The Pros and Cons of Hemp Oil

Introduction

Hemp is rich in cannabidiol, a substance that can be used to treat a wide range of ailments, from anxiety and skin issues to rare forms of epilepsy.

In addition, it contains large amounts of omega fatty acids, which provide your body with the starting point for making a number of important hormones. That’s why, in recent years, hemp seed oil, also known as hemp oil, has been growing in popularity.

Nevertheless, it does have a few downsides. To begin with, it can cause skin irritation and digestive problems and interact with quite a few medications. Aside from that, you might find its taste to be a bit off-putting. In case you are on the fence about using hemp oil, here is a list of its pros and cons.

Pros

1. Improved Cardiovascular Health

Hemp oil can improve your cardiovascular health by reducing bad cholesterol levels and blood pressure. In addition, it contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for the heart. Studies have shown that consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce the risk of heart disease and contribute to a healthy cardiovascular system.

2. Fewer Seizures

The CBD in hemp oil has been shown to be effective in reducing seizures. A study conducted on children with epilepsy found that the ones who were treated with CBD experienced a decrease in the frequency of seizures.

In some cases, the seizures stopped completely. In consequence, FDA has approved a CBD-based drug, Epidiolex, for the treatment of two rare forms of epilepsy.

3. Easy To Use and Buy

Hemp oil is very easy to use. You can take it orally or apply it topically, depending on your needs. The majority of such oils come in small vials with droppers. As a result, you can easily control the dosage and avoid wasting any oil.

What is more, buying hemp oil is not a problem either. You can find it and other premium organic CBD products in most health food stores or order it from an online shop.

4. Relieves Pain

Hemp oil is effective in relieving pain. The CBD in it can interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to reduce inflammation and prevent pain signals from reaching the brain. For that reason, it can be used to relieve various types of pain, including arthritis pain, menstrual cramps, and headaches.

5. Easy To Store and Transport

Hemp oil does not need to be refrigerated. You can store it at room temperature without worrying about it going bad. In addition, vials that the oil is usually sold in tend to be made of dark glass, which protects the oil from light and helps it maintain its potency.

They are also pretty durable, which means that you can easily transport the oil with you without having to worry about it leaking or spilling, making it a convenient option for people who are always on the go.

Cons

1. Strong Taste

Hemp seed oil tastes like sunflower seeds, and that taste can be quite strong. Some people find it to be too bitter and prefer not to use it as a result. If you are not a fan of earthy flavors, it is best to mix the oil with other food or drink to make it more palatable. Otherwise, you might find it difficult to take it on a regular basis.

2. Can Cause Skin Irritation

Hemp oil can cause skin irritation in some people. This is usually the case with those who have sensitive skin or are allergic to certain ingredients in the oil. With that in mind, you should consider doing a patch test before using the oil on a large area of skin.

Apply a small amount of it to a less sensitive area, such as your forearm, and wait for twenty-four hours to see if any irritation develops. If not, you can keep using it without any worries.

3. Can Cause Digestive Problems

Unfortunately, hemp oil can cause digestive issues, particularly when taken in large amounts. They include indigestion, diarrhea, and an upset stomach. If you experience any of these side effects after taking hemp oil, it is best to go with a lower dosage. If the side effects persist, you should consider stopping using the oil altogether.

4. Interacts with Medications

The hemp oil can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and anticonvulsants. Therefore, if you are taking any medication, it is best to consult your doctor before using it to make sure that there will be no negative interactions between the two. You should also be able to find information on potential interactions in the product’s instructions or online.

In Conclusion

Hemp oil has a number of benefits that make it worth considering. However, like with anything else, it also has a few downsides that you should be aware of before using it.

Overall, though, the pros seem to outweigh the cons, making hemp oil a good option for people looking for an all-natural way to improve their health.

If you do not know where to buy high-quality hemp oil, we recommend checking out an online store that specializes in CBD products.

You should be able to find a wide range of hemp seed oils there, as well as other hemp-based products, such as edibles and topicals.