Hemp (Cannabis sativa)is also called industrial hemp, plant of the family Cannabaceae cultivated for its fiber or its edible seeds. Hemp is sometimes confused with the cannabis plants that serve as sources of the drug marijuana. The seeds and flowers are used to extract CBD oil. Some types of hemp tea contain CBD (Cannabidiol) which is the non-psychoactive component found in the hemp plant. Hemp contains only trace amounts of THC (which causes the "high" in Marijuana). CBD itself comes in oils, tinctures, creams, edibles and more. 

Many results are based on carefully administered doses and require medical study. Please consult a doctor if you are considering CBD and for advise on which dose it right for you.

1. Pain relief. Studies has shown that CBD may help reduce chronic pain by reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters.
2. Reduce Anxiety and Depression. Many drugs used to treat these symptoms often have many side effects and can be addictive and lead to substance abuse. CBD has shown promise as a treatment for anxiety, treat insomnia and post traumatic stress disorders
3. Cancer symptoms. Many people have found CBD helped with side effects of cancer treatment like nausea, vomiting and pain. 
4. Skin health. Because CBD is anti-inflammatory, it may have beneficial effects on acne.
5. Neuroprotective Properties. From epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease - CBD has been found to have positive benefits. Much of the research is limited, but promising
6. Heart Health - Studies are still new, but early research shows that CBD can help lower blood pressure and reduce cell death associated with heart disease.
7. Other areas showing promise are substance abuse treatment, anti-tumor, & diabetes prevention.

Some hemp teas that are advertised as hemp but do not contain any hemp leaves, but rather contain CBD oil. This isn't really a hemp tea. But simply adding CBD oil to a tea won't always work because OIL AND WATER don't mix and are not easily absorbed by the body. There are also flavanoids in present in hemp, and while certain teas have their own unique flavanoids, you wont get access to these in plain old CBD oil. 

Because our bodies are mostly water, how much CBD gets absorbed in your body can vary greatly. It is impossible for 100% of the stated CBD amount to get absorbed. The claimed CBD content of CBD and how much you can actually absorb can vary greatly. Ultimately, with Hemp tea - it's the holistic aspect, the quality of the leaves and associated ingredients that are the most important. 

There are many companies touting things like 'nano' technology, but often there are ingredients used to 'bind' the oil for emulsification, just like a supermarket salad dressing. But the truth is that there are no certified research trials showing the results of "nano" technology and it's effects on bio-availability. Nano is simply a buzz word that has limited real world benefits.

How much CBD is an ideal dose? Depending on each case, it may require a different dose. For example, a person with seizures may take 300 mg of CBD. What is the "ideal" dose for overall wellness? Take green tea for example - it is preferred drinking actual green tea which gives you a low dose of anti-oxidants versus green tea extract which can be toxic. The same applies to CBD. 

Hemp has numerous compounds within it that are beneficial besides CBD, such as the aforementioned flavonoids. But is hemp tea all the same? Like traditional tea, hemp tea needs to be processed from a raw state into a shelf stable state. Hemp that is just dried will not have as much bio-availability. Some fats are required for proper absorption. Eating a meal containing healthy fats is one method. Adding a splash of milk or butter to a tea is another. Within your digestive tract, your body’s natural bile salts will emulsify CBD oil and other dietary fats.

Besides CDB, there are other cannabinoids are present which are not present in most CDB oil products.  By limited processing to an absolute minimum, you are getting a more natural product - the same way less processed food contains more nutrient value.

What gives hemp its distinctive aroma? Terpenes!

Terpenes are a diverse class of organic compounds that are commonly found in plants, including tea leaves and the hemp plant. They are responsible for the characteristic aromas and flavors of various plants, including herbs, fruits, and spices. Terpenes play a crucial role in nature, serving as a defense mechanism against herbivores and attracting pollinators.

Terpenes in tea are responsible for a variety of flavor profiles. For example, some terpenes can impart floral notes, such as linalool, which is found in jasmine tea. Others can contribute fruity or citrusy flavors, like limonene found in citrus-infused teas. Terpenes like menthol and camphor can give a cooling sensation, as in some mint teas. Earthy or woody flavors are often the result of terpenes such as alpha-pinene or beta-pinene. Both the tea and hemp plant are noted for their respective rich terpene content.

What does Hemp Tea taste like?

The taste of hemp tea can vary depending on factors such as the specific hemp strain used, the preparation method, and any additional ingredients. Generally, hemp tea has an earthy, herbal flavor with a slightly nutty undertone. Some individuals compare the taste to that of green tea or a mild herbal infusion. To enhance the flavor, some hemp teas are blended with complementary ingredients like chamomile, peppermint, or lemon.

Simply steeping raw or dried hemp leaves will not make the CBD bioavailable. Some people smoke the hemp flower because the cannabinoids are released during combustion, which decarboxylates the oil. The result of this process is that the raw acid cannabinoids found in the plant material are converted into the sought after activated, "decarbed" cannabinoids. Hemp tea leaves can be decarboxylated by using a slow, heat roasting method.

Like all other teas, we recommend trying out various hemp teas to see which ones you prefer. Some of them contain functional herbs, others caffeine. Either way, quality hemp tea is an ideal extension to the world of tea.

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