As interest grows around natural health supplements, hemp seed oil has emerged as a popular option for its wide-ranging therapeutic potential. But what exactly does the research say about using hemp seed oil medicinally?
From managing chronic conditions to promoting overall well-being, hemp oil has several potential health benefits. Let's delve into the details and uncover the diverse ways in which this natural oil can contribute to your health and wellness.
What is Hemp Seed Oil?
Before exploring medical uses, let’s clarify what hemp seed oil is precisely. Not to be confused with CBD oil derived from hemp flowers and leaves, hemp seed oil exclusively comes pressed from the seeds of Cannabis sativa plants.
Nutritionally, hemp seeds provide a robust profile of essential fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins like E, K and B, and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, calcium and iron. When pressed into an oil carrier, these compounds may synergistically provide therapeutic effects through various mechanisms.
How Hemp Oil Can Be Used Medically
Managing Chronic Pain
With anti-inflammatory omega-3s and other bioactive components, some preliminary evidence suggests hemp seed oil may modestly reduce severity of certain chronic pain conditions. One study saw improved symptoms like morning stiffness and joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients taking hemp seed oil.
However, high quality studies confirming efficacy as a pain intervention remain scarce. Current research seems insufficient to position hemp seed oil as an alternative for most pain medications at this time, though some patients may notice minor complementary relief.
Heart Health Factors
Thanks to a optimal ratio of linoleic acid to alpha-linolenic acid, hemp seed oil appears to beneficially alter blood lipid profiles in ways that likely lower cardiac disease risks. Human studies associate routine hemp seed oil intake with decreased LDL and total cholesterol, reducing plaque buildup in arteries.
The gamma-linolenic acid content may also improve circulating endothelial function. For these reasons, adding hemp seed oil to a heart healthy diet could support cardiovascular protection.
Easing Anxiety and Stress
While many propose hemp seed oil reduces anxiety and stress, this is currently unsupported scientifically. Unlike CBD oil, hemp seed oil does not directly interact with the endocannabinoid system involved in mood regulation.
Any mental distress relief could stem from its placebo effect combined with nutritional benefits that indirectly improve mental health issues related to deficiencies. Much more research is required examining hemp seed oil itself for anxiety and stress before such effects can be confirmed.
Skin Conditions
Hemp seed oil demonstrates significant potential for improving various stubborn skin conditions without reactivity concerns. The anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and emollient properties, plus abundance of skin nourishing vitamins and minerals gives both oral preparations and topical hemp seed oil applications potential for treating eczema, acne, psoriasis and itchy, dry skin. The effects also protect skin from infections and environmental damage. Implementing hemp seed oil into skincare routines shows particular promise.
Supporting Sleep Quality
While hemp seed oil in the diet does provide overall nutritional support that could translate to better sleep indirectly, there is currently no direct evidence showing it actively improves sleep quality.
Unlike CBD oil, hemp seed oil does not contain compounds that directly regulate the central nervous system or circadian rhythms involved in sleep. Much more controlled research is needed to evaluate effects on sleep disorders specifically before solid conclusions can be made.
Legal Status and Safety
Under the 2018 US Farm Bill establishing hemp as an agricultural product, hemp seeds and their derived preparations like hemp seed oil are legal across the United States as long as concentrations of THC remain under 0.3%.
Hemp seed oil has an impressive safety profile, with very few negative side effects even in higher doses or long term use. As with incorporating any new supplement, speak to your doctor before use if on medications or managing a disease.
Dosing Considerations
Adult doses of hemp seed oil supplements range from 10-30 mL taken by mouth daily, introduced gradually over weeks to allow the body to adjust. Hemp seed oil is also commonly used undiluted as a skin moisturizer and cleansing oil. When using for skin therapies, conduct a patch test on small area first to check for allergic responses or irritation before advancing to wider application.
Conclusion
While much remains to be substantiated regarding hemp seed oil’s therapeutic effects through rigorous trials, the current body of preliminary research indicates this nutritional oil with an extensive safety profile shows particular promise for improving heart health markers, alleviating tough to treat skin conditions, and perhaps modestly complementing chronic pain management. As our understanding continues to evolve, hemp seed oil appears to hold merit as a supplemental approach to preventative wellness and resilience.