People have purchased hemp seed oil, or hemp oil, for decades. You will find it at most health stores. It is different from CBD oil insofar as it doesn’t contain many cannabinoids or terpenes. Instead, it is highly nutritious and also has its uses in the beauty industry.
Hemp oil comes from varieties of Cannabis sativa that don’t contain high quantities of intoxicating tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). So, what are the ingredients in hemp oil, and what is their purpose? Let’s find out in this article.
Cannabidiol (CBD) oils are low tetrahydrocannabinol products derived from Cannabis sativa that have become very popular over the past few years. Patients report relief for a variety of conditions, particularly pain, without the intoxicating adverse effects of medical marijuana. In June 2018, the first CBD-based drug, Epidiolex, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of rare, severe epilepsy, further putting the spotlight on CBD and hemp oils. There is a growing body of preclinical and clinical evidence to support use of CBD oils for many conditions, suggesting its potential role as another option for treating challenging chronic pain or opioid addiction. Care must be taken when directing patients toward CBD products because there is little regulation, and studies have found inaccurate labeling of CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol quantities. This article provides an overview of the scientific work on cannabinoids, CBD, and hemp oil and the distinction between marijuana, hemp, and the different components of CBD and hemp oil products. We summarize the current legal status of CBD and hemp oils in the United States and provide a guide to identifying higher-quality products so that clinicians can advise their patients on the safest and most evidence-based formulations. This review is based on a PubMed search using the terms CBD, cannabidiol, hemp oil, and medical marijuana. Articles were screened for relevance, and those with the most up-to-date information were selected for inclusion.
What Is Hemp Oil?
Hemp oil is similar to many other carrier oils, such as sunflower seed oil and jojoba oil. Like those oils, it is a cold-pressed extract from seeds. Hemp seed oil is derived from the hemp plant and is high in omega-3 and -6 fatty acids and antioxidants. However, it contains no CBD or THC.
Hemp seed oil is a deep green oil produced by pressing the seeds from non-drug strains of the hemp plant. Naturally, these strains have very low (if any) levels of cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are abundant in CBD oil and interact with the body’s endocannabinoid receptors to produce their effects.
Nutritionists say hemp seed oil is a healthy, nutritionally-balanced oil.
Nutritionists say hemp seed oil is a healthy, nutritionally-balanced oil. It provides a high level of monounsaturated fats, essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (55%), and alpha-linolenic acid (16%). It generally has a low level of saturated fat (9%). Just one tablespoon of hemp seed oil a day will give you the daily requirement for essential fatty acids.
You will also often find hemp oil in the kitchen. It is popular for its nutty, earthy flavor. Consider adding it to salad dressings. Alternatively, drizzle it over food, or use dips or pesto sauce to eat it.
Hemp oil is a powerful moisturizer and skin softener that won’t clog the pores or contribute to oily skin. It’s also known as Cannabis sativa (hemp) seed oil, virgin hemp oil, and hemp seed oil.
Hemp Oil Ingredients: What They Do
We’ve already touched on some of the key ingredients of hemp seed oil. Below we will go into a bit more detail about what these ingredients are and what they do.
Omega-3 and Omega-6
Hemp oil is rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6. The abundance of such fatty acids makes it an excellent choice for nourishing the skin. Both Omega 3 and 6 are essential fatty acids that play a crucial role in the body. They also offer several health benefits.
They are used to produce signaling molecules, known as eicosanoids. These are related to blood clotting and inflammation. Furthermore, Omega 3 and Omega 6 contribute to the health of cell membranes and hair, skin, and nails.
Fatty acids may affect the immune response in the body, which can benefit individuals with skin disorders. Research suggests that the immune system depends on the balance of Omega 3 and 6 acids. Hemp seeds have a ratio of 3:1 Omega 3 to 6, which is considered the optimal range.
Research shows that hemp oil may relieve dry skin, help with eczema, and decrease itchiness. According to a study published in Pharmacognosy Review in 2014, hemp oil could benefit people with the following issues:
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Atopic dermatitis
- Acne rosacea
- Lichen planus
- Seborrheic dermatitis
However, contrary to popular belief, Omega 3 has little to no effect on heart disease risk. According to a Cochrane Database study from 2018, Omega 3 offers little, if any, benefit to the heart.
Magnesium
Magnesium plays an essential role in more than 300 enzymatic reactions within the body. This includes the metabolism of food and the synthesis of proteins and fatty acids. Magnesium is also involved in muscle relaxation and neuromuscular transmission and activity.
Scientists have linked magnesium deficiency to:
- Metabolic syndrome
- Coronary heart disease
- Insulin resistance
- Osteoporosis
Like nuts and seeds, hemp offers some of the best sources of magnesium.
Linolenic Acid
Research suggests that women suffering from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) could alleviate symptoms like insomnia, bloating, weight gain, and leg swelling by using hemp oil.
A study published in Reproductive Health in 2011 looked into this issue. Researchers found that the emotional or physical symptoms of PMS are linked with sensitivity to prolactin. This hormone is associated with low levels of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). Linolenic acid can help increase PGE1 production. Hemp oil contains a high level of linolenic acid.
