Hemp Seed: Benefits, Uses & Dosage

The seeds of this infamous plant make a superb demulcent laxative. They also have a perfect balance of omega-3, -6 and -9 essential fatty acids, pointing to its use as an anti-inflammatory, nervous restorative, and cardiac tonic. Vijayameans ‘victorious’ as it is victorious over so many diseases.

• Snigdha: Demulcent
• Rasa- yana: Rejuvenative
• Anulomana: Redirects the flow of vata downwards
• Vibandhahara: Alleviates constipation (vata type)
• Biomedical: Demulcent, restorative, tonic, emollient, anti-inflammatory, anticholesterolaemic

Contraindications: Do not use excessively with ama; or phlegm.

Safety: No drug–herb interactions are known.

Dosage: 5–15g of ground seed, up to 45g ground in a decoction, 15–100ml per day as an oil. pitta and va-ta in excess causing insomnia, low libido and sluggishness. It is a vyava-yi, meaning that it spreads rapidly throughout the system before being digested (Bha-vapraka-śa). Q It is famously used on Shivaratri, the night of Lord Shiva. It is the festival when social taboos are lifted and devotees get divinely intoxicated (mast) by drinking a delicious beverage called t.han.d.a-ı-, a mixture of almonds, pistachios, milk, sugar and boiled bhang leaves. Q The flowering buds and resin are currently illegal for use in most countries of the world.

Combinations:

• Psyllium, triphala in vata constipation.
• Rhubarb root in stubborn constipation due to high pitta.