Remy A. Tipei

Indian Hemp

Indian Hemp is a form of cannabis (Marijuana). Its main use during the civil war was as a fever reducer. It was also used as an anesthetic and muscle relaxant. In some cases it was used to help patients regain their appetites (for example after surgery many patients would loose their appetites, they would be administered Indian Hemp to help regain their appetites). Other uses of Indian Hemp Include treating diseases such as neuralgia, gout, rheumatism, delirium tremens, insanity, infantile convulsions, and insomnia.

Indian Hemp is in the dogbane family (Apocynum Cannabinum). Dogbane was named dogbane because it was believed to be fatal to dogs. The natural habitat of Indian Hemp is India, but it has been reported growing wild in Canada and some parts of the U.S. Indian Hemp grows in two-inch cluster and the stems can grow anywhere from three too ten inches tall. The part of the plant used for medical purposes is the dried out flowering tops of the females, but the stems were commonly used to as a cheap and efficient way to make rope and even clothing.