If you’ve walked into any health food store lately, or heard your friends talking, you’ve probably heard about CBD oil. CBD oil has many applications and potential new uses. You’re probably also a little overwhelmed by the number of factoids you’re supposed to be suddenly familiar with when it comes to CBD and the world of cannabis-derived health products.
The same plant, cannabis Sativa, provides us with both CBD oil and hemp oil — also called hemp seed oil. Nonetheless, CBD and hemp seed oil are two distinct substances. However, some may not know the difference and refer to both by a confusing umbrella term — like CBD hemp oil.
Hemp oil comes from the seeds of the cannabis Sativa plant while CBD oil comes from its leaves, flowers, and stalks. While they have some things in common, they have different properties and uses, too.
While it’s clear we are in the early days of understanding exactly how beneficial CBD oil is, here’s a handy guide to it all.
Hemp Oil
The hemp plant is one of the most versatile found in nature. Hemp’s strong fibers are used for rope and fabric. Hemp seed is considered an excellent plant-based protein source. And the oil from hemp seed is popular as a skincare ingredient and an oral supplement.
Hempseed oil is popular as a dietary supplement as it’s rich in essential fatty acids, particularly Omega-3s. Omega-3s are essential fatty acids, which are important for cardiovascular health, brain function, and mood. Their presence in salmon and avocado account for those foods’ healthy reputations. Hemp seed is also high in Omega-9s, which — among other things — keep your immune system strong. Hempseed oil contains all nine amino acids that are essential for healthy human functioning. Hempseed oil is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, so it can be used topically to help soothe skin disorders like acne and eczema. It can also be taken internally to help keep skin healthy from the inside.
According to WebMD, hemp oil is also high in minerals and vitamins, including:
- Arginine
- Calcium
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Vitamin C
Together, these can combat heart disease, and support general nutrition and bone health.
Magnesium is associated with good mood — another reason, in addition to its healthy fats, that hempseed oil could support mental health and reduce anxiety. Iron is important to prevent anemia. There are not that many plant-based sources of iron — spinach is another of them — making hempseed oil a good resource, particularly for women. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient on its own, important for healthy skin and strong immunity, but also promotes the body’s ability to absorb iron. It’s the combination of all these nutrients in one symbiotic package that makes hempseed oil such a nutritional powerhouse.
People take hempseed oil on its own by the spoonful or in capsules. Some even drizzle it on their salads in place of other oils. Hemp oil is also found in skin ointments and tinctures, as well as balms, as a base or an active ingredient, because it is a rich and moisturizing oil.
CBD Oil
“CBD” stands for cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is one of the many compounds found in hemp and marijuana, but CBD won’t get you high. Unlike the compound THC, which assuredly will.
With the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, the regulated farming of hemp — which is very low in THC — became legal and CBD oil derived from it became legalized, too. That led to the explosion of available CBD products.
CBD’s first scientifically recognized application was its ability to reduce certain kinds of seizures. While more research is needed, there are indicators that it may have pain-relieving qualities — even in cancer patients — and has potential as an anti-anxiety therapy. CBD is the subject of much clinical interest and many ongoing clinical studies worldwide at present. Many other potential areas of application are currently being researched, such as migraine relief.
CBD Oil Varieties
CBD oil itself comes in different varieties. These include:
- Broad-spectrum: This contains other plant chemical compounds, but not THC.
- CBD oil isolate: This is CBD oil only.
- Full-spectrum: This contains some THC, as well.
The reason for these different kinds of CBD is that some studies show symbiotic benefits between CBD and other cannabis compounds. Nonetheless, in many states only CBD is legal.
Other Forms of CBD
CBD may help with such common complaints as PMS and insomnia. But its major appeal is as a possible provider of pain relief, even for chronic pain or the severe pain that accompanies cancer. To relieve pain internally and make dosing easy, CBD is sold in forms such as:
- An added ingredient in soft drinks, smoothies, and coffee
- Chewable gummies
- Tincture, often to be taken sublingually or a few drops under the tongue
CBD is also available to apply topically in:
- Balms and roll-ons
- Body lotions
- Patches
Hemp Oil and CBD Oil: Key Differences
Generally speaking, hempseed oil is more important for its nutritional value, while CBD oil is prized for its possible beneficial effects against pain, insomnia, and anxiety.
Hempseed oil is consumed by the spoonful so can help boost quality calorie and nutrient intake, whereas CBD oil is generally consumed in small amounts.
They are processed differently by the body. CBD works by binding to the body’s cannabinoid receptors, whereas hempseed oil is absorbed the same way as other nutrients and foodstuffs, in the gut and digestive system.
Hemp Oil and CBD Oil: Key Similarities
Both CBD oil and hemp seed oil show potential benefits against anxiety and pain. They are both anti-inflammatories. And they both may enhance your wellbeing.
How To Choose the Right Product for You
It comes down to what you are looking for. If you’re looking to boost your nutrition and reap associated benefits, then consider hempseed oil. If you’re troubled by pain, anxiety, or insomnia, CBD oil may be worth trying. There could be beneficial effects in combining them. In any case, it is certainly not harmful to do so.If you’re looking for the best in CBD products, CBD Direct promises high-quality and — critically — affordable CBD that’s dosed accurately. CBD Direct allows you to buy great CBD online in the form you’re most comfortable with.