Hemp oil health benefits involve medicinal, nutritional, and cosmetic uses, making it a wonderful all-purpose ingredient. The oil may contain traces of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive phytochemicals found in the cannabis plant. However, the amount would be so negligible that it would not produce any psychoactive effects. It has a history of use for its medicinal and nutritional properties dating back to 4000 BC in China and has long been a popular natural remedy in Eastern cultures. Hemp seed oil provides the body with complete protein, nutrition, and all the essential amino acids necessary for health and wellness.
Hemp oil can refer to a full spectrum of oil from the Cannabis sativa plant or hemp seed oil, which is an oil that comes only from the seeds of the hemp plant. There is very little risk of hemp oil poisoning, as all forms of hemp oil health benefits come from food grain varieties of hemp. The authors of a study in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research note that food grain hemp strains should contain less than 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the compound that causes the so-called “high” in marijuana. Hemp oil is not the same as cannabidiol (CBD) oil. The production of CBD oil uses the stems, leaves, and flowers of the hemp plant, which contain a higher concentration of CBD, another potentially beneficial compound of the plant.
Hemp seed oil comes from the tiny seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. The seeds do not contain the same levels of compounds as the plant itself, but they still have a rich profile of nutrients, fatty acids, and useful bioactive compounds. Full-spectrum hemp oil that also contain plant matter can add other effective compounds, which can help with certain health problems, such as inflammation.
Skin health
Hemp seed oil is highly nutritious and can be especially helpful for the skin. The vitamins and fatty acids in this oil can help keep skin healthy and prevent breakouts. A 2014 study that examined the lipid profile of hemp seed oil found that it is rich in healthy oils and fatty acids. The abundance of fatty acids can make the oil an excellent choice for nourishing the skin and protecting it from inflammation, oxidation, and other causes of aging. The authors of a 2014 review note that topical application of hemp seed oil strengthens the skin and makes it better able to resist infection. The authors also suggest that hemp seed oil may be a useful treatment for a variety of skin problems, including:
Eczema
Dermatitis
Psoriasis
Varicose eczema
Lichen planus, an inflammatory skin condition
Acne rosacea
These benefits are likely due to the high amount of beneficial fats and other helpful compounds in the oil.
Brain health
The fatty acid content of hemp seed oil can also be good for the brain, which requires plenty of healthy fats to function properly. Hemp seed oil is also rich in other compounds that can help protect the brain. a recent study in mice found that a hemp seed extract that contained these active compounds could help protect the brain against inflammation. The authors note that hemp seed oil contains polyphenols, which may play a role in protecting the brain. Although these initial results seem promising, scientists must conduct human studies to confirm the benefits of this oil.
Heart health
The complete nutrient profile of hemp seed oil means that it can also be good for the heart. However, much of the information that is currently available comes from previous studies or research using animal models. An earlier study in the journal Nutrition & Metabolism highlights the nutrient profile of hemp seeds and notes that they could have a positive effect on various health problems, such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and cholesterol levels.
Full Spectrum Hemp Oil Health Benefits
Full-spectrum hemp oil also includes plant matter, which adds additional compounds, such as CBD. Although hemp seeds contain small amounts of these compounds, a higher concentration can bring some additional benefits to the body.
Natural pain relief
Many people use hemp or CBD oil as a form of natural pain relief, especially if the pain is the result of inflammation. Those who don’t want to take over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers can turn to high-quality hemp oil for relief. A 2018 review notes that CBD, one of the main compounds in full-spectrum hemp oil, and other cannabinoids show promise for treating many types of pain. While current research suggests that CBD may be a useful natural treatment for pain, further human studies could give these results more credibility.
Acne
The fatty acids in hemp seed oil can help balance the skin and prevent inflammation that can result in acne. Adding CBD from plant matter can also help clear acne.