Hemp oil, also known as hemp seed oil, is one of the most popular herbal remedies on the market today.
Advocates of the substance say it’s able to improve acne, treat cancer, slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, reduce the chances of developing heart disease, and provide several other miracle health benefits.
Some of the claims have clinical research to back them up, while others don’t have any scientific backing. Hemp oil won’t work as a cure-all, and it’s important to understand the actual potential benefits of using it.
Scientific data indicates hemp oil can be helpful for skin conditions and inflammation due to its chemical components.
Health Benefits of Hemp Oil
By understanding how the substances in hemp oil help health, individuals can make informed decisions regarding their supplement usage.
1. Treats Acne
There is a good amount of scientific data indicating hemp oil can help treat acne. One study conducted in 2014 concluded hemp oil has powerful effects when treating acne, and even went so far as to say it’s a near-universal treatment for different forms of acne, which is a huge potential breakthrough.
Acne comes in many different forms, and it’s influenced by a variety of causes. One of the biggest causes is genetics. Some individuals experience only minor acne breakouts during adolescence, while others experience severe acne throughout their entire lives.
The 2014 study was a preliminary one that’s opened the door for more potential findings. Further research is being conducted regarding the exact way’s hemp oil can help with acne. This will allow experts to fine-tune dosages and understand how best to take advantage of the substance’s benefits.
The study indicated hemp oil was able to suppress the overproduction of oil in the sebaceous glands on the skin. Oil overproduction is what causes pores and glands to be clogged, leading to pimples.
2. Alleviates Eczema and Psoriasis
Hemp oil has been proven to have significant health benefits in regards to a variety of skin conditions. In addition to the promising research regarding acne treatment, there have been studies showing hemp oil can help with the treatment of eczema and psoriasis.
One study in 2005 was conducted over twenty weeks. The researchers analyzed the data and concluded taking hemp oil supplements as part of a balanced diet could help eczema symptoms to improve.
After taking hempseed oil, patients with eczema experienced an increase in their linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and essential fatty acid levels. There wasn’t any significant increase in arachidonic acid.
The participants indicated the dryness and itchiness of their skin were improved, and they had less need to use topical dermal medication. For psoriasis, a study conducted in 2015 showed omega-3 fatty acids may help treat the condition when taken in supplement form. Hemp oil is rich in these compounds.
According to the study, omega-3 fatty acids have the highest efficacy when combined with oral retinoids, UVB phototherapy, and topically applied vitamin D.
3. Acts as An Antibacterial
Some studies have been done regarding the use of hemp oil as an antibacterial agent. There has been data proving hemp oil has antibacterial properties and may affect certain strains of bacteria. To find out about its efficacy on other strains of bacteria, more studies need to be done.
The antibacterial properties of the oil shouldn’t be used as a replacement for antibiotics in individuals who have bacterial infections. The study indicates hemp oil is more effective as a preventative measure than as an actively killing one.
Antibiotics attack an infection that already exists, while hemp oil’s antibacterial properties are better at inhibiting the growth of bacteria. One of the bacteria that showed inhibited growth was Staphylococcus aureus.
This finding was significant because this kind of bacteria can be dangerous. It has the potential to be responsible for several health conditions.
In addition to causing skin infections, this bacteria can lead to pneumonia of the lungs, bone infections, and heart valve infections.
4. Reduces Inflammation
Some evidence has been compiled that indicates hemp oil can reduce inflammation. A study conducted in 2011 showed adding omega-3 fatty acids to one’s diet might help reduce inflammatory activity in the body.
Omega-3s are found in hemp oil and several other naturally occurring supplements as well. Inflammation is a process that can cause serious pain and discomfort in the body. If the inflammatory processes continue over time, they can also lead to damage in different areas of the body.
Some chronic health conditions are exacerbated or caused by inflammation. If an individual experiences chronic inflammation and pain, they may benefit from hemp oil or other dietary supplements that have high omega-3s.
In the 2011 study, it was shown that different individuals have different abilities to absorb vital omega-3 supplements when they come in different forms.
More studies are being conducted regarding the ability of the body to absorb vital omega-3s and omega-6s from different types of supplements.
5. Natural Pain Relief
Hemp oil can contribute to natural pain relief in multiple ways. One is that, as previously mentioned, the omega-3 components of the oil may help reduce inflammation.
For those who experience chronic pain due to inflammation, the anti-inflammatory effects can have a significant impact on pain levels. The same is true of those recovering from a temporary muscle injury that’s become inflamed.
Another study done in 2011 indicated hemp oil can help reduce painful and uncomfortable symptoms related to menopause. Hemp oil is not the same substance as marijuana, though it comes from the same plant, the Cannabis sativa plant. To make hemp oil, the ripe seeds of hemp plants are cold-pressed.
The plants don’t contain THC, which is the compound that creates the ‘high’ in marijuana. However, they retain the painkilling properties marijuana boasts.
Via: MedicalNewsToday | VeryWellHealth
