Ask about wildcrafted and organic herbs
Monteagle Herbs sales office
3416 Mountainview Road
R.R.#4
Killaloe, ON.
K0J 2A0
e-mail: monteagle@webhart.net
Phone: 1-613-757-0796
Toll free line: 1-877-677-6055
Fax: 613-757-1291
3416 Mountainview Road
R.R.#4
Killaloe, ON.
K0J 2A0
e-mail: monteagle@webhart.net
Phone: 1-613-757-0796
Toll free line: 1-877-677-6055
Fax: 613-757-1291
Hemp and Haw No More
From the Summer 2000 issue of The Gilded Herb magazine, Volume 2, Issue 2. The Gilded Herb magazine has changed its name to Herbs At Home. Reprinted with permission of the publisher. HERBS at HOME MAGAZINE
(Formerly The Gilded Herb Magazine)
Cultivating Herbs for Everyday Living ...
Creative, Culinary, Curative, Cosmetic
705 793 3868 FAX 705 793 3260
www.HerbsAtHomeMagazine.com
by Peter Benner
In the Spring 2000 issue of The Gilded Herb, I briefly mentioned the superb nutritional benefits of hemp seeds (also known as "hempnut"). They contain all of the nine amino acids required for a healthy diet and a complete array of easily digestible proteins as well. Hemp seeds are at least equal to or superior to soy in nutritional value.
One of the most important reasons hemp should be a mainstay of a complete and balanced diet is that it is easily grown without the use of toxic biocides (synthetic chemical fertilizers, insect and weed killers). As a plant-based food high in protein (35 per cent) and other good things, hemp does not bioaccumulate dioxins, furans and other manmade endocrine/hormone disruptors presently found in our environment. Wild and domesticated meat animals high up in the food chain and used for human consumption, do store these chemical residues in their flesh in incremental amounts. Many scientific studies show that eating a plant-based diet including hemp foods will reduce the amount of these harmful substances that accumulate in our fatty tissues and organs.
A recently translated European medical study shows just how important hemp was in the curative process for 26 very sick young people over 60 years ago. The results of the study are just as valid and important today. The need for further ongoing research into the nutritional benefits of hemp seed is great.
Shortly before World War II, a small tuberculosis hospital in Jince, Czechoslovakia began a trial using hemp seed as part of a nutritional therapeutic regimen for tubercular children and teenagers, ages six-20. All the patients had primary and secondary tuberculosis.
On empty stomachs before every regular balanced meal, the patients were all given a daily dose of 50-80 grams of raw, ground hemp seed, extracted in 3/8th of a litre of milk heated to 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground, unsterilized hemp seed no more than two years old and capable of germination, was mixed with the warm milk and kept at this temperature for at least half an hour. The mix was kept in a water bath and constantly stirred to prevent the edestin from clumping on the bottom of the container. The seeds were then pressed and filtered to separate the outer hulls from the hempnut and milk.
Other than vitamin B1 and vitamin C tablets twice a day and the addition of hempseeds to the diet, there were no other medications or treatment given to the children. Availability of fresh nutritious food was severely limited in this first trial because of a worldwide economic crisis.
The trial was continued with a second group of young patients during World War II. This time, the patient's dietary nutrition level was even lower than that of the first trial due to the German occupation of Czechoslovakia. There was no cream. There were shortages of butter, cottage cheese, meat, eggs, sugar and vegetables. However, there were oat flakes and hemp seeds. The results of the trial before and during the war were equally successful.
Without exception, all the young people in the trial at the Jince sanatorium gained weight and their symptoms significantly improved. The tuberculosis did not progress and in fact, regressed. In all cases the lung diseases were healed. In the majority of cases there was "distinct restitution and integrum" according to Dr. Sirek. Many of the young patients resumed their physical development and were able to go on to full and productive working lives.
Dr. Josef Sirek, one of the study's leaders, wrote the study, "Importance of Hemp Seed in the Therapy of Tuberculosis."