Plant-Based Protein
Approximately 25% of the calories found in hemp seeds come from protein. By weight, hemp seeds offer similar amounts of protein to beef and lamb. Thirty grams of hemp seeds is equivalent to 11 grams of protein.
Hemp seeds are regarded as a complete protein source, meaning they provide the essential amino acids. The body can’t produce these amino acids, and you must, therefore, obtain them from your diet.
The digestibility of hemp protein is also excellent, better than the protein obtained from nuts, grains, and legumes.
Hemp seeds are second only to soybeans when it comes to protein content. Proteins serve several functions in the human body. These include acting as antibodies, enzymes, and the structural components of hormones, tissues, and blood protein. Supplying amino acids is the primary function of dietary proteins.
Amino Acid – Arginine
Arginine is an amino acid that plays a role in the biosynthesis of proteins. The body converts it into a chemical called nitric oxide, which can help prevent heart disease.
Nitric oxide helps blood vessels to open wider for improved blood flow. It also stimulates the release of insulin, growth hormone, and other substances in the body. Taking arginine by mouth can reduce blood pressure in healthy people. It could also do the same for individuals with high or slightly elevated blood pressure. This study, published in The International Journal of Angiology in 2008, outlined arginine’s antihypertensive effect.
Benefits of Consuming Hemp Oil
Now, let’s summarize some of the benefits of consuming hemp oil:
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved organ function
- Improved immunity levels
- Reduced inflammation and the symptoms of arthritis
- Improved cardiovascular circulation and function
- Increased energy levels and metabolic rate
- Improved recovery of muscles after exercise
- Reduced & treat dry skin and hair conditions
- Reduced symptoms of PMS & menstrual cramps
What Not to Expect from Hemp Oil
Hemp oil is not the same as CBD oil. You should not expect the same medicinal benefits when using hemp oil. CBD oil is produced using the stalks, flowers, and leaves of the hemp plants. These contain a much higher concentration of CBD and other cannabinoids.
Hemp seeds have a rich profile of fatty acids, nutrients, and useful bioactive compounds.
Hemp oil comes from the small seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. The seeds don’t contain the same levels of compounds as the plant itself does. However, they do have a rich profile of fatty acids, nutrients, and useful bioactive compounds.
Compared to CBD oil, hemp oil’s main drawback is the lack of cannabinoids, terpenes, or other medicinal compounds in the stalks, leaves, and flowers of the cannabis plant. It doesn’t provide any of the benefits associated with whole-plant hemp extracts, like CBD oil.
Phytocannabinoids and the entourage effect
The CBD benefits you’ve no doubt heard about at this point have everything to do with CBD being a phytocannabinoid. Which, as renowned integrative physician Robert Rountree, M.D., puts it “Phyto just means ‘plant,’ and cannabinoids means ‘chemicals that affect the endocannabinoid system.'”
So, phytocannabinoids are substances found in the Cannabis sativa plant, as well as other plants like clove, that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
Hemp oil extract labeled as full-spectrum or broad-spectrum incorporates the whole hemp plant, is high in CBD and other phytocannabinoids, encourages a synergistic effect, and enables the plant’s compounds to influence the body’s stress response, brain and immune function, gut health, fertility, and more.*
Here’s why: Products made from the whole plant rather than just an isolated ingredient such as CBD work together on your behalf, giving you more benefit.* Research has labeled this phenomenon the entourage effect. When you give your body access to all of hemp’s beneficial compounds, such as terpenes (aromatic essential oils), flavonoids, phytocannabinoids, fatty acids, and more, you magnify hemp’s heath-inducing effects.*
Unlike CBD oil, people do not use hemp oil for its medicinal value. Instead, it’s more of a nutritional supplement. Hemp oil is rich in healthy fatty acids, high-quality protein, minerals, and vitamins. It provides excellent nutritional value and is also becoming very popular in the beauty industry.
Hemp oil has unique benefits and is an excellent addition to most health and wellness routines.
Hemp oil can be purchased in various forms, including oil, capsule, and topical products. Although there is no standard dosage, integrative neurologist Ilene Ruhoy, M.D., Ph.D., explains, when it comes to recommending a dose, it “really depends on what I am treating, and there is a wide range, but often up to 300 mg per day.”
Studies apply a range of doses, with most varying from 5 to 50 mg per kg of body weight per day or standard doses of 25 to 1,000 mg per day.
To make sure you are buying a quality product, look for full-spectrum or broad-spectrum hemp oil extract to get the whole plant benefits, and ask for a third-party certificate of analysis if not readily available to ensure there are no contaminants, such as heavy metals.
The safety profile of hemp oil extracts and CBD is well-known and outperforms many other drugs’ safety profiles. Hemp oil extract appears safe for nearly everyone over the age of 2, even at a wide range of doses. It is not yet known if hemp oil extract is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
I have suffered from joint pain, lower back pain, dry skin, inflammation. Ever since I have started using hemp oil I no longer have these issues. My daily lower back pain is gone. I use this as a makeup remover and after washing my face. The inflammation and irritation on my face has gone down so much! When I exercise I use it in my knees and the next day I feel better. True natural medicine – great gift from God and Canadian soil!