Hempoil is a vegetable oil obtained from the cold pressing of the seeds of Cannabis sativa, a plant of the Cannabaceae family. Rich in essential fatty acids such as alpha linolenic acid, it is known for its optimal balance between omega-3 and omega-6.
Hemp oil possesses strong antioxidant, immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory properties, and is currently the subject of scientific studies and research for its use in cases of cancer and melanomas. However, its benefits against:
- disorders of the osteoarticular and muscular system;
- autoimmune diseases;
- cardiovascular and metabolic disorders
- pathologies of the respiratory system
- skin diseases
- pathologies affecting the gastro-intestinal tract and liver
- imbalances of the female hormonal system
- neurological and psychic problems
It is also widely used in Ayurvedic medicine precisely because of its beneficial properties.
Its flavor is reminiscent of hazelnuts and should be used raw to preserve intact the extraordinary nutritional qualities and therapeutic virtues; great for children, it is also perfect for adults and the elderly.
What is hemp oil
Hemp oil is a vegetable oil obtained from the cold pressing of the seeds of Cannabis sativa, a plant of the Cannabaceae family.
The hemp plant is native to Central and Western Asia but is now cultivated in several countries of the world for the marketing of fiber, seeds, oil and, in the case of legal cannabis, also of inflorescences.
Cannabis oil has a color that varies from light green to deep green, has a little marked smell and a very pleasant taste reminiscent of hazelnuts.
Properties of hemp oil
The properties of hemp seed oil are different from the properties of hemp sativa.
Hemp seed oil is in fact practically free of cannabinoids but rich in essential fatty acids, omega 3 and omega 6. The oil obtained from hemp therefore has no psychoactive action but boasts anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunostimulating properties.
The external use of hemp oil has instead emollient and soothing action and is useful in the prevention of wrinkles and signs of aging and in the treatment of cracked, dry or inflamed skin. It is used in creams, shampoos, soaps and massage oils.
The benefits of hemp oil
Consuming hemp oil can bring several benefits. In particular, given the anti-inflammatory properties, hemp oil has therapeutic properties that can help in case of inflammation and chronic pain, for example for the treatment of arthrosis and arthritis, muscle and joint pain.
The presence of essential fatty acids in hemp oil can also help reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, decreasing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Since it is an anti-inflammatory oil, the use of hemp oil for massage is useful in case of skin diseases including atopic dermatitis , psoriasis, herpes, erythema, eczema, acne, itching and, in general, for all inflammations and skin irritations. Hemp oil can also help prevent the formation of wrinkles and preserve skin tone and elasticity.
Use of hemp oil
Hemp oil can be taken:
- As a supplement
- Consumed as food.
You can use it from a teaspoon to three tablespoons a day to be added raw to season salads, vegetable side dishes or added to smoothies and yogurts.
Externally, you can use pure hemp oil or mixed with other vegetable oils to make a relaxing and anti-inflammatory oil for facial and body skin massages.
Contraindications and side effects
The contraindications of hemp oil are not known and this product has no particular side effects. Given the high caloric intake and laxative action of vegetable oils, the consumption of hemp oil must still be moderate.
How to make hemp oil
Hempseed oil is obtained by cold pressing hemp seeds. To make hemp oil at home it is therefore necessary to have a small domestic oil mill available.
Hemp oil obtained from the leaves, or marijuana oil, can instead be prepared by macerate the cannabis leaves in olive oil.
Edible hemp oil is readily available in grocery stores, where you can find cold-pressed hemp oil and organic hemp oil.
After purchase,it should be stored away from heat and bright sources and once opened it is stored in the refrigerator.
Description of the hemp plant
Hemp is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Cannabaceae family, which can reach 2-3 meters in height.
The leaves are opposite and palmate-compound:those that grow at the base of the stem have 5-7 lanceolate and toothed segments, while those that develop in the highest part are trifoliate or simple.
Hemp is a dioecious plant, it has male flowers in elongated inflorescences, wide and green-yellow panicles, quinque partite perigonium and 5 stamens; while the female flowers occur in shorter and more compact inflorescences. Female inflorescences have bracts rich in glands that produce a resin characterized by the presence of cannabidiols, especially THC and CBD. The fruit is a smooth, shiny, oval flattened, gray-green achene with dark veins, from whose seed the oil with multiple properties is extracted.
