If the science-backed benefits of hemp have you curious, but you don’t know how to start incorporating the product into your routine, you’re in the right place. All are members of the Cannabis family but come from different parts of the Cannabis plant: Hemp seed oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of the plant and does not contain CBD. Hemp oil can come from all parts of the plant except the roots, and CBD can be found in all parts except the roots and seed. What’s more, hemp oil contains over 140 cannabinoids—chemicals found in cannabis plants—including CBD as well as THC, CBN, and CBG. It also contains terpenes and flavonoids, both of which are organic compounds that give plants their specific odor and flavor profiles. These different compounds work together synergistically and are thought to be more beneficial for the body than isolated CBD compounds. Researchers have dubbed this phenomenon “the entourage effect.” “The entourage effect describes a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts,” explains Jessica Knox, M.D., MPH, co-founder of the American Cannabinoid Clinics and a preventive medicine physician. “We know that phytocannabinoids are more effective and better tolerated when taken together and in concert with their co-occurring terpenes, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals than when they are taken in isolation.” A 2011 clinical review study1 found that oral doses of CBD cannabinoids specifically have been shown to help manage feelings of stress and anxiousness, while a 2004 neuroimaging study4 found that they promoted activity in the region of the brain associated with resolving stress.* Be sure to look for a full-spectrum supplement (it’ll either come in a dropper or gelcap form) and follow the dose instructions on the package. As functional medicine expert Robert Rountree, M.D., reminds us, stress is the root cause of many illnesses, so keeping it in check is important. “Stress is the great amplifier,” Rountree said on the mindbodygreen podcast. “Pick your disease and stress is always there, which means to me, whatever illness a person comes in with, at some point I’m going to talk to them about how they manage stress.” This type of stress can cause your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to hinder its production of CBD receptors, but supplementing with hemp oil could help. Plus, research shows cannabinoids help manage oil production5 in acne-prone individuals and promote healthier skin.* You can incorporate hemp oil into your skin care routine by taking an oral supplement or applying hemp-infused beauty products topically. In fact, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, upward of 40 million Americans suffer from a chronic sleep disorder like insomnia. At this time, it is unclear whether or not hemp oil can help with insomnia, but research shows it might be able to help short-term sleep problems6 by helping manage stress and pain, therefore making it easier to relax and fall asleep.* Try taking a full-spectrum hemp oil supplement before bed for snooze support and sweet dreams. If you have dandruff, very preliminary research also shows that topically applying hemp seed oil strengthens the skin8 and makes it more resistant to bacteria and infections.* Start by massaging a few drops onto the scalp, or make a DIY mask by mixing up your own hair care elixir with hemp seed oil and ingredients like coconut or avocado oil. To reap these benefits, you could take a hemp oil supplement, or give hemp-oil-infused hair products, like shampoos and hair drops, a try. There are many different uses for hemp products, and the only way to find out what works for you is to give it a try!
