Hemp Seed Oil: Earth’s Secret Behind Great Health & Beautiful Skin

Although it is derived from the cannabis plant, hemp seed oil is entirely different from what most people think of as marijuana.

Hemp seed oil does not contain measurable amounts of THC, which is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.

It also is not made from any of the leaves or stems of the cannabis plant. 

In fact, it is not made from the variety of cannabis that is commonly called marijuana. Instead it comes from a taller, industrial variety of plant that is primarily used to produce paper, clothing and rope.

*The companies chosen above are based upon my personal opinion based upon me giving them a try and testing their quality.

As its name suggests, hemp seed oil is pressed from the seeds of the cannabis plant. These seeds produce a rich, nutty-flavored green colored oil that can be used in a myriad of ways.

It is often consumed or applied directly, but can also be added to foods for consumption or lotions for topical application. The seeds of the hemp plant are small and look similar to flax seeds.

Though they are tiny, they contain a mighty combination of essential acids, antioxidants, protein, cannabinoids, and electrolytes that are proven to treat many conditions as well as create beautiful skin, hair and nails.

High quality hemp seed oil is cold-pressed and unrefined. This preserves all of the vital components of the oil that offer important health benefits.

Oil that has been subjected to heat or other treatments may not contain all of the properties of an oil that has been cold-pressed and processed as little as possible.

In fact, hemp seed oil is damaged when it is subject to heat and should not be used for cooking.

Hemp seed oil is not classified the same way as marijuana or even as CBD oil. While marijuana is illegal in most of the United States, and CBD oil is illegal in certain places, hemp seed oil is completely legal in all 50 states.

Among the reasons for this:

The industrial hemp plant used to create hemp seed oil contains less than .3 percent THC. This means it has no psychoactive effects and is therefore has been made legal for use in dietary supplements in every state in the U.S.

Since it is legal all over, you can purchase it just about anywhere, ship it anywhere, and carry it with you wherever you want to go without worrying about any restrictions or legal ramifications.

It also does not contain any components that show up on drug tests or make its use restricted in any way.

The rich fatty acids found in hemp seed oil don't just add temporary moisture to your skin. They nourish it so that the skin is balanced and not overly oily or too dry.

You can apply the oil directly to your skin, let it absorb in, and reap the benefits. While it is especially good at healing dry skin, hemp seed oil is also great for balancing out combination skin.

It is scientifically proven to help the skin retain moisture so your skin stays soft and smooth for a long time after application. It is not heavy and doesn't clog pores.

When applied directly to your hair, hemp seed oil nourishes both your locks and your scalp. It can eliminate dandruff, moisturize dry hair, and leave strands looking shiny and healthy.

It also helps protect against breakage, which in turn means your hair will look thicker and grow longer. In addition, the oil can help treat skin conditions on your scalp, such as infections or psoriasis.

The antioxidants found in hemp seed oil are well-known for reducing inflammation. This in turn also reduces pain. The oil is often used to reduce arthritis pain.

One study revealed that hemp seed oil reduced arthritis pain by 25 percent. While consuming the oil is the primary way to use it to reduce pain and inflammation, it can also be applied directly to aching joints.

Another study found that hemp seed oil actually killed off some of the types of cells that cause the inflammation and nodules typically seen in rheumatoid arthritis.

Whether you suffer from acne, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, shingles, or other types of rashes, hemp seed oil is well-known for taming these conditions thanks to the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids it contains.

Apply the oil topically to the affected areas or take it orally to get at the problem from the inside out. Several studies have proven the oil's effectiveness at treating difficult skin problems.

It also eases the pain or discomfort associated with many of these problems, such as shingles.

Many studies have shown the value of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in improving heart health. This extends to the perfect balance of those very components in hemp seed oil.

The oil has been found to lower cholesterol levels as well as the overall levels of fats in the body. Taking a daily dose of hemp oil has been shown to be beneficial for heart health.

The gamma-linoleic acid, or GLA, found in hemp oil has been found to reduce sugar cravings and give you a sustained feeling of fullness, both of which in turn can lead to weight loss.

The oil also helps balance blood sugar levels, which makes it easier to resist eating when you're not hungry. Hemp oil has even been used to treat diabetes.

In addition, some of the components of the oil promote healthy gut bacteria, which can improve digestion and metabolism.

A daily oral dose of hemp oil can put you on the path to eating healthier, feeling better, and losing excess weight.

Hemp seed oil promotes healthy brain function and improves your mood in three distinct ways. First, the essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that are great for your heart, are even better for your brain.

They work on a cellular level to improve brain function and prevent memory loss and relieve depression.

Second, the cannabinoids which are also found in hemp seed oil, but not in other sources of fatty acids such as fish oil, bind to receptors in the brain and ease depression and anxiety. 

Finally, while the first two methods involve consuming the oil, using the oil as part of an aromatherapy program can also boost your mood.

Getting a daily oral dose of gamma linolenic acid, or GLA, has been shown to reduce the symptoms of PMS, such as cramping, bloating, irritability and breast tenderness.

In addition to the GLA, the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that are so abundant in hemp seed oil have also been found to soothe symptoms of PMS.

Women going through menopause have also found relief from hot flashes and other uncomfortable symptoms thanks to the high levels of GLA in found in the oil.

Instead of robbing your skin of oils and nutrients like some soaps and face washes can do, hemp seed oil removes dirt and impurities while adding moisture and nutrients.

Although it may sound counter-intuitive to clean your face with an oil, it can actually result in healthier skin, an even skin tone and reduce blemishes.

It also eliminates the need for adding a moisturizer after cleaning your face.

