The health benefits of hemp tea

There’s nothing more British than a cup of tea but did you know that hemp tea, made from the dried flowers and leaves of the hemp plant or cannabis sativa, has a long list of health benefits?

Hemp tea has been drunk for centuries thanks to its medicinal properties. The hemp plant has a high proportion of CBD but a low proportion of THC, which is the chemical compound in cannabis that will get you high. The tea can be made by steeping hemp in hot water, just like any other herbal tea, and the result is a greeny brown infusion with a slightly bitter taste.

The health benefits of hemp tea

Helps anxiety and depression

CBD can play a major role in regulating emotional behaviour. This is because serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters that improves mood and reduces stress and CBD has been shown to increase the levels of it in our body. As CBD has also been shown to alleviate pain and aid sleep, that can also have a positive impact on our mood.

Browse our selection of hemp teas here

Good for heart health

A healthy lifestyle is key for a healthy heart but hemp tea can also keep the ticker strong. Heart disease is one of the biggest killers in the UK and is caused by narrowed or blocked blood vessels, which result in chest pain, heart attacks or strokes. As hemp tea has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, it can help fight heart disease. Essentially, the compounds found in the cannabis plant open the arteries by causing them to relax and widen.

Improves your gut health

Studies have shown that a healthy gut is key for a strong immune system, heart health, brain health, improved mood, healthy sleep, and effective digestion. Cannabis has long been shown to aid people suffering from gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS and Crohn’s disease as it can relieve symptoms such as cramping, constipation and diarrhoea. Research has also shown that cannabis interacts with the receptors in the digestive tract to reduce muscle spasms, pain, and improve motility.

Manages pain

CBD has been shown to reduce the body’s absorption of the compound anandamide, which is associated with pain regulation. The active ingredients in the plant are absorbed through the digestive tract and liver and it usually takes effect between 30-90 minutes after ingesting. However, the effects can last around 4-8 hours. Because of its long-lasting impact, hemp tea is often consumed by people with chronic conditions such as cancer, AIDS, MS, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Reduces insomnia

Sleep is vital for our physical and mental health but getting our full eight hours isn’t always possible. Studies have shown that the CBD in hemp tea can aid a more restful and deeper sleep as it can reduce REM sleep disorder. It’s also been shown to improve sleep by regulating the body’s sleep/wake cycles, helping to promote wakefulness during daytime and relaxation at night. Plus, CBD in hemp tea can improve anxiety, depression and pain – which can all be common reasons for our sleep being impacted.

Written by Kat Romero