Dr. Sirek used hempseeds in his trials because of their content of the main protein, edestine, and a large variety of enzymes as well. Hemp seeds contain the highest percentage of edestine in the plant kingdom! Edestine is not only very digestible…. it facilitates digestion, too. The simple proteins in hemp are precursors to some very important chemicals in our bodies: hemoglobin, enzymes and antibodies.
Hemp seed proteins are similar to nut and oil seeds. Edestine contains up to 19 per cent of the amino acid arginine, compared to a 6.8 per cent level in soybeans. Along with histidine, arginine is the amino acid that encourages growth and formation of new tissues and is essential for growing children. Hemp seed also contains the amino acids methionine, which helps protect the liver; and tryptophan, an important pro-vitamin pp-niacine that helps achieve nitrogen balance in the body.
As a result of the two trials, Dr. Sirek and his associate Dr. Jan Kabelik believed that the addition of the hempseeds into the patients' diet greatly supported their concept of "a whole diet, supporting effective function of the liver, thus assuring proper assimilation and utilization of nutrients." This team of Czechoslovakian doctors who treated their young patients did some amazing work considering the time and conditions they worked in.
Today, with the most modern, technologically advanced methods available, many health researchers are focusing their studies on essential fatty acids (EFA's) and their role as building blocks in human health. Because the body does not produce these substances, they have to be acquired in the diet every day. Hempseeds contain the perfect balance of EFA's for human health in an Omega 6 linoleic acid/Omega3 alpha linolenic acid ratio of 3:1. This ratio coincidentally happens to be the same ratio at which the human body uses EFA's. Hempseeds also contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and stearidonic acid. These substances are converted by the stomach and liver into PUFA's (poly unsaturated fatty acids). PUFA's are needed by the brain to carry out functions like perception, cognition, memory, vision and spatial behaviour.
Some symptoms of Omega 3 EFA deficiency are dry skin, high blood pressure, impaired vision, immune dysfunction, low metabolism and poor motor coordination.
Some symptoms of Omega 6 EFA deficiency are loss of hair, poor circulation, gallbladder problems, inflammation of the prostate, impaired wound healing, and growth retardation. Deficiency in EFA's has also been shown to cause complications in such conditions as Alzheimer's, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, eczema, psoriasis, acne, PMS, menopause, cancer, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), dyslexia, osteoporosis, clinical depression, heart disease and other health problems. Extra GLA is recommended for those people who have high cholesterol, diabetes, zinc deficiency, and for those who consume excessive amounts of fried foods, alcohol, sugar, saturated fats and refined oils. Detailed research is backing up these discoveries and hemp's timing couldn't have been better!
Let's take a look at a few examples of how hemp foods can improve certain health conditions. For more details, see the references at the end of the article.
Hempseeds can help treat osteoporosis, as it will increase calcium absorption, calcium deposition in bones, and reduce calcium excretion in the urine. Bone up on hemp!
Diabetics with high blood sugar levels can't access EFA's in their tissues. They also often have diabetic neuropathies, where their hands and feet are numb or tingling. Two or three teaspoons of hemp oil a day will alleviate those symptoms caused by poor blood circulation. Sweet, sweet hemp!
In studies of Multiple Sclerosis patients, a connection has been shown between poor EFA metabolism and worsening MS symptoms. Those people with MS might not be able to convert EFA's to PUFA's because of a malfunctioning enzyme system. Hemp to the rescue!
Research in Britain in the 1980s proved that EFA deficiency triggered learning disabilities and schizophrenia. When EFA supplements were introduced to British students who showed signs of these conditions, there was a great success in improving their symptoms. A hemp state of mind!
Further research showed that human breast milk contained high levels of EFA's, while infant formula had none. Control studies showed a higher IQ level in infants which were breast fed than babies fed infant formula. Now infant formula contains EFA supplements. If you're a nursing mother or expecting, taking hemp oil and/or hemp seeds in your diet will improve the nutritional content of your breast milk. Hemp's good for you, baby!
