In recent years, CBD (cannabidiol) and hemp oil products have increased massively in popularity, both claiming many health benefits and safe, natural ways to enhance our wellbeing.
The idea around the oils is that they provide us with the beneficial and medicinal properties of cannabis, without any element of intoxication—though they are extracted from cannabis-like plants, they don’t contain any THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the ingredient that makes cannabis psychoactive, or in other words, the element that gets you high.
But, considering how popular it is becoming, and the many health benefits they claim, do we know enough about these supplements? There’s little medical research to back their claims, and the two are often confused, or marketed with vague claims an no medical evidence, while actually there are big differences that consumers need to be aware of.
The main difference is that CBD oil is made from the whole plant, whereas hemp oil uses just the seeds. Subsequently, they are used for very different applications.
See Also: CBD Oil: What You Need To Know
CBD oil
The cannabidiol in CBD oil is claimed to work with the body’s endocannabinoid system, part of the nervous system. It’s said to have anti-inflammatory properties, and so is often marketed as a way to relax and relieve stress, as well as reliving a myriad of stress-related symptoms, while still being fully in control of your senses.
CBD oil is claimed to have benefits in conditions as diverse as anxiety and depression, skin complaints such as acne and eczema, anorexia, insomnia, chronic pain, drug withdrawal, epilepsy, arthritis, joint pain and glaucoma.
It’s claimed that CBD acts on the brain receptors for serotonin, increasing the general sense of wellbeing, and it anti-inflammatory properties address joint pain. Epilepsy UK reports some promising results with an unlicensed CBD product called Epidiolex, though this should not be confused with the THC-based products which are now available in very limited cases or rare forms of epilepsy.
A study by the University of Vienna of 300 patients undergoing post-cancer chemotherapy indicated that CBD could reduce the side-effects of nausea and vomiting.
See Also: CBD Oil’s Health Potential
Hemp Oil
Hemp oil is often classified as a ‘superfood’. It doesn’t claim to target mental wellbeing or physcial pain, and has no CBD or THC, but has large amounts of anti-oxidants and the benefical fatty acids Omega 3 and 6. It’s used mainly to improve acne and oily skin, as well as working as a moisturiser and skin sofner.
So, while the jury may still be out on the benefits of CBD and hemp oil, your individual experience may well work to bring a better understanding of the value of these natural products.
See Also: Introducing Hemp Oil
This feature was originally published in the winter edition of Live to 100 with Dr Hilary Jones, which you can read here
