Hemp history

Leonard’s herbal hemp tea isn’t the first commercial use of hemp – it has a long and varied history of use across different cultures and time periods. Below is a list of major historical uses of hemp and its by products, starting from the earliest evidence:

1. Early Textile and Clothing (c. 8000 BCE)

  • Evidence: Archaeological findings suggest that hemp fibers were used to make textiles and clothing as far back as 8,000 BCE in regions such as ancient China. The fibers were spun into yarn and woven into fabric.
  • Use: Hemp was one of the earliest plants to be cultivated for textile production due to its strong fibers.

2. Ancient Paper (c. 2000 BCE)

  • Evidence: The earliest known paper made from hemp fibers dates back to ancient China. Emperor Ho-Ti of China, around 2000 BCE, reportedly ordered hemp and mulberry fibers to be used for writing material.
  • Use: Hemp was used for paper production, making it an essential medium for writing and recording knowledge in ancient China.
Natural hemp oil sitting on hemp (or jute) fabric

3. Ship Sails and Ropes (c. 1500 BCE)

  • Evidence: The ancient Egyptians and later the Greeks and Romans used hemp to make ropes and sails for their ships. These materials were crucial for navigation and trade.
  • Use: Hemp’s strong and durable fibers were perfect for creating the ropes and sails that allowed maritime cultures to flourish.

4. Medicinal Use (c. 1000 BCE)

  • Evidence: Hemp’s medicinal properties were recognized in ancient texts, such as in the writings of the Chinese Emperor Shen Nong in 1000 BCE, where it was used for treating ailments like pain and inflammation.
  • Use: Hemp was used in traditional medicine for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and sedative effects.

5. Hemp Seed Oil (c. 1000 BCE)

  • Evidence: Ancient civilizations such as the Chinese and Egyptians extracted oil from hemp seeds. This oil was used for cooking, lighting lamps, and for medicinal purposes.
  • Use: Hemp oil was prized for its nutritional value and versatility in cooking, as well as for use in lamps.

6. Roman Ropes and Fishing Nets (c. 100 BCE)

  • Evidence: The Romans used hemp for ropes and fishing nets, leveraging its strong fibers to create essential tools for their economy and daily life.
  • Use: Hemp was critical in the Roman Empire for building materials like ropes, nets, and cords for fishing and military purposes.

7. Hemp Clothing and Textiles in Europe (Middle Ages, c. 500-1500 CE)

  • Evidence: Hemp continued to be used throughout the Middle Ages in Europe, where it was used to make clothing, fabrics, and even blankets.
  • Use: Hemp was a primary material for textiles, used by peasants and nobles alike for garments and bed linens.

8. Paper for Early Printing Press (c. 1450 CE)

  • Evidence: The Gutenberg Bible, printed in the 1450s, was made using paper that contained hemp fibers. This was part of the European Renaissance.
  • Use: Hemp paper was used for the first mass-produced printed books, significantly advancing literacy and knowledge dissemination.

9. Colonial American Ropes and Textiles (1600s CE)

  • Evidence: During the early days of the American colonies, hemp was grown for ropes, sails, and textiles. The U.S. government even required farmers to grow hemp.
  • Use: Hemp was vital for the economy, especially for the maritime and textile industries.

10. Hemp for Military Uses (World War II, 1940s)

  • Evidence: During World War II, hemp was used to make military supplies, including ropes, uniforms, and parachutes. The U.S. government launched the “Hemp for Victory” campaign.
  • Use: Hemp fibers were critical for wartime materials when other resources were scarce.
Hemp rope

11. Industrial Hemp Fiber for Construction (Early 20th Century)

  • Evidence: In the early 20th century, hemp fibers were experimented with for use in construction materials, such as insulation and even hempcrete, a building material made from hemp fibers and lime.
  • Use: Hemp was tested as a sustainable material for construction, offering insulation and environmental benefits.

12. Hemp in Plastic Substitutes (Late 20th Century)

  • Evidence: In the 1980s and 1990s, research began into the use of hemp fibers in the manufacturing of biodegradable plastics and composite materials.
  • Use: Hemp fibers were incorporated into plastic substitutes, offering a more eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics.

13. Hemp-based Biofuels (Late 20th Century to Present)

  • Evidence: In recent decades, hemp has been explored as a source for biofuels. Research into hemp-based ethanol and biodiesel has been a part of the broader push for renewable energy sources.
  • Use: Hemp oil can be used to produce biodiesel, offering a renewable and environmentally-friendly fuel source.

These uses demonstrate the vast versatility of hemp throughout history, from ancient textiles and medicine to modern eco-friendly products and health supplements, such as herbal tea. The seeds and flowers of the plant are now on the shelves of UK supermarkets, included in salads, chocolates, milk, water, coffee and TEA! Hemp is beneficial for the environment, easy to grow, requires no fertiliser and attracts all manner of bees, butterflies and birds. Hemp is the true eco-plant of the future and it’s seeds offer multiple health benefits.