Taking hemp oil daily can have an anti-inflammatory effect that significantly reduces rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Hemp aid!
Other studies have shown that people with clinical depression, PUFA's are depleted. Taking EFA supplements can improve the depressive symptoms. Hemp hemp hurrah!
Further clinical research shows that regular EFA intake has anti-inflammatory properties when treating chronic bladder infection and inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Hemp relief!
A 1998 information sheet from Natural Factors, a Canadian vitamin/nutraceutical company, reports that EFA supplementation had an effect on diminishing aggression in young adults. During summer holidays, two groups were given supplements…one group had placebos and the other EFA supplements. At the end of final exams (a time of maximum stress), the entire control groups were tested. Those youths who had taken the supplements stayed at a calm, reasonable level, while those on placebos were noted to have increased their extraggression (aggression towards others). Hempseed protein contains large amounts of glutamic acid, which is a neurotransmitter that can be in short supply during stressful periods. Peaceful hemp!
If you're an athlete, you depend on EFA's for your stamina and to recover from fatigued muscles after exercise. When you get muscle cramps they are usually due to the build-up of lactic acid. EFA's help convert this lactic acid to water and carbon dioxide, which is then eliminated from the body. Higher, faster, stronger, longer hemp!
This widely varied, comprehensive research shows how essential the essential fatty acids are and the important role hemp can fill by serving as an all-natural, raw food EFA and protein supplement.
However after eating all that nutritious, delicious hemp you could go and ruin it all by what you take into your mouth next. Canadian researcher and practitioner Dr. Abram Hoffer shows that fried foods, sugar, refined and processed foods all kill EFA's and PUFA's. So keep those hydrogenated fats and other items to a minimum and be on the lookout for hemp foods in all their different forms and taste treats. Dr. Hoffer also suggests taking niacin as a supplement. It preserves those precious EFA's that hemp so graciously provides you. Hemp in the raw!
EFA's and proteins aren't the only goodies you'll find in hemp seeds. They're chock full of Vitamin E anti-oxidant compounds that trap excess free radicals in the body. You'll also find minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium. Hemp also contains phytosterols, which help regulate the blood's cholesterol levels; phospholipids (lethicin) are also present in hemp and they ensure healthy cell membranes and help the liver break-up and use the body's fat intake. Other vitamins you'll find in hempseeds: Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, and D. Healthy, healthy hemp!
Let's not forget that there is also six grams of fibre per each quarter pound serving of hempseeds, to help keep your system eliminating properly and absorbing nutrients. Hemp moves me!
So now that some of the health benefits of hempseeds have been outlined for you…how do you prepare them? Here are some helpful, hempful hints:
Hempseed recipes are available from:
Christina's Hemp Treats. Contact them at 613-757-3044 or by email at: hemp@coolhemp.com
"Conscious Creations" by Alice from Still Eagle, Nelson, BC. This is a guide to Vegan Hempseed Cuisine. Call 250-352-3844.
"The Hempseed Cookbook" by Carol & Don from the Ohio Hempery (1-800-BUY-HEMP) or www.hempery.com
"Hempseed Cookbook" by Nicky from New Earth, London, UK. Email: newearthempman@dix.compulink.co.uk
"Hemp Foods & Oils for Health…. Your Guide to Cooking, Nutrition and Body Care" by Hemptech. Available from Christina's Hemp Treats or visit www.hemptech.com
"The Hemp Cookbook, from seed to shining seed" by Todd Dalotto; Healing Arts Press, One Park St; Rochester, Vermont. 05767. ISBN 0-89281-787-9. 1800-246-8648. www.InnerTraditions.com
Other references for this article: Vitality Magazine, April 2000, page 8. Move over Ritalin and Prozac: New Research on EFA's for ADD, Dyslexia, and more. Vitality Magazine, 356 Dupont St; Toronto, ON. M5R 1V9. 416-964-0528.
Natural Factors Research Information Sheet. The Essential Fatty Acids That Help Learning and Behaviour. Date: 05/27/98.
