The cannabis root – the underground potential of the all-round plant

Cannabis sativa – a deep-rooted plant that ensures soil quality

Those who grow tall must be well anchored. That is why the hemp plant develops extensive roots reaching up to 80 cm deep. This is very beneficial for the soil and makes it ideal as a cover crop. With its many root channels, it loosens the soil, which is well aerated to the delight of earthworms and other soil organisms, and water can seep into the ground. But do the roots themselves also contain valuable active substances, so that they are underestimated and so far little noticed here?

Ancient healing knowledge about the cannabis root

Exciting clues regarding its use can be found in the writings of traditional millennia-old folk medicine. In the well-known herbal book of the Chinese Shennong pên Ts´ao ching from around 2700 BC, it is recorded how dried and powdered cannabis roots were used for a paste applied against pain after bone fractures and surgical procedures. The fresh juice from the crushed roots or the boiled decoction were used, for example, as a diuretic or to stop bleeding and to relieve pain and swelling caused by bruises and abrasions. In addition, the roots were mixed after drying and pulverizing with fresh plant juice to make a cream. In ancient China, the use of all parts of the cannabis plant was widespread, but the root was given special attention and even used as an ingredient in gunpowder; the dried, ground, and then roasted hemp roots were employed! The Roman historian Pliny the Elder was also likely familiar with hemp. Around 79 AD, he mentioned in his Naturalis Historia a remedy made from cannabis roots boiled in water to relieve joint cramps, gout, and acute pain. He further wrote that the raw root applied to burns can relieve pain and reduce blister formation. The Roman physician Dioscurides was convinced of the use of poultices made from boiled cannabis roots, among other things against inflammation, and Oribasius, a physician from Greece, seemed to have good experiences with the dried root for treating cysts growing under the skin – but only mixed with pigeon droppings, a presumably rather questionable "recipe"! Basically, hemp roots were used in ancient Greek medicine against skin rashes. At the beginning of the 18th century, the English physician William Salmon reported on compresses against sciatica and hip joint pain, for which he mixed hemp roots with barley flowers. And in America, doctors used decoctions of hemp roots and hemp seeds until the 20th century to treat inflammation, incontinence, and sexually transmitted diseases.

The use of the hemp root in our time

In Argentina, the hemp root was traditionally used at least until the 1960s for relieving fever, dysentery, and stomach ailments and generally for better well-being. In Korea, hemp root tea is still drunk today, and in India the roots were boiled together with the leaves of other plants to make poultices for abrasions. In the USA , an aromatic tea is often prepared from dried and powdered cannabis root together with cinnamon sticks or anise. It should simmer gently for twelve hours before being strained and drunk. Afterwards, the root material can even be further concentrated into an extract as a base for tinctures and topical applications. The powdered root can also be used for dry compresses on burns, cuts, or dermatitis. And of course, the hemp root, processed in various ways, also serves as a valuable ingredient in cosmetic products such as body lotions, creams, lip balms, and massage oils.

Active substances in the hemp root

Basically, the roots of the hemp plant mainly consist of various sugars and lipids and serve as a nutrient storage. In addition, they also contain valuable cannabinoids, terpenes, and alkaloids as well as various other compounds. Unlike its flowers and leaves, cannabinoids, especially CBD, are found only in trace amounts in the roots of the hemp plant, depending on the variety and growth conditions. But not only cannabinoids have potential. In 1971, the terpenes friedelin, a pentacyclic triterpene ketone, and the triterpenoid epifriedelanol, both of which can exhibit anti-cancer properties, were isolated from an ethanol extract of hemp roots. Other contained triterpene ketones are said to be capable of inducing apoptosis, that is, "programmed cell death" in cancer cells, as well as helping with inflammation, pain, and bacterial infections, and possessing diuretic and immune-supporting properties. Friedelin is also said to act as an antioxidant and be good for the liver. Various alkaloids have also been found in the hemp root. Piperidine and pyrrolidine are present not only in the root but also in the stems, seeds, pollen, and leaves and are already used in various medicines, especially those affecting the psyche. However, both substances can damage the liver and irritate the skin and gastric mucosa in high doses. Therefore, hemp root tea should only be drunk in small amounts over a longer period, and hemp root extract should not be used undiluted. When applied externally, the skin usually reacts quickly. Choline and atropine are also present in small amounts in the root. Choline, as an essential nutrient, strengthens cell membranes and forms the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Atropine is known, among other things, as a means to dilate the pupils and relax the eye muscles.

The power of the hemp root – in cosmetics, tea, and tinctures

For addition to creams and balms, the cannabis root mass is first dried, then crushed and ground into a coarse powder. The powder is gently heated together with oil and water for up to twelve hours at low temperature, during which the volatile compounds with the terpenoids and possibly contained cannabinoids dissolve in the oil. The mixture must not dry out, so it should be checked frequently whether it needs more fresh water. After boiling, the strained liquid is placed in the freezer. While the water freezes, the essential oils rise to the surface and can be cleanly scraped off, as they are usually waxy at this temperature. Once the oil is separated from the ice, it can be mixed with beeswax to obtain a spreadable consistency at room temperature. For a fine scent and even enhancing effect, further essential oils can be added. To prepare a root tincture, the hemp root is soaked in high-proof alcohol. Just like in ancient Chinese medicine, a soothing hemp root tea can also be prepared. For this purpose, the roots of organically grown plants are first thoroughly cleaned, then cut into small pieces and ground into a fine powder. Fully dried, a small amount is then boiled in one liter of water to prepare the tea.

Hemp in use – from root to flower

Hemp cultivation is spreading again encouragingly, and with it, more roots of this ingenious plant become available. So far, they are mostly still disposed of or composted after fulfilling their function for the growth of the plant. It is high time to research and utilize their active substances so that this wonderful plant can unfold its entire valuable potential.

Sources:
Analysis of choline and atropine in hairy root cultures of Cannabis sativa L. by capillary electrophoresis-electrospray spectrometry - PubMed (nih.gov)
Cannabis Roots: A Traditional Therapy with Future Potential for Treating Inflammation and Pain - PubMed (nih.gov)
In vitro cytotoxic potential of friedelin in human MCF-7 breast cancer cell: Regulate early expression of Cdkn2a and pRb1, neutralize mdm2-p53 amalgamation and functional stabilization of p53 - PubMed (nih.gov)
Cannabis roots: medical potential & benefits - Sensi Seeds
Apoptosis induction of epifriedelinol on human cervical cancer cell line- PubMed (nih.gov)

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