that the first known references to medicinal hemp leaf tea date back to 2700 BC. C., while the first textual medical reference to the use of hemp seeds dates back to 14 AD. Hemp is sometimes considered a yin plant due to its high seed content. The dose of hemp seed in a combined formula is between 9 and 15 grams (about 2 to 3 teaspoons); while as the main ingredient the dose could be 45 grams, which is equivalent to about three tablespoons. Hemp seeds are rich in proteins, essential fatty acids (EFAs), and dietary fiber, making them a beneficial addition to any diet. In China, hemp has a long history of medicinal use.
All parts of the plant are used in both oral and topical applications, including seeds, leaves, “juice” (oil), roots and flowers. A medicinal formula for treating constipation with hemorrhoids includes hemp seeds, rhubarb, apricot, magnolia, the root of a penny and the peel of an orange. Hemp seeds and leaves are often mixed with other herbs to treat a variety of ailments and conditions.