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H emp has been known from most ancient
times in China; there being a tradition that the Emperor
Shen-nung (28th century B.C.) taught the people to
cultivate it, as he did also the mulberry tree for raising
silk worms. On the other hand, flax was unknown to the
ancient Chinese, and even at the present day the plant is
only cultivated for its oil. At Peking the hemp plant is
called Hsiao-ma.
Every part of the hemp plant is used in medicine; the
dried flowers, the achenia, the seeds, the oil, the leaves,
the stalk, the root, and the juice.
The flowers are recommended in the 120 different forms
of Feng disease, in menstrual disorders, and in wounds.
The achenia, which are considered to be poisonous,
stimulate the nervous system, and if used in excess, will
produce hallucinations and staggering gait. They are
prescribed in nervous disorders, especially those marked by
local anaesthesias.
The seeds, by which is meant the white kernels of the
achenia, are used for a great variety of affections, and
are considered to be tonic, demulcent, alterative,
laxative, emmenagogue, diuretic, authelmintic, and
corrective. They are made into a congee by boiling with
water, mixed with wine by a particular process, made into
pills, and beaten into a paste. A very common mode of
exhibition, however, is by simply eating the kernels. It is
said that their continued use renders the flesh firm and
prevents old age. They are prescribed internally in fluxes,
post-partum difficulties, aconite poisoning, vermillion
poisoning, constipation, and obstinate vomiting. Externally
they are used for eruptions, ulcers, favus, wounds, and
falling of the hair.
The oil is used for falling hair, sulphur poisoning, and
dryness of the throat.
The leaves are considered to be poisonous, and the
freshly expressed juice is used as an anthelmintic, in
scorpion stings, to stop the hair from falling out and to
prevent it from turning grey. They are especially thought
to have antiperiodic properties.
The stalk, or its bark, is considered to be diuretic,
and is used with other drugs in gravel.
The juice of the root is used for similar purposes, and
is also thought to have a beneficial action in retained
placenta and post-partum hemorrage.
An infusion of hemp (for the preparation of which no
directions are given) is used as a demulcent drink for
quencing thirst and relieving fluxes.
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