By Eric Brand

Hempseed milk is a popular beverage in Hong Kong and Guangzhou, yet despite its delicious flavor I’ve never seen it sold elsewhere in China or the West. Hempseed, known in Chinese medicine as Huo Ma Ren, has a documented history of medical use for at least 1800 years, and it was traditionally regarded as a key grain crop. The Cantonese beverage made from it has a milky consistency not unlike that of soymilk, and it is a perfect beverage for those that tend towards mild constipation.

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According to Chinese medicine, the principle action of Huo Ma Ren is to moisten the intestines to free the stool. In modern times, Huo Ma Ren is primarily used to treat constipation due to dryness, but historically it had a broad range of use. Its use as a mild yin-supplementing agent is exemplified by its inclusion into both ancient and later generation formulas such as Zhi Gan Cao Tang (Mix-fried Licorice Decoction, from the Shang Han Lun) and Da Ding Feng Zhu (Major Wind-Stabilizing Pill, from the Wen Bing Tiao Bian).

In addition to mildly enriching yin, Huo Ma Ren is said to quicken the blood, and it can be used to treat postpartum disorders, menstrual irregularities, and injuries from knocks and falls. It is also said to treat conditions of painful urination known in Chinese medicine as strangury due to heat. However, these latter applications are uncommon, and the seed is primarily used clinically to moisten the stool for patients with constipation due to dryness and/or insufficiency of blood, yin, or body fluids.

As a beverage, hempseed milk has a nutty flavor and a pleasant aroma. Small seed husks that fail to be filtered provide a bit of extra fiber, which probably contributes to its ability to treat constipation. Traditionally sold in little herb shops that sell beverages such as cooling teas and American ginseng tea, hempseed milk can also be seen as a medicinal food in chain stores such as 7-11 in Hong Kong.