Hemp oil (Cannabis sativa)
Synopsis of hemp oil
Hemp oil, also known as hemp seed oil, is extracted from the seeds of the industrial hemp plant (Cannabis sativa), a variety of cannabis cultivated to contain less than 0.3% THC (the psychoactive compound found in marijuana). Unlike CBD oil, which is derived from the plant's flowers and leaves, hemp oil contains no cannabinoids but is valued for its rich nutritional profile, particularly its balance of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, along with vitamin E, phytosterols, and minerals like magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
Hemp oil supports skin health, cardiovascular function, joint lubrication, hormone regulation, and general inflammation reduction. Its ideal 3:1 omega-6 to omega-3 ratio contributes to anti-inflammatory effects and cellular membrane integrity, making it a popular dietary oil for promoting brain function, heart health, and immune balance. It’s also used topically to moisturize and soothe dry or irritated skin, improve eczema and psoriasis, and support skin barrier function.
It is typically consumed raw as a nutritional supplement, added to foods like smoothies or salads, or applied directly to the skin in cosmetic and therapeutic skincare products.
Historical Use
Hemp has been cultivated for over 10,000 years, with early use in China, India, Mesopotamia, and Egypt for its fiber, food, and medicinal applications. In Ayurveda, hemp seeds were recognized for their nutritive, strengthening, and grounding qualities. Though the seeds themselves weren’t considered psychoactive, the plant as a whole was used in traditional formulations for pain relief, nervous disorders, and digestive support.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, hemp seeds (Huo Ma Ren) were used primarily to moisten the intestines and relieve constipation, especially in the elderly or weak. The oil was sometimes used as a base for salves or liniments for dry skin, wounds, or muscular discomfort.
In Western history, hemp was widely grown for its industrial uses, but the oil was also used in folk remedies for inflammation, skin problems, and as a mild laxative. Only in recent decades has it been embraced for its nutritional and dermatological benefits in wellness and functional nutrition markets.
Today, hemp oil is widely recognized as a plant-based superfood and skin tonic, offering essential fatty acids and antioxidant support without any psychoactive effects—making it a safe, legal, and highly versatile component of modern natural health strategies.
Hemp oil is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Acne (Scientific)
Alzheimer's Disease (Scientific)
Anxiety (Scientific)
Anxiety Disorders (Scientific)
Arthritis (Scientific)
Backache (Scientific)
Bites and Stings (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Colitis (Scientific)
Depression (Scientific)
Dermatitis (Scientific)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Eczema (Scientific)
Epilepsy (Scientific)
Fibromyalgia Syndrome (Scientific)
hemp oil is used to support these body systems
Brain (Scientific)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Heart (Scientific)
Nerves (Scientific)
Skin (Scientific)
