Hemp oil is called different types of oil that are extracted from the hemp plant. In recent times, CBD oil is the hemp oil that has been most talked about. It is primarily this type of hemp oil that is said to have health-promoting properties.
However, there are more types of hemp oil and these are also claimed to be good for your well-being in different ways. Other areas of use include cooking, health food and the manufacture of hygiene products. In this article, we go through the different varieties of hemp oil, what it is, what it is good for and how to dose.
What is hemp oil?
Hemp oil is a type of oil extracted from the hemp plant, which in turn is a variant of the plant Cannabis sativa. It is actually about many different kinds of oils because they are extracted from the different parts of the plant.
Hemp oil can be made from the following plant parts:
- Seeds (hemp seed oil)
- The stalk
- Leaves
- The flowers
The different parts of the hemp plant Cannabis have a special chemical composition. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture different types of products from one and the same plant.
In addition, several types of cannabis plants can be used to produce hemp oil, such as Cannabis sativa and indica. The most common is that Cannabis sativa is used. More specifically, most types of hemp oil are usually made from something called industrial hemp. It is a hemp plant from the genus Cannabis sativa that has been developed to contain less than 0.2 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
No intoxicating effect
Hemp oil contains no or very little THC. This means that it is impossible to “get high” using hemp oil, no matter what form it is in. When we talk about Cannabis sativa as a drug, it is THC that makes you feel high. Other cannabinoids such as CBD have no “high effect”. Therefore, you can, for example, use hemp oil even if you work or drive a car because the cognitive ability is not negatively affected.
Different types of hemp oil
There are several types of hemp oil. The most common types are:
- CBD oil
- Hemp seed oil
- Essential oil
CBD – a kind of hemp oil
CBD oil is a type of hemp oil that has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its alleged health benefits (read more below). This oil is also included in some medications, such as CBD for epilepsy. CBD oil is extracted from the Cannabis plant by chemical extraction. A common method is CO2 extraction. It is usually made from the stem, leaves and flowers of the hemp plant.
Hemp seed oil
Hemp seed oil is available in two varieties: refined hemp seed oil and unrefined hemp seed oil. The refined hemp seed oil lacks color. The taste is also almost non-existent. Because the refined hemp seed oil is almost completely devoid of vitamins, it has no health benefits. Instead, it is used to make industrial products such as hygiene products and cosmetics. It can even be used as a lubricant and to make paint and plastic!
The unrefined hemp seed oil is interesting for its health benefits. It contains vitamin E, B vitamins, antioxidants, Omega-3, and Omega-6. This has made it popular to sell unrefined hemp seed oil as a health food. It is used, among other things, to make smoothies and in certain skincare products. However, the amount of CBD in hemp seed oil (both refined and unrefined) is very small.
Essential oil
Essential hemp oil is extracted from the leaves and flowers that sit at the far end of the hemp plant. To extract this oil, something called steam distillation is used. Essential hemp oil is popular in aromatherapy. There is no CBD or any THC in essential hemp seed oils.
Hemp oil and CBD oil – same thing?
When you talk about hemp oil and CBD oil, you sometimes talk about one and the same oil, but not always. How is it that? It depends on who markets the oil and in fact also on which product is actually meant.
Some of the companies that sell CBD oil market it as hemp oil. In particular in countries where the ability to sell CBD is limited due to rules, laws, and regulations.
In order to still be able to market their products in these countries, several companies, therefore, choose to call CBD oil hemp oil instead. In these cases, hemp oil and CBD oil are the same things.
However, when it comes to essential hemp oils or hemp seed oil, it is not the same as CBD. These oils can be extracted from the exact same plant but they are extracted in different ways and from different plant parts. Essential hemp oils and hemp seed oil contain almost no CBD at all.
Does cold-pressed hemp seed oil contain CBD?
Hemp oil must not contain more than 0.2% THC.
Health benefits
It’s fascinating how oil from a plant such as Cannabis sativa can have so many health benefits. There are already several studies that show what health benefits hemp oil can have, mainly through the substance CBD. In addition, there are several feasibility studies and studies on animals that show additional health benefits. (source).
What is hemp oil good for?
Hemp oil has the alleged benefits of e.g. reduce stress and relieving pain. Here you will find additional claimed benefits of hemp oil in the form of CBD:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Relieve pain
- Counteract stress
- Reduce depression
- Anxiety suppressant
- Reduced risk of diabetes
- Lowering blood pressure
- Counteract acne
- Counteract cardiovascular disease
- Better sleep
- Relieve or perhaps even cure epilepsy
- Counteract MS
- Counteract Parkinson’s
- Counteract or slow down Alzheimer’s
- Help get rid of drug addiction
- Counteract schizophrenia
- Slow down the spread of cancer
- Make it easier for cancer patients
What does hemp oil do?
Hemp oil in the form of CBD oil works by affecting the body’s so-called endocannabinoid system. The body uses this signaling system, among other things, to adapt to various changes in the environment.