Peter Benner is a journalist and salesperson for Monteagle Herbs, The Cool Hemp Company, Canadian Organic Growers and the Canadian Naturopathic Association. He promotes foods and products that are environmentally friendly, healthy and ethically produced. Contact him at 877-677-6055 or pbenner@webhart.net.
From the Summer 2000 issue of The Gilded Herb magazine, Volume 2, Issue 2. The Gilded Herb magazine has changed its name to Herbs At Home. Reprinted with permission of the publisher. HERBS at HOME MAGAZINE
(Formerly The Gilded Herb Magazine)
Cultivating Herbs for Everyday Living ...
Creative, Culinary, Curative, Cosmetic
705 793 3868 FAX 705 793 3260
www.HerbsAtHomeMagazine.com
by Peter Benner
In the Spring 2000 issue of The Gilded Herb, I briefly mentioned the superb nutritional benefits of hemp seeds (also known as "hempnut"). They contain all of the nine amino acids required for a healthy diet and a complete array of easily digestible proteins as well. Hemp seeds are at least equal to or superior to soy in nutritional value.
One of the most important reasons hemp should be a mainstay of a complete and balanced diet is that it is easily grown without the use of toxic biocides (synthetic chemical fertilizers, insect and weed killers). As a plant-based food high in protein (35 per cent) and other good things, hemp does not bioaccumulate dioxins, furans and other manmade endocrine/hormone disruptors presently found in our environment. Wild and domesticated meat animals high up in the food chain and used for human consumption, do store these chemical residues in their flesh in incremental amounts. Many scientific studies show that eating a plant-based diet including hemp foods will reduce the amount of these harmful substances that accumulate in our fatty tissues and organs.
A recently translated European medical study shows just how important hemp was in the curative process for 26 very sick young people over 60 years ago. The results of the study are just as valid and important today. The need for further ongoing research into the nutritional benefits of hemp seed is great.
Shortly before World War II, a small tuberculosis hospital in Jince, Czechoslovakia began a trial using hemp seed as part of a nutritional therapeutic regimen for tubercular children and teenagers, ages six-20. All the patients had primary and secondary tuberculosis.
On empty stomachs before every regular balanced meal, the patients were all given a daily dose of 50-80 grams of raw, ground hemp seed, extracted in 3/8th of a litre of milk heated to 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground, unsterilized hemp seed no more than two years old and capable of germination, was mixed with the warm milk and kept at this temperature for at least half an hour. The mix was kept in a water bath and constantly stirred to prevent the edestin from clumping on the bottom of the container. The seeds were then pressed and filtered to separate the outer hulls from the hempnut and milk.
Other than vitamin B1 and vitamin C tablets twice a day and the addition of hempseeds to the diet, there were no other medications or treatment given to the children. Availability of fresh nutritious food was severely limited in this first trial because of a worldwide economic crisis.
The trial was continued with a second group of young patients during World War II. This time, the patient's dietary nutrition level was even lower than that of the first trial due to the German occupation of Czechoslovakia. There was no cream. There were shortages of butter, cottage cheese, meat, eggs, sugar and vegetables. However, there were oat flakes and hemp seeds. The results of the trial before and during the war were equally successful.
Without exception, all the young people in the trial at the Jince sanatorium gained weight and their symptoms significantly improved. The tuberculosis did not progress and in fact, regressed. In all cases the lung diseases were healed. In the majority of cases there was "distinct restitution and integrum" according to Dr. Sirek. Many of the young patients resumed their physical development and were able to go on to full and productive working lives.
Dr. Josef Sirek, one of the study's leaders, wrote the study, "Importance of Hemp Seed in the Therapy of Tuberculosis."
Dr. Sirek used hempseeds in his trials because of their content of the main protein, edestine, and a large variety of enzymes as well. Hemp seeds contain the highest percentage of edestine in the plant kingdom! Edestine is not only very digestible…. it facilitates digestion, too. The simple proteins in hemp are precursors to some very important chemicals in our bodies: hemoglobin, enzymes and antibodies.
