Hemp seeds are the seeds of the hemp plant, also known as Cannabis Sativa. Well, the word ‘cannabis’ may evoke a little bit of a concern in the minds of many, as it automatically correlates with the word ‘marijuana’, which is considered a drug.
So, to clear this concern, hemp seeds are seeds from the same hemp plant but are of a different variety and they also contain just trace amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the active ingredient in cannabis or marijuana. Therefore, hemp seeds or hemp oil is safe as they will not have any mind-altering effects, unlike cannabis or marijuana.
It is also important to note that hemp oil or hemp seed oil and CBD oil are not the same and are different products but is sometimes used interchangeably.
Hemp oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant and this oil is associated with a lot of benefits. Let’s look into some of them:
1. Beneficial to skin:
Hemp oil can be beneficial especially to acne-prone skin and oily skin, as it is non-comedogenic in nature (meaning that it will not clog your pores). Hemp oil is also rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which is anti-inflammatory in nature. It can help promote skin cell regeneration and prevent acne, breakouts, and pimples. It also contains vitamin E which is good for the skin as it acts as a protective barrier on the surface of the skin and locks in moisture and reduces dry skin.
2. Beneficial to the hair:
Hemp oil is rich in vitamin E and three omega fatty acids – omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9, which are essential in promoting better hair growth by stimulating better circulation in the scalp and hair follicles. It can help keep the hair shaft lubricated and prevent hair breakage and damage.
3. Good for heart health:
Hemp oil contains the amino acid ‘arginine. This amino acid helps in enhancing heart health and improving cardiovascular functioning, as it also helps in the dilation and relaxation of the arteries and improves blood circulation. This amino acid, consumed using hemp oil or as a dietary supplement, can help prevent the risk of developing heart diseases, blood pressure, and stroke in the long run. READ MORE – BEST HAIR OILS FOR HAIR GROWTH AND HEALTHY SCALP
4. Other benefits:
- Natural pain reliever:
Hemp oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can help ease and reduce pain naturally.
- Can help in the reduction of cholesterol:
Hemp oil is rich in linoleic acid which can help reduce the total and bad cholesterol levels in the body.
Uses of hemp oil:
- Here’s how you can use hemp oil for your acne prone skin:
Take one to two drops of hemp oil in your palm and rub your palms together. Then, gently and evenly apply this all over your face and massage it in for a few minutes. Leave it on for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing off with plain water and then, with a mild cleanser.
- Using hemp oil as an oil cleansing make up remover:
Onto a cotton pad, add in two to four drops of hemp oil and gently rub it all over your skin, until all your makeup has come off. Then, wash your face with plain water and then with a mild cleanser.
- Using hemp oil for your hair:
Using your fingertips or a cotton pad, apply the hemp oil all over your scalp and hair and then massage it in using circular motions, for 5 to 8 minutes. Then tie your hair into a loose bun and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing off using a mild shampoo and conditioner.
- Hemp oil for pain relief:
Those who are experiencing any sort of physical pain, you can take a little of hemp oil in your palms, rub your palms together so that the oil gets slightly warm and then apply it over the pain areas.
Caution: Those using hemp oil for hair and skin are advised to do a patch test to check for any irritation. if any is caused, rinse off immediately and discontinue its usage with immediate effect.