Hemp oil or Hempseed oil — not to be confused with it’s wilder, headline-grabbing cousin hash oil — is the nutty, flavorful oil that comes from the raw seeds of the hemp plant. While the health benefits of hash oil are questionable, hemp oil benefits arent: It’s a documented dietary supplement and beauty aid. 

 

Hemp seeds are rich in protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega 6, omega 3 and insoluble fiber. They are a good source of tocopherols or Vitamin E antioxidants. They’re packed with minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium, and phosphorus, plus microelements like strontium, thorium, arsenic, and chromium. High in essential fatty acids, Omega 6 and omega 3, hemp oil can be used to increase immunity, counteract aging skin and improve cardiovascular health. Several studies show that the linoleic acid present in hemp oil can slow down the aging process and fight psoriasis. 

 

Hemp is the only edible seed that contains gamma-linolenic acid, which is eventually converted to the protective hormone prostaglandin PGE1 that regulates the hormonal balance and supports menopausal health.

 

Hemp seed oil is often used as a moisturizer for the skin, and for good reason. Studies have indicated that hemp seed oil can dramatically decrease skin dryness, which alleviates itching and irritation. Moreover, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may protect against the aging process while soothing the skin.

 

Getting the right balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can be tricky for vegetarians and vegans. Hemp oil has the optimal ratio of these acids.

 

The only vegetable oil to contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, hemp oil can help lower cholesterol levels by accelerating metabolic processes. With a faster metabolism, fats burn at a quicker rate and are not deposited on the artery walls.

 

Due to its low carbohydrate and sugar content, hemp oil is can be a great food additive for diabetics. The nutrients present in it can help moderate blood sugar levels.

 

Psoriasis is caused by a deficiency of omega-6 fatty acids in the body. The fatty acids present in hemp oil help improve skin oxygenation and hydration.

 

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids also improve immunity and regulate intestinal flora, thus building a natural barrier against microbes and increasing the resilience of the body.

 

Essential fatty acids are necessary for a healthy cell membrane structure. They also prevent the demyelination, the destruction of the myelin sheath (a membrane that protects the nerve cells).

 

Like other compounds high in omega-3s, hemp oil can thin your blood, reducing blood clots and varicose veins.

 

As with any supplement, I recommend talking to your doctor to make sure it's safe for you to use based off any medication and your overall health if you plan to ingest it. While I'm sure it'll be safe for most, it's better to check and make sure.

 

As for my experience, I had never ingested hemp seed oil before so this was a new experience. While I cannot tell you about the long-term effects, I can tell you about my overall initial first use. Using this is simple. For adults, it is recommended that you take 1 teaspoon (5ml) daily preferably with food or beverage. Alternatively, you can also apply topically to restore your skin naturally. 

 

The Prime Natural Organic Hemp Oil doesn't really have a fragrance to it so if you're sensitive to various fragrances, this shouldn't be an issue for you. I tried the oil both by ingesting and topical use. For ingesting, I only used a couple drops to start to give it a try. It really doesn't have a flavor. You mostly notice the oil-like texture to it before anything else. The after taste, I found was a bit of a pepper/spice type flavor. Nothing strong, but different from what I was expecting. As I said, I never ingested hemp oil before so it's a new experience. While trying it over a couple of days, I didn't notice any illness, cramping, or discomfort during my use. I found I would take it with breakfast so I didn't have the oil or any flavor lingering. As I said, the taste isn't strong and even the first time I took it without doing so during a meal and the taste didn't bother me. It's just for me, breakfast is my 'routine' time of not forgetting to take it. 

 

Next, I tried the oil topically to my skin as well. It is oil so you will notice this, but I found only using a small amount makes a HUGE difference. You don't need to lather your skin in it for it to work. I wear flip flops basically non-stop which tend to give me dry feet (yuck!). So I added a couple of small drops and rubbed it into each foot and threw on a pair of socks until it was fully absorbed into my skin. I noticed a difference almost immediately My skin was very soft and well moisturized. Over a couple of days of use, my feet were noticeably more moisturized than before I started using the oil - which means it's working perfectly for my needs! 

 

Bottom line: I recommend this stuff; especially for dry skin!