Just ten years ago, you were unlikely to see hemp oil or CBD oil on the shelves at your local health store. But today, they’re two of the hottest new products on the market, and endorsed by thousands of people.
The benefits of both hemp oil and CBD oil have been widely researched. Scientists and cannabis advocates alike claim that the substances have a whole host of advantages when it comes to our health, from soothing anxiety to relieving symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
However, there are big differences between these products, and a lot of misconceptions. If you’re eager to try some of these benefits for yourself, you may have heard that one is better than the other.
What Is Hempseed Oil?
Hemp seed oil comes from the seeds of the industrial hemp plant. It is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant, which also gives us CBD and the drug marijuana.
It is extracted when the seeds are cold pressed and contains a variety of helpful nutrients, such as:
· Omega fatty acids
· Proteins
· Vitamin E
It’s typically used as a health supplement or in beauty products, particularly those used to improve the quality of hair, skin, and nails.
What Is Hemp Oil Good For?
Many people buy full spectrum CBD oil because it contains trace amounts of THC, which can have beneficial effects in small quantities. However, hemp seed oil contains no THC or CBD. It’s known for its anti-aging properties, and ability to reduce the visibility of wrinkles. While it’s popular in topical products like skin creams, many people with sensitive prefer to use hemp oil through a dropper or pipette.
It is popular because of its rich lipid (meaning ‘fat’) content and nutritional value. It’s full of vitamins and omega acids, which are incredibly nourishing for skin, nails, and hair. You might have seen hemp as an ingredient in shampoo or conditioner, thanks to its softening qualities.
Researchers believe that hemp oil can improve the following:
· Dermatitis
· Psoriasis
· Eczema
· Inflammation
· Acne
· Heart health
· Rosacea (reddening of the skin)
There’s also evidence that hemp oil can protect the brain from inflammation, which could reduce the risk of migraines and seizures.
What Is CBD Oil?
Hemp oil and CBD oil (short for cannabidiol oil) are both naturally sourced from the Cannabis sativa plant. Instead of being extracted from its seeds, CBD oil typically comes from a paste that’s made up of its stalks, stems, flowers, and leaves.
CBD is a cannabinoid – the name given to the distinctive chemicals found in the cannabis plant. THC is another example of a cannabinoid, but scientists believe there are as many as 113 different types! These chemicals work by stimulating processes within the human body, which stores its own variety of cannabinoids (and cannabinoid receptors) as part of its biological endocannabinoid system.
It sounds very complicated, but all this means is that CBD activates receptors within our bodies. This results in several health and mood benefits, such as:
· Reduced pain
· Boosted cognitive performance
· Soothing intestinal remedies
What Is Full Spectrum CBD Oil?
You may have heard the term ‘full spectrum CBD‘ when looking for cannabis health products. Remember the 113 cannabinoids we mentioned earlier? Full spectrum CBD contains most of these, while isolated CBD oil contains only the CBD compound on its own.
Because it contains chemicals from the entire Cannabis sativa plant, most people believe that full spectrum oil has greater health benefits.
Are Hemp Extract And CBD Oil The Same?
To make matters even more confusing, hemp seed isn’t the only sort of hemp oil you can buy. Hemp extract contains components from the entire plant, as opposed to just the hemp seeds. This means it also includes CBD – but although many people use the terms ‘hemp extract’ and ‘CBD oil’ interchangeably, they aren’t strictly the same thing.
Hemp extract typically contains very small amounts of CBD (and if it’s sourced completely from the industrial hemp plant, it won’t contain any at all). Its percentages of CBD and other cannabinoids will vary product to product, so it’s always worth checking the certification of any item before buying it.
Is Hemp Better Than CBD?
If you’re wondering which plant oil is better for you, the answer entirely depends on what you’d be using the product for. The effects of the industrial hemp (and other varieties of the Cannabis plant) vary according to which part of the plant your oil comes from. It’s not just a matter of choosing between the two – there’s also hemp extract and full spectrum CBD to consider.
Generally speaking, products made from hemp (particularly hemp seeds) are more nutritious. They have a range of culinary uses, from making salad dressings to flavoring stir-fries! Their nutritional value means they’re better for skin conditions and hair health.
CBD products, on the other hand, have a range of mental health benefits. They can promote better sleep, lower anxiety levels, and increase brain function.
Which Is Better: Hemp or CBD Oil?
Whether you take it orally using a dropper, use it topically as a cream, or add it to your food or beauty products, there’s little doubt that both hemp and CBD oil have a wide range of health benefits.
As a result, the debate between CBD oil and hemp oil leads to no one-size-fits-all answer. Instead, consider the following advice:
· Choose hemp if you’re looking to improve your skin condition or supplement your diet with a so-called ‘superfood.’
· Choose CBD if you’re suffering from joint pain, insomnia, anxiety, or any other condition. You’ll benefit from the alleviating properties of cannabidiol oil.
As hemp oil and CBD oil become increasingly widely used, we can expect to see even more products appearing on our shelves in the future. From promoting wellness to fighting pain, many people claim these products work wonders. Just remember that they are very different and lead to unique effects.
Make the decisions about which you’ll choose based on all the differences in these products. If you have any questions about which is best for you, don’t be afraid to reach out