Hemp Oil: Traditional Medicine For Inflammatory Skin Diseases
In particular, studies on the effects of the hemp flower and its extracts have recently been published. The active ingredients CBD and THC are beneficial in pain, depression, neurological diseases, and cancer. In the meantime, however, dermatologists are also interested in the hemp seeds or the oil obtained from them, the hemp or hemp seed oil. It contains next to no CBD or THC. Instead, it has a wholesome effect in a completely different way.
Hemp oil is obtained from the seeds of the hemp plant (Cannabis Sativa). On the one hand, it is a delicious edible oil for the cold kitchen. On the other hand, it is used in traditional medicine for inflammatory diseases of the skin. Hemp oil has a significant advantage in that it can be used both externally and internally.
For Which Skin Diseases Does Hemp Oil Work?
Indian researchers from the University of Kashmir studied several medicinal plants (including hemp ) used to treat skin conditions. They stated that the hemp oil could be beneficial for treating the following ailments:
- Seborrheic eczema
- Congestive eczema
- Cradle cap
- Dermatitis (e.g. neurodermatitis)
- psoriasis
- Nodular lichen
- Rosacea
The scientists found that using hemp oil strengthens the skin. It is now better equipped to deal with infections, regardless of whether bacteria, viruses, or fungi cause them.
Also Read: What Are The Differences Between Hemp Oil And CBD Oil?
Why You Should Take Hemp Oil For Atopic Dermatitis
In the case of skin diseases, in particular, the healing process should be supported from within.
The cross-over study took part in 20 patients who were divided into two groups. They took either 30 milliliters of hemp oil or olive oil daily for eight weeks. After a 4-week break, the patients in both groups again took the other oil for eight weeks. It turned out that hemp oil could achieve significantly better results. Skin dryness and itching could be substantially improved. In addition, the use of ointments and other skin medications could be reduced.
Why Does Hemp Oil Help With Skin Diseases?
The medicinal properties of hemp oil – it is believed – could be traced back to the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in hemp oil. These include linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), as well as gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is very rare in edible oils. ALA and GLA, in particular, have anti-inflammatory effects and, in this way, have a positive impact on the immune system.
Hemp oil contains numerous other skin-friendly substances such as the phytosterols beta-sitosterol and campesterol, which regulate the moisture content in the skin and relieve skin irritation and itching. In addition, there are vitamin E, chlorophylls, and carotenoids, which have a strong antioxidant effect.
What You Should Consider When Using Hemp Oil
Since hemp oil is susceptible to heat, you should always ensure that it was obtained by cold pressing. You can easily recognize the quality by the color: cold-pressed hemp oil is green-yellowish, while warm-pressed hemp oil is dark green. As a skin treatment, you can take the hemp oil pure or add it to raw or already cooked foods.
Hemp oil is ideal for external use because it is a so-called dry oil. Compared to other oils, it is quickly absorbed by the skin, which does not feel greasy. Hemp oil does not clog the pores either. Wash the areas to be treated thoroughly before use, dry them off, and then massage a few drops of the hemp oil into your skin. In the case of sick skin, choosing the correct oil is crucial and the proper diet.
Also Read: Cosmetic Applications Of Sweet Almond Oil