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3 Common Types Of Hemp Oils & What They're Used For

Author:

Emma Loewe

August 25, 2021

By Emma Loewe

mbg Contributor

Emma Loewe is the former Sustainability and Health Director at mindbodygreen. She is the author of "Return to Nature: The New Science of How Natural Landscapes Restore Us" and the co-author of "The Spirit Almanac: A Modern Guide To Ancient Self Care." Emma received her B.A. in Environmental Science & Policy with a specialty in environmental communications from Duke University. In addition to penning over 1,500 mbg articles on topics from the water crisis in California to the rise of urban beekeeping, her work has appeared on Grist, Bloomberg News, Bustle, and Forbes.

Multiple exposure photograph of a stressed out woman

Image by Danny Owens / Death to the Stock Photo

August 25, 2021

Hemp is a unique variety of the cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% of THC (the psychoactive compound in marijuana that makes you feel "high"). It grows quickly, can adapt to many different climates, and has a high nutrient count, making it one of nature's most versatile plants. Here are three of the most popular products made from hemp, and what each one is used for.

For easing stress and promoting calm: Hemp oil extract*

Hemp oil extract, also referred to as just "hemp oil" or "hemp extract", is an oil that's extracted from the aerial parts of a hemp plant (i.e., leaves, flowers, and stem) using either CO2 gas, ethanol, or another oil.

This extraction method keeps the plant's beneficial phytocannabinoids intact. When consumed, these compounds promote a sense of calm 1 due in part to the way they interact with receptors in our endocannabinoid system.* If you want some help easing occasional stress, this form of hemp is your best bet.*

It is most often packaged as a liquid tincture, or sometimes a capsule or gummy supplement. Be sure to look for a product that's labeled "full-spectrum," as it contains a wider variety of native phytocannabinoids (and terpenes, flavonoids, etc.) than an isolate product like hemp-derived CBD oil.*

Full-spectrum organic hemp oil is what you'll find in mindbodygreen's calm+ supplement, which combines the powerful plant extract with two other botanical ingredients shown to positive mood and foster relaxation, lavender and ashwagandha (all in one gelcap).*

For a nutrition boost: Hemp seed oil

Hemp seed oil is extracted from—you guessed it—the seeds of a hemp plant. The seeds do not contain the same concentrated dose of beneficial phytocannabinoids 2 that the aerial parts of the hemp plant do, meaning hemp seed oil won't help you stress any less.* However, it's super nutrient-dense and a great source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

You should be able to find hemp seeds (which have a semi-crunchy outer shell and soft inside), hemp hearts (which have the outer shell removed), and hemp seed oil (hemp seeds in a cold-pressed liquid form) in most food stores, and they are all great for cooking. Hemp seed oil can also be incorporated into your beauty routine as a nourishing treatment for your hair or skin.

For a quick hit of aromatherapy: Hemp essential oil

Hemp essential oil isn't super popular, likely because it's expensive and time-consuming to produce. It is made by steam distilling the upper leaves and flowers of the hemp plant. Like hemp seed oil, it does not contain noteworthy amounts of cannabinoids. Instead, the intensely earthy oil is prized primarily for its smell. Some perfumers are starting to layer hemp essential oil into blends with other fragrant favorites like lavender and frankincense, and home aromatherapy buffs can now buy the oil too (though it tends to be on the pricier side).

Like many essential oils, hemp essential oil should always be diluted in a carrier oil before topical application, if designed for that purpose. Adding a few drops to your diffuser is another safe way to revel in its scent.

The bottom line.

When someone says "hemp oil" they could be talking about a few different things: hemp oil extract being the only one that eases stress and promotes calm.* Hemp seed oil is a good source of healthy fat to keep in your kitchen, while hemp essential oil is used primarily for aromatherapy. The more you know!

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, consult with your doctor before starting a supplement routine. It is always optimal to consult with a health care provider when considering what supplements are right for you.