In this article, I break down hemp seed oil benefits, using hemp seed oil for hair and skin, and the best ways to use this versatile oil in your hair and skincare regimen. I also share the best hemp seed oil brands.
What is Hemp Seed Oil?
Hemp seed oil aka hemp oil is produced from the seeds of the hemp plant, which is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species.
The oil is cold-pressed from the seeds. Even though the plant is in the same family as the cannabis plant, the hemp seed oil is free of any narcotic properties.
While the whole hemp plant can be pressed for oil as well, the best oil comes from the seeds.
The unrefined cold-pressed hemp seed oil has a distinctive rich nutty flavor and is greenish in color.
If the hemp seed oil you purchase is lacking these qualities, it means it’s been refined.
Hemp seed oil is rich in fatty acids according to this 2015 study.
Can You Get High from Hemp Seed Oil?
The hemp plant contains less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This compound is the primary psychoactive in cannabis that’s responsible for its high sensation.
0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol content is a negligible amount and not enough to get you high at all.
6 Hemp Seed Oil Benefits
1. Improves Hair and Skin
Hemp seed oil contains up to 80% polyunsaturated fatty acids. This is the good fat you want to include in your hair and skincare regimen.
2. Perfect Oil for Hair and Skin
Hemp seed oil has the perfect 3:1 ratio of omega-6 (linoleic acid) to omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) essential fatty acids.
This ratio is the optimal requirement for a healthy body and what makes it one of the best oils for the body.
3. Vitamin E Content
Hemp seed oil is a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps keep free radicals in the body at bay.
Vitamin E oil also makes her soft and shiny and is a great addition to deep conditioning treatments and hair oils.
4. Nutrient Rich
Additional rich minerals in hemp seed oil include potassium, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
5. Soothes Inflammation
Omega-6 (linoleic acid) is a powerful anti-inflammatory, which moisturizes skin, soothes inflammation, and encourages cell renewal.
6. Manage PMS Symptoms
Hemp seed oil has properties that help calm and manage PMS symptoms. This study indicates that hemp seed oil may be an effective pain relief tool.
Hemp Seed Oil for Skin
Hemp seed oil is perfect for dry and dull skin. It moisturizes, controls oil production, and helps restore natural balance to the skin.
- Take a look at some of your skincare products. If you have one that lists petroleum as part of the ingredients, you can easily replace that with hemp seed oil. Consider making your own at home if it’s not too complicated.
- Hemp seed oil can be used as a moisturizing body oil for dry, itchy skin. You can include it as one of the oils in your body butter recipe.
- You can also add 1 – 2 tablespoons to your daily smoothie. Read Switch Up Your Smoothies with these Premium Natural Oils.
- The fatty acids in hemp seed oil can help prevent and treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, acne, and lichen planus as per this medical review.
Hemp Seed Oil for Hair
Hemp seed oil is a ceramide oil and contains up to 60% ceramides. Ceramides help hair’s cuticle lay flat and protected from damage.
Hemp seed oil is also comprised of 25% protein and can help facilitate keratin formation on hair. It moisturizes, strengthens, and softens hair.
Read How to Achieve Silky Hair with Hemp Seed Oil for more on the best ways to use hemp seed oil for hair care.
Hemp Seed Oil for Health
Unrefined hemp seed oil has a low smoking point, therefore, it’s unsuitable for cooking.
However, you can include hemp seeds in your diet to get the benefits. Hemp seeds are highly nutritious and are an excellent source of plant protein.
Read Should You Add Hemp Seeds to Your Diet for more adding hemp seeds to your diet.
You can also use hemp seed oil as part of salad dressing although that’s subject to your taste buds as the aroma and taste is quite strong.
Some great hemp seed oil recipes include:-
Consume hemp seed oil in small amounts as a high amount can cause diarrhea, nausea, or cramps.
Best Hemp Seed Oil Brands
While unrefined hemp seed oil is the best, it doesn’t have a long shelf life and can go rancid quickly.
I usually store mine in my refrigerator where it lasts for up to a year. Below are my top 5 brands:
Piping Rock Hemp Seed Oil
Nutiva Organic Hemp Seed Oil
Just Hemp Foods Cold Pressed Hemp Oil
Sweet Essentials Organic Unrefined Hemp Seed Oil
Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Oil
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References
- Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Seed Oil: Analytical and Phytochemical Characterization of the Unsaponifiable Fraction
- Plants used to treat skin diseases
- Cannabinoids in the Pathophysiology of Skin Inflammation
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