The ideal combination of GLA, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that make hemp seed oil a powerhouse for fighting skin conditions, improving heart health, and balancing hormones, also make it ideal for preventing cancer.

Several studies have shown that including a regular source of all three components in your diet is likely to prevent certain types of cancer.

There are also promising studies showing that they may slow down the progress of certain cancers, such as advanced breast cancer.

Hemp seed oil can be used as sunscreen in a pinch. It has an SPF 6 rating. While this isn't much, it's better than getting caught without any protection.

Ideally, however, you can mix it with zinc oxide to protect and nourish your skin without the need for harsh chemicals found in many sunscreens. If you do end up with a sunburn, apply some of the oil to the burn to help heal it.

For many years hemp seed oil got short-changed due to it's link to the type of cannabis plants that contain THC.

When federal laws were finally rewritten to classify the plants separately, it opened up the opportunity for thorough research on the industrial hemp that is used to produce hemp seed oil.

In the end, this resulted in many reliable scientific studies that reveal a complete picture of the components of hemp seed oil.

In turn, these components have been studied extensively and there are a myriad of thorough, widely accepted scientific reports available.

These include:

There are 20 amino acids that our body doesn't produce. Nine of these are required to sustain our health. Every single one of these is found in hemp seed oil.

This is why it is sometimes referred to as nature's miracle seed. Though little, it packs in a huge number of things that our bodies need and does so in just the right amounts.

Research shows that the incredibly beneficial effects omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are only realized when they are consumed in the proper ratios.

In other words, if you get too much of one and too little of the other, you won't get the full benefits of either. Balance is key. As nature would have it, the ideal balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is found in hemp seed oil.

This means you don't have to worry about calculating and tracking the balance, you can get the perfect amount of each through a daily dose of hemp seed oil.

Another essential fatty acid, GLA is a powerhouse for reducing inflammation and encouraging healthy cell growth.

It is frequently used for improving the appearance of skin and encouraging hair growth, but it also plays an important role in brain function and your metabolism.

Hemp seed oil is a dense source of protein, especially compared to other oils and seeds. A whopping 25 percent of the calories in hemp seed oil comes from protein.

This rich source of protein is good for your health and your muscular system, especially if you are a vegan or vegetarian.

The vitamin E found in hemp seed oil is an antioxidant that is vital for heart health. Vitamin E is also necessary for healthy skin and proper nerve function.

Vitamin E is frequently used to treat sunburn and is known to help reduce symptoms of PMS and hormone imbalance.

Several minerals that are necessary for you body to function properly are found in hemp seed oil.

These include: magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, sodium, and sulfur.

Cannabinoids set hemp seed oil apart from other oils that contain similar fatty acids and minerals.

Studies have shown that cannabinoids can have many positive effects on the body including:

While looking at what hemp seed oil contains, it is also important to take note of what it does not contain.

Specifically, it does not contain anything that inhibits the absorption of anything it contains.

There are numerous seeds and oils that contain fatty acids, protein, and minerals, but many of them also contain other components that prevent our bodies from absorbing the good stuff.

You don't actually get the benefits if your body can't absorb it. This is good news where hemp oil is concerned, you body can actually absorb and make use of everything found in hemp seed oil.

CBD oil and hemp oil share several traits. They both are made from hemp, they both contain essential fatty acids and they both have cannabinoids.

They are each produced differently, however, and CBD oil may or may not contain higher levels of THC.

Hemp seed oil is produced using only the seeds of industrial strains of hemp plants. No other parts of the plant are used, and no varieties of plants containing high levels of THC are used.

CBD oil, on the other hand, is produced from nearly all parts of the plant, including flowers, leaves and stems.

In addition, it can be produced from all types of cannabis plants, including those with high levels of THC. Some CBD oil contains virtually no THC, while other oils may contain significant amounts.

Another significant difference between CBD oil and hemp oil is that CBD oil contains cannabidiol, from which its name is derived.

Some CBD oils may contain up to 25 percent cannabidiol, while hemp oil contains little to no cannabidiol. This cannabidiol, or CBD, is only one form of the many cannabinoids that are found in hemp.

CBD acts in the body in ways similar to marijuana but without the "high" or psychoactive effects caused by THC.

Hemp seed oil is a powerhouse health and beauty product that has been overlooked for far too long. It tastes good, isn't expensive and has a lengthy list of uses.

Topically, it both nourishes and heals skin. The skin conditions that it will clear up are almost endless, from difficult psoriasis and infections to making dry skin look and feel soft and smooth.

You can apply directly out of the bottle, or add it to any of your favorite products. It's also easy to add in to any of your favorite recipes, or combine it with any simple base, such as shea butter, for a quick and easy lotion that heals your skin every time you use it.

It's also an inexpensive anti-aging treatment. Since hemp seed oil helps skin retain moisture, it plumps out wrinkles and can help prevent them from occurring in the first place.

Taken orally, hemp seed oil does its healing work from the inside out. Not only can it improve the appearance of your skin, nails and hair, it can help stave off serious conditions such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

It has been shown to improve brain function, prevent memory loss and ease the symptoms of depression and anxiety. It has a slightly sweet, nutty taste that is good enough that you can take it without mixing it into anything at all.

If you prefer, however, you can blend it into smoothies, sprinkle it on cooked vegetables, or use it in place of butter or olive oil. The only restriction is that it should never be heated or cooked.

It has a low flash point and also undergoes a chemical change when heated. So if you choose to add it to your foods, be sure to add it after the food is cooked.

You can also diffuse hemp seed oil into the air as part of an aromatherapy program. It is said to improve mood, fight depression and bring you into a relaxed state.

Whatever way you choose to use it, hemp seed oil is a bonafide powerhouse that will help you look and feel great.