What is Hemp Oil | Benefits and How to Use?

Hemp oil comes from cold pressing seeds of the hemp plant. Typically, it is unrefined and varies from dark to light green in colour. The colour variation manifests in its taste. The darker the colour the grassier the taste.

Refined hemp oil, on the other hand, is clear and colourless. Primarily, the refined version is used in body care products such as soaps, shampoos, and detergents.

The unrefined oil has more of a use in paints, lubricants, inks, fuels, and plastic. However, some people use it as a cooking supplement too.

In this guide, we understand the basics of hemp oil including its rich nutritional profile, its use as a dietary, skincare, and medicinal supplement, its possible side effects, some of the medications it can interfere with, and where to buy hemp oil in India.

The Basic Guide to Hemp Oil

Outline

What is Hemp Oil?
Nutritional Profile of Hemp Oil
Essential Components of Hemp Oil
Types of Hemp Oil
Difference between Hemp Oil and CBD Oil
Does Hemp Oil get you high?
Uses of Hemp Oil
How to use Hemp Oil?
Side effects of Hemp Oil
Interaction with Medication
Buy Hemp Seed Oil in India

What is Hemp Oil?

Hemp oil refers to the oil extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant. It retains the nutritional profile of hemp seeds.

Hemp seed oil can vary from dark green to colourless, depending on the refining processes.

Nutritional Profile of Hemp Oil

Hemp oil has a rich nutritional profile. It is an excellent source of antioxidants, dietary minerals and fibre, essential fatty acids, and proteins.

This nutritional profile makes hemp oil a great dietary and skincare supplement.

Essential Components of Hemp Oil

Hemp oil is a rich source of:

Essential Fatty Acids:

EFAs are, by definition, essential to our diet. Our body is incapable of producing these on its own and therefore, we must consume them in our diet.

Hemp oil contains both omega-6 (Linoleic Acid; LA) and omega-3 (alpha-Linolenic Acid; ALA) essential fatty acids.

EFAs are responsible for the:

• proper functioning of the brain and the nervous system,
• hormone production,
• regulation of blood pressure, liver function, immune and inflammatory responses,
• transport and breakdown of cholesterol, and
• healthy skin and hair.

Hemp oil contains omega-6 and omega-3 in the optimal ratio of 3:1. This is the most balanced ratio of EFAs required by our body in order to function properly.

As a skincare supplement, hemp oil gets its superpower from omega-6—an EFA that encourages healthy skin growth and new cell generation.

Omega-3 works together with omega-6 to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation is an underlying cause of medical conditions such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and arthritis.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties. It enhances the immune function of the body, preventing damage by viruses and bacteria.

The anti-oxidant properties of Vitamin E also protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.

Hemp oil contains significant amounts of Vitamin E. Regular use of hemp oil helps reduce oxidative stress in the body, keeping a check on heart health, age-related vision diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Vitamin E is also a skin superhero. It protects the skin against oxidative stress, keeping it young and healthy.

Phytosterols

Phytosterols are plant cholesterols that play an important role in maintaining good heart health. Phytosterols act as good cholesterol and help in regulating the amount of bad cholesterol in the body.

Hemp seed oil contains bundles of phytosterols. Therefore, 2-3 tablespoons of hemp seed oil every day helps in keeping heart health in check.

Terpenes

Terpenes are chemical compounds responsible for the distinct aroma of essential oils. Different terpenes have different therapeutic properties.

Hemp oil contains the terpenes myrcene and beta-caryophyllene, which have anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective properties.

Dietary Minerals

Hemp oil is a wonderful source of dietary minerals such as calcium, zinc, potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, etc. It is also low in sodium.

Hemp oil thus makes a great dietary supplement, enhancing the value of each diet.

Types of Hemp Oil

While hemp oil is a blanket term used to refer to oil extracted from the hemp plant, there is a differentiation available:

• Hemp Seed Oil: Hemp seed oil or HSO refers to the oil that has been extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant. While it retains the nutritional value of seeds, it does not contain significant amounts of cannabinoids such as THC or CBD.

• Hemp Oil: Hemp oil refers to an extract derived from the stalks of the hemp plant. More often than not, the purpose of this extract is to retain the high amounts of CBD present in the stalk of the plant.

• CBD Oil: CBD oil is extracted from the leaves, flowers, or buds of the hemp plant. CBD oil is different from hemp oil. It does not contain protein, fibre, and dietary minerals like hemp seed oil but has its own therapeutic benefits for the body. CBD oil specifically contains high amounts of the chemical compound CBD (with or without other chemical compounds present in hemp).

• Phytocannabinoid-rich Hemp Oil: Phytocannabinoid-rich oil also comes from the leaves, stalks, and flowers of the hemp plant. However, it contains high amounts of phytocannabinoids including CBD and others. Phytocannabinoid-rich oil contains CBD in addition to other cannabinoids that are present in the hemp plant.

What is the difference between Hemp Oil and CBD Oil?

Hemp seed oil comes from the seeds of the hemp plant and contains little to no amounts of CBD. CBD oil is extracted from the leaves, flowers, and buds of the hemp plant and contains significantly large amounts of the chemical compound CBD.

Hemp oil and CBD oil have different applications. Hemp oil has a rich nutritional profile and is primarily used as a dietary supplement for protein, fibre, and minerals. It also contains essential fatty acids, making it a good product for skin and hair care.

