Hemp tea

Hemp tea

Published: 21.03.2025
Reading time: Min.
Dr. Harald Stephan
Dr. rer. medic. Harald Stephan
Health expert

In the world of herbal teas, hemp tea holds a special position. It is made from the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, which are rich in valuable ingredients. In this blog post, we dive into the world of hemp tea and highlight its effects, preparation, health aspects, and more.

Hemp Tea Effects

Hemp tea, made from the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, is known for its numerous health benefits, mainly attributed to the cannabinoids contained in the plant, particularly cannabidiol (CBD). CBD has been proven to be a substance that can positively affect the nervous system without the psychoactive effects of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Regular consumption of hemp tea can help reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and promote general relaxation. These effects make hemp tea a popular remedy for people seeking natural ways to improve their well-being and mental health. In addition to the psychological benefits, hemp tea also offers physical health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids that strengthen the immune system and have anti-inflammatory properties. These components help protect the body from oxidative stress, which plays a role in the development of many chronic diseases. Furthermore, hemp tea is believed to aid in digestion issues and support the cardiovascular system by helping lower blood pressure and improve heart health. The combined effects of hemp tea on the mind and body make it a valuable component of a healthy lifestyle.

Hemp Tea Preparation

Preparing hemp tea is a simple yet crucial process to get the maximum effect and best taste from the hemp leaves. Hemp tea is typically made from dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, which are rich in cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD). Here are the steps for preparing an effective and tasty hemp tea:

  1. Choosing the Hemp Tea: The quality of the hemp tea starts with the selection. High-quality hemp tea is obtained from the leaves and flowers of Cannabis Sativa plants, which have a high content of CBD and a low THC content.
  2. Dosage: For one cup of tea, it is recommended to use about 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried hemp leaves. This amount can be adjusted depending on the desired strength of the tea.
  3. Preparing the Water: Hemp tea should be prepared with hot, but not boiling water. Ideally, the water should have a temperature of about 80-90 degrees Celsius. Too hot water can destroy some of the more sensitive compounds in hemp.
  4. Steeping Time: Place the hemp leaves in a teapot or tea filter and pour the hot water over them. Let the tea steep for about 5 to 10 minutes. A longer steeping time ensures a stronger flavor and a more intense effect.
  5. Addition of Fat: Cannabinoids are fat-soluble, which means their absorption can be improved by adding a small amount of fat. A teaspoon of milk, cream, coconut oil, or another fat can be added to the tea to increase the bioavailability of CBD.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: After the tea has steeped for the desired time, it can be poured through a strainer into a cup. The tea can be refined to taste with honey, sugar, or lemon.

Is Hemp Tea Healthy?

Hemp tea is often considered a healthy beverage due to its ingredients and potential health benefits. This tea is made from the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, which contain a variety of nutrients, particularly cannabidiol (CBD), but no significant amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component of cannabis. CBD is known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties, which can contribute to stress reduction, anxiety relief, and improving overall well-being. In addition, hemp tea contains antioxidants that can protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidant properties are important because oxidative stress is associated with a variety of chronic diseases. Hemp tea also contains essential fatty acids such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 in an ideal ratio, which are important for heart health and promoting a healthy immune system. Additionally, hemp tea offers vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for general health and well-being.

Because of these properties, hemp tea is often recommended as a healthy beverage, especially for people looking for natural support for their health. However, it is important to note that the effects of hemp tea can vary individually and should not be considered a substitute for a balanced diet or medical treatment. For specific health conditions or the use of medications, it is advisable to consult a doctor before regular consumption of hemp tea.

Hemp Tea Side Effects: Hemp tea is generally considered safe but can cause mild side effects in some individuals. These include dry mouth, slight dizziness, or stomach discomfort. However, these effects are rare and usually only observed with excessive consumption.