Specifically, there are two types of receptors: CB1 and CB2. The body produces its own endocannabinoids that stimulate these receptors so that different effects in the body are achieved. By taking hemp oil in the form of CBD, the body’s endocannabinoid system is “boosted”. After that, the body can solve various health conditions on its own.
It can be said that hemp oil with CBD gives the body the tools it needs to solve various problems. Many medications, on the other hand, attack the symptoms instead of correcting the problem itself. It should be emphasized that research is ongoing and that we do not yet have a complete picture of how hemp oil affects the body. If you want to learn more about how CBD works, you can read our articles on the benefits of CBD and our summary of what CBD oil is.
How much hemp oil per day?
How much hemp oil you should take per day is stated in the hemp oil you buy. How large dose to take depends on several factors:
- The concentration of CBD in hemp oil.
- Hemp oil with only CBD vs full spectrum.
- Your sensitivity.
- If you have taken CBD before or not.
- Type of hemp oil.
- If you take hemp oil under your tongue, swallow it, or if you take hemp oil in capsules.
- If you take hemp oil as a health food or to cure any ailment.
It is usually recommended to start gently. For example, it by taking a drop every morning and evening. After three days, the dose may be increased by one additional drop at a time. After another three days, increase the dose by one more drop and so on until the maximum dose according to the manufacturer’s recommendation is reached.
It is therefore difficult to say exactly how much hemp oil you should take. We usually recommend that you try and begin with small doses, within the framework specified by the manufacturer on the packaging. There is no need to hurry because the body still reacts quite slowly. It usually takes around 3 to 4 weeks before the endocannabinoid system is fully activated. After that, it may be possible to reduce the dosage a little.
Side effects
When talking about the side effects of hemp oil, it is mainly the use of CBD oil that is meant. So far, no serious side effects of hemp oil with CBD have been identified. It may certainly be too early to conclude that it is safe to use hemp oil, but what we have seen so far indicates that it is a very gentle substance for the body.
Those who start using hemp oil that contains CBD may sometimes feel one or more of the following symptoms at first:
- Fever
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Sore or stiff muscles
- Symptoms such as a cold
- Laryngitis
Not everyone suffers from side effects. Those who feel one or more of the symptoms usually experience that they go away after 1 to 3 days. One theory as to why the body reacts in this way is that hemp oil gives the body the power to take care of various problems as the inflammation decreases. When it does, the body releases toxins, which means that you experience different symptoms. It’s so far only a theory that some researchers have.
These symptoms may occur with the normal use of hemp oil. However, if you exceed the manufacturer’s recommendations many times over, other side effects may occur:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure
- Dry mouth
Possible cross-reaction with medication
It seems safe to use hemp oil with CBD, but we want to emphasize that research is ongoing. If you have a serious illness or want to be completely safe, we recommend that you talk to your doctor before taking hemp oil. As with all other substances – whether it is a health food, medicine, or food – there are people who are hypersensitive or allergic to hemp oil, even if it is unusual.
Side effects of hemp seed oil and essential oils
There are very few side effects to hemp seed oil. When consuming large amounts of hemp seed oil, you may get stomach problems. With moderate intake, it is only healthy that the intestine can work efficiently and counteract constipation.
Hemp oil in the form of essential oil or essential oil as it is also called is not used internally and therefore it is not relevant to talk about any side effects. Hypersensitive people may react to the smell.
Other uses
We mentioned in the introduction that hemp oil is used for much more than as CBD oil. Here are some of the most common uses:
Cooking oil: Cold-pressed hemp oil is excellent cooking oil. Particularly suitable for salads or for drizzling over ready-made dishes. Feel free to try hemp seed oil on the porridge!
Hemp oil for eczema and psoriasis: Cold-pressed hemp seed oil is used in various products to counteract eczema and dry hands. It is suitable for dry skin, combination skin and oily skin. In addition, hemp seed oil can be used on skin that is sensitive to acne.
Hemp oil for dogs: Cold-pressed seed oil from hemp plants is used to strengthen the immune system in dogs and to give the coat a better shine. Vitality is said to increase and metabolism is stabilized.
Hemp oil for hair: Oil from hemp seeds can be used to give the hair and scalp extra nourishment. The scalp becomes healthier and the hair stronger and shinier.
Hygiene products: Hemp seed oil is used to make soap, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, and skin lotion.
Industry: Hemp oil is used in industry to make special plastics, paints, and lubricants.
Summary
Hemp oil is available in the form of CBD oil, hemp seed oil, and essential oils. It is becoming more common with hemp oil with CBD to prevent or counteract various diseases or ailments. The side effects are limited. Research is still ongoing on the benefits and possible disadvantages of hemp oil.
Hemp seed oil is used, among other things, for cooking, in cosmetics, products for skin and hair, and industrial products. Hemp oil is legal in most countries where THC and cannabis are not, regardless of form and area of use as long as it does not contain THC.
