How This Helps
The legalization regarding Marijuana in the USA is increasing the popularity of hemp oil among consumers. Hemp oil is known to be a non-intoxicating and a non-psychoactive compound that can be found in any part including the seeds, stalks, flowers or leaves cannabis plants. [1] Hemp oil belongs to the family known as cannabinoids, which is extracted simply by pressing the tree body part.
Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), hemp oil doesn’t make people go high. The oil contains an inactive carrier oil like coconut oil or hemp seed oil. The oil is sold in the form of tincture and is available in many concentrations. [2]
The scientific studies show that hemp oil has some medicinal and health benefits too. The therapeutic potentiality of this oil can benefit a wide array of health concerns. Many users have achieved the benefit of reduced pain, reduced anxiety, and stimulated appetite with the help of this hemp oil. The oil works in the same way as marijuana does, and also promises to treat a specific type of seizures.
Hemp oil benefits
Health Benefits of Hemp oil [3]
The mechanism or the working way of the hemp oil is quite unclear. Unlike THC, the hemp oil doesn’t have its psychoactive properties. The oil has a comparatively low affinity for cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Including the opioid receptors, the hemp oil influences other receptors to regulate the feel-good hormone known as serotonin.
As the hemp oil has ample of health benefits, it is beneficial in treating many health conditions including;
• Acne
• Anxiety and Depression
• Chronic Pain
• Drug Addiction and Withdrawal
• Epilepsy
• High Blood Pressure
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Glaucoma
Most of the diseases mentioned above have enough studies to establish the practical benefits of Hemp oil. Here is some evidence found currently about the working of Hemp oil upon some of the health conditions.
Hemp oil extraction methods
Hemp oil in America describes the oil extracted from the stem of the hemp plant. The extraction process involves using a solvent to extract the oil from the hemp stalk. There are many solvents used commercially, all of which have advantages and drawbacks.
Some hemp oil extraction methods are:
1. CO2 extraction.
In this extraction method, the hemp is subjected to high-pressure, low-temperature CO2 gas, which can help isolate and preserve the cannabinoids from the oil. The downsides include a slow extraction period and higher manufacturing costs, meaning that these products will be more expensive.
2. Olive oil extraction.
Olive oil is secure and cost-effective and includes a slew of health benefits from reducing inflammation to boosting immunity.
3. Ethanol extraction.
Ethanol extraction is non-toxic and safe in tiny amounts. The major drawback is that ethanol-extraction destroys the plant waxes, which some argue have health benefits.
4. Butane or hexane extraction.
These solvents do an excellent job of extracting the cannabinoids from hemp, but a few stay after the extraction procedure and are potentially harmful to your lungs.
Safety:
As it requires a significantly larger quantity of hemp stalks to make hemp oil, there’s a higher risk of contamination of toxins contained inside the plant. This is a consequence of hemp’s powerful bio-accumulator properties, in which it pulls toxins from the soil it grows in. Many hemp oils are known to lack the complete spectrum of terpenes and other cannabinoids, which are thought to behave responsibly with the CBD, meaning that customers get less of a benefit. Nevertheless, there are a number of brands that examine rigorously to be certain that the CBD content, in addition to the terpenes and other cannabinoids, is up to par. It is a good sign if they offer to provide a certificate of analysis, which will tell you what kind of compounds are in the hemp oil and in what concentrations.
Hemp oil research studies
Studies to establish the benefits of Hemp oil
– For Anxiety
According to a study published in the journal Neurotherapeutics, in 2005, hemp oil has potent anxiolytic effects which means that the compound can help in relieving anxiety. The study also found that even the lower dosages of the oil were enough to support the treatment of anxiety. [4]
– For Addiction
Hemp oil was also beneficial for those who are drug-addicted. According to the researches done by the scientists of the University of Montreal, hemp oil showed its benefits while treating people who are addicted to cocaine, opioid and other psychostimulant addiction. Though the effect of the oil was different in different types of addiction and it showed a minimal impact in reducing the withdrawal syndrome. It also showed its potent benefits in minimizing the drug seeming behaviors of the addicts.
– Nerve Pain
As hemp oil is also used to treat various pain, it showed certain benefits while dealing with nerve pain. Patients suffering from intractable pain or terminal cancer are prescribed with medical marijuana more often. According to a study in 2012, injection or oral consumption of the oil can reduce neuropathic pain and inflammation. [5]
– Heart Health
Hemp oil was found to be beneficial to upkeep excellent heart health to some extent. The oil can reduce the risk of heart diseases by aiding the treatment of high blood pressure. During the study, the oil was also found to be beneficial for reducing the risk of heart strokes, and it also benefited the pumping of blood to the heart. Hemp oil is a complementary therapy for heart-related issues and diseases.
– Seizures
In 2018 The Food and Drug Administration of the USA found the hemp oil to be beneficial for the treatment of seizures associated with the disorders called Dravet Syndrome and Lennox Gastaut Syndrome. Another study found that when hemp oil interacts with the seizure medications, it improves the concentration of those medicines in the blood and makes them more useful.
Hemp oil skin benefits
Does hemp oil have any skincare benefits? [6]
Hemp oil is widely used in many skincare products. It is a trendy material among all other compounds used while making cosmetics. For the moisturizing properties of hemp oil, it is used for skincare and to have soft and supple skin. It also contains a higher level of required vitamins like Vitamin A, C, and E, which are beneficial for the skin. Pro Bluegrass hemp seed oil has a higher quantity of antioxidants which help the skin to stay protected against premature aging. The anti-inflammatory properties of the compound fight against any inflammation caused in the skin.
Hemp oil side effects
Drawbacks of Hemp oil
Though quite rare, some people report side effects when using hemp oil. These side effects include low blood pressure, dry mouth, slowed ideas, lightheadedness, and sedation. Animal studies haven’t found any toxicity problems with using CBD. A study in 2006 discovered that “the available clinical data indicate that CBD can be safely administered over a broad dose range.” As always, since there aren’t long-term studies, you should always consult your healthcare provider prior to starting hemp oil.
Though the hemp oil doesn’t have any side effects of its own, the user can be sensitive to the properties of the oil. [7] While trying the product directly on skin or trying any other product which contains the same as the main ingredient the user may have a feeling of irritation which includes itching, redness or rashes.
Hemp oil dosage
Dosage of Hemp oil:
There are no simple guidelines for using hemp oil. Depending upon the purpose of using the oil and the type of health problems to sort out with the product, the dosage may vary between 5 mg to 25 mg per day.
While using the same oil on the skin, the hemp oil is considered as a dry oil which is very easy to absorb by your skin. For hemp oil, while being used in the skincare routine, it can be massaged on the skin.
While using the hemp oil as a tincture, the concentration of the oil in milliliter per liter is counted. Various tinctures and products contain a different dosage of the hemp oil according to the issue they want to solve with the use of the product. [8]
To use the hemp oil directly and especially while consuming it, the user needs to place one or more drops of the oil on the tongue and let it sit for 30 to 60 seconds before swallowing. Here are a few tips when attempting to determine the optimal dose of hemp oil to use:
1. Everyone is unique.
Each individual has a unique genetic and biochemical makeup. This means people will react to various doses of CBD, which means you’ll have to test to determine which doses are right for you.
2. Start small
Start at a lower dose of hemp oil and increase gradually to achieve the desired result. Do not forget that if you opt for an oral item, it may take 30 to 90 minutes to detect any benefit.
3. Split dosage in a day
Spacing out your doses–instead of one large dose once a day–can help you keep adequate blood levels.
4. More isn’t always better.
Occasionally smaller doses can have a more significant effect than larger doses. Bear in mind that you’re genetically and biochemically different from everyone else and want to find the best dose for you.
5. Check with your health provider.
This is particularly relevant if you have any medical conditions or are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking drugs. At higher levels, CBD has been demonstrated to interact with common medications.
