No Products in the Cart
Hemp has been used by humans for thousands of years, not just for its fibres or seeds, but as a natural remedy for health and wellbeing. As hemp-based products gain popularity today for addressing issues like pain, anxiety, and sleeplessness, it’s fascinating to look back at the roots of its medicinal use. From ancient China to India and beyond, hemp has a rich history as a natural healer.
Hemp in Ancient China: The First Recorded Use
The earliest known documentation of hemp’s health benefits comes from ancient China, around 2700 BCE. The legendary Emperor Shen Nong, also called the “Father of Chinese Medicine,” compiled the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, one of the world’s oldest pharmacopoeias. This text described hemp seeds and oils as remedies for a variety of ailments, including pain, inflammation, and digestive troubles.
Shen Nong’s writings laid the foundation for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which recognised hemp as a versatile plant with both nutritional and therapeutic properties.
Hemp in Ancient India: The Sacred Plant
Hemp’s reputation as a healing plant also spread to India, where it became deeply rooted in Ayurvedic medicine. Mentioned in the Atharvaveda (circa 2000–1000 BCE) as one of the “five sacred plants,” hemp was revered not just for its practical uses but also for its spiritual and medicinal properties. Ayurvedic practitioners used it to treat a range of conditions, including anxiety, digestive disorders, and respiratory issues.
In Indian tradition, hemp wasn’t just a medicine but also a spiritual ally. It was often used in rituals and to promote relaxation and mindfulness.
Hemp in Ancient Egypt
Evidence of hemp’s health benefits can also be found in ancient Egypt. The Ebers Papyrus, a medical text dating back to 1500 BCE, mentions hemp as a treatment for inflammation and pain. Ancient Egyptians were known for their advanced medical knowledge, and hemp was one of the many natural remedies they relied upon.
Hemp in Ancient Greece
By the 1st century CE, hemp’s medicinal use had reached the Mediterranean. Greek physicians like Dioscorides and Galen wrote about its therapeutic properties. It was used to treat earaches, reduce inflammation, and even help with wounds and burns. The Greeks’ detailed documentation helped preserve the knowledge of hemp’s health benefits for future generations.
A Legacy of Natural Healing
Hemp’s role in ancient medicine highlights its enduring value as a natural remedy. For thousands of years, cultures across the world have turned to hemp for its therapeutic properties. It wasn’t just a plant—it was a trusted ally in health and wellness.
In modern times, as the stigma surrounding hemp diminishes, we’re rediscovering what ancient civilisations knew all along: hemp is a powerful, versatile plant with the potential to improve our lives. From CBD oil to hemp-infused balms, today’s products echo the practices of our ancestors, adapting ancient wisdom to meet the needs of the modern world.
Why This Matters Today
The resurgence of hemp in Australia and globally isn’t just a trend—it’s a return to the roots of natural medicine. For Australian growers and consumers alike, understanding the historical significance of hemp can inspire a deeper appreciation for this ancient plant and its potential to support health and wellbeing in our lives today.
By embracing hemp’s long legacy, we’re not just cultivating a crop; we’re reconnecting with the wisdom of the past to build a healthier future.