Why is hemp oil so full of benefits? It’s basically the gift that keeps on giving. At Medterra, we get asked this all of the time, and thought it would be enlightening to dive into these benefits, which date back close to the beginning of time itself! People have used hemp oil since ancient times for an incredible variety of things. It’s known and loved for its ability to help users overcome physical setbacks and become their best selves. Keep reading to learn more about hemp oil’s top benefits.
Hemp oil uses 101
Hemp oil vs hemp seed oil
What is hemp oil used for?
Hemp oil for skin
Other hemp oil uses
Hemp oil uses 101
Technically, any oil that’s derived from the hemp plant can accurately be called hemp oil. Intuitive enough, right?That includes CBD oil, CBC oil, CBG oil, hemp seed oil, and more. [1]But that’s only true technically speaking. Most of the time, the term ‘hemp oil’ is used to describe hemp seed oil. Hemp seed oil, as you might expect, is an oil that’s pressed from hemp’s seeds, while CBD/CBC/CBG are pressed from hemp’s flowering buds. [2]
Hemp oil benefits vs hemp seed oil benefits
Both hemp oil and hemp seed oil have all sorts of health benefits. Let’s take a look at hemp oil’s benefits first. Hemp oil is generally used to promote full body balance. Usually this oil comes in the form of CBD/hemp extract: a concentrated extract made from the major active ingredients in hemp. [3]Hemp seed oil, on the other hand, is generally used to nourish the body and promote general health. Hemp seed oil is available at a growing number of grocery stores and health food stores, normally in the cooking aisle.
What is hemp oil used for?
The above info is just the start — both hemp oil and hempseed oil have a variety of other uses, too! Here’s a closer look.
Hemp oil for skin
Another major one of hemp’s benefits? It’s great for your skin. CBD-rich hemp oil is a popular skincare ingredient known for its ability to reduce skin discomfort and balance skin tone. [4]Skincare is also one of hemp seed oil’s benefits. Its high antioxidant and omega 3 content means it’s great for skin health. Hemp seed oil is even high in skincare-friendly vitamin E. Studies have shown that topical antioxidants can combat oxidative stress, skin aging, and more. [5]
While the benefits of hemp oil are numerous, they all tend to stem from one thing: reduced stress. Both hemp oil and hemp seed oil confer many of their benefits through stress reduction. This systemic stress reduction, in turn, leads to all sorts of good things! Hemp oil has practical uses, too. It can be infused into favorite food/drink recipes — hemp seed oil can even be cooked with. (Just be sure to stick with low-temp cooking, as hemp seed oil’s fat content can oxidize otherwise.) [8] Hemp seed oil is so rich in nutrients that many people view it as a supplemental food.
Summing things up
All in all, hemp oil is a multifaceted substance with multiple uses. Both major types of hemp oil can be a worthy addition to your health and wellness routine. Thankfully, these two types aren’t mutually exclusive. If you’re pursuing optimal health, feel free to use them both!
VanDolah, H. J. (2020). Clinicians’ Guide to Cannabidiol and Hemp Oils. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31447137/
Hemp & Cannabidiol: What is a Medicine? (2018). PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6140266/
Cannabinoid Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System: Signaling and Function in the Central Nervous System. (2018b, March 1). PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877694/
Palmieri, B. (2019). A therapeutic effect of CBD-enriched ointment in inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous scars. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30993303/
Dreher, F. (2001). Protective effects of topical antioxidants in humans. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11225195/
Boyaji, S. (2020, January 24). The Role of Cannabidiol (CBD) in Chronic Pain Management: An Assessment of Current Evidence. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31980957/
Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. (2019). PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/
Potential Adverse Public Health Effects Afforded by the Ingestion of Dietary Lipid Oxidation Product Toxins: Significance of Fried Food Sources. (2020, April 1). PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7254282/
