Wake up, start worrying about work, kids, that thing your friend said the other day. You hit up your phone and what the heck is going on in the world.
Congratulations, your now stressed.I mean, it's something we all go through. Plus, you know chronic stress can really take a toll on our mental and physical health, leading to anxiety disorders.
I've tried different ways to deal with it, and I bet you have too. Who wouldn't want to relieve stress, right?
You've heard your friend talking about hemp oil as a possible natural solution for stress relief has been gaining significant attention. But your not quite sure what it is, does it work? They swear by it, but now you gotta figure out whats best for you.
Let's talk more about hemp oil and whether it can actually help us manage stress better. Read on!
Article Highlights:
- Focusing on our topic - hemp oil is extracted from the Cannabis plant flower (specifically the hemp plant variety), is rich in cannabinoids. This promising natural remedy is raging lately as a solution for stress relief.
- Just so you know, cannabinoids in hemp oil are the key components. The most well known is cannabidiol (CBD), but there are over 100 different kinds.
- The most potent cannabinoid is the CBD precursor CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), due to its high absorption and multiple beneficial effects.
- All cannabinoids interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a system inside us that plays a significant role in managing our mood and stress levels.
- So you now want to experience hemp oil's stress-relieving benefits? Just remember, it's essential to choose the right kind, and find the right dose to see if it works for you.
Hemp Oil Basics
Oh, the popularity of hemp oils! These increasingly popular natural dietary supplements have been making its way into many wellness routines. I'm pretty sure you've heard about it too, it's quite gaining a lot of buzz. But have you ever wondered what exactly it is, its source, and what power it possesses?
I get it, hemp and its components might be confusing at first. Plus, you also need to learn how it differs from other hemp or cannabis-derived products out there. So, let's get into it and discuss the ins and outs of hemp seed oil.
What is Hemp Oil, Anyway?
Well basically, hemp can do a lot of things, and so hemp oil is not well defined since companies can mean so many different things when they use this term. Here are the two most basic breakdowns:
- Hemp seed oil: while sometimes called hemp oil, this is actually derived from the seeds of hemp plants. Think of hemp seed oil like olive oil, it has healthy omega-3 fats, and is often used in salad dressings or for cooking. It does not contain any significant amount of cannabinoids, and is grown from unique hemp strains specific for high seed amounts.
- Hemp oil from flower: hemp grown for cannabinoids produce large flowers where the vast majority of cannabinoids are created by the hemp plant. Typically these hemp oils are rich in cannabinoids and terpenes.
You now know more than most people about hemp oils!
The Good Stuff in Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil has become a must have for many health enthusiasts looking for vegetable oil alternatives. Let me tell you why: it's loaded with nutrients and beneficial cannabis plant's compounds!
This oil is a fantastic source of essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, and some vitamins and minerals. These compounds contribute to its unique cardiovascular health properties and has other potential medicinal uses.
Just don't heat the hemp seed oils too much since that can compromise the benefits from the omega-3 fatty acids!
Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil: What's the Difference?
But if your interested in getting stress help from hemp oil, you are probably looking for the type with cannabinoids.If your confused about the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil, that because there are a lot of similarities.
If you've noticed that some tinctures or gummies say hemp oil and are sold next to CBD oil products, thats because they both have cannabinoids.
Alright, so why the marketing ploy? Does it matter?
Short answer, depends. Hate that word, but your hear to get the facts, and whats important is the amount, purity, and variety of cannabinoids in your product.
Early on, hemp oil often referred to a product that was contained just a crude extract of the hemp flower, while CBD oil products contained a more refined cannabinoid mixture.
Not so much the case anymore. So here is what you want to look for:
- Does the product contain all the cannabinoids from the hemp plant? This might be a full spectrum hemp oil or CBD oil. While THC is present in a full spectrum, a broad spectrum does not contain THC, but also typically does not have many other cannabinoids as well.
- If the product only contains CBD, it is typically called an isolate, and is not technically a hemp oil product.
- A hemp oil may also contain the acidic cannabinoids naturally found in the hemp flower. These can be CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), CBGA (cannabigerolic acid), and others, which have much higher absorption (over 500%) than their neutral counterparts (CBD, CBG etc).
- Hemp oil may also have more terpenes which work well with cannabinoids to provide the entourage effect which has greater health benefits. However, many of the CBD oil products now also contain terpenes.
Knowing the difference can make it easier for you to decide which product to use, depending on your needs and preferences.
Hemp Oil for Stress: what's the Connection
Let me tell you, life can be quite overwhelming at times. We've all been there, and sometimes you just need some extra relief?
At some point you're running around trying to meet deadlines. Then, next you find yourself juggling personal commitments. The feeling like we're constantly under pressure is pretty grappling.
This stress definitely takes a toll on both our mental and physical health and wellbeing. That's where hemp oil comes in– and honestly, it's been a game-changer for me and for many others.
So, come and let's dig deep about how stress and anxiety affects our body and brain, the role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in all of this, and how hemp can help.
