Some say hemp is the fiber of the future. And some like to point out that hemp has been around for as long as women have been gathering and men hunting. The use of hemp dates back 10,000 years, when hemp textile industries began in Europe and Asia. Gautama Buddha ate hemp seeds in 500 BC and hemp paper was invented in China in 100 BC. The English word for “hempe” was first listed in 1000 AD. And in 1776, the American Declaration of Independence was drawn up on hemp paper.
History lesson aside, why does it then seem like hemp has just appeared on the market? Most likely, it is because Americans associate the plant with marijuana and 1960s hippies. Hemp and marijuana are both varieties of the Cannabis sativa plant – except hemp will not get you high, as it contains less than one percent THC. (Marijuana contains up to 20 percent.) It is highly sustainable and requires very little pesticides. Over 25,000 products can be made from hemp, including shampoo, carpets, paper, and more.
Luckily, the tide of public acceptance seems to be turning for hemp. The green world is awash in hemp-i-tude! Hemp seed oil is known to be extremely hydrating, as its composition most resembles skin’s natural lipids. It is an anti-inflammatory that helps with the healing of acne, and is high in amino acids and essential fatty acids. Not to mention, it is great on your hair.
And a really great hemp product? That would be the Hemp Exfoliating Face Cloth from North American Hemp Company. This cloth, retailing for around $6, is made from 100 percent organic hemp fibers. And if you want a good eco-scrub, then this is the product for you. The packaging is made from 100 percent recycled content, it is cruelty free, vegan, and is 100 percent certified organic. (Though by who, I cannot discern.)
The hemp cloth claims to “bring superior exfoliating ability to reveal newer more radiant skin cells without the hyper-abrasion or overly-irritating the delicate skin on your face.” Does it? Yes – if you are looking for a good yet not too overbearing scrub cloth, I’d highly recommend it.
Just don’t try to smoke it afterwards.
Image: simon-and-india