7 Health Benefits of this Once Controversial Oil
You’ve likely seen ads for CBD and its benefits everywhere - it’s even available in most grocery stores now! While the cannabis plant has been used for its healing qualities throughout history, it’s been an area of confusion and even contempt in the US for a long time. Until 2014, hemp was not allowed to be grown or sold in the United States for consumption due to its botanical resemblance to marijuana.
But did you know that hemp and marijuana are not the same thing? While hemp has the same beneficial compounds, called cannabinoids, along with terpenes, and antioxidant flavonoids - there is a difference between it and weed.
With so much information out there and a rapidly expanding cannabis market, it’s important to know what you’re getting. Especially if you’re interested in the benefits of full-spectrum hemp oil - but are worried about psychoactives! Experts give us the facts on hemp vs. marijuana, and some of the many ways it can be used for your health.
Originally posted on The Good Inside by Touchstone Essentials.
Cannabis Cousins: Hemp vs. Marijuana
While hemp and marijuana are both members of the Cannabis Sativa plant family, there is one big difference. Hemp only contains trace amounts of a cannabinoid called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
This psychoactive compound (THC) is found in high amounts in marijuana and is also responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana.
Hemp, on the other hand, only has a tiny amount of naturally-occurring THC and can be sold when the hemp oil has less than 0.3% THC.
You can also find hemp oil extracts with zero THC, thanks to advanced chromatography which can remove even a trace of that specific compound.
Both hemp and marijuana have dozens of other beneficial phytocannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol.
Why Hemp Works in Your Body
Before we drill down into all the amazing ways that hemp oil can benefit the body, it’s important to know why hemp works better than any other plant oil extract you can find. The reason is that your body has something called an Endocannabinoid System.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a series of receptors found throughout the body – brain, immune system, central nervous system and more – that respond to cannabinoids the body produces, as well as cannabinoids from plant sources (such as hemp).
The Endocannabinoid System helps to maintain a state of homeostasis or balance in the body. The ECS also plays a key role in:
Immune System
Sleep Function
Digestive System
Mood & Anxiety
Metabolism
Neuro-protection (brain)
Endocannabinoid receptors are not only found in people but all mammals, which means hemp oil can benefit pets too.
Now that you know the ways hemp and marijuana differ, and why hemp works in the body, here are 7 big health benefits that may be experienced from using full-spectrum hemp oil.
1. Fights Temporary Inflammation
Cannabis has been used throughout history for its pain-relieving qualities. Pain can have a variety of sources, but one culprit in the body is inflammation, which can strike joints, muscles, and tissues.
Research suggests that the cannabinoids in full-spectrum hemp oil can help to cool the effects of temporary inflammation, providing welcome relief.
2. Eases Everyday Stress
Large-scale surveys show that up to a third of the population will experience an anxiety-related disorder at some point in their lives.
But everyday stress is even more common. Between juggling work deadlines and home demands, feelings of stress and anxiety soon follow.
Fortunately, research shows that cannabinoids may help. One review of studies on military veterans showed benefits that ranged from reduced anxiety to improved coping ability.
In another study, cannabidiol (CBD) was found to help reduce cortisol production in the body, thereby helping relieve the effects of stress.
3. Calms Joint Discomfort
Pro-inflammatory cytokines are responsible for inflammation in joints as varied as fingers, knees, and shoulders. Because cannabinoids help fight temporary inflammation, hemp oil can calm joint discomfort.
For maximum benefit, look for a cannabinoid extract that is paired with hemp seed oil. That’s because hemp seed oil is also full of beneficial plant omegas, which nourish joint health.
To target a specific area of concern in one of your joints, hemp oil can also be applied topically for fast relief.
4. Supports Restful Sleep
Sleeplessness or a difficulty in falling and/or staying asleep affects up to 50% of people, according to the National Sleep Foundation.
While there are a variety of lifestyle and nutritional factors that can help you achieve the sleep of your dreams, evidence suggests hemp oil could help.
A scientific review of cannabidiol in hemp suggests it promotes restful sleep, even for those who struggle with it.
5. Promotes a Healthy Heart
While much of the headlines on cannabidiol (CBD) focus on its ability to relieve stress and discomfort, hemp oil also promotes a healthy heart.
Preliminary research suggests that cannabinoids may help blood vessels to relax and widen, which indicates it may support healthy blood pressure.
Full-spectrum hemp oil is also a natural source of heart-healthy essential fatty acids, delivered at optimal omega ratios. These include omega-6 (linoleic acid), omega-3 (alpha-linoleic acid), and omega-9 (oleic acid).
6. Fights Free Radicals
Some oxidative stress is a necessary byproduct of living. But too many processed foods, environmental pollutants, high-intensity exercise, and a stress-filled lifestyle can all contribute to a harmful level of oxidative stress.
That’s bad for the body since, over time, free radicals can damage cells and even your DNA. The best remedy for oxidative stress is found in antioxidant-rich plants and herbs.
The good news is that hemp oil contains powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
7. Supports Exercise Recovery
Intense athletic training can strain muscles, leading to discomfort and long recovery times. Full-spectrum help oil may be able to help.
Along with soothing temporary inflammation, one of the constituents of hemp oil is called cannabigerol (CBG). Research indicates that the cannabinoid CBG may inhibit the release of the neurotransmitter GABA, which can alleviate muscle tension.
The combined benefits of antioxidants, omegas, and cannabinoids in hemp oil are another way to support overall exercise recovery.