Hemp is a fascinating and versatile plant whose uses may surprise you. Hemp is made into foods, health products, fabric, rope, and natural remedies. Hemp is not to be confused with marijuana, although they are the same species of plant. Hemp, however, is distinguished by its lack of THC. THC is one of many cannabinoids, or chemicals found in the cannabis plant, that is primarily responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis. Hemp oil has a wide range of health benefits which we will discuss in this article.
What are the Health Benefits of Hemp Oil?
The multiple uses of hemp seed oil have been studied for many years, and we continue to discover the value of hemp seed oil for a number of conditions.
-
Pain relief: Finding alternatives to opioids for pain treatment is a critical area of interest. A 2020 study1 investigated the analgesic effects of “full-spectrum” whole-plant oil extracted from the hemp plant on mice's mechanical neuropathic chronic pain sensitivity. The study showed that common, commercially available, and easily reproducible full-spectrum hemp oil induced significant anti-allodynic (pain) effects lasting over 6 hours.
-
Cardiovascular health: The gamma-linolenic acid (Omega 6) found in hemp seeds 2 can reduce inflammation, which can impact your risk of diseases like heart disease. Also, animal studies show that hemp seeds or hemp seed oil may reduce blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Reduced inflammation: Inflammation has been linked to various diseases, including cancer, asthma, diabetes, and cancer. Studies 3 have shown that Gamma Linolenic acid, found in hemp, acts as an anti-inflammatory.
-
Help with skin disorders: Studies 4 demonstrate that hemp may help with eczema, dry skin, acne scarring, and psoriasis. Also, hemp is useful as an anti-inflammatory agent that can help improve sun-damaged skin and can prevent skin aging.
-
Hormone balancing: Scientists have found out that the Gamma Linolenic acid found in Hemp Seed Oil may improve and reduce symptoms associated with PMS, such as menstrual cramps. It can also reduce symptoms of menopause, such as depression, hot flashes, and irritability. One study 5 suggests that “the physical or emotional symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome are potentially caused by sensitivity to the hormone prolactin that may be related to low prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). Hemp oil’s gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) assists in the production of PGE1.”
-
Brain health: Hemp seed oil contains fatty acids necessary for the brain to function properly. Hemp seed oil is also rich in other compounds such as calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and vitamins E, B1, B2, B3, and B6, all promoting good brain health.
Uses for Hemp Seed Oil
In addition to all of the health benefits of hemp seed oil, it also has other uses. Taking a supplement provides the strongest benefit of hemp seed oil but can also be used in cooking and salad dressings. Hemp hearts are available commercially for use in smoothies, cereal, and salads.
Enhanced digestive health:
We know the omega-3 essential fatty acids found in hemp seed oil can reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. 6 Omega 3 fatty acids help digestive tract problems such as inflammatory bowel disorder. The fatty acids in hemp seed oil promote good microbes in the gut flora, improving digestion and overall digestive health.
Topical application:
-
For Stronger Nails: Massage into nails to promote stronger nails, cuticle repair, and softer hands and feet.
-
For Healthy Skin Treatment: As a moisturizer, hemp seed oil can prevent moisture loss and regulate your skin’s oil production.
-
Hair Health and Appearance: The essential fatty acids in hemp seed oil can strengthen hair, add shine and moisturize your hair while promoting hair growth. Anecdotal reports from people who apply hemp seed oil to their hair report less dryness, dandruff, and itching.
When to Take Hemp Oil Supplements?
Tahiro’s Brain Protect™ Nano Omega 5 Hemp Oil is specifically designed and produced with nanotechnology, enabling the neuroprotective ingredients to reach all body organs, bypassing the digestive system, which is known for preventing supplements from serving their intended use and crossing the blood-brain barrier.
Tahiro has specific recommendations for achieving optimal brain health with Brain Protect™, which is packaged in three individually sealed containers, each with 30 servings, providing 90 servings in total. Taking Brain Protect™ for a minimum of 3 months in the morning before breakfast or between meals is recommended.
What Medications Should not be Taken with Hemp Oil?
Hemp can have interactions with some medications. Do not ingest hemp when taking cardiac glycosides or diuretics 7.
Cardiac Glycosides
Cardiac glycosides, such as Lanoxin (digoxin), can slow down the heart rate. They are used for treating heart failure and irregular heartbeats. Hemp can slow the heart rate. Taking hemp with cardiac glycosides could slow the heart rate too much, so talk with your doctor before combining hemp with Lanoxin.
Diuretics
Diuretics are drugs that cause you to urinate more often to reduce body fluid which can lower blood pressure. Diuretics include:
Increased urine output may lead to a loss of potassium. Hemp can also decrease potassium, so taking diuretics and hemp together may result in unacceptable and dangerously low potassium levels, which can interfere with heart function.
