Are cannabis and hemp oil interchangeable? Can hemp make you high? What is the purpose of hemp seed oil? What precisely is hemp oil?
Pull up a chair, because we’re going to address all of your burning hemp oil questions right here…
What is hemp oil?
Hemp oil, often known as hempseed oil, is a popular treatment. Its supporters claim anecdotal evidence for therapeutic capabilities ranging from acne treatment to cancer treatment to halting the progression of heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Clinical research has not proven some of these claims.
However, research indicates that hemp oil may be beneficial for certain health ailments, such as inflammation and skin diseases. This is mostly due to the presence of important polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as omega-3s and omega-6s.
Hemp is becoming increasingly popular as a treatment for a variety of ailments, including skin problems and stress. It may have qualities that help lessen the risk of disorders including Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease, but further research is needed. Hemp oil has the potential to alleviate inflammation in the body.
Fatty acids, which we get from food, are essential for the proper functioning of all physiological systems. Hemp oil includes omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in a 3:1 ratio, which is thought to be the optimal ratio.
Hemp oil has high levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fats, both of which are unsaturated fats, or “good fats,” as well as all nine essential amino acids, which your body requires to produce protein. Here’s more on the nutrients in hemp seed oil and how they can help your health.
Nutrition Information
Hemp oil is made from hemp seeds. In one serving of hemp seeds (3 tablespoons), you’ll find the following:
- Calories: 170
- Calories from fat: 108
- Total fat: 12 grams
- Saturated fat: 1 grams
- Trans fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 grams
- Total carbohydrates: 5 grams
- Sugars: 1 grams
- Protein: 10 grams
Hemp seeds also contain these minerals and hemp nutrients:
- Vitamin C
- Calcium
- Iron
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Gamma linolenic acid
- Arginine
- Magnesium
- B vitamins
Many of these nutrients offer essential elements to the body while also contributing to general wellness. It’s worth noting that hemp seeds have a high iron content (20% of your RDA). This aids in the prevention of iron deficiency, often known as anemia.
Potential Health Benefits of Hemp Oil
Hemp seed oil is used to treat a variety of ailments. According to certain research, its nutrients and minerals can help with skin and heart health, as well as inflammation reduction. Here’s a closer look at what the research says about hemp oil’s possible health benefits:
You can use it on your skin
Hemp oil is well-known for its skin-beneficial effects.
Because of its fatty acid composition, it can help to moisturize dry skin, balance oily skin, repair skin cells, and even reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
(Also, rub it into your cuticles and nails to maintain them healthy and strong.)
Another reason hemp oil is beneficial to skin and skin problems is its ability to moisturize without blocking pores.
Furthermore, it can control your skin’s oil production.
You can use it for heart health
In addition to the two Omegas (3 and 6), hemp oil contains alpha-linolenic acid, which may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Meanwhile, Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids can help lower blood cholesterol levels, boosting overall heart health.
You can boost your brain
Hemp’s beautiful healthy lipids are said to be beneficial for maintaining proper brain performance as well as giving some type of protection.
Polyphenol characteristics are likely to be responsible for this. However, research on this is still in its early stages.
You can calm your nerves
Hemp oil is claimed to have the ability to impact the region of the brain responsible for our “fight or flight” response.
According to one study, hemp oil can also help with public speaking anxiety.
You can cook with it
You can consume hemp orally by taking one to two teaspoons daily or by incorporating it into soups, smoothies, or salad dressings.
What’s the connection with cannabis?
Hemp oil and cannabis sativa are both members of the Cannabis Sativa plant family.
Hemp is not the same as cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is extracted from hemp plants’ leaves, flowers, and stalks (this is the only part of the plant that contains cannabidiol).
Hemp oil, on the other hand, is manufactured from hemp seeds, thus it contains little to no CBD. (This also means that it is not possible to get ‘high’ on it.)
How can I get my hands on hemp?
Hemp is available in a wide range of forms. There are numerous shampoo and conditioner products containing hemp oil for hair to pick from. There are also eye serums, lip balms, lotions, body washes, soaps, deodorants, and other hemp skin care products.
You can also purchase Verima Hemp Oil from the comfort of your home. It is one of the best hemp oils out there.
How is hemp oil used?
There are several methods you can use to get skin benefits from hemp oil.
Topical use of hemp oil
The first method is to apply the hemp oil directly to your skin. This can work if you have immediate irritation or dry patches of skin that you want to soothe quickly.
Before using the oil, try a patch test to make sure you won’t get an unwanted reaction:
- Wash and dry a small area of your upper arm (such as the crook of your elbow).
- Apply a small amount of the pure hemp oil. (If using the hemp and essential oil mixture described below, test in a separate spot from the pure oil and at a different time.)
- Cover the spot with a bandage and leave it in place for 24 hours, being careful not to get the bandage wet.
If any redness, burning, itching, or other irritation occurs, you can assume you’re sensitive to the oil and shouldn’t use it. If you have a reaction, remove the bandage immediately and wash the spot with soap and water.
If you don’t see or feel any reaction, then the oil is probably safe to use.
If you’re using the hemp oil to treat acne and want to apply it topically, apply the oil directly to clean skin and leave it on for one to two minutes before washing it away with warm water.
Hemp oil and essential oil mixture. You can also combine hemp oil and other anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredients with a recipe like the following, which can be applied directly to the skin:
- 1/4 cup hemp oil
- 2 teaspoons melted coconut oil (can be melted in the microwave; place desired amount in a microwaveable container and heat in 30 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until completely melted)
- 4 to 5 drops skin-boosting essential oil, like lavender or rosemary oil
Note: Essential oils, like lavender or rosemary oil, should only be used topically and in a diluted mixture. Do not take essential oils internally. Many are toxic.
Oral use of hemp oil
The second method is to ingest hemp oil, which can provide the same skin benefits and additional overall health benefits as using the oil topically. If you take hemp oil orally, there’s less risk of any skin irritation or break outs, although it may cause some temporary digestive upset.
Talk to your doctor before taking hemp oil orally.
If you do take it orally, you can have 1 to 2 teaspoons daily — either all at one time or divided into two doses.
If you don’t like the taste or consuming the hemp oil straight, you can also use it in different recipes. One option is to mix it into foods, like smoothies, salad dressings, or soup. Or you can use it for cooking.
Some recipes using hemp oil include:
- Garlic Hemp Oil Salad Dressing
- Hemp Oil Salsa
- Hemp Oil Pesto sauce
What are the dangers and side effects?
Although this has been frequently debated, hempseed oil is generally safe for most individuals to use and does not contain any THC or psychotropic qualities.
Some people may have slight irritation when using it topically, so test a tiny patch of skin first (whether you’re using pure hemp oil or hemp oil blended with essential oils).
Some people may experience the following unpleasant side effects after using hempseed oil:
- The most prevalent negative effect is loose stools or digestive discomfort, which can occur due to the oil’s oily, fatty quality. To avoid this, start with a tiny amount of hemp oil and work your way up.
- Hemp seeds may interact with blood thinners by suppressing platelets, so consult your doctor before using hempseed oil on a regular basis.
Use hempseed oil from now!
Hempseed oil has several skin health benefits, whether applied topically or consumed orally, and many people can benefit from them. Most people consider hemp oil to be safe to use, and it can help moisturize the skin from the inside out. Begin with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of hemp oil per day and work your way up!
