The Use of Himalayan Hemp and its Uses in Different Industries

The Use of Himalayan Hemp and Industrial Hemp

The Himalayan Hemp is a plant that grows abundantly in India’s mountain and Himalayan regions, amongst other countries. The hemp plant has lush green foliage and is used for various purposes. The hemp plant is high in nutrition and has immense therapeutic benefits. Himalayan Hemp is a climate-adaptive crop that can grow to anywhere around 4m in height on a weather condition of 15-25 degrees. The plant doesn’t need any pesticides to grow. Moreover, the crop is used for the bio-absorption of contaminants and soil remediation.

Hemp is consumed globally, and the Himalayan Hemp is considered one of the best categories of Hemp. HempInIndia is used to produce textiles by mixing it with other natural fibres like silk. In addition, it is used in the production of paper products, a source of bio-fuel and fibreglass as well.

Uses and Health Benefits of Himalayan Hemp

Hemp has various health benefits for the heart, respiratory, stress, anxiety, pain, etc. Hemp products in India are used for the treatment of the following conditions.

1. The hemp seeds and oil is highly beneficial to the heart, as it aids in the relaxation of blood vessels. The presence of arginine in the seeds and oil helps in fighting inflammation and also lowering blood pressures and preventing blood clots.
2. As hemp seeds have high gamma-linolenic acid content, they can aid in fighting skin conditions like eczema and acne. It also has a high quantity of minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and phosphorus, making the skin soft, moisturized and disease-free. Hemp seed oil can be found online for the treatment of various diseases.
3. Hemp oil can reduce stress and anxiety, as it contains a high amount of magnesium and Vitamins B. The rich source of vitamins can manage body stress by impacting neurotransmitters.
4. Hemp is also beneficial for treating anaemia. As we know, anaemia results from a deficiency of iron in the body, and hemp seeds have a high content of iron, which makes hemp an ideal product for the treatment of the disease.
5. It also helps in reducing joint pains and can relieve pain from arthritis as well. As it has high anti-inflammatory properties, it is used to treat injury and infection and treat autoimmunity disorder.
6. The high content of magnesium in the hemp seeds can help people get relief from insomnia. The high magnesium content naturally relaxes the muscles and calms the body, thus helping people to sleep.
7. Hemp also aids in digestion. It contains high insoluble and soluble fibres, which help in weight management, nourish guts, stabilize blood sugar levels and also maintain the cholesterol level.
8. Repair and regeneration are other benefits of using hemp seeds. The seeds have all the essential amino acids, which are the building blocks for the repair and revival of the body.

Which Industries Use Hemp?

Hemp is used in many different sectors around the world. In India, Hemp is used mainly in Animal Care, Textile, Food and Beverage, Automotive, Furniture, Personal Care, Construction Materials and Medicine.

1. Textile: The use of plant-based materials is increasing these days. Hemp clothing is also getting highly popular worldwide, as it has similar properties to cotton but is more durable. Hemp clothing is also highly resilient and can handle wear and tear. In addition, hemp clothing is also highly biodegradable, thus making it environmentally friendly. Big brands have begun offering Hemp-based clothing lines, and others are following the suit.

2. Animal Care: Hemp animal products are widely popular, as it has anti-bacterial properties and can prevent bacterial and fungal issues. With these products, there are fewer chances of respiratory problems and allergic reactions in animals. Besides, hemp animal products help in stimulating natural behaviours and nesting in animals. Moreover, hemp animal products can be used for animals living in enclosures of all sizes. It is entirely natural and fully compostable, making it an ideal choice for the betterment of animals.

3. Food and Beverages: Hemp seeds are used for making various beverages like hemp milk. It is also used in the production of wine and other drinks. Hemp seeds have high protein content and are consumed by humans in various forms. They are also used to feed animals and birds. Hemp oil obtained from hemp seeds and leaves is high in unsaturated fatty acids, and the leaves can be used to make juice.
4. Automotive: As hemp stalks are rich in cellulose, they are a great choice to create bio-plastics from the stalks. These bio-plastics can be used for making car parts, as they are considered more robust and lighter than steel. It was first demonstrated by Ford and Dietzen. Thus, the use of hemp in the automotive industry can revolutionise the way vehicles are manufactured. Moreover, the production process would be more carbon-neutral.

5. Personal Care: Hemp seeds and oil are used to produce personal care items from face cream, hair oils, lotions and soaps to shampoos and conditioners. The Himalayan hemp powder is also used to make a concoction of various things used extensively in the personal care segment. The anti-ageing and moisturising properties of hemp oil make personal care products more likeable to the masses. It is also completely natural, thus making it an ultimate choice for manufacturers.
   

6. Construction Materials: Hemp is used to producing different construction materials, as it is more sustainable and recyclable. Hemp ensures proper insulation in houses and other buildings, as it is resistant to heat flow. Besides, it is more durable against moisture and heat.

7. Medicine: The pharmaceutical industry has been using hemp for the production of medicines for ages. The properties found in the hemp seeds and oil are useful in making medicines related to heart, skin, respiratory diseases and more.

The industrial hemp market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 26.6 billion by 2025. According to studies done in the past, hemp-based products have shown a promising future. Although the medicinal sector uses hemp to produce medicines, several other industries follow the same route. As more and more people and industries are becoming more aware of the benefits of hemp-based products, the use of hemp and its products are expected to grow exponentially. From the fashion industry to housing, hemp-based products are only likely to rise in the future. Due to its natural properties and being exceptionally environmentally friendly, it has become one of India’s highest growing production sectors and across the world.

Although it is also true that India has only legalised hemp cultivation in two states, but it also can’t be denied that hemp has had its root in India since time immemorial. Even a single step taken towards the production of industrial hemp can benefit various industries and be highly beneficial to the environment.