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. Bro Niu recommends this simple preparation as a practical home remedy for anyone dealing with a sluggish bowel linked to dryness and depletion.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Most suitable for older adults and postpartum women with dry-type or deficiency-type constipation
• Also helpful for those who experience a sluggish bowel after illness or when generally depleted
• Do not take more than the recommended amount at one time — more is not better with hemp seeds
• Pregnant women should not use this preparation; for pregnancy-related constipation, please consult a doctor or midwife. Safer alternatives during pregnancy include dried figs, pine nuts, and prunes (all gentle and neutral in nature)
• If constipation is severe, persistent, or accompanied by pain, blood in stools, or significant weight loss, please see a doctor

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Hemp seeds (huo ma ren): These are the mature seeds of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa), sold hulled and dried in Chinese herbal medicine shops. Unlike the whole plant, properly roasted and hulled seeds contain negligible amounts of any psychoactive compounds and are used purely for their nutritional properties — they are rich in plant-based oils, protein, and fibre. In Chinese food therapy, they are considered sweet and neutral in nature, and associated with moistening the large intestine and gently nourishing a depleted constitution.
• Honey (feng mi): A classical pairing with hemp seeds; also considered to moisten and lubricate the intestines. Adds a pleasant sweetness.

Ingredients (1 serving)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Hemp seeds (huo ma ren)	3 qian (~11 g)	Available from Chinese herbal medicine shops
Honey	To taste	Add after mixing with hot water

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.

Bro Niu’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.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Anita): What does “ground to a fine powder and remove the hulls” actually mean in practice? Can I use a mortar and pestle? Bro Niu: Yes, your mortar and pestle will work. Pound the seeds in small batches, then tip the result into a fine sieve held over a deep bowl. The powder that falls through is the hemp seed meal — that is what you want. What remains in the sieve is the hull. Since a small mortar takes a few rounds, just work in batches.

• Q (Grace, 12 weeks pregnant): I have severe constipation and cannot manage even with an urge. Everything is hard and difficult. Can I use something gentle? Bro Niu: Hemp seed paste is not suitable during pregnancy. Instead, try ready-to-eat dried figs (purple figs are especially good), pine nuts, and dried prunes as snacks — all have a gentle, neutral nature and are not cooling. After eating them, drink a large glass of warm water and your bowels should move quite quickly.

• Q (reader / elderly person with bloating and constipation): My elderly parent drinks water and gets bloating. Can they use this hemp seed paste? Bro Niu: Yes, they can try the hemp seed paste. Also, buying American dried prunes from the supermarket — about 5 at a time followed by a large glass of water — helps relieve constipation effectively and is very gentle.

---

---

Published December 30, 2013 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.