As of 2018, Hemp is now legal and HerbCEO provide you with more details on this. But what is hemp? Hemp is a plant grown in the northern hemisphere. Often times, Hemp is confused with Marijuana as both plants are part of the cannabis plant family. However, they are entirely two different plants. Marijuana contains high amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the chemical compound that is responsible for its psychoactive properties or the “high” feeling that marijuana users seek.
Hemp comes in many forms, with a vast variety of uses. The fiber of the hemp plant that is extracted from the stem, can be used to make paper, rope, and fabrics. However, the most common uses of Hemp are the hemp seeds that can further be made into hemp oil.
If you are a naturalist who is looking for reasons to start using hemp, here are the two most common uses of hemp and the benefits of both uses.
Hemp Oil
Hemp or hemp seed oil is oil made by cold-pressing hemp seeds. Hemp oil has benefits that include:
- Reduction of Stress, Anxiety, and Pain
Like many essential oils, the most common use of hemp oil is to aid in pain, stress, sleep, and anxiety relief. Hemp oil contains CBD that interacts with different receptors, proteins, and other brain chemicals, which impacts neurotransmitters to have a reducing effect of pain, stress, plus anxiety. As a majority of sleep issues stem from stress, therefore, acts as a natural sleep aid as well.
- Supports Healthy Skin, Hair, and Nails
Hemp oil can be used topically. Since hemp oil contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which can protect the skin against the aging process plus strengthen nails and hair. Hemp seed oil can be used as a skin moisturizer, easing dryness to alleviate itching and irritation.
Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds derive from the Cannabis sativa plant as well. The seeds from the plant are small, brown seeds that are rich in protein, fiber, and healthful fatty acids. Hemp seeds have benefits that include:
- Protein and Fiber
Hemp seeds contain all nine essential amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks for all proteins thus hemp is protein enriched. The human body does not produce all nine, so a person must get them through their diet. Hemp also contains fiber. The majority of the fiber found in hemp seeds is in the seeds outer shell. When your diet consists of fiber daily it will reduce the appetite which aids with weight management. In addition, fiber helps stabilize blood sugar levels and stomach/gut health.
- Perfect for Your Brain
In addition to protein and fiber, hemp seeds contain essential fatty acids including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA is a necessity for brain development, the overall health of the brain and for the retina of the eyes. When the CBD compound is found in hemp seeds, just as with the hemp oil, it aids in neurological functions.
- Healthy Heart
Hemp seeds are especially rich in an amino acid called arginine, which has health benefits for the heart. The amino acid arginine turns into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is essential for artery and vein dilation plus it keeps blood vessel walls smooth and elastic. This helps maintain the circulatory function of the heart, keeping your heart healthy.