Hemp seed proteins are similar to nut and oil seeds. Edestine contains up to 19 per cent of the amino acid arginine, compared to a 6.8 per cent level in soybeans. Along with histidine, arginine is the amino acid that encourages growth and formation of new tissues and is essential for growing children. Hemp seed also contains the amino acids methionine, which helps protect the liver; and tryptophan, an important pro-vitamin pp-niacine that helps achieve nitrogen balance in the body.
As a result of the two trials, Dr. Sirek and his associate Dr. Jan Kabelik believed that the addition of the hempseeds into the patients' diet greatly supported their concept of "a whole diet, supporting effective function of the liver, thus assuring proper assimilation and utilization of nutrients." This team of Czechoslovakian doctors who treated their young patients did some amazing work considering the time and conditions they worked in.
Today, with the most modern, technologically advanced methods available, many health researchers are focusing their studies on essential fatty acids (EFA's) and their role as building blocks in human health. Because the body does not produce these substances, they have to be acquired in the diet every day. Hempseeds contain the perfect balance of EFA's for human health in an Omega 6 linoleic acid/Omega3 alpha linolenic acid ratio of 3:1. This ratio coincidentally happens to be the same ratio at which the human body uses EFA's. Hempseeds also contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and stearidonic acid. These substances are converted by the stomach and liver into PUFA's (poly unsaturated fatty acids). PUFA's are needed by the brain to carry out functions like perception, cognition, memory, vision and spatial behaviour.
Some symptoms of Omega 3 EFA deficiency are dry skin, high blood pressure, impaired vision, immune dysfunction, low metabolism and poor motor coordination.
Some symptoms of Omega 6 EFA deficiency are loss of hair, poor circulation, gallbladder problems, inflammation of the prostate, impaired wound healing, and growth retardation. Deficiency in EFA's has also been shown to cause complications in such conditions as Alzheimer's, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, eczema, psoriasis, acne, PMS, menopause, cancer, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), dyslexia, osteoporosis, clinical depression, heart disease and other health problems. Extra GLA is recommended for those people who have high cholesterol, diabetes, zinc deficiency, and for those who consume excessive amounts of fried foods, alcohol, sugar, saturated fats and refined oils. Detailed research is backing up these discoveries and hemp's timing couldn't have been better!
Let's take a look at a few examples of how hemp foods can improve certain health conditions. For more details, see the references at the end of the article.
Hempseeds can help treat osteoporosis, as it will increase calcium absorption, calcium deposition in bones, and reduce calcium excretion in the urine. Bone up on hemp!
Diabetics with high blood sugar levels can't access EFA's in their tissues. They also often have diabetic neuropathies, where their hands and feet are numb or tingling. Two or three teaspoons of hemp oil a day will alleviate those symptoms caused by poor blood circulation. Sweet, sweet hemp!
In studies of Multiple Sclerosis patients, a connection has been shown between poor EFA metabolism and worsening MS symptoms. Those people with MS might not be able to convert EFA's to PUFA's because of a malfunctioning enzyme system. Hemp to the rescue!
Research in Britain in the 1980s proved that EFA deficiency triggered learning disabilities and schizophrenia. When EFA supplements were introduced to British students who showed signs of these conditions, there was a great success in improving their symptoms. A hemp state of mind!
Further research showed that human breast milk contained high levels of EFA's, while infant formula had none. Control studies showed a higher IQ level in infants which were breast fed than babies fed infant formula. Now infant formula contains EFA supplements. If you're a nursing mother or expecting, taking hemp oil and/or hemp seeds in your diet will improve the nutritional content of your breast milk. Hemp's good for you, baby!
Taking hemp oil daily can have an anti-inflammatory effect that significantly reduces rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Hemp aid!
Other studies have shown that people with clinical depression, PUFA's are depleted. Taking EFA supplements can improve the depressive symptoms. Hemp hemp hurrah!