Stress: The Unwanted Houseguest
We all know that feeling when stress sets in. Your heart racing, blood pressure is up, and that knot in the stomach. Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are the culprits.
These natural chemicals in our body makes us feel like we're in fight-or-flight mode. Sure, it's helpful when we need to act fast. However, if stress sticks around, it can cause all sorts of problems.
Chronic stress can take a toll on our immune system. It may also cause digestive issues, such as an upset stomach and even negatively affect our sleep.
Furthermore, it can affect our mental health, which may lead to generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and even depression. It's just totally scary what stress can do to our wellbeing.
Enter the ECS: Our Body's Balancing Act
Now, I've spent considerable research on this fascinating system in our bodies called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It's like the built-in stress management system of the human body. It helps keep everything in check and balance, from our moods to our appetites and even how we deal with stress.
But here's the thing – if we're chronically stressed, the ECS can get thrown out of whack. That's when numerous problems may creep in.
Hemp Oil: A Helping Hand
So, let's go back to discussing all about hemp oil. As mentioned, it comes particularly from the flowers of the cannabis plant. Plus it doesn't have the psychoactive effects that usually comes when consuming marijuana. Yet, it's rich in CBD or CBDA, which interacts with our ECS to help it do its job better and promote balance.
Many peer reviewed studies revealed that CBDA and CBD helps with stress multiple ways:
- CBDA and CBD can act through the regulation of the CB2 receptor, a critical part of the ECS.
- They can both help control levels of normal endocannabinoids produced by your body.
- CBDA is now shown to help activate your serotonin receptors as well. These receptors are responsible for regulating our mood and stress response.
Hence, that could be another reason why hemp oil seems to help with anxiety relief and may potentially be helpful treating stress, too.
Discovering More Benefits of Hemp Oil
After learning the stress-relieving wonders of hemp oil, I couldn't help but wonder what other benefits it might have in store. And let me tell you, I was not disappointed!
Here are the other fantastic benefits of hempseed oil.
Finding Calm with Hemp Oil: Anxiety Relief
Hemp oil's interaction with the endocannabinoid system has shown that it does not only reduce stress but also relieve anxiety symptoms and promote emotional stability. Scientific evidence has revealed that it can reduce symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder and alleviate generalized social anxiety disorder and other types of anxiety disorders.
It has also become a popular natural alternative for those, like me, who prefer to steer clear of traditional pharmaceutical products due to their potential side effects.
Oh, the Relief! Hemp Oil and Pain Management
For someone who suffers from muscle aches, hemp oil's potential as a pain reliever is also promising. Its anti-inflammatory properties have effectively alleviated chronic pain, from arthritis to neuropathic pain and even pain from injuries. So, if you're looking to manage pain without relying on over-the-counter or prescription medications, hemp oil might just be your new go-to!
Sleeping Like a Baby: Hemp Oil and Sleep Improvement
We all know the struggle of tossing and turning at night, right? I've had my fair share of sleepless nights, too. You'll be thrilled to know the hemp oil has soothing effects on the nervous system that have been shown to improve sleep quality and duration. Clinical trials have shown that hemp derived CBD helps regulate sleep cycles, making it a lifesaver for those struggling with insomnia or other sleep disorders.
Finding Your Hemp Oil Groove for Stress Relief
Did you know that factors like body weight, metabolism, and how stressed you are can all play a role in finding the sweet spot for your dose? Whether its hemp oil, CBDA or CBD oil I suggest starting low, around 20-40 mg of CBD per day, and then slowly increasing it until you feel the relief you are after.
It's always a good idea to chat with a healthcare professional who knows about CBD if you're unsure – that's what I did!
Safety First, Always
You know that saying, "better safe than sorry"? It totally applies to hemp oil too. So, it's very important to choose a reputable brand that has third-party lab testing results to make sure the oil is free from pesky stuff like pesticides, heavy metals, and chemicals.
See our Certificate of Analysis Guide for more information on how to read a third party lab test result.
And, if you're taking any medications, give your doctor a heads up. It's better to be cautious about potential drug interactions.
Incorporating Hemp Oil into Your Daily Routine
Incorporating hemp oil into your daily life can be like a breeze. There are so many ways to use it, from capsules and tinctures to tasty edibles like gummies.The key here is to stay consistent. And that's when you'll really start to feel the stress-relieving magic of hemp oil.
Conclusion
So, let's wrap this up, shall we? From preliminary evidence to health claims from personal experiences, it seems like hemp oil can be a real stress-buster. It's all thanks to CBDA and CBD's effects with our body's endocannabinoid and serotonin system, which plays a big part in managing our mood, stress levels, and overall well-being.Be sure to pick a top-quality product, find the right dosage, and incorporate hemp oil into your daily routine. Then and there, you could be well on your way to enjoying some awesome stress-relief benefits. Just keep in mind that hemp oil works best when combined with other stress management techniques and healthy habits, so be sure to practice those.
And hey, don't forget to chat with a healthcare professional before trying any new supplement. This is especially crucial if you're on medication or dealing with health issues. Better safe than sorry, right?