farragio

by Angela Propes

Upon hearing about CBD products or the word hemp or hemp seeds, you may feel a bit cautious, or maybe even confused. This is often due to the fact that hemp is associated with the plant it comes from, the cannabis plant, which obviously can be used to make cannabis, the substance found in marijuana. This may cause you to only think of the plant’s psychological effects, as well as its ability to create a “high” in users.

However, because of hemp's healing benefits there are a number of ways hemp can be used for other purposes, including skincare, without any psychological changes. This is due to the fact that there are two very different types of oil that can be made from the hemp plant: hemp oil and hemp seed oil. Hemp itself is such an interesting component, there was even a farm bill introduced in 2014 to generate and protect research into it.

So, what is the difference between hemp oil and hemp seed oil, and can either of these oils be used in skincare without any unwanted affects? Let's find out.

What is hemp oil?

Before we define what either oil is, first let's start by defining what cannabinoids are. Cannabinoids, such as THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), are substances that cause psychoactive effects in the body; specifically, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) which is a complex cell-signaling system that plays a role in regulating a range of functions and processes in the body, such as sleep, appetite, memory and a whole host of other functions. While it is believed that CBD can affect the endocannabinoid system, the main difference is that THC is the compound that mostly affects it.

Hemp oil is a hemp extract made from the leaf and flower of the hemp plant and contains small amounts of cannabinoids. However, the only cannabinoid present in hemp oil is CBD, which produces relaxation as opposed to the "high" that is produced by THC.

What is hemp seed oil?

The extraction process for hemp seed oil is similar to the way that olives are cold-pressed to make olive oil. Hemp seed oil also known as hempseed oil or cannabis sativa seed oil, is made from cold pressing the seeds of the hemp plant and contains no cannabinoids. This means that neither THC nor CBD are present in hemp seed oil. So, there are no psychological effects associated with hemp seed oil. It can safely be used in skincare products and also produces an array of benefits. Because of this, it is healthy in many different ways and also makes for an excellent carrier oil for beauty products and is a great choice of carrier oils when paired with essential oils.

Why is hemp seed oil in skincare so vital?

Hemp seed oil is known for its moisturizing capabilities and according to dermatologists it will not clog your pores, making it an essential ingredient for skin health. It contains essential amino acids and essential fatty acids, such as omega-6 fatty acids, which are the building blocks of healthy cell membranes.

Many products utilize hemp seed oil because of its anti-inflammatory properties and its moisturizing effects which fights against flakiness and itchiness by reducing inflammation. Applying the oil topically helps with addressing skin problems such as atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin condition characterized by patches of dry, inflamed, and itchy skin.

What are other benefits of hemp seed oil?

Because of hemp seed oil's nutritional value, it is a bit of a wonder health supplement because of its benefits to the human body when consumed. Following are just some of its health benefits and health issues it can address:

• Gamma-linolenic acid present in hemp seed oil provides anti-inflammatory properties which helps reduce the risk of blood clots and improves heart health.
• The essential fatty acids also contribute to hemp seed oil's anti-inflammatory properties which helps with pain management and provides pain relief.
• Vitamins such as A and E along with the other health-boosting properties in hemp seed oil helps to promote a healthy immune system.

What are ways to incorporate hemp seed oil into your diet?

There are a variety of ways you can add hemp seed oil to your daily diet and reap the health benefits. As with any change you might make to your diet or nutritional supplements, its best to consult with your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns. Following are some ideas you can use to get incorporate hemp seed oil into your diet.

• Hemp seed oil is a healthy alternative to vegetable oils that can be used as an ingredient in salad dressings, sauces and dips. Make a vinaigrette of hemp seed oil and balsamic vinegar to use on salads. The nutty flavor of the hemp seed oil will be a pleasant change to this traditional salad dressing.
• Add hemp seed oil to already existing salad dressings. Doing this can help cut calories and helps store-bought dressings last longer, making it a financial benefit as well.
• Hemp seed oil dietary supplements are available in stores and online and come in many forms such as capsules, tinctures, and liquid extracts. (Don't forget to check with your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet/supplement intake.)

Where can I find hemp seed oil?

Health food stores are likely to carry hemp seed oil, especially if they carry other hemp products and hemp oil products. You might have trouble finding it at your local grocery store, but high-quality hemp seed oil is readily available for purchase online.

As you can see, the therapeutic effects of hemp seed oil make it one of the most healthy and beneficial oils in known to mankind. As you can also see, it is an oil that has key differences from hemp oil, as well as CBD oil, so you can consume and use this wonderful oil without concern that it will cause the same effects that are associated with different products that contain THC or CBD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CBD oil safe?
Prescription cannabidiol (CBD) oil has been used successfully as an effective anti-seizure medication (source: Mayo Clinic). However, further research is needed to determine CBD's other benefits and safety. The main problem with over-the-counter CBD oil is that the purity and strength of the CBD content aren't regulated. Though generally CBD oil is well-tolerated, it has been known to cause certain side effects, such as dry mouth, diarrhea, and fatigue. CBD can also interact with other medications, such as blood thinners. Because of this it is important to discuss using it with your healthcare provider.

What is "industrial hemp"?
Industrial hemp may only be grown in compliance with applicable state and federal law, including the 2014 and 2018 farm bills and the anticipated U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations. In recent years it has become a high-value crop. (source: Oregon State University)

What is a hemp flower?
Hemp flower is a meticulously grown plant that is considered to be hemp in its rawest, most natural form (source: Boston Hemp Inc.). The most recognizable type of hemp flower has a purplish color to its leaves.

Is hemp safe for the environment?
Hemp is a renewable resource which makes it invaluable to the environment and through the years has been used more and more in hemp-based products. Because natural hemp is rapid growing it helps with carbon dioxide uptake and is less vulnerable to climate variations (source: Huffington Post).

What are some hemp-based products?
I would be remiss if I didn't mention my farragio Coffee Oil Face Serum, which is made with organic cold-pressed unrefined hemp seed oil. Along with the skincare benefits previously mentioned, hemp seed oil contains linoleic and oleic acids which help fight the signs of aging and help regulate oil production.

Other hemp-based products can be found in a variety of categories. Everything from pet care products to clothing to household cleaners; and believe it or not there are automobiles that are built using hemp! The "Renew Sports Car" was built by an entrepreneur in Florida with the vehicle’s exterior being 100% hemp-made and runs on hemp biofuel.

How much hemp is grown in the United States?
The United States is among the top five countries that grows hemp, ranking in third place (#1 is China). Since the passing of the farm bill, which was signed into law in 2018, it is expected that the United States will soon become the leading grower of hemp and manufacturer of hemp-based products.

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