Further clinical research shows that regular EFA intake has anti-inflammatory properties when treating chronic bladder infection and inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Hemp relief!
A 1998 information sheet from Natural Factors, a Canadian vitamin/nutraceutical company, reports that EFA supplementation had an effect on diminishing aggression in young adults. During summer holidays, two groups were given supplements…one group had placebos and the other EFA supplements. At the end of final exams (a time of maximum stress), the entire control groups were tested. Those youths who had taken the supplements stayed at a calm, reasonable level, while those on placebos were noted to have increased their extraggression (aggression towards others). Hempseed protein contains large amounts of glutamic acid, which is a neurotransmitter that can be in short supply during stressful periods. Peaceful hemp!
If you're an athlete, you depend on EFA's for your stamina and to recover from fatigued muscles after exercise. When you get muscle cramps they are usually due to the build-up of lactic acid. EFA's help convert this lactic acid to water and carbon dioxide, which is then eliminated from the body. Higher, faster, stronger, longer hemp!
This widely varied, comprehensive research shows how essential the essential fatty acids are and the important role hemp can fill by serving as an all-natural, raw food EFA and protein supplement.
However after eating all that nutritious, delicious hemp you could go and ruin it all by what you take into your mouth next. Canadian researcher and practitioner Dr. Abram Hoffer shows that fried foods, sugar, refined and processed foods all kill EFA's and PUFA's. So keep those hydrogenated fats and other items to a minimum and be on the lookout for hemp foods in all their different forms and taste treats. Dr. Hoffer also suggests taking niacin as a supplement. It preserves those precious EFA's that hemp so graciously provides you. Hemp in the raw!
EFA's and proteins aren't the only goodies you'll find in hemp seeds. They're chock full of Vitamin E anti-oxidant compounds that trap excess free radicals in the body. You'll also find minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium. Hemp also contains phytosterols, which help regulate the blood's cholesterol levels; phospholipids (lethicin) are also present in hemp and they ensure healthy cell membranes and help the liver break-up and use the body's fat intake. Other vitamins you'll find in hempseeds: Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, and D. Healthy, healthy hemp!
Let's not forget that there is also six grams of fibre per each quarter pound serving of hempseeds, to help keep your system eliminating properly and absorbing nutrients. Hemp moves me!
So now that some of the health benefits of hempseeds have been outlined for you…how do you prepare them? Here are some helpful, hempful hints:
Hempseed recipes are available from:
Christina's Hemp Treats. Contact them at 613-757-3044 or by email at: hemp@coolhemp.com
"Conscious Creations" by Alice from Still Eagle, Nelson, BC. This is a guide to Vegan Hempseed Cuisine. Call 250-352-3844.
"The Hempseed Cookbook" by Carol & Don from the Ohio Hempery (1-800-BUY-HEMP) or www.hempery.com
"Hempseed Cookbook" by Nicky from New Earth, London, UK. Email: newearthempman@dix.compulink.co.uk
"Hemp Foods & Oils for Health…. Your Guide to Cooking, Nutrition and Body Care" by Hemptech. Available from Christina's Hemp Treats or visit www.hemptech.com
"The Hemp Cookbook, from seed to shining seed" by Todd Dalotto; Healing Arts Press, One Park St; Rochester, Vermont. 05767. ISBN 0-89281-787-9. 1800-246-8648. www.InnerTraditions.com
Other references for this article: Vitality Magazine, April 2000, page 8. Move over Ritalin and Prozac: New Research on EFA's for ADD, Dyslexia, and more. Vitality Magazine, 356 Dupont St; Toronto, ON. M5R 1V9. 416-964-0528.
Natural Factors Research Information Sheet. The Essential Fatty Acids That Help Learning and Behaviour. Date: 05/27/98.
Peter Benner is a journalist and salesperson for Monteagle Herbs, The Cool Hemp Company, Canadian Organic Growers and the Canadian Naturopathic Association. He promotes foods and products that are environmentally friendly, healthy and ethically produced. Contact him at 877-677-6055 or pbenner@webhart.net.