CBD oil is often used as a medicinal supplement because of the relief it provides from a plethora of medical conditions. CBD has therapeutic properties and when used regularly, can provide relief from problems such as pain, stress, anxiety, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, depression, insomnia, Epilepsy, etc.

Hemp oil is like other seed or nut oils (e.g. olive and mustard) that can be used as a cooking supplement. It can also be used as a hair and massage oil like coconut oil.

CBD oil is a medicinal supplement that specifically targets the health and wellness of a body.

Suggested Read: All you need to know about CBD oil in India

Does Hemp Oil get you High?

No. Hemp oil does not cause any intoxicating effects. Hemp oil extracted from the hemp plant naturally contains less than 0.03% of THC (the high-causing chemical compound). This amount is not enough to cause any intoxicating or euphoric effects. Hemp oil and hemp seed oil are both THC-free and do not get you high.

How does Hemp Oil work?

The chemical compounds present in the cannabis plant are similar in structure to a certain kinds of chemical compounds manufactured in our bodies. This similarity allows cannabis to interact with the body and show various effects.

Moreover, just like other seed oils, hemp seed oil comes with its own benefits and properties which show a positive effect on the body.

What are the Uses of Hemp Oil?

Hemp oil is a multi-faceted oil with benefits as a nutritional, medicinal, and personal care supplement.

Nutritional Uses of Hemp Oil

Hemp seed oil retains the complete nutritional profile of hemp seeds. That is to say, hemp oil is an excellent source of protein, essential fatty acids, and dietary minerals and fibres.

Because of the presence of essential fatty acids, hemp oil has anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces inflammation throughout the body and provides relief from pain, asthma, arthritis, etc.

Hemp seed oil is also a good source of complete protein. That is, it contains all 9 essential amino acids required by our body to work properly. The protein present in hemp oil is easily digestible. That is to say, the human body does not have to work unnecessarily hard to digest hemp protein. Therefore, not only does it reduce stress from the body, but also provides caters to the daily protein intake with just 2-3 tablespoons.

Skin, Hair, and Personal Care with Hemp Oil

Hemp seed oil is a skin superhero. It contains omegas 3 & 6 as well as Vitamin E—all of which are extremely beneficial for the skin. Hemp oil reduces inflammation in the skin, regulates the production of oil and sebum, and protects the skin against damage caused by free radicals. Therefore, hemp oil can help manage skin conditions such as eczema, acne, psoriasis, etc. The Vitamin E present in hemp oil reduces oxidative stress in the body, promoting skin regeneration and elasticity.

Medicinal Uses of Hemp Oil

The medicinal benefits of hemp oil include:

• Weight loss
• Good heart health
• Low blood pressure
• Reduced inflammation
• Improved skin health
• Better digestion

Some health benefits of hemp oil are also attributed to the CBD (and other phytocannabinoids) present in hemp. Hemp is a naturally rich source of CBD—a therapeutic chemical compound. CBD has anti-inflammatory, anti-epileptic, anxiolytic, and neuroprotective properties.

Regular use of CBD helps manage conditions such as pain, anxiety, stress, arthritis, asthma, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Epilepsy, etc.

Suggested Read: 30 Medical Conditions that CBD can Help With

How to use Hemp Oil?

The versatility of hemp oil makes it really easy to use. It is easy to blend hemp oil into any and every daily routine.

As a Dietary Supplement

Hemp oil can be consumed raw or added to any food and drink items. Some common ways to use hemp oil in food include:

• As a seasoning in salads or scrambled eggs.
• As an ingredient in shakes and smoothies.
• As a replacement to butter in toasts.

You can also consume hemp oil directly. Take 1-2 tablespoons every day to see noticeable effects.

Suggested Read: How to use Hemp Oil in Food?

As a Skincare Supplement

Hemp oil is used topically to benefit the skin. It can directly be applied to skin, hair, nails, or scalp. It moisturises the skin and helps in maintaining hair and skin health.

Some common ways to use hemp oil as a skincare supplement include:

• As hair oil up to 1 hour before hair wash.
• As a massage oil over inflamed and aching muscles and joints.
• As a natural makeup remover.

Suggested Read: 9 Ways to Use Hemp Oil for Skin and Hair Care

Side Effects of Hemp Seed Oil

Even though hemp oil is an all-natural and organic supplement, it can have some side effects depending on the chemical and genetic makeup of individual bodies, especially when consumed.

Some common side effects of hemp oil include:

• Digestive issues (indigestion, diarrhoea, etc.)
• Acidity
• Constipation (because of the high protein content)
• Dry mouth

As a skincare supplement, hemp oil is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, in rare cases, a rash or itching may be experienced. Applying ice or aloe vera on the rash helps reduce inflammation and itching.

Interaction with Medication

Though hemp oil is organic and all-natural, its therapeutic properties can interfere with certain medications leading to exaggerated effects.

• Cardiac Glycosides: are medicines that slow down the heart rate and help the heart beat strongly. Because hemp oil also slows down heart rate, simultaneous use of the two can lead to bradycardia (extremely slow heart rate).
• Diuretics: are responsible for flushing fluids out of the body, and may lead to reduced amounts of potassium in the body. Hemp oil has a similar action. When the urine or fluid output is increased, potassium may reach dangerously low levels in the body, affecting the functioning of the heart.

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