What is in Hemp Oil – is it good for you?

What is in Hemp Oil?

Hemp oil is not to be confused with Hemp seed oil or CBD oil. Hemp seed oil is purely derived from its seeds. Whereas hemp oil can include CBD oil or oil derived from other parts of hemp. The oil made from its leaves, stalks, flowers, or sometimes from seeds is called Hemp oil. Hemp seed oil is derived from the cannabis plant that is cultivated for non-drug use.

Hemp oil is derived from the seeds of the hemp plant, which is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species. It contains a range of beneficial compounds, including:

• Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids: These are essential fatty acids that our body cannot produce on its own. They play a crucial role in brain function, skin health, and overall growth and development.
• Protein: Hemp oil contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source.
• Vitamin E: This antioxidant vitamin helps protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
• Minerals: Hemp oil contains minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium, and phosphorus.
• Terpenes: These are aromatic compounds found in the hemp plant that contribute to its unique flavour and aroma.
• Cannabinoids: Hemp oil may contain trace amounts of cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD), which has been shown to have potential health benefits.

It’s important to note that hemp oil is different from CBD oil, which is extracted from the leaves, flowers, and stalks of the hemp plant and contains higher levels of CBD.

Is Hemp Oil good for you?

Hemp oil has several potential health benefits, including:

• Improved heart health: The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in hemp oil may help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels and improving blood pressure.
• Skin health: Hemp oil is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce skin irritation, redness, and acne.
• Brain health: The omega-3 fatty acids in hemp oil may help improve brain function and reduce the risk of neurological disorders.
• Joint health: Hemp oil may help reduce inflammation and pain in the joints, making it a potential natural remedy for conditions such as arthritis.
• Digestive health: Hemp oil is rich in fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion and prevent constipation.
• Stress and anxiety relief: Hemp oil contains compounds that may help promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety.
• Overall wellness: Hemp oil is a nutrient-dense food that can provide the body with essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids to support overall health and well-being.

However, it’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of hemp oil and how it may be used as a therapeutic agent. Additionally, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional before using hemp oil for medicinal purposes.

Hemp Oil Uses

Hemp oil can be legally used when it has a THC content of less than 0.3 percent. In these conditions, it is legal and is used widely in cosmetics, nutritional supplementation, and skin oils. 

Hemp oil can be used in a variety of ways, including:

• Dietary supplement: Hemp oil can be consumed as a dietary supplement to provide the body with essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins.
• Cooking: Hemp oil can be used as a cooking oil in salads, dressings, and dips.
• Skincare: Hemp oil can be used as a natural moisturizer and skin care product, as it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce skin irritation and protect against free radicals.
• Hair care: Hemp oil can be used as a hair conditioner to moisturize the scalp and hair, as well as promote healthy hair growth.
• Massage oil: Hemp oil can be used as a massage oil, as it is easily absorbed into the skin and has a soothing effect on sore muscles.
• Pain relief: Hemp oil may be used topically or taken orally to help reduce pain and inflammation in the body, particularly in conditions such as arthritis.
• Pet care: Hemp oil can be given to pets to help promote overall health and well-being, as well as reduce anxiety and stress.

Overall, hemp oil has many potential uses and benefits, making it a versatile and natural remedy for a variety of health and wellness needs.

Hemp Oil Benefits for Pain

Hemp oil may have benefits for pain relief due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a common cause of pain, and hemp oil has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body.

Hemp oil contains compounds called cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD), which has been shown to have analgesic (pain-relieving) effects in preclinical studies. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates pain, mood, and other bodily functions.

One study published in the European Journal of Pain found that topical application of CBD oil reduced pain and inflammation in rats with arthritis. Another study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that CBD reduced chronic pain and inflammation in mice and rats.

While more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of hemp oil for pain relief, early studies suggest that it may be a natural and effective remedy for reducing pain and inflammation in the body. It’s important to talk to a healthcare professional before using hemp oil for pain relief or any other medicinal purposes.

Hemp Oil Benefits for Skin

Hemp oil has several potential benefits for the skin, including:

• Moisturization: Hemp oil is rich in fatty acids and has emollient properties, making it an effective moisturizer for the skin. It can help improve skin hydration and prevent dryness, which can lead to skin irritation and other skin problems.
• Anti-inflammatory: Hemp oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness, irritation, and inflammation in the skin. This can be beneficial for conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, which are characterized by inflammation and irritation.
• Anti-ageing: Hemp oil is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and reduce the signs of ageing. It may also help improve skin elasticity and firmness, leading to a more youthful appearance.
•  Acne treatment: Hemp oil has been shown to help reduce the production of sebum, which can contribute to acne breakouts. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and redness associated with acne.
•  Skin health: Hemp oil contains a variety of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, that are essential for healthy skin. These nutrients can help improve skin texture, tone, and overall health.

Overall, hemp oil has several potential benefits for the skin, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and uses of hemp oil for skin health.

Side Effects of Hemp Oil

While hemp oil is generally considered safe, some people may experience side effects. These can include:

• Dry mouth: Hemp oil can cause dry mouth, which can be uncomfortable and may lead to other symptoms such as thirst, sore throat, and difficulty speaking.
• Dizziness: Some people may experience dizziness or lightheadedness after taking hemp oil, particularly in high doses.
• Digestive issues: Hemp oil can cause digestive issues such as diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps in some people.
• Changes in appetite: Hemp oil may affect appetite in some people, causing them to feel hungry or full.
• Blood pressure changes: Hemp oil can lower blood pressure, which may be a concern for people who already have low blood pressure or who are taking medication to lower their blood pressure.
• Interactions with medication: Hemp oil may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, antidepressants, and antipsychotic drugs. It’s important to talk to a healthcare professional before taking hemp oil if you are taking any medication.

It’s important to note that the side effects of hemp oil are generally mild and uncommon. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms after taking hemp oil, it’s important to stop using it and talk to a healthcare professional.

Conclusion

Hemp oil is a natural and versatile product that has several potential benefits for health and wellness. It contains compounds such as cannabinoids and fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation, improve skin health, and promote overall well-being.

Hemp oil can be used in a variety of ways, including as a dietary supplement, cooking oil, skincare product, hair conditioner, massage oil, and pain reliever. However, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional before using hemp oil for any medicinal purposes, as it may interact with certain medications or have side effects in some individuals.

Overall, hemp oil is a promising natural remedy that may have several potential health benefits, and more research is needed to fully understand its uses and effects.