Industrial Hemp Part 2: Hemp Seed Oil (HSO)

Hemp Seed Oil is considered to be "Nature's most perfectly balanced oil" -- so why isn't it on every grocery store shelf?  Is it because of a short, 8 - 12 month shelf life or  it's intolerance to heat? Or is it because it comes from the hemp plant?  Perhaps it's all three.  Then, what makes it such a perfect fixed (carrier) oil?  

Hemp Seed Oil is a cold-pressed oil made from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa L. plant.  While the areal parts of this plant contain CBD and a small amount of THC, the seeds don't have either substance.   It's the 3 to 1 ratio of Omega 6 Linoleic Acid to Omega 3 Alpha-Linolenic Acid that makes this an ideal oil for both ingestion and for topical use.  This is a very unsaturated oil which means it is delicate (as oils go).  It doesn't tolerate heat, and will oxidize (spoil) easily with exposure to light, heat, air, and time.  As a result, Hemp Seed Oil is best stored in the refrigerator.  

Therapeutically, Hemp Seed Oil has been proven effective in treating skin irritations and conditions like eczema.  Likewise, it can help improve and maintain healthy skin and hair.  It has both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties which are useful for conditions like RA and MS.  

Ingestion:  Hemp Seed Oil needs to be used in cold preparations, i.e. included in salad dressings.  As I'm writing this, I'm coming up with some of my 'mad scientist' ideas!  LOL.  I think I'll have to try some food experiments with Hemp Seed Oil:  perhaps Cottage Cheese with Hemp Seed Oil and a variety of fruits or vegetables;  hmmm, what about a custard pudding or flan with Hemp Seed Oil;  instead of dipping bread into Olive Oil, dip it into Hemp Seed Oil.    It has antiviral properties, so the next time I have a cold or flu, I may try making a cold Marshmallow-in-water infusion, then add Hemp Seed Oil. I know that some of these may turn out disgusting and some may turn out to be tasty, the only way to find out is to experiment.   

Topical use:  I add Hemp Seed Oil to several of my topical essential oil and herbal blends.  It absorbs easily and enhances their therapeutic properties.  It's antibacterial properties can be used to help fight acne, while its antifungal properties make it good in Athlete's Foot blends. Try mixing it with Coconut Oil for this purpose.  (No heat is needed as the solid Coconut Oil will melt in the Hemp Seed Oil.)  Its ability to moisturize and protect skin makes it perfect in facial serums and soaps.  

​You can discover more about Hemp Seed Oil in the membership portion of this website.