Hemp Seed Paste (Huo Ma Ren Hu)

Why people make this paste

In Chinese food therapy, constipation is not one-size-fits-all. There is the “excess heat” type — where eating too many fried or spicy foods dries out the intestines — and there is the “deficiency” type, common in older adults and women after childbirth, where the intestinal fluids are simply depleted and the bowel has lost its natural lubrication. For the deficiency type, harsh laxatives can make things worse. Hemp seeds (huo ma ren), on the other hand, are gentle: rich in oils and mild in flavour, they work by moistening rather than forcefully purging. Nourilo recommends this simple preparation as a practical home remedy for anyone dealing with a sluggish bowel linked to dryness and depletion.

Method

1. Dry-toast the hemp seeds in a clean, oil-free pan over medium-low heat until fragrant — they should smell nutty but not burn. Allow to cool.
2. Grind or pound the toasted seeds into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a small food processor. The goal is to break open the outer shell and release the oily interior.
3. You can sift the ground powder through a fine mesh sieve — what remains in the sieve is the hull; what passes through is the hemp seed meal.
4. Place the hemp seed meal in a cup. Add one cup of freshly boiled water and stir well.
5. Allow to cool slightly, then stir in honey to taste. Drink while warm.

Nourilo’s Tips

A practical tip: toast a larger batch of hemp seeds at once, store them in a glass jar, and grind a couple of tablespoons whenever needed. This saves time and keeps the seeds fresh. Remember, more is not better — do not exceed the recommended amount. If you find grinding tedious with a small mortar and pestle, work in small batches and use a fine sieve to separate the meal from the hulls. The toasted seeds can also be blended with water in a high-speed blender, then strained through a cloth bag for a smoother drink.