Hemp Seed

1 recipe uses this ingredient

Not a common allergen. It is not on the UK list of 14 foods that must be declared on labels.

6–8 months
Flaked
Ground or milled into porridge, yoghurt or a mash — never given whole or loose.
9–11 months
Flaked
Still ground or milled, stirred through meals rather than offered loose.
12–24 months
Flaked
Ground or milled into food — whole, loose hemp seeds stay out until about 5.

Per 100 g from USDA FDC (170148). Weaning guidance from NHS. Not medical advice.

TCM benefits of Hemp Seed

火麻仁 · huǒ má rén

How hemp seed is seen in traditional Chinese food therapy. Traditional context, not medical advice.

Classed as sweet and neutral, and associated with the Spleen and the Large Intestine.
The Shennong Bencao Jing describes it as supplementing the centre and adding to qi, and says that taken over a long time it keeps people sturdy.
Tradition links it with older people, women after childbirth and those run down, because the oily seed is thought of as moistening to a dry bowel.
The seeds are crushed before simmering, at 10 to 15 grams in a decoction, so the oil and flavour come out into the water.

Sources: Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020, 火麻仁 monograph; 神農本草經 (Shennong Bencao Jing), 麻蕡 entry

Video · The Doctor's Kitchen

10 min · Serves 1

Answers are drawn from the sources named on this page. Not medical or veterinary advice.

When can babies eat hemp seed?

The earliest stage on this page is 6–8 months: Ground or milled into porridge, yoghurt or a mash — never given whole or loose.

How do I cut and serve hemp seed for my baby?

6–8 months (Flaked): Ground or milled into porridge, yoghurt or a mash — never given whole or loose.

9–11 months (Flaked): Still ground or milled, stirred through meals rather than offered loose.

12–24 months (Flaked): Ground or milled into food — whole, loose hemp seeds stay out until about 5.