Hemp oil is made by cold-pressing the ripened seeds of the industrial hemp plant. These plants have almost no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound that produces the high associated with weed.
Along with essential fatty acids, hemp oil contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. You can take it orally or apply it to your skin.
Hemp oil, or hempseed oil, is a popular remedy. Its advocates claim anecdotal evidence for curative properties ranging from improving acne to treating cancer to slowing the progression of heart disease and Alzheimer’s.
Data suggests that hemp oil may be able to help certain health issues, such as inflammation and skin conditions. This is primarily because of its essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including omega-3s and omega-6s.
Fatty acids, which we obtain from food, are vital for the normal operation of all body systems. Hemp oil contains omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in a ratio of 3:1, which is proposed to be the ideal ratio.
Hemp oil is also a rich source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a type of omega-6 fatty acid.
Hemp oil and inflammation
A 2021 study* suggests that adding omega-3s, such as those found in hemp oil, to your diet can reduce inflammation. Inflammation can contribute to diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
*https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3191260/
Hemp oil and skin disorders
Research indicates that the omega-3s and omega-6s in hemp oil may be effective in treating a number of skin conditions, including:
- Acne. A 2014 study* concluded that hemp oil is a potent and potentially universal anti-acne treatment. The study states that clinical trials are needed to fine-tune ways to best take advantage of its benefits.
*https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4151231/
- Eczema. A 20 week study* in 2005 concludes that dietary hemp oil resulted in the improvement of eczema symptoms.
*https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16019622/
- Psoriasis. A 2015 study* indicates that omega-3 fatty acids, as a nutritional supplement, may be beneficial in the treatment of psoriasis. The study suggests they should be used in combination with topical vitamin D, UVB phototherapy, and oral retinoids.
*https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4134971/
Hemp oil, PMS, and menopause
A 2011 study* 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.
The study showed that women with PMS who took 1 gram of fatty acids that included 210 mg of GLA experienced a notable decrease in symptoms.