Hemp oil is sometimes used as an alternative name for cannabidiol (CBD) oil, although hemp oil typically is a shortened term for hemp seed oil. Hemp seeds are packed with nutrients and are a member of the cannabis plants. Hemp seed oil is created by cold pressing hemp seeds into an unrefined oil that is commonly light or dark green in appearance. This oil can be used in a variety of ways and may work to improve overall health. Some people choose to eat hemp seeds whole, while others prefer taking hemp seed oil in order to gain its possible health benefits.

Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil

One of the most common advantages associated with hemp seed oil is its skin benefits. Hemp seeds contain an abundance of essential fatty acids that may help alleviate dry skin, eczema, and other skin irritations by offering certain benefits, including:

Moisturization

Anti-inflammation

Skin cell repair

Balanced oil production

Anti-aging properties

Hemp seed oil works to reduce irritation when applied topically to the skin because of nutrients like linoleic acid that enable skin cell generation and repair. These nourishing components are also responsible for the ability of hemp oil to moisturize the skin without clogging pores. Because of this, hemp seed oil can be used to alleviate acne prone skin by moderating its oil production and reducing the chance of clogged pores. Hemp oil can also be ingested for skin health benefits thanks to the gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) that aids with inflammation and skin growth.

In addition to the many skin redeeming qualities of hemp oil, there are other heart health and immune system benefits that this oil may have to offer. The omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids within hemp seeds are still present when they are cold pressed into hemp seed oil, where they may offer some cardioprotective effects, including:

Reduced blood pressure

Improved arrhythmias and resting heart rate

Decreased chance of heart disease

Hemp seed oil can also boost the immune system with the valuable nutrients it provides to our bodies. Humans need essential fatty acids to maintain good health, but cannot produce these on their own and must find other ways to ingest them.

5 Common Uses for Hemp Seed Oil

For the purpose of this article, we will dive into the benefits of hemp seed oil capsules, which are free of CBD and THC. They are, however, high in Omega-3s and 6s, Gamma Linolenic Acid, and terpenes, which all contribute to the benefits of hemp seed oil capsules.

1. Support Brain Health

The healthy fats in hemp seed oil can help with optimal brain functioning and protection. A study found that hemp seed oil can help protect the brain, potentially due to the polyphenol content. While still in the early stages of research, this shows that hemp oil capsules can be a great addition to your routine for supporting brain health.

2. Enhance Skin Quality

Hemp seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties from GLA that can help regulate the immune system, an in turn help reduce irritation, including flare-ups from psoriasis and eczema. Taking hemp seed oil can also increase levels of essential fatty acids, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and GLA, which helps to increase moisture and fight against skin dryness. Many people also choose to use hemp seed oil topically, as it can be used as a multi-purpose skin care product that fights dryness, acne, and other symptoms of irritation.

3. Maintain a Healthy Heart

Many of the nutrients within hemp seed oil have been found to support healthy heart functioning. Alpha-linolenic acid may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The omega-3 and omega-6 content can also help with blood cholesterol reduction, further protecting the heart.

4. Reduce Anxiety

Many people think of CBD oil for anxiety as the top option for dealing with stress, but hemp seed oil can achieve similar results due to the fatty acid content. A study found that participants were able to reduce anxiety by as much as 20% by taking an omega-3 supplement—a key nutrient found in hemp seed oil.

5. Ease the Symptoms of Arthritis

As mentioned above, hemp seed oil contains many anti-inflammatory properties. The nutrients responsible for this effect may help reduce the symptoms associated with arthritis, so people can turn to hemp seed oil capsules to maintain a more manageable and pain-free quality of life.

How to Use Hemp Seed Oil

It’s clear that hemp oil has many uses, but how can you reap the benefits? Take a look at some of the ways you can incorporate hemp seed oil into your everyday life.

Hemp Seed Oil for Skin

If you’re looking to improve the health of your skin, we recommend using unrefined hemp seed oil or skin care products infused with hemp oil. Refined hemp oil has had many of the beneficial nutrients stripped away from the oil, and may not be as favorable when trying to moisturize and repair the skin. Similar to coconut oil, hemp seed oil also works as a great carrier when diluting essential oils that you want to apply to your skin.

Cooking with Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp seed oil has many uses in the kitchen, although it’s better to avoid heat exposure when incorporating this oil into a dish. A little bit if heat is fine, but too much may take away some of its beneficial nutrients and change the consistency or flavor. Hemp seed oil has a flavor profile similar to olive oil, meaning it’s not overpowering but has a distinct taste. This makes for a great addition to salad dressing, pesto sauce, smoothies, or other beverages.

Hemp Seed Oil for Hair

Just as hemp seed oil benefits the skin, it can also moisturize the scalp and hair follicles for healthier, shinier hair. The rich fatty acids within hemp oil can promote hair growth and strengthen hair strands, which reduces the appearance of dry, split ends and prevents against future breakage.