Hemp seeds
Cannabis sativa (seed) · 火麻仁
Seeds & Grains. Modern nutrition and Chinese Medicine.
Also called Hemp hearts, Hemp nuts, Hemp seed, Huo ma ren
Pinyin: Huǒ Má Rén
Spanish: Semilla de cáñamo
Trace THC can affect testsShelled seeds of the hemp plant that are rich in protein and healthy fats and contain very little THC.
Did you know? Hemp seed protein contains all nine essential amino acids, which is unusual for a plant food.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Digestion & gut health. Chinese medicine uses it to ease hard stools. Modern human studies are lacking.Traditional proof
- Heart health. Hemp seed has fatty acids linked to heart health. Trials on the seed itself are few.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
In Chinese medicine, hemp seed (huo ma ren) is a gentle laxative that moistens the gut for dry, hard stools, especially in older adults and new mothers.
How it is classified
How people take it
Sprinkle 1 to 3 tablespoons of hulled seeds on food or yogurt. Hemp seed oil is used on salads or taken as a supplement.
Food and oil.
Where to get it
Grown from low-THC hemp plants, mostly in Canada, Europe and China. Sold shelled (hemp hearts), whole, as oil and in protein powders. Hemp seed has little CBD, which is found mostly in flowers and leaves.
Be careful
Usually safe as food, though large amounts can cause loose stools or gas. Some hemp foods may contain enough THC to affect a drug test. Do not use hemp seed as a laxative if you have a bowel blockage or bowel disease without asking a doctor first.
Avoid if: bowel obstruction.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Hemp and chia are both seeds high in plant protein and omega-3 fat.
- Works well together
Hemp, flax and chia are often mixed on cereal or yogurt.
The honest take
Hemp seed is a nutritious food with complete protein and healthy fats. Its use as a laxative in Chinese medicine has had little modern testing. Hemp seed is not a source of meaningful CBD or THC.