Hemp has a lengthy history of use in many different sectors, including textiles, building materials, biofuels, and culinary goods.
Industrial hemp, sometimes referred to as hemp, is a Cannabis sativa cultivar that is grown for industrial uses. Compared to marijuana, another cultivar of Cannabis sativa, it has higher levels of CBD (cannabidiol) and lower levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). The potential medical advantages of hemp and its derivatives have drawn more attention recently. One of the principal components of cannabis, CBD, has drawn much interest because of its potential uses in traditional herbal medicine.
Hemp has a lengthy history of use in many different sectors, including textiles, building materials, biofuels, and culinary goods.
According to research, CBD may also have neuroprotective, analgesic (pain-relieving), anxiolytic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is important to remember that much CBD research is still in its early stages, and additional research is necessary to fully comprehend its usefulness and safety for various medical conditions.
Here are some current hemp and traditional herbal medicine advances and studies:
Pain relief:
CBD has been studied for its potential involvement in treating chronic pain, including neuropathic pain, arthritic pain, and pain related to multiple sclerosis. Although some trials have yielded positive results, further research is needed to determine the appropriate dosages, long-term effects, and potential medication interactions.
Epilepsy:
The FDA has approved Epidiolex, a CBD-based drug, for treating Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome-related seizures in young children. This authorization allows for further research into the use of CBD for various types of epilepsy.
Mental health issues:
The therapeutic potential of CBD for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, and sleeplessness is now under investigation. Although small-scale research has shown encouraging results, larger, well-planned clinical trials are required.
Inflammatory conditions:
CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, according to preclinical research, and there is interest in researching its potential for treating disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. More research is needed to properly understand its mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential in humans.
Security and regulation:
As CBD and hemp-based products become more popular, there is a rising necessity for established quality control systems, product labelling, and appropriate regulations. Continuous research is still being conducted to provide guidelines for product safety, appropriate dosing, and potential medication interactions.
CBD and hemp for pain management:
Numerous studies have investigated the possibilities of employing hemp-derived CBD as a pain reliever. According to a 2020 randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, CBD topical cream significantly reduced pain and improved physical function in individuals with peripheral neuropathy.
While previous studies have shown that CBD may benefit arthritis, migraines, and chronic pain, further research is needed to discover the appropriate dosages and long-term benefits.
CBD treatment for seizures and epileptic disorders:
The FDA has authorized the use of Epidiolex, a CBD medication derived from hemp, to treat seizures brought on by epileptic disorders such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. CBD medicine significantly reduced the frequency of seizures in clinical studies.
Natural therapies for insomnia and anxiety:
Herbal compositions containing chamomile, valerian root, and passionflower are used in traditional anxiety and sleep disorder therapies. According to certain studies, these herbs may have sedative and anxiolytic effects, although further research is needed to prove their efficacy and safety.
Herbal and hemp-based skin care products:
Hemp seed oil, which is derived from industrial hemp and has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, is high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. More research is needed to evaluate the usefulness of hemp-based lotions and oils for skin problems such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis. However, several studies have looked into their potential benefits.
Medicinal herbs for gastrointestinal issues:
Some herbs, such as fennel, ginger, and peppermint, have traditionally been used to treat digestive disorders such as indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Clinical studies have shown that peppermint oil capsules for IBS symptoms are beneficial, while ginger has been shown to improve nausea and vomiting.
Safety and negative consequences:
Although most people believe hemp-derived products are safe, it is important to be aware of potential side effects and medication interactions. CBD has been associated with changes in appetite, weight, and dry mouth. Please consult a healthcare professional before using CBD or herbal remedies because they may conflict with specific medicines.
Regulation and standardised practices:
Herbal treatments and hemp-made items might fluctuate in quality and consistency. Efforts are being made to create standardized production processes, quality control procedures, and regulations to ensure the safety and efficacy of the goods.
It is important to know that the rules about hemp and CBD products change from country to country and region to region. Before using goods made from hemp for medical reasons, it is important to talk to a doctor and follow the laws in the area. Also, keeping up with the latest scientific findings from reliable sources is a good idea since hemp and plant medicine are always being studied and improved.
The FAS says about 66,700 hectares were used to grow hemp in China in 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that around 80% of the world’s people still use traditional plant medicine as their main form of health care.
Many people want and need plant medicine. Market Research Future says that in 2023, the world market for plant drugs will be worth USD 129 billion.
In recent years, scientists have paid more attention to how well traditional herbal medicine works and how safe it is. Researchers are doing clinical studies and thorough reviews to determine how well different herbal treatments work for different diseases.
Grand View Research says that the world market for industrial hemp was worth $4.74 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.1% from 2023 to 2030.
Regulatory groups in many countries have made rules about herbal medicines’ quality, safety, and branding. For example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States regulates herbal dietary products. At the same time, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in the European Union sets guidelines for herbal medicines.
Even though traditional herbal medicine has been used for a long time and some plants have been studied for their healing qualities, not all herbal medicines have been tested in clinical trials. When using plant medicine to treat a specific health problem, it is best to talk to a doctor and look at evidence-based information.
