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

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

Those who grow tall must be well anchored. Therefore, the hemp plant develops extensively branched roots that reach up to 80 cm deep. It does a lot of good for the soil and is perfectly suited as a cover crop. With its many root channels, it loosens the earth, which is well-aerated to the delight of earthworms and other soil organisms, allowing water to seep into the ground. But do valuable active substances also reside in the root itself, making it unjustly underestimated and still little noticed by us?

Ancient healing knowledge about the cannabis root

Exciting information regarding its use can be found in the writings of traditional ancient folk medicine. In the well-known herbal book of the Chinese Shennong pên Ts´ao ching from around 2700 BC, it is noted how dried and powdered cannabis roots were used for a paste that was applied for pain relief after bone fractures and surgical procedures. The fresh juice from the crushed roots or the boiled decoction served, for example, as a diuretic or was intended to stop bleeding and alleviate pain and swelling from bruises and abrasions. Additionally, the roots were mixed with fresh plant juice to create a cream after drying and powdering. In ancient China, the use of all parts of the cannabis plant was widespread, but its root received particular attention, even being used as an ingredient in gunpowder, where the dried, ground, and subsequently roasted hemp roots were utilized! The Roman historian Pliny the Elder was also well aware of hemp. Around 79 AD, he mentioned in his Naturalis Historia a remedy made from water-boiled cannabis roots to relieve joint cramps, gout, and acute pain. He further wrote that applying the raw root to burns could relieve pain and reduce blistering. The Roman physician Dioscorides was convinced of the efficacy of poultices made from boiled cannabis roots, among other things, against inflammation, and Oribasius, a physician from Greece, seemed to have had good experiences with the dried root for treating cysts growing under the skin – albeit only mixed with pigeon droppings, a presumably rather questionable "recipe"! In general, hemp roots were used in ancient Greek medicine for skin rashes. In the early 18th century, the English physician William Salmon reported on poultices for 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 hemp root in our time

In Argentina, the hemp root was traditionally used until at least the 1960s to alleviate fever, dysentery, and stomach complaints, and generally for better well-being. In Korea, hemp root tea is still consumed today, and in India, the roots have been boiled together with the leaves of other plants for poultices against abrasions. In the USA, an aromatic tea is often prepared from dried and powdered cannabis root, often combined with cinnamon sticks or anise. It should simmer gently for over twelve hours before being strained and consumed. Afterward, the root material can even be further reduced to an extract as a basis for tinctures and rubbing substances. The powdered root can also be used for dry poultices for burns, cuts, or dermatitis. And of course, the hemp root, prepared 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

In principle, the roots of the hemp plant mainly consist of various sugars and lipids, serving as a nutrient reservoir. Additionally, they also contain valuable cannabinoids, terpenes, and alkaloids as well as various other compounds. In contrast to its flowers and leaves, cannabinoids, particularly CBD, can be found in the roots of the hemp plant, albeit only in traces, depending on the strain and growing conditions. But not only cannabinoids have potential. In the ethanol extract from hemp roots, the terpenes friedelin, a pentacyclic triterpene ketone, and the triterpenoid epifriedelanol were isolated as early as 1971, both of which can show anti-cancer properties. Other contained triterpene ketones are also believed to be capable of inducing apoptosis, meaning "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 have antioxidant effects 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 medications that particularly affect the psyche. However, both substances can damage the liver in high doses and irritate the skin and gastric mucosa. Therefore, hemp root tea should be consumed in small amounts over extended periods, and hemp root extract should not be used undiluted. When applied externally, a reaction on the skin usually occurs quickly. Choline and atropine are also present in small amounts in the root. Choline strengthens cell membranes as an essential nutrient and forms the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Atropine is known, among other things, as a means to dilate pupils and relax the eye muscles.

The power from 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 slowly heated together with oil and water for up to twelve hours at low temperature, allowing the volatile compounds with the terpenoids and any contained cannabinoids to dissolve in the oil. The mixture must not dry out, so it should be frequently checked for the need for more fresh water. After cooking, the drained liquid is placed in the freezer. As 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 achieve a spreadable consistency at room temperature. For a fine fragrance and even enhanced effect, additional essential oils can be added. To prepare a root tincture, the hemp root is soaked in high-proof alcohol. In the manner of traditional Chinese medicine, a soothing hemp root tea can also be prepared. For this, 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 of this is then boiled in one liter of water to prepare the tea.

The hemp in use – from the root to the flower

The cultivation of hemp is pleasantly spreading again, and thus more roots of this ingenious plant are being produced. So far, they are mostly still disposed of or composted after they have fulfilled their function for the growth of the plant. It is high time to research and utilize their contained active substances so that this great plant can fully unfold its 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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