Chronological Timeline of Hemp
Hemp is a very sturdy plant, one that has stood the test of time. Hieroglyphics trace back to 8000 BC proving this plant has been used throughout civilization.
8000 BC
5000 BC
2000 BC
4000 BC
1700 BC
1300 BC
800 BC
2696 BC
Archaeological findings in Europe and East Asia have been discovered showing records of hemp being used for fibers, pollen and combinations with fruit to ingest.
Hemp fiber imprints have been found on pottery dating back to the Neolithic Age in China (1)
A world renowned Textile expert, Elizabeth Barber explained in a publication that historical evidence proves that Hemp “grew and was known in the Neolithic period (4500BC – 3500BC) all across the northern latitudes, from Europe (Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Romania, Ukraine) to East Asia (Tibet and China)," (2)
Medical tablets found all over Mesopotamia proved they used Hemp as an Anticonvulsant and treatment for Epilepsy. Orally, topically and as an enema.
In a collection of ancient Egyptian medical manuscripts, the book, Papyrus Ramesseum III explains prescribing hemp for Glaucoma and as an Anti-Inflammatory
Berlin Papyrus is an Egyptian manuscript prescribing Hemp as an ointment to drive away fevers and as an anti-inflammatory medicine. (3)
Biblical God instructs Moses how to make holy anointing oil from “Kaneh Bosm” in olive oil
Shen Nung, the Father of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology. He wrote manuscripts published years later in the famous book, Pen Ts’ao Ching explaining his findings about hemp having a neuroprotective effect.
1250-1500
Medieval Germany and Italy prided themselves in fine cuisine dishes container Hemp. They have articles on cooked dishes, filings for pies, tortes and boiled hemp soup. (5)
1640
John Parkinson was a British Royal Herbalist to King Charles I. He wrote articles about hemp roots being an effective topical treatment for tumors and other inflammations.
Hemp showed success in treating Cholera, Tetanus and the Bubonic Plague
1800
1890
Queen Victoria’s personal physician, Sir Russell Reynolds prescribed Hemp Oil for her menstrual cramps.
450 BC
570 AD
200 AD
600 AD
800 AD
A Greek historian, Herodotus records Scythian rituals involving hemp flowers and hemp seeds. Scythians were nomads that traveled from Iran and central Asia to Southern Russian and Ukraine.
A famous Chinese physician and surgeon, Hua Tuo prescribed his formulation Mafeisan, which was an herbal anesthetic formulated from Hemp.
Toaist Wu Shang Pi Yao wrote a book called, Essentials of the Matchless Books. He describes adding Hemp to incense burning. (4)
Chinese history with Hemp is extremely extensive. The agricultural text Essential Techniques for the Welfare of the People, written by Qi Min Yao Shu explains in great detail cultivation of Hemp.
The earliest known document of Arabic pharmacology prescribes Hemp juice extract from flowers and seeds to treat migraines.
A Jewish philosopher, Mussa bin Maimun traveled from Spain to become a physician to the Egyptian Royal court. He too included Hemp in his prescriptions and healing remedies.
1200
References:
(1) Barber, E. J. W. (1992). Prehistoric Textiles: The Development of Cloth in the Neolithic and Bronze Ages with Special Reference to the Aegean. Princeton University Press. p. 17.
(2) Barber, E. J. W. (1992). Prehistoric Textiles: The Development of Cloth in the Neolithic and Bronze Ages with Special Reference to the Aegean. Princeton University Press. p. 18
(3) The Berlin Museum: Papyrus Berlin No. 3038. Berlin Sheet 7, line 8, prescription no. 81
(4) Russo, Ethan. (2007). History of Cannabis and Its Preparations in Saga, Science, and Sobriquet. Chemistry & biodiversity. 4. 1614-48. 10.1002/cbdv.200790144.
(5) Regional Cuisines of Medieval Europe: A Book of Essays (2002), edited by Melitta Weiss Adamson, ISBN 0-415-92994-6, pg. 98, 166
