The Hemp wave is still trending up with no ceiling in sight. You can find Hemp products practically everywhere. They're in stores, online, and you can even win some through promotions and giveaways. But there are still some concerns surrounding the compound. With so many products and brands popping up, it’s normal to be confused and have some questions. Today, we're going to focus on one particular and very common question: Is hemp extract and Hemp oil the same?
Hemp Extract and Hemp: Different Uses
Hemp oil is principally used in the wellness space to help balance and enhance some of the body’s internal systems, while hemp oil (or hemp seed oil) is commonly used in Hemp skincare products or Hemp edibles. Hemp oil has high Hemp content and traces of THC (below 0.3%). This makes it great for providing the therapeutic properties of Hemp without any of the intoxicating effects of THC.
Hemp seed oil, on the other hand, is derived from the seed of the cannabis plant and has high nutritious value. Unlike Hemp oil, it’s been on the shelves of many food stores for as long as we can remember and is even deemed a superfood by many.
You can use hemp seed oil in smoothies or as a healthy substitute for olive oil. In addition, the hemp seed oil is widely used in the cosmetic world for its soothing effects on the skin. It’s an essential component in products like shampoos, moisturizers, conditioners, and soap.
Furthermore, hemp seed oil is known for having anti-inflammatory properties, not clogging the pores, and delivering excellent moisturization to keep the skin healthy and supple.
New studies on the skin-related benefits of Hemp show that like its cousin hemp seed oil, it reportedly helps in managing:
- Eczema
- Acne
- Sensitive skin
- Rashes
- Psoriasis
Extraction Methods
Hemp oil and hemp seed oil are extracted from different parts of the cannabis plant. Hemp oil comes from the whole plant and is made from a variety of parts of the mature plant, including its flowers and stalks. Hemp seed oil, on the other hand, comes from the seeds of the plant.
To get Hemp from the plant, it must be separated in a process called extraction. Most prominent producers use the CO2 extraction process or ethanol extraction because neither involves the application of any toxic aggregates.
During extraction, valuable parts of the plant are pelletized, and then a solvent, such as ethanol or gases like CO2, is used to extract the Hemp and other essential nutrients. The result is an oil with high Hemp content. After this, it is thoroughly tested to ensure that there are no toxic elements that could potentially harm the user.
Hemp oil, on the other hand, is produced by a process called cold pressing. This is similar to the production of other carrier oils such as sunflower seed oil. This method is used to preserve all the natural, nutritious contents of the seeds. The end product is usually an unrefined, greenish substance. One of the main distinctions between hemp extract and Hemp oil is that hemp seed oil does not contain any Hemp or other cannabinoids like THC.
Takeaway
While there’s a lot of intricate languages encompassing hemp extract and Hemp oil, once you break it down, it becomes easy to learn what you’re putting in your body and what benefits you can expect from each of them. Hemp works with your body’s responsive systems to help you handle everyday pressure, sleep better, and function at an optimal level—no matter what kind of day you're having, while hemp seed oil is mainly used in cosmetics.
There are many incredible benefits to taking Hemp. While there is still continuing research to prove the full range of Hemp benefits, the data seems promising. The best way to ensure that the Hemp you’re using is up to the legal standards is to invest in products that you can trust, from retailers with transparent practices like Pure Relief.
If you have any concerns about how your body will react to Hemp or are unsure whether you should try it, talk to your healthcare provider today.