Hemp oil is the full spectrum oil that is derived from the hemp seeds of the Cannabis Sativa plant. It is now widely used in wellness and health care products due to its non-intoxicating traits. The hemp oil is extracted by cold pressing the hemp seed, which contains less than 0.03 percent of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Although the seed does not contain the same amount of compound as the plant, it has a rich profile of nutrients, fatty acids, and useful bioactive compounds that are beneficial for health. It is used in making a wide range of products including foods, health products, fabric, rope, natural remedies, and much more. The seeds of hemp are edible and are considered highly nutritious with a high concentration of soluble and insoluble fiber, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for heart health and skin health.
Leaf Nation describes the various benefits of using hemp oil:
1. Good for Mental Health
The brain requires plenty of good fats to operate, and hemp oil fulfills this need with its fatty acid content. The cannabinoids of the hemp oil interact with the two prominent receptors in the brain, namely Adenosine and Serotonin. Adenosine receptors determine how you experience anxiety. On the other hand, serotonin receptors are associated with depression. The adenosine receptors help to curb anxiety; hence, if they are active, your anxiety level will be low. The slowing down of these receptors causes anxiety. The moment there is a drop in their activity, you start to feel anxious. Similarly, the serotonin receptors help combat the problem of depression, the more active they are, the less likely you are to feel sad or depressed. Hemp seed oil keep both the receptors functional, thereby reducing anxiety and depression.
2. Gives Relief from Pain
Hemp oil is very effective in treating pain, especially pain caused by inflammation. The endocannabinoid system of the body is responsible for signaling pain to the brain. Hemp oil combats pain by interacting with the core components of the endocannabinoid receptors of the brain. It creates anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects that help with pain management. It has proven to relieve pain caused due to arthritis, neuropathy, and fibromyalgia.
3. Relieves Muscle Tension
Hemp oil that contains cannabinoids is proven to help with the problem of stress and tension in the muscles. It produces an anti-inflammatory effect on the body that relieves tension caused due to exertion, extensive workouts or injury. It also helps promote easy recovery from exercise. For relieving muscle tension, the hemp oil should be used topically, via rubbing on the affected muscles to release tension.
4. Good for Skin Health
Hemp seeds are a good source of polyunsaturated and essential fatty acids. It has the optimal range of Omega-6 to Omega that is considered healthy for the skin. The vitamins and fatty acids of the hemp oil keep the skin healthy and prevent breakouts. The fatty acids in the oil act as a nourishing agent and help reduce the signs of aging, including inflammation and oxidation. The omega-3s and omega-6s present in the hemp oil helps to fight a number of skin conditions including acne, eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, etc. When used in skincare products, it contributes to stronger skin that is more resistant to viral, bacterial, and fungal infections.
5. Good for Heart
Hemp seeds are very effective in reducing cardiovascular problems and ensuring a healthy heart. The hemp oil contains a high amount of amino acid arginine, which produces nitric oxide in your body. Nitric oxide is a powerful neurotransmitter that helps blood vessels relax and improve blood circulation. It also improves blood flow in the arteries of the heart. This ensures lowered blood pressure and reduces risk of heart attack. The gamma-linolenic acid found in hemp seeds also reduces inflammation, which decreases the risk of heart disease.
Despite the numerous benefits it offers, hemp oil might have certain side effects on some people. For example:
1. Mildly explosive
A lot of care must be exercised while using hemp oil for cooking because the oil releases toxic peroxides that are very harmful. The peroxide is mildly explosive and can catch fire. It can damage organs, tissues, and even the skin.
2. Production of Tumor Cells
The hemp oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acid that helps in the reproduction of new cells in the body. The rich ploy-unsaturated fatty acid of the hemp oil can increase the risk of prostate cancer in some people, as it triggers cell reproduction.
3. Weakens the Immune System
The hemp oil can reduce the efficacy of the immune system, as it is very rich in poly-unsaturated fatty acids. It has a direct effect on the immune system and leads to bacterial and fungal infections in the body.
4. Causes Hallucination
Although hemp oil is non-intoxicating in nature, it does have psychoactive properties. It contains THC that can cause aural hallucination in some people. Hence, it is not recommended to otherwise sensitive people.
5. Slows Brain Development
The neurons in the brain require Omega-3 fatty acids, of which hemp oil is rich in. Consuming large quantities of hemp oil can lead to acidity and fatty acid imbalance in the brain, which leads to brain development problems.
6. Unsuitable for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Woman
Studies show that hemp oil consumption during pregnancy can lead to smaller babies with lower birth weight and other unwanted outcomes. The active ingredients in marijuana can harm a developing baby and hence it is not advisable during pregnancy, or even while breastfeeding.
Besides the side-effects given above, hemp oil can lead to fatigue, diarrhea, changes in appetite, changes in weight and even interact with certain medications. Therefore, it is highly recommended to consult your doctor before starting to use hemp oil.