Hemp Tea for Sleeping: Hemp tea has proven to be an effective natural remedy for promoting a good night's sleep, primarily due to the relaxing properties of the cannabinoids contained in the hemp plant. In particular, the cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD), which occurs in significant amounts in hemp tea, plays a crucial role in regulating sleep. CBD has a calming effect on the central nervous system, which can help reduce stress and anxiety—two common causes of sleep disorders. Using hemp tea as part of an evening relaxation ritual can therefore help calm the mind and prepare the body for a restful sleep. In addition to its calming properties, hemp tea may also improve sleep quality due to its potential ability to regulate the sleep cycle. CBD is said to positively influence the sleep phases and contribute to a deeper, uninterrupted sleep. Especially for people who have difficulty falling asleep or waking up during the night, hemp tea could offer gentle and natural support. However, it is important to note that the effect of hemp tea on sleep can vary individually and is most effective in combination with other healthy sleep habits.

Hemp Tea Effect on Blood Pressure: The effect of hemp tea on blood pressure can be explained mainly by the relaxing properties of cannabidiol (CBD), one of the main components of the hemp plant. CBD is known for its calming effect on the nervous system, which can help reduce stress and anxiety—two factors often associated with high blood pressure. By reducing stress and anxiety, hemp tea can have a relaxing effect on the body, positively affecting blood pressure. Studies have shown that CBD has the potential to lower blood pressure in stressful situations by modulating the body's response to stress. These properties make hemp tea an interesting natural approach for individuals looking for gentle methods to control their blood pressure. However, it is important to emphasize that hemp tea is not a substitute for prescribed medications or professional medical treatment, and in the case of existing cardiovascular diseases, medical advice should be sought before consumption.

Smoking Hemp Tea: Smoking hemp tea is technically possible but not recommended. Inhaling any kind of smoke can damage the lungs, and the effects of smoking hemp tea are not sufficiently researched. Hemp tea offers a natural and gentle way to promote well-being while taking advantage of the benefits of the hemp plant. Whether for relaxation, improving sleep, or simply enjoying a healthy drink—hemp tea is a versatile and beneficial addition to a healthy lifestyle.

How Much Hemp Tea Per Day: The recommended amount of hemp tea varies depending on individual tolerance. In general, 1-2 cups per day is considered safe and effective for most people.

Hemp Tea During Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the consumption of hemp tea should be approached with caution. It is recommended to consult a doctor before consuming hemp tea during pregnancy.

Hemp Tea Legal

The legality of hemp tea depends on the specific laws of the respective country or region and the THC content of the hemp used. Hemp tea is usually made from the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, which may contain CBD (cannabidiol) but usually only small amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component of cannabis.

In many countries, hemp tea is legal as long as it is made from hemp that does not exceed the legally defined limit for THC. This limit varies from country to country. In the European Union, for example, hemp is legal if its THC content is below 0.2 %. In the USA, legality depends on state laws, with hemp products being federally legal if the THC content is below 0.3 %.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hemp tea is an intriguing and versatile natural product that is gaining increasing popularity. Although it is often associated with the calming and therapeutic effects of CBD, it is important to be aware of the legal aspects and THC content. In Germany and many other countries, hemp tea is legal as long as the THC content is below the legally prescribed limit.

For consumers interested in the potential health benefits of hemp tea, it offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy the natural properties of the hemp plant. However, it is advisable to source products from reputable manufacturers to ensure they meet quality and legality standards. As with any natural product, it is advisable to enjoy hemp tea in moderation and pay attention to your body's response.

Hemp tea is more than just a drink; it is part of an emerging culture around hemp and its diverse applications. As research continues to provide new insights into hemp and its components, hemp tea offers a pleasant and natural way to connect with the wonders of this ancient plant.

Dr. Harald Stephan
Dr. rer. medic. Harald Stephan
Graduate Biologist, Medical Information Processing Officer and Doctor of Health Sciences
About the author

After studying in Saarbrücken, Dr Harald Stephan worked in research and teaching at the Universities of Marburg and Bochum as well as at the University Hospital in Essen before becoming a self-employed publicist in 2016. He sees acquiring and passing on knowledge as his life's work.

In addition to his publications on cell biology and tumour research in renowned specialist journals, hundreds of his articles on health topics can be found on the internet. In them, he explains the causes of diseases, laboratory values, diagnoses as well as traditional and novel